St. Joseph Social Service Center
(908) 352-2989
Elizabeth
Since 1983, the Center has served the materially poor and homeless community of greater Elizabeth, New Jersey, by providing basic human needs such as food, clothing and medications, as well as a wide range of services and programs to help them acquire the material goods and social services they need to live with integrity.
Food Programs
Food Pantry
Food bags are distributed at the end of each month or at times of emergency for people in need
Sandwich Program
Bag lunches are distributed every morning, Monday- Friday
Daily Bread
- Bread and bakery goods are distributed when available, Monday- Saturday
- Saturday Soup Kitchen A "sit down" meal is served every Saturday from 11:30 am-1:00 pm
- Seasonal:
- Food bags and turkeys at Thanksgiving and Christmas
- Easter Candy Baskets
- Fresh produce in Summer, when available
Clothing and Household Items
We receive large volumes of clothing and household items. These items are distributed several days each week.
Furniture
We do not have storage space for furniture and rarely are able to pick up furniture. However, we can connect donors with people in need of furniture. Sometimes a donor is able to deliver furniture items directly to the home of the client. Sometimes a client is able to find someone to pick up from the donor's house.
To make those connections, call Amy or Sharon at 908-352-2989.
Also, there is a program called "Furniture Assist" which helps people referred by St. Joseph's. Dawson Yeomans is the Director and he will pick up from donors and keep items in his warehouse until we are able to get them. His number is: 973-868-6007
Health Programs
Prescription assistance is available for those without insurance and who have no means of paying for their medications. This does not cover psychiatric medicine and is limited to one time per month per client. If a client is eligible for existing government programs or programs offered by pharmaceutical companies, our staff assists them in applying for these programs.
Health workshops and screenings are offered periodically at our Center in conjunction with Trinitas Hospital, the Visiting Nurse Assoc. and other health professionals.
Job Readiness Program: "Project Ready"
A six-week program is offered to people seeking to improve their skills as they search for employment. Students receive training in basic business and computer skills. They learn interviewing skills, resume writing, Math and English. Upon completion of the program, staff assists students with job searches.
The staff of "Project Ready" consists of a staff director and several volunteers, most of whom are retired business and education professionals.
- For a session schedule, to sign up, and more details, contact:
Jim McGurty
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 908.353.1045
Case Management
Staff provides ongoing casework for clients including advocacy, referrals, and follow-up.
Counseling and Therapy
A licensed Marriage and Family Therapist is on the staff of St. Joseph's. She counsels individuals, couples, and families, and also conducts workshops for volunteers and staff.
ESL Classes
Classes in English are offered twice a week by a staff member who has professional training in ESL.
Housing Assistance
People who are homeless or have housing problems are referred to our sister agency, the Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless, which is also located at St. Joseph's Center. The Coalition also has a children's program for homeless or potentially homeless children. St Joseph's and the Coalition work in partnership with many of the same individuals and families.
Summer Camp
Through the Eddie Gray Camp Fund, St. Joseph's sends over 100 children to residential summer camps throughout New Jersey. The children go for one to three weeks. Ages are 7 to 14.
| Age Groups |
|
| Community Services |
Basic Needs / Assistance
CommunityEmployment / TrainingFamily & Support ServicesSeasonal Programs |
| Payment Options |
|
Last Updated: 04/22/24