Monthly contributions are made to Portage County Catholic Charities and the 4C's Food Cupboard (Crestwood Coalition for Community Care). During several weekends in late August and early September, the Produce Sharing Table is offered for parishioners to share their excess garden produce. Any items leftover after the weekend Masses are given to the 4C's. They also help provide and serve one of the Free Community Meals annually.

Partners in interfaith Clothing Drive ... Mantua Center Christian Church and Hilltop Christian Church have organized clothing collection for the greater Crestwood (donation bins are located on their properties).

St. Joseph Cares continues their commitment to help those in need. Although the Free Clothing Giveaways are not currently taking place, there is a collection bin at Mantua Center Christian Church (4118 St. Rt. 82, corner of Mantua Center Rd.). If you have clothing to donate, please drop them off here (not at St. Joseph’s) where members of St. Joseph Cares will be helping with this effort. Hopefully, the giveaways will be able to start up again later this year. Also, if you or someone you know is in desperate need for clothing, please contact Lynn Kelley (330-990-8912). 
 

St. Joseph Cares also serves those who use the Phyllis Zumkehr Portage County Clothing Center on the second and fifth Tuesday of each month from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A program of Family and Community Services, the Portage County Clothing Center provides gently used clothing as available to low income families and individuals at no charge and also reduces the waste stream by recycling used clothing. Donations of clothing in good condition (clean, folded right side out; put in bags, boxes or on hangers; labeled-men, women, children) are accepted at the Center (3377 St. Rt. 59, Ravenna, Ohio 44266) during hours of service: Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.; Tuesday Evenings 6:00-8:00 p.m.; 2nd Saturday of each month 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. clothes that are clean, folded and in manageable boxes. For more info., please call 330-296-0503.

Cards are sent to those who are on St. Joseph Parish's prayer list and to those who have lost a loved one. The group also sends care packages to members of our parish who are serving in the military. If you have a son, daughter, or spouse who is currently serving and would appreciate this outreach, please forward their contact information to Angi Daczko. In addition, those who have lost a loved one or who are on our prayer intention list are sent a card from this group.
 

On the third Wednesday evening of each month, they entertain the folks of the Arbors of Streetsboro, a long-term skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation facility (formerly Maplewood Care Center) with a Bingo Night. An hour and a half is spent with the residents, who get great pleasure form their attendance. Bingo gifts and refreshments are also supplied (donations appreciated!).

In 2016/2017 an effort to bring more awareness to the addiction epidemic was also taken on. Bulletin blurbs highlight area programs and events to address this problem. 

Start Talking Portage is a local group of public and private Portage County residents dedicated to the critical fight against drug addiction. The coalition partners include resources from county medical, health and rehabilitation, law enforcement, local clergy, and private citizens. The group sponsors awareness about this epidemic through meetings, drug prevention programs and presentations. Look for the flyer in the Narthex that highlights upcoming events in Portage and surrounding counties. Start Talking Portage meets on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church, S.R. 44 in Mantua. All are welcome. Please join them. Everyone is touched by this disease. Everyone has a voice. Please visit www.mental-health-recovery.org to view/download their Addiction Resource Guide.

Supporting the efforts of The Haven of Portage, a faith-based homeless shelter opening in Ravenna, Ohio committed to the holistic care of the homeless. Assisting the poor with rent, etc. Adoption of several families at Christmas time, working to make their days special by providing gifts and food.

Jail Book Drive has recently been started. Members also participate in Prison Ministry involving visitations, prayer services, and retreats.

Click here to learn more
about this ministry.