Mission and Outreach Contributions

December 14, 2020: As this year comes to a close, the Mission and Outreach Committee would like to offer an update on the impact St. Michael’s has had in our greater community. Between February and October, we were able to provide $16,600 in financial assistance to the primary non-profits St. Michael’s supports in Arlington. Many of the ways in which the leadership had planned to interact with these ministries was upended by safety protocols put in place by the virus. As staff from each organization worked to provide timely and necessary responses to the needs of their clients, we sought to faithfully respond on behalf of St. Michael’s. Donations to Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) helped to fill the warehouse in a time when food insecurity reached new heights. Additionally, St. Michael’s held two successful food drives, and provided 27 volunteers in the warehouse in the last several months. Contributions to Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) went towards the resident’s emergency fund, responding to all manner of needs related to stable housing expenses. Additionally, members of St. Michael’s generously sewed and donated children’s masks for APAH residents.

As the pandemic continued, instances of reported domestic violence climbed, resulting in an increased demand at Doorways for Women and Families. Donations to Doorways supported all related increases in residential living and services. Arlington Street People’s Network (ASPAN) had to dramatically alter the ways in which they were able to provide services to residents experiencing homelessness. Contributions to ASPAN’s COVID relief fund allowed these critical services to continue. Our annual blood drive through INOVA resulted in 39 units donated, which was gratefully received in this time of high demand.

Before the end of the year, St. Michael’s will make additional $1,500 contributions to AFAC, ASPAN, APAH, and Doorways. Due to continuing COVID restrictions, these organizations are not collecting toys or other items to distribute during the holiday season. Maintaining our support of fellow neighbors through these non-profits is our means of sharing generously in this most unusual holiday season. Please know that your pledge dollars are what make these contributions possible. Stay tuned for opportunities to safely engage with these organizations in the new year. St. Michael’s continues to be a beacon of hope and light when the world needs it most.