“I am so thankful I can get all my needed care at John XXIII,” said Edwin, a chronically homeless 61-year-old who struggles with mental illness and diabetes. Edwin finally secured housing, but he lacked medical care.

For the last 50 years, Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County has served low-income seniors at the historic John XXIII Multi-Service Center in downtown San Jose. More than 1,700 seniors use the facility every year. Some of the services include free or low-cost daily hot or boxed lunches; community and ethnic events; citizenship classes and a variety of wellness activities such as exercise, dancing, tai chi, recreation and meditation.

The Center recently added a valuable component – the integration of behavioral (mental) and physical health services. The physician-managed clinic follows a leading-edge model that breaks down traditional silos between professionals who provide physical, mental health and social services. This holistic and wrap-around approach is a proven method that begins the moment people walk in the door – and results in better health that helps patients live longer, with more dignity and independence.

Today, the health care providers at John XXIII Integrated Health Care Center are working closely together to not only keep Edwin healthy, but well and stable enough to remain in his home.

To help feed, heal and create a healthy pathway of Hope and Opportunity for people like Edwin, please click here:

Catholic Charities’ website

Every month, 350 families and individuals receive food from the All-Year Giving Tree at Our Lady of Refuge parish. It will come as no surprise that the need is greater at this time of year. Those who struggle to make ends meet every month of the year are not in a position to have the traditional Christmas meal we eagerly anticipate for weeks in advance

“We are blessed by the generosity of our parishioners and our supporting communities,” said Anabella Estrada, Pastoral Associate, “but wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone could experience the joy of Christ’s birth surrounded by food, family and friends?”

To help Our Lady of Refuge provide holiday meals, please click here:

To learn more about Our Lady of Refuge and their All-Year Giving Tree, please click here.

As a people of God we are called to minister to those in need. Our parishes respond to that call with numerous comprehensive community service programs. Not sure which ministry you would like to help?

Your contribution to our Parish Outreach Endowment Fund allows you to support our parish social ministries, increasing their outreach and effectiveness. Since 2009 this fund had granted over $400,000 to parishes all over our Diocese. In 2015, 19 programs – like the ones you’ve read about here – received a grant from this fund! Your gift to the endowment will help the Foundation fund even more wonderful programs during our annual Spring Grant Cycles.

To make your contribution to the Parish Outreach Endowment, please click here: