Christian Service Center

MISSION STATEMENT

The St. Mary Magdalen Christian Service Center is a non– profit organization which provides assistance to families in Vermilion Parish who are in crisis situations. We provide the basic necessities to the economically disadvantaged, the underprivileged and to those who may have suffered a loss through natural or man–made disasters.

The St. Mary Magdalen Christian Service Center through our ministry of Christian charity strives to empower families to rise above their present situation and become self sufficient.

The top priority of the St. Mary Magdalen Christian Service Center is to implement programs that emphasize dignity in the ministry of charity while stressing the importance of educational programs. The Center’s main goal is to meet the needs of people whether it be in a physical, spiritual or educational form.

“In the Gospel according to (Mark 10: 17-27) we see the story of a young man who was wealthy. He was a person who had always obeyed the commandments. One could assume from the gospel story that he had everything a person could want. Yet he must have sensed there was more to life when he asked the Savior, “What do I still lack?”. The Lord looked at him with love and said if you want to be perfect sell everything you have give it to the poor and come follow me. He then, according to scripture, walked away sad because he had many possessions. Another way to look this scripture is to understand what is really important in God’s eyes and what will ultimately keep us out of sadness and get us to heaven.

Now think about if it was God offering you the opportunity for perfection like He did the young man. What would He ask you to invest? What would you not give to receive eternal life , perfection and happiness? Jesus knows what is best for us as He knew what was best for the young man. God knew that by giving the man the invitation to sell his possessions and give to the poor that the man would find perfect happiness. Jesus also knew the importance and the needs of the ministry to the poor.” Greg Mitchell, Director

Soup Kitchen

The Soup Kitchen at the Christian Service Center

The Soup Kitchen at the Christian Service Center, thanks to the hard work of some very dedicated staff and volunteers, continues to serve a delicious hot meal three days a week. About 110 meals a day are being served here. This is very inspirational place. The food seems to “miraculously multiply” past their expectations and God continues to provide for this ministry. It is said in Scripture, ‘The Lord hears the cry of the poor”. It is true, because the Lord has manifested His goodness to the Christian Service Center in providing bountifully for the needs of the Center and the needs of those we serve.

Client Choice Food Pantry

Heaven's Shelf Food Pantry

The Client Choice food pantry named “Heaven’s Shelf Pantry” has brought a new and optimistic approach to the food distribution process at the Christian Service Center. The client choice method is on the cutting edge in the way that it has changed food distribution.

Those served here are not labeled “the needy” or “the poor”, they are PEOPLE, made in the image and likeness of God. People deserve to be treated with dignity and “Heaven’s Shelf Pantry” has implemented this important principle.

The pantry has been set up similar to a grocery store or market, complete with shopping carts, baskets and check out area. The clients browse the shelves and take only what they want or need. The help is supplemental and limited to a once monthly basis for those who qualify. The amount that a client receives is equal to one large grocery shopping trip. The new method of food distribution gives people a choice. Instead of handing out pre-packed boxes of food, which may contain items they don’t like to eat or even things they don’t need, clients are free to pick for themselves what to take. It is a more dignified process and also eliminates waste.

About 50 people a day are being served at the new “Heaven’s Shelf Pantry”.

“We are fighting hunger and poverty. If the people can get the equivalent of a large grocery trip of food and household items as a supplement, that they choose, then the idea is that this will free up money to pay their own utility bill or get needed medication.” Greg Mitchell, Director

Education Programs

Computer lounge and reception area

The Christian Service Center has recently had a face lift of fresh paint and the addition of an “internet café” complete with seating area and computers. These computers will allow Center employees to help someone who does not have computer access.

A number of educational programs will be offered based on needs like budgeting, parenting and nutrition and health classes.

The St. Mary Magdalen Christian Service Center through our ministry of Christian charity strives to empower families to rise above their present situation and become self sufficient.