Parish Outreach

Our Parish Outreach program is a model of service in which all parishioners are given the opportunity to continue the charitable ministry of Christ by sharing the diverse gifts that they received in Baptism. Our purpose is to provide social and pastoral services and to be advocates for those who are limited in power, voice and access. We will provide services to any needy person who lives in the Westborough community, irrespective of race, religion or ethnic affiliation.

The Outreach Program has three components at this time: transportation, visitation and home help (which includes our meal ministry).

Transportation 
recipients are most frequently the elderly and people with disabilities. This service involves driving people to and from Sunday mass and any other church functions, doctor's appointments, therapy and grocery shopping. Time commitment varies, but usually volunteers are called upon once or twice a month. (In case of an accident, the Diocese provides insurance coverage.)
 
The Visitation Ministry includes spending time with nursing home residents, the elderly, home-bound and people with disabilities. Time commitment required of the volunteer is flexible, but generally is about one hour every two weeks.
 
Emergency Home Help is for families in crisis. People who have had serous accidents, illnesses, and bereavement, and in some cases, those with financial issues are the the recipients of this service. Our main focus in this component is providing meals on a flexible, rotating basis. We also have provided transportation and shopping etc. in these situations. The volunteer's time commitment depends on the individual situation.
 
As you see there are many worthwhile volunteer opportunities at St Luke's. If you are interested in volunteering in our Outreach Ministry, please complete the volunteer information sheet and return it to me. If you have any questions, comments or ideas, I would be happy to hear from you.
 
Nan Ford
Outreach Coordinator
Contact: 508 366-8509 or via email at [email protected]

If you have items (furniture/household etc) that you would like to donate, you can call the Outreach Office and ask if we have a need for what you wish to donate. Because of limited storage space, we are not able to take items unless we have an immediate need. Otherwise, we recommend that you contact one of the agencies below. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding your donation.

 
Urban Missionaries of Our Lady of Hope
242 Canterbury St
Worcester MA 01603
Phone: 508 831-7455
Contact: Walter Doyle
Hours: Monday-Saturday 9am-4pm
Note: Call above number to arrange for your donation to be picked up. To help defray the cost of the pickup a donation of $40,00 (payable to Urban Missionaries) is requested. You may also drop items off at The Little Store during the hours opened. Items needed: Books, clothing, household goods, tools, furniture, shoes, used computer equipment (check site for additional information).

Bridge of Central Mass
4 Mann Street
Worcester MA 01602
508 755-0333
Contact: Lorie Marteska
Items needed: general household items, bedding and linens such as sheet, drapes etc, wood furniture, tables and chairs. No upholstered furniture.

Catholic Charities, Homeless Prevention Program
10 Hammond St
Worcester MA 01610
508 860-2250
 
Fresh Start Furniture Bank
34 Tower St Unit E
Hudson MA
508 485-2080
Note:  Hours are limited, so please call first or go on-line for more information: www.freshstartfurniturebank.org

St Anne Human Services
130 Boston Turnpike
Shrewsbury MA 01545
508 799-4169
Hours: Wed 9am-4pm, Thurs 9am-8pm, Fri 9am-1pm, Sat 9am-1pm
Items needed: Women's and children's clothing as well as general household items.

Pernet Family Health Service
237 Millbury St
Worcester MA 01610
508 755-1228
Hours: Tue, Wed, Thurs 9am-5pm
Items needed: essential layette items, cribs, high chairs, playpens, baby and toddler clothing
formula and disposable diapers.

Problem Pregnancy of Worcester, Inc.
495 Pleasant St
Worcester, MA
1-888-310-7217
Hours vary but usually available Wednesday all day for donations
Items needed: layette items-newborn and size 1 diapers, diaper bags, pacifiers, size 0-3 sleepers, infant clothing up to 12 mos, breast pads, toilet articles for infants and mothers, pac'n'play, bassinets in good condition, updated car seats (less than 5 yrs old), swings etc.