Episcopal Community Services of the Diocese of New Jersey (ECS-NJ)
December 2024
At ECS-NJ, we are deeply committed to initiatives that proactively address essential human needs, such as food and shelter, while tirelessly working against social and racial injustice. One way we fulfill this mission is by providing grants that empower congregations to expand their existing compassion and justice ministries or launch new ones that serve their communities.
Below, we highlight how our support—and the unwavering generosity of the community—helped St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Clarksboro, NJ, transform their vision of a community pantry into a thriving reality. St. Peter’s Community Pantry is a shining example of what can be achieved when compassion and collaboration come together to meet urgent needs:
A Community Serving the Community: St. Peter’s Community Pantry
The Rev. M. Mantelle Bradley, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
St. Peter’s Community Pantry, founded in May 2023, has quickly become a vital resource for addressing food insecurity in Gloucester County, NJ. Operating out of a converted two-car garage on the grounds of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Clarksboro, the Pantry provides over 60 pounds of food per month to more than 140 families. It is fully equipped to store and distribute a wide variety of fresh and nonperishable foods.
St. Peter’s Community Pantry fosters inclusivity and community support. Open to all, the Pantry welcomes anyone in need of food or those looking to volunteer. Donations of nonperishable food and financial contributions play a crucial role in sustaining this important ministry.
Access to nutritious food is a fundamental human need, and St. Peter’s Community Pantry is making a tangible difference in helping to fight food insecurity in Gloucester County. Your support can help ensure that no family goes hungry while fostering a stronger, more compassionate community for all.
To learn more visit their website: https://www.stpetersclarksboro.org/pantry
ECS-NJ Awards $95K to Support Eight Ministries
This November, ECS awarded $95,000 in grants to eight ministries dedicated to addressing critical community needs. These grants will fund initiatives such as food programs, summer youth activities, homeless shelters, computer training, and more, empowering congregations to expand their outreach and impact lives in meaningful ways.
- St. Augustine-Atlantic City: to provide capital resources for a food pantry.
- Christo Rey-Trenton: to help fund a summer Youth program in 2025.
- Christ Church-New Brunswick: to provide capital for the expansion of its homeless shelter.
- Christ the King-Willingboro: to provide equipment for a computer training program.
- St. James-Bradley Beach: to provide luggage for foster children.
- St. John’s-Little Silver: to provide capital for a community garden.
- St. Peter’s-Clarksboro: to defray the cost of a freezer for its food pantry.
- Trinity Cathedral-Trenton: to provide capital for the launch of a food preparation training program.
ECS-NJ Nearly at $1 Million Raised!
Since our inception three years ago, you have stood with us, helping to make a lasting impact on communities in need. Thanks to your incredible generosity and support, we have raised more than $988,000 to date. Now, as we approach the end of the year, we are just a step away from an incredible milestone: $1 million raised since we began this journey.
Every dollar counts in helping us cross this finish line and continue funding vital programs that address hunger, homelessness, education, and more. Join us in this momentous achievement—your gift today can help us make history and transform even more lives.
Let’s reach this milestone together!
A Call to Action
We encourage you to share this email with your friends and family who might want to learn more about our mission. Your involvement and support are vital as we work together to make a difference in our community.
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Episcopal Community Services of the Diocese of New Jersey (ECS-NJ) is an initiative that focuses on proactively addressing community-identified human needs, such as food and shelter, and relentlessly work against both social and racial injustice.
ECS-NJ is a public charity recognized as tax-exempt by the IRS under Section 501(c)(3).
EIN: 85-0539298.