Social Justice & Mission Outreach
The Social Justice & Mission Outreach group (SJMO) works within the basic principles of social justice including access to resources, equity, participation, diversity and human rights. This group was formed to provide assistance to our St. Andrew parish and underserved populations in our community.
The SJMO is funded by generous donations that have allowed us to reach others locally, regionally and internationally. This group has provided financial assistance and volunteer hours for CAER food shelf and Second Harvest Heartland through produce drops, Elevier Womens Center, low-income housing assistance programs, procurement of home furnishings, household items and clothing for
persons transitioning from homelessness.
The Social Justice & Mission Outreach program has supported the youth of this parish through school events, youth projects, school supplies, the Gala and camp scholarships. In our community, we have supported Timber Bay Youth Camp.
We have been grateful to collaborate with the Knights of Columbus in their fundraising efforts at breakfasts and matching donations for the Coats for Kids drive. We have worked alongside our Hispanic committee members to provide parish and community meals and festival help. We also enjoy celebrating the Our Lady of Guadalupe Novena together.
The SJMO makes regular contributions and referrals to the St. Andrew chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul (StVdP) Society, which allows us to further support and reach those in our community.
Global efforts have included mission trips to Queen of Angels orphanage and CREDDA rehab facilities in Mexico, coordination of community resources and welcoming of families from Venezuela and a matching donation to support the USCCB and war in Ukraine.
The Social Justice group meets the 4th Monday of the month from 6:30-7:30 PM (see bulletin for meeting location) and has been led by Jim and Lisa Schroeder since 2015. New members are welcome to join. We are actively seeking new leadership for our group and if you are interested, please call the parish office and leave your contact information for Jim Schroeder.