Helping hands reach out to neighbors

At St. Martin de Porres Center, people find the help they need

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(Editor's note: Following is the second in a series of articles highlighting where and how the money raised by the Catholic Charity Fund Appeal helps people in need.)

PROVIDENCE - Mourning the death of a loved one is never easy, but it is a necessary step toward moving on with life. When Providence-native Sharon found out that her sister had died, she knew she had to mourn her death by attending her funeral. This was not easy to do, however, because her sister had lived in New York and Sharon didn't own a car and couldn't afford to buy a bus ticket.

That's when Sharon sought help from the St. Martin de Porres Multi-Service Senior Center. She talked with the director and the members of the center, asking for assistance. The members and staff at the center agreed to help and were able to collect enough money for Sharon to attend her sister's funeral.

Not only did they do this, but they also sent flowers to the funeral home, even though they had never met Sharon's sister.

"My family was so surprised and grateful for their thoughtfulness and generosity," Sharon said, deeply thankful that she had a place to turn to that would help her in her time of need.

Donations to the Catholic Charity Fund Appeal make programs and centers, such as the St. Martin de Porres center, available to communities all over Rhode Island. If it weren't for such help and support from this center, people like Sharon wouldn't be able to do the things we all take for granted.

St. Martin de Porres is a community facility where elderly and disabled people go to fulfill their social, physical, intellectual, and spiritual needs. The center coordinates with 39 agencies in bringing services to Rhode Island's seniors.

Five days a week, a hot lunch is served for those who cannot afford to feed themselves. St. Martin de Porres coordinates with Meals on Wheels, and a local restaurant supplies a delicious hot meal for those who have made reservations at the center. Also, transportation to and from the center is provided in the surrounding area.

St. Martin de Porres also provides referrals, heating assistance, and rental assistance to those who qualify. The center is also a strong advocate for educational enrichment, providing several classes. Every six months, a beginner computer class is offered, followed by an advanced computer class. Health education seminars, screenings and lectures are always presented so local residents can learn ways to keep themselves and their families healthy.

Support groups are offered for those affected by physical disabilities. The Stroke Club meets the third Wednesday of every month and exercise classes are offered three days a week all year long.

"Paul," a volunteer at the center, is forever grateful to the agency because it gives him the opportunity to get out of the house at least once a week. Paul's wife is in the latter stages of Alzheimer's; and as her primary caregiver, he is on call 24/7.

With a support group for caregivers, St. Martin de Porres center provides Paul with an outlet to socialize with the men's group on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as well as an opportunity to learn from others who share common caregiver issues.

St. Martin de Porres offers other programs, including bingo, sewing/crafts, Bible study, computer lab, and playing cards. Without the support from the Catholic Charity Fund Appeal, St. Martin de Porres center would not be as successful or have the opportunity to help as many people as it does.

For more information, contact St. Martin de Porres Multi-Service Senior Center at 401-274-6783 or visit the center, located at 160 Cranston St., Providence.

(This article originally appeared in The Providence Visitor)