Paterson, NJ - Among the resources available to those in need in Passaic County, one of those is Father English Community Center, which provides food pantry services at 435 Main St. in Paterson, NJ.
When the pandemic first started, Father English Community Center did not close its doors, but rather they stayed open to help people in their most dire time of need. They have helped feed over 20,000 people a month since the start of the pandemic.
Services are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. To receive food, people are required to show a form of photo ID. Diapers, personal hygiene items, and clothing are also available. Clients of the food pantry receive a packaged bag of goods such as cereals, pastas, cleaning supplies, canned foods, coffee, and jams. The contents of the bags varies, as the goods come from donations from local supermarkets, churches, private donations, and donations from the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.
Father English Community Center accepts donations in multiple ways. The center accepts small donations through a two step process. First, donors call the food pantry, and then they are required to drop off the food at the pantry from Monday to Friday at 8:00 am to 4:00 pm or on Saturdays from 8:00 pm to 12:00 pm. For large donations, donors can call the pantry and schedule a time for pick up. This option is also available for small donations when the donor is unable to come to the pantry in person.
The Center also offers both volunteer and work opportunities. If individuals wish to volunteer, they will need to go through an in-person interview process where they are asked what they would like to volunteer in, their specialties, and their availability. Volunteering is open to all, regardless of age, experience, or documentation. When the pantry has work opportunities, applicants can apply through the pantry's website.
They also host a monthly flea market, with the purpose to raise funds to buy more food when stores are running low to continue helping the community. Dates are listed on flyers at the Community Center.
Father English Community Center is managed by the Catholic Charities - Diocese of Paterson. Catholic Charities runs three food pantries in New Jersey, Father English Community Center in Paterson, the Hope House Food Pantry in Dover, and the Partnership for Social Services Pantry in Franklin. Catholic Charities runs multiple other charity programs, including programs for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, programs for senior citizens, programs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and programs for immigrants and migrants, among others. Further information about their extensive program offerings is available on their website.
Father English Community Center always has its doors open for anybody in need. They have helped the community numerous times, such as when the pandemic first started, as holidays approached, and every day for individuals that need help.
For further information on Father English Community Center, please contact them at (973) 279-7100.
If you are a student at PCCC and require food, housing, legal, or medical assistance, please reach out to the Office of Student Advocacy at studentadvocacy@pccc.edu or via phone at (973) 684-6309.
Comments