545 Gifts Received! $50,000 Challenge Gift Unlocked! | | |
With heartfelt thanks to all donors, we are delighted to report that the St. James Year End giving challenge was a great success. We received 545 year-end gifts, exceeding our goal of 500, the number we had to reach to unlock a $50,000 challenge gift from longtime supporter Ruth M. Colket.
Every dollar will Help Our Community rise!
| | The Open House exemplified what the new Welcome Table space is truly about: community members strengthening relationships and starting new ones, neighbors connecting with staff, and volunteers reuniting | Welcome Table Reopens in New Space | | This month, the Welcome Table is celebrating an exciting milestone as it reopens in a new home at the former Royal Electric building on the west end of our campus. A vibrant Open House brought together staff member, volunteers, community members, and friends to explore the space and imagine all that’s possible in this expanded hub for connection, learning, and care. | |
"I am new to this community, I saw a flyer and came to learn more. I am excited because I met some lovely seniors at Senior Hub and found my place." — Marie, new Welcome Table Senior Hub member | Marie, second from left and a new Welcome Table Senior Hub member, meeting fellow seniors at the Open House | | | | |
The Welcome Table’s new home includes staff offices, conference rooms, storage for food and clothing, and — at the heart of it all — a welcoming community space designed to host Adult Education classes, wellness seminars, and shared activities.
Prior to the move, our staff offices were in the basement of Audrey's House, making it a challenge for some to navigate down the stairs. Now all our spaces are connected and easier to navigate to and from!
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"I came to know the Welcome Table through my neighbor who came to the Farmer's Market. I have been leading financial literacy classes. Personally, I am excited to see this place grow — the neighborhood school and the Welcome Table together. When you grow down to serve even more students, the safe, quality school will change the trajectory. — Vanessa, Welcome Table member and volunteer | Vanessa (standing), who volunteers at the Welcome Table as a financial literacy teacher, enjoying the Open House with fellow volunteers and members | | | | The larger space reflects the Welcome Table’s expanding commitment to creating accessible, relationship-centered opportunities for neighbors to gather, learn, and grow together. | |
“In 2026, we see a thriving Welcome Table serving as a ‘third place’ for community members, led by community members. This move gives us the opportunity to truly live into our dream to be an accessible and comfortable place for neighbors when they seek connection and community.” — Shelby Rowe, Welcome Table Home Repair Manager | Open House guest Amber Earles (left) and Welcome Table staff member Shelby Rowe connecting | | | | That vision is already coming to life through a robust lineup of January programs that the team is hosting for our community: | | |
Sixers Watch Party
Saturday, January 24th at 3:00 pm in the Community Room
Neighbors are invited to watch the 76ers take on the Knicks on the big screen in the community room. Snacks and soft drinks will be provided. Bring a friend and enjoy an afternoon of low-pressure fun and togetherness.
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Book Club: Alex Cross
Wednesday, January 28th at 1:00 pm in our new space at Royal Electric
Fans of author James Patterson (and those curious to see what the hype is about) are welcome to join a lively discussion of one installment in his popular Alex Cross series.
| | The Welcome Table’s new space is already proving to be a place where hospitality, learning, and community continue to take root — and where everyone has a seat at the table. | | The Farmers Market sharing food indoors on a snowy December Saturday | | Community members making vision boards for the new year | | Herbal tea workshop with Taylor Nickens | | Tiana Jones, Assistant Director of The Welcome Table, in The Closet, the new home for our clothing store | | Paul Barrett, Director of The Welcome Table, leading tours of the new space during the Open House | | 8th graders from the four houses competing at Winter House Cup | | Members of House Patientia enjoying cookies, hot cocoa, and crafting | | Advent Lessons and Carols with our student and community choirs | | 8th grader Ryan preaching at Mass | | "I wish I had done this sooner" | | We hear this all the time from our tax credit donors | | |
Join other St. James supporters in this win-win program! Make your payment for scholarships, instead of state taxes.
You will receive a tax credit for your donation, and 4th - 8th graders will receive scholarships to attend St. James.
| | The steps are simple. Check your eligibility here: | | | Interested in getting started? Learn more about the program: | | | St. James is a faith-based educational community deeply rooted in transformative loving relationships. | | | | |
