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FEEDING BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT
since 1982
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Dear Friends,
Walt Disney once said, “Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children.” This month, Sr. Marie and I saw that come to life during a visit to Newbridge Elementary School in Bellmore, NY.
Inspired by two compassionate third graders, Isabella and Michaela, the school launched the Newbridge Cereal Challenge, collecting over 225 boxes of cereal to help children in need. The entire school gathered to celebrate, watching in delight as the boxes fell in a domino chain. The real joy came when students learned their efforts would help feed 1,800 children a powerful moment of generosity and community spirit.
From kindergartners to staff, everyone participated. It was deeply moving to witness young students embrace the missions of their school, Bread & Life, and the Vincentians. Our heartfelt thanks go to Isabella and Michaela your kindness and leadership inspired so many.
As we move through May, we honor mothers and all women who nurture and inspire us. We also reflect on Mary, the Blessed Mother, whose grace sustains us, especially in uncertain times.
This month, we also welcomed the first American Pope a humble missionary from Chicago who loves wordle, pizza and the Chicago White Sox and who brings hope to more than a billion faithful.
May is a time of transition between seasons and for us at Bread & Life. As we near the end of our fiscal year, we face real concerns: fewer resources, greater need, and increasing hardship for the most vulnerable.
Yet in the face of uncertainty, there is still much to be grateful for. With your support, Bread & Life remains a beacon of hope and together we will continue to serve with love, dignity, and purpose.
With Gratitude,
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Sr. Caroline Tweedy, RSM
Executive Director
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Sister Marie Sorenson, Associate Executive Director is a champion for all at Bread and Life. Her service is grounded in the unwavering belief in the inherent dignity of every person. It is a commitment to welcoming each individual and ensuring that every person is treated with the respect they deserve while receiving the support they need.
Sr. Marie is a coach, a champion and dedicated leader. She has devoted her life to walking alongside those on the margins—individuals seeking shelter, guidance, spiritual support, or simply someone willing to advocate tirelessly on their behalf. She truly embodies the spirit of Bread and Life, living out its mission with a joyful heart and steadfast compassion.
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Young Hearts, Big Impact:
Cereal Box Challenge at
Newbridge Road Elementary
| | This May, students at Newbridge Road Elementary turned compassion into action through their Cereal Box Challenge, collecting an incredible 225 boxes of cereal—enough to provide 1,800 breakfast meals to individuals and families served by St. John’s Bread & Life. Leading the charge were two remarkable students, Michaela Miskiewicz and Isabella Braun whose kindness and leadership inspired their classmates to step up and give back. A special thank-you to Nicole Miskiewicz of St. John’s University for making this meaningful connection possible. We’re deeply grateful for this beautiful example of community coming together to nourish hope! | | |
Last month, we were proud to celebrate the 27th annual Johnny’s Angels Awards, a night dedicated to honoring those who go above and beyond in service to others.
This year, we recognized three exceptional honorees:
Tom and Paula McInerney,
recipients of the Johnny’s Angels Award;
Coach Joann “JoJo” Persico
St. John’s University’s all-time winningest volleyball coach
—with the Dr. Pamela Shea Byrnes Award;
&
Ridgewood Savings Bank,
honored with our Community Service Award.
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To relive some of the joy and impact of the evening,
we’re pleased to share a recap video capturing
highlights from the celebration:
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Honoring Service with Support:
Bread & Life at BVSJ’s Memorial Day Parade
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On Memorial Day, Carmen Hernandez, a dedicated member of our Social Services team at St. John’s Bread & Life, proudly represented our organization at the 14th Annual Bedford-Stuyvesant Veterans Memorial Day Parade & Stand Down, hosted by Black Veterans for Social Justice, Inc. (BVSJ). Carmen staffed an outreach table, sharing vital information about our programs and services with local veterans and community members. Her presence helped connect individuals and families to the resources they need, continuing our mission of compassionate support and community engagement.
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St. John's Bread & Life
IN THE NEWS
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City & State New York | City & State’s annual Nonprofit Trailblazers puts a spotlight on Sr. Caroline Tweedy, RSM in the sector of New York - May 19, 2025
| | When a third of New York City’s food pantries shuttered early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Sr. Caroline Tweedy, RSM transformed St. John’s Bread & Life into a hub that helped launch over 20 new pantries in underserved neighborhoods. Under her leadership, the agency’s food distribution surged to over 5 million pounds annually, with meals and staples delivered to shelters, schools and senior centers. She stockpiled shelf-stable food, rented cold storage and tailored meal plans to meet the needs of intergenerational households –using logistics, compassion and community partnerships to feed over 400,000 New Yorkers each year. | |
St. John's University | Students Donate Food, Clothing, and More in Annual Residence Hall Move-Out - May 27, 2025
| | At the close of the academic year, St. John’s University students, faculty, and staff came together for St. John’s Saves—a campus-wide move-out initiative that collected over 3.5 metric tons of food, clothing, and household essentials. These items were donated to several local organizations, including St. John’s Bread & Life, to support individuals and families in need. We're grateful to be one of the places chosen to receive these generous contributions that help further our mission of dignity, service, and community care. | | |
This year’s report highlights the incredible strides we’ve made together—serving more meals, expanding our reach, and deepening our impact. Dive into the full report and see how your support is making a difference!
Click the image to explore the flip-book online. ➜
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Bread & Life's New 2025
Public Service Announcement is Here!
Click below to view:
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