FEEDING BODY, MIND, AND SPIRIT

since 1982

Dear Friends,

As the holidays approach, it’s hard to believe how quickly time has passed. It feels like just yesterday we were battling the summer heat, and now we’re bracing for the chill of winter. Soon, Christmas trees will be decorated, shopping will begin, and children will eagerly write their wish lists. For many, these moments are out of reach—but the true meaning of the season reminds us of hope and resilience.

At St. John’s Bread & Life, we reflect on the story of a baby born in a manger—a family far from home, facing an uncertain future. Like them, the guests we serve rely on the kindness of others. We, too, face challenges: rising needs, uncertain funding, and the ongoing question of how to continue serving our community. Yet, through faith and the support of generous friends like you, we find strength and hope.

In Bedford-Stuyvesant, where 22% of residents live at or below the poverty line—including many children and seniors—our mission is to ease the stress of the season. This month, thanks to the generosity of partners like the Amazing Mets Foundation, one thousand families will enjoy a full Thanksgiving meal, reaching over 6,000 individuals. A collaboration with iHeartRadio, DJ Crystal Rosas, and Food Bazaar is raising funds for hot meals, while the School Sisters of Notre Dame Gospel Fund supports the most vulnerable among us. Our friends at Hillmann Consulting and Cushman & Wakefield ensure no child goes without diapers or formula this holiday season.

Our Sponsor A Family program aims to provide 4,500 holiday meals and 1,500 gifts to children of all backgrounds. To our “secret angels” who give to this important program—thank you for joining with us to make the holidays brighter, holier, and more joyful for all.

As we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other holidays, let’s remember the power of giving and gratitude. In the words of Charlie Brown, “What if today I was simply grateful for everything?” I am deeply grateful to each of you for your support and for standing with us in this vital work.

Wishing you a season filled with hope, joy, and gratitude.

Warmly,

Sr. Caroline Tweedy, RSM

Executive Director

GIVING TUESDAY STARTS NOW - TRIPLE YOUR IMPACT!

Beginning today and ending next week on Giving Tuesday, your generosity can go three times as far! St. John’s Bread & Life is thrilled to announce an exciting matching donation challenge: A Slice of Hope Foundation and a generous anonymous donor will each match the first $5,000 donated to our Giving Tuesday campaign. That means your gift will be tripled, helping us provide even more joy to families in need this holiday season.

All proceeds from this special campaign will directly support St. John’s Bread & Life’s 28th Annual Sponsor A Family Holiday Program. Your generosity will have an immediate impact, bringing joy to children, nourishing families, and embodying the true spirit of the holidays. Together, we can brighten the season for our neighbors in need.

BREAD & LIFE FEATURED IN CURRENTS NEWS Broadcast on Nov 25, 2024

"With Thanksgiving just days away, St. John’s Bread & Life says it is committed to feeding more with less—it is poised to distribute 11,000 meals this week." Watch the video below to see the full story.

We are incredibly grateful to our friends at Hillmann Consulting and Cushman & Wakefield for their generous support of our Sponsor A Family Holiday Program. Their efforts in raising vital funds and collecting essential food and hygiene products are directly helping to meet the needs of our guests this holiday season.

Thanks to their dedication, we are able to provide much-needed support to families facing hardship, ensuring they can enjoy a brighter, more hopeful holiday season. Thank you for your generous commitment to our mission!

Freshman Foundation Day

St. John's Bread & Life teams up with St. Francis Prep High School

On October 31st, St. Francis Prep demonstrated its deep commitment to community service through their Freshman Foundation Day, partnering with St. John's Bread & Life to instill the value of giving back in their students. Led by Campus Ministry member Shawn Sempowich, The freshmen enthusiastically assembled breakfast packs for our guests, providing essential nourishment to those facing food insecurity. This meaningful experience not only supported our mission but also impressed upon the students the importance of compassion, empathy, and community engagement. We are grateful for their hard work and dedication, which brought tangible support to our neighbors in need and exemplified the spirit of service.

A Night of Stars and Support:

CabaGalaxy Shines for Our Mobile Soup Kitchen

On November 22nd, St. John’s Bread & Life staff attended the 26th Annual Cabaret for Charity: CabaGalaxy at St. John’s University. Hosted by the Chappel Players, this lively show, filled with popular songs and a stellar theme, celebrates a shared love for the stars and the joy of connection. The event brought lighthearted fun to all who attended, while also supporting a vital cause—food donations collected benefit our Mobile Soup Kitchen, helping us bring nourishment and care to our community.

Shares the Spirit of Giving this season!

We are deeply grateful to Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School for their incredible generosity! Yesterday, their principal, Deena Philippe, delivered a thoughtful donation of food and a generous cash gift to our food pantry. Cristo Rey Brooklyn's mission of faith, purpose, and service shines brightly in their commitment to supporting underserved communities, and their partnership helps us nourish and uplift those in need. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many!

ST. JOHN'S BREAD & LIFE RECEIVES A GRANT FROM SCHOOL SISTERS OF NOTRE DAME

We are thrilled to share that St. John’s Bread & Life has received a generous grant from the School Sisters of Notre Dame Gospel Fund. This meaningful contribution will directly support our programs, helping us provide essential services such as nutritious meals, pantry supplies, and vital resources to families and individuals facing food insecurity. We are deeply grateful for the School Sisters of Notre Dame’s commitment to our mission and their compassionate support of our community. Together, we are making a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Two additional Bread & Life caseworkers earn certifications

in Domestic Violence Advocacy

In continued recognition of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, our social services team at Bread & Life recently completed a New York State training focused on domestic violence awareness and prevention, strengthening our commitment to providing safe and informed support for our community. We’re proud to share that alongside their colleagues, Mildred Gutierrez and Daniel Velez also received official certification through this program, equipping them with essential skills to better serve those impacted by domestic violence.

At St. John’s Bread & Life, generosity often comes full circle. Recently, we received a very generous heartfelt donation from the family of a gentleman who often volunteered with us. His time spent serving meals and connecting with guests left a lasting impact, and his family wanted to honor his legacy of kindness. Their generous gift will help us continue the work he cared so deeply about—supporting our neighbors in need. This act of remembrance reminds us that every contribution, big or small, creates ripples of hope and compassion that extend far beyond the moment.

We are grateful for the heartfelt tribute gifts made in honor or memory of loved ones. These meaningful contributions not only celebrate their lives but also support our mission to serve those in need.

Tributes since July 1, 2024: