Sisters Carol Wilcox, Mary Herrmann

and Christine Quirk, SSJ of the

Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network

 

The Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network (SSJNN) partners with residents and the broader community to bring about neighborhood revitalization and a sense of ownership among the residents of a specific area which includes 12th Street to 21st Street from State Street to Cranberry Street in the city of Erie.

           Formed in January 2000, the SSJNN’s initial efforts included a survey to obtain basic demographic information, identify community needs and assess residents' perceptions of the neighborhood. Based on the information gathered, the SSJNN has coordinated efforts with various other community providers and developed new programs to address the most critical needs in the neighborhood.
           Because of a significant need for food and nutritious meals, the SSJNN partnered with St. Paul’s Church to open a Soup Kitchen in September 2000.  The program, which is staffed by volunteers and supported by food and monetary donations from local businesses and individuals, operates one day a week and serves an average of 80 -100 persons per meal.  The project is effective in providing nutritious meals and helping establish relationships with the residents.  The SSJNN also responds to emergency food needs and assists residents in the use of food pantries, preparing nutritious meals and budgeting. 
            Another initiative of the SSJNN is English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to non-English speaking residents. Although other ESL programs exist in the community, the SSJNN discovered that many residents could not attend because of location, time conflicts and day care dilemmas. Sister Christine Quirk has developed a program where she teaches ESL in the homes of the neighborhood residents.  
            The SSJNN’s greatest service has been to meet individual needs as they occur. It has assisted area residents in finding ways to pay rent, obtain clothing for children, work with utility companies and landlords and facilitate communication with the public assistance office.  


Mary Herrmann, SSJ, Director of the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network (left) and Carol Wilcox, SSJ, Associate Director



 

Interested in Helping?
          The SSJNN is a non-profit agency sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania.  Corporate and private tax deductible contributions are appreciated and ensure that the SSJNN can continue to assist the neighborhood it serves.

 

For more information, contact Mary Herrmann, SSJ - Director of SSJNN
 ssjnn@svhs.org