Priscilla Rakestraw, Deputy Director of Development for the Ministry of Caring, discussed their mission, serving the poor with dignity and respect. She discussed how they have grown, from a local Jesuit’s attempts to house homeless women, to a network of services including child care, emergency shelter and emergency relief for families and individuals, support for victims of domestic violence, medical and dental care, addiction and mental health support, retirement housing and job and educational programming. The need is growing, financial support, volunteer hours and donations of food, clothing, diapers and toiletries, and home supplies from furniture to bedding are needed as they work to counter the effects of social determinates keeping the poor from attaining self-sufficiency. We also discussed their Emmanuel Dining Rooms, where (pre-COVID) anybody can be seated in a clean, cheerful dining room and served a nutritious meal in restaurant fashion, and there are no questions asked. Emmanuel Dining Room helps alleviate the immediate needs of Delaware’s hungry with nutritious meals at three locations in economically depressed areas of Wilmington and New Castle, Delaware, now served ‘to go’ for everyone’s safety. Emmanuel Dining Room is supported by f nearly 100 churches, synagogues, businesses, and civic groups who prepare and serve meals on a rotating basis.
Want to make a food or product donation? The Emmanuel Dining Rooms are in need of items including: Ground Coffee (large size)
Large aprons with pockets
Forks and soup spoons
Gas gift cards (for volunteers who drive to pick up bread, cakes, pies, etc., from stores and bakeries)
Family-sized containers of vegetables, stew, pasta, spaghetti sauce, fruit, cereal, and beans
Large sizes– stuffing, instant mashed potatoes, canned yams, canned vegetables, and canned fruit (especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners)
Find the entire Ministry of caring WISH LIST HERE
To learn more about their programs and services visit ministryofcaring.org