Growing Compassion through Acts of Mercy: A Lenten Series

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Wednesdays in Lent

Our Lenten Series, Growing Compassion Through Acts of Mercy, is going strong and for those who have attended, has proven to be extremely impactful.

Last week, Jon Stepanian, our third speaker, told us about the work of Community Solidarity, the amazing not-for-profit he co-founded that now feeds thousands across Long Island each week. Jon reflected on his own personal journey, describing his growth from a comfortable childhood in Lloyd Harbor to a life of service dedicated to building community and solving some of our country's most intractable problems. He believes that there is plenty of food to feed every person who is hungry, if only we can stop wasting what we are throwing away. "It's a do-able goal", says Jon. "I wouldn't do this if I didn't think it seemed possible".

This week, we welcomed Pilar Moya-Mancera, director of Housing Help, Inc and founder of Latinos Unidos de Long Island. Pilar discussed what Housing Help has done and continues to do for so many families struggling to maintain safe housing. Consistent housing and keeping children in their same schools is always the goal for these families. Pilar gave many specific examples of how Housing Helps is able to assist, from making sure landlords and tenants know their rights, to financially supporting families with their rent. A new, forty-five unit housing development is underway, thanks to Housing Help and their ongoing fight for more affordable housing on Long Island. Helping these family members attend college and live on campus is just another one of the amazing things that Housing Help is also doing. In closing, Pilar spoke about her family's own housing struggles and what led her on this path to helping those in need.

Next week, we are excited to hear from Gideon and Laura Swiggett as they reflect on how St. John's Outreach work builds habits of compassion that can help us grow closer to our neighbors and each other and shape a more loving community.