The Newburgh Ministry News and Views

ADVENT
The
Newburgh
Ministry
2014
News
and
Views
www.newburghministry.org
Inside this issue . . .
SUM OF THE PARTS
BAKED GOODS FROM
THE HOOD
FROM THE DESK OF
COLIN JARVIS
FREE LEGAL SERVICES
OFFERED MONTHLY CRAFT GROUP UPDATE
JUMP START UPDATE
. . . and more
IT’S THE SUM OF THE PARTS THAT
MAKE UP THE WHOLE
This is witnessed on a daily basis the closer we get to
Christmas. The response to our last news letter in regard
to needs for our hygiene closet and Christmas gifts has
been amazing. Many individuals, groups, students, and 
organizations have responded very generously! Here are
a few examples:
she spoke of the fun she had pulling up to the registers with two carts full of pillow pets. She had to go
to 4 stores to get them all!!!! Thank you for your
thoughtfulness, determination, and recilliancy!!!
Thank you to the board member for mentioning The
Newburgh Ministry.
St. Michael Archangel’s RC Church in Union, NJ for
the bags and bags of hygiene supplies that were delivered to us through our own Sister Virginia, PBVM.
It is such a joy to be able to distribute hygiene products and not have to turn anyone away! Thank you
to the parishioners for their generosity and to Sr.
Virginia for mentioning The Newburgh Ministry.

A sister and brother team of primary school students
from Bishop Dunn ran a drive for us that resulted
in boxes and boxes of hygiene supplies, food for our
shelter, blankets, and gloves. The back story is that
after the sister witnessed her brother repeatedly collecting and donating toys for homeless children in
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, comlieu of birthday gifts, she decided to go to her school
mitted citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the
to ask them to do a drive for The Newburgh Ministry.
only thing that ever has.”
- Margaret Mead
Thank you to the brother for the example, the sister
for the idea, the school for allowing the drive to take
place, all those that donated, the parents for raising  Drives for blankets and coats run by Flowers by
David Anthony in Highland Mills and Sportxplex in
such amazing kids, and whoever the person is that
New Windsor.
mentioned The Newburgh Ministry to them.

A former neighbor of one of our board members who 
decided she wanted her donations to go to a local
charity not only donated a large amount of hygiene

supplies by the case, but came back with 128 pillow
pets donated for Christmas from herself personally
and from the Ladies Auxiliary of Winona Fire 
Co. In the letter she presented with the pillow pets
Checks and cash, sometimes as little as $10.00, arriving designated or Christmas purchases.
Christ the King Youth Ministry of New Paltz hygiene
supplies
First Reformed Church of Walden—hygiene supplies
(continued on page 4)
NEWBURGH MINISTRY
From the desk of:
Colin Jarvis
REFLECTIONS
This is the time of year when we get
caught up with the frenzy of the season.
First it’s Thanksgiving. Then it’s Black
Friday, although this year Black Friday
started on Thanksgiving Day. And of
course we can’t forget Cyber Monday.
People rush into stores trampling each
other determined to get the coveted
discounted items. Sadly, some pay with
their lives as they are trampled to
death. I often wonder how did we get to
this point. Seemingly we have lost our
way.
I seem to recall a much simpler time.
The essence of Christmas had little to
do with how fast we could purchase the
electronic items from the shelves in the
big department stores or via a keystroke on the computer. The Christmas
carol ‘All poor men and humble…’ resonated with us as children because our
neighbors farmed the land and donkeys
were their mode of transportation in
the fields. It was very easy to conjure
up an image of the Nativity Scene as
narrated in the bible. Just in case you
are wondering I am from the island of
Antigua, a mere speck in the Caribbean
Sea. We were caught up in the frenzy of
decorating our houses of worship or
preparing for that Candle Light Service
which was held every Christmas Eve.
‘Peace on earth goodwill to men’ for us
meant preparing a Christmas meal and
taking it to the poor or ‘shut ins’ of the
village. We treasured the one toy or
the Christmas card that we got from a
friend or family member. So how did
we loose our way?
many of whom we continue to serve. I
often wonder if we consider their plight
or whether we find reasons to justify
their human condition thus making it
easier for us not to think about them.
As we celebrate Christmas, lets remember that Christ came to serve the poor
without judgment and without condemnation for their shortcomings. If
our intention is to be like him then we
must embrace this life to which we
have been called – a life of service to
his people free of judgment and without expectation. We must therefore
embrace those communities that have
the greatest need and commit ourselves
to work towards their transformation.
Please believe me when I say that this
is not a stab at big business or Corporate America but I was really disappointed at the thought that it was important to disrupt Thanksgiving Day
family time to rush to start Black Friday early. It strikes me as a matter of
misplaced priority when shopping encroaches on giving thanks and celebratI pray that God might redirect our
ing family. As we move closer to
thoughts and reawaken our passion to
Christmas my thoughts are with those
serve others. Let me wish you all a
who exist on the fringes of society
happy, safe and blessed Christmas.
BAKED GOODS FROM THE HOOD
On Wednesday, November 12th we had our first baking instruction offered by Janet Picarelli of Quality Baked Goods.
Four women took part in making carrot muffins. They were
also able to sample some other items that Janet brought
along with her.
The women were generally surprised at how good the muffins tasted in spite of the carrots in the ingredients!!! They
are all looking forward to the next baking class scheduled
for Wednesday December 10th!
We are thankful for the time and attention given to planning the classes. Janet is sure to use ingredients that the
woman can easily get or have on hand, and is sure that no
special equipment in required to prepare the ingredients.
We truly appreciate your efforts!!!
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The Newburgh Ministry
9 Johnston Street
PO Box 1449
Newburgh, NY 12551
845-561-0070
www.newburghministry.org
ADVENT 2014
Dear Friends,
The season of Advent is upon us and it’s hard to believe that in just a few short weeks we will be celebrating Christmas. For us here at the Newburgh Ministry, it’s a time of reflection, a time when we
replay the events of the past year. I think it’s safe to say that our successes have been punctuated with
moments of sadness. In 2014 we have seen an increase in the number of persons needing to use our
clinic. The traffic in our Thrift Store has been unbelievable. Our homeless shelter has pretty much remained at full capacity for most of the year and number of clients needing mental health services has
steadily risen. We have had three deaths from among our homeless guests in 2014.
I want to thank you all for your continued support of our Ministry. The vision of our founding sisters
was for us to be a beacon of hope in this desert of despair. It is with mixed emotions that we accept
complements from our community members. It’s great to know that we are needed and appreciated by
them but it’s heartbreaking to think that they continue to exist on the fringes of society through no
fault of their own.
Please accept our thanks for your unwavering support of the Newburgh Ministry and the people we
serve. I pray that your Christmas is filled with joy and laughter and that the New Year finds you happy and healthy.
Have a blessed holiday season.
Sincerely,
Colin Jarvis
Executive Director
NEWBURGH MINISTRY
(Continued from page 1)

Pastor Darlene and Mountainville UMC for hosting a
dinner to raise funds to purchase hygiene supplies,
brand new clothing, and blankets.
The list goes on and on. I am constantly amazed at the impact that one person or a small group can make. Like Margaret Mead says “Never doubt that a small group of
thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” We at the Ministry
thank God on a daily basis for the individuals and small
groups that make a difference in the lives of the people we
serve. It is only through your support that we are able to
provide Presence Service and Transformation.
WINTERHAVEN UPDATE
The holiday season has brought cheer and good will to the
guests of Winterhaven.
Thanks to the efforts of the members of Ebenezer Baptist
Church, Seventh Day Adventist Church, AME Zion Church,
Grace Community Church, St. Mary’s Church and Union
Presbyterian Church and our weekly food provider volunteers, our guests were well fed and entertained.
On Thanksgiving Day and
Thanksgiving Friday, Winterhaven had extended hours for
the guests to relax and watch
movies.
Similar activities are planned for the
upcoming Holiday and already such
groups as SFL Management of West
Point have signed on to provide special
activities for guests.
Holidays are a very difficult time for homeless individuals,
but with those who really care about others the holidays
become enjoyable.
FREE LEGAL SERVICES
grateful to the attorneys that make themselves available to
hear and advise those we serve.
THRIFT STORE TREASURES
All kinds of treasures come into the thrift store all year
long. You just never know what will touch your heart. Recently, we received a simple snowman ornament that had a
poem attached to it that we thought we would share:
The Meaning of the Snowman
The white snow represents God’s forgiveness of our sins.
The circular snowballs show the everlasting life God promises us.
The carrot nose shows us that God has
given us the Earth and all living things.
The black coal mouth reminds us to give
God praise.
The scarf keeps us warm, just as God’s
love does.
The top hat reminds us to honor God
above all things.
The twig arms are open to hold us the way
God does when we need Him.
JUMP START IS HOPPING!!!
It is amazing how the Ministry
morphs into different venues
moment to moment. The
Hospitality Area can be a doctors’ waiting room, a tax office, and even a crisis center at
times. Workshops are offered from nutrition to legal advice. But if you stop
We have now had two different legal services presentations.
by on a Thursday, you will see it being a classroom to
One on Tenants’ Rights and one on Department of Social
neighborhood kids K to 5th grade. Thanks to the collaboraService Clients’ Rights.
tion of Grace Community Church and Mount Saint Mary’s
Additionally we have Legal Services of the Hudson Valley
Campus Ministry children can receive one on one help with
here the first Wednesday morning of each month to meet
homework from 4:00 to 5:oo each Thursday. This is the
one-on-one with clients and community members We are
latest form Jump Start has taken on.
4
NEWBURGH MINISTRY
THANK YOUS
(continued from page 6)
Mountainville Methodist Church, for their faithful
monthly contribution of a birthday cake so that our community members can celebrate their birthdays. Also for hygiene
supplies, and hat and glove donations.
Mount saint Marys' College for your continuous support and coat and hygiene drives.
Mount Saint Mary College Nursing Department for
helping at our weekly clinics and hosting fall health fairs.
Newburgh Tabernacle for the collecting and donating
much needed hygiene supplies and for welcoming our volunteer Betty Jurgens to their service to receive them.
Rocking Horse Ranch for your donation of toys and
warm blankets.
Seventh Day Adventist Church for preparing and serving a Thanksgiving Feast to our Winterhaven guests.
Sportsplex - New Windsor, NY - for sponsoring coat and
blanket drives
St. Lukes Hospital for providing free lab work and testing
to patients of Christ Health Care Ministry.
St Michael’s the Archangel RC Church— Union, NJ for
a bountiful amount of hygiene supplies for our supply closet.
St. Nickolas Greek Church - for adopting a needy family
for Christmas.
St Thomas of Canterbury members for their abundant
Toy drive.
Team Depot of Home Depot—Newburgh, NY for the coat
drive they sponsored.
The Gap - for adopting a needy family for Christmas.
Union Presbyterian Church for monthly bags of
food.donations of yarn and craft supplies.
Winona Lake Engine Co. No. 2 for the amazing supply
of pillow pets for out Christmas sale
More thank yous to come in our next news letter...
UPDATE ON THE WOMEN’S CRAFT
PROJECT
“Did you see us at the Library?” During the month of September the Women’s Craft Project was featured in the large
display case in the Newburgh Free Library. Earrings, bracelets, and necklaces made by our crafters, along with library
books on making jewelry, were the focus of much attention.
We are grateful to Regina Angelo for her invitation!
The women in our craft program are getting ready for craft
fairs during the pre-holiday season. Together they perform
quality control, price and label each piece of jewelry, and
thoroughly enjoy each other’s company! Sr. Virginia is often
found on baby-sitting patrol while the moms do the hard
work of crafting.
The experienced crafters have been teaching a beginners’
class in jewelry. Sessions on making beautiful hair accessories as well as Christmas crafts are planned for November
and December.
SHARE A TALENT!! Are you able to knit, crochet, use a
sewing machine? Do you have another craft you'd like to
teach? The Women's Craft program invites you to share
your talent here at Newburgh Ministry. We ask that
you make a commitment for one or two sessions on a morning or afternoon for 90 minutes. We are very flexible and
most appreciative! Contact Sr. Virginia at 845-401-8531 for
more information.
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THANK YOU
Access Physical Therapy and Wellness — Montgomery, NY Thank you to your staff and clients that contributed
so generously to the toy drive you sponsored on our behalf.
First Presbyterian of Montgomery for a truck full of
warm winter clothes.
Comfort Inn — Newburgh, NY for your donation of new
pillows for our Winterhaven guests to rest their heads.
Grace Community Church, for their quarterly financial
support, and hosting weekly homework help through the
Jump Start program.
Flowers by David Anthony — Highland Mills, NY for
American Legion Post 152 for your annual financial con- sponsoring coat and blanket drives
tribution and faithful weekly presence here to serve Veterans
Food Bank of the Hudson Valley for keeping our pantry
in need
in Winterhaven well stocked.
Busy Stitchers in the town of Newburgh for your colorful,
Guardian Storage for your always faithful donation of a
homemade blankets
storage unit for the month of December when donations exAll the Doctors and Support Staff of Christ Health Care
ceed our space during preparation for our Annual Christmas
Ministry
Sale.
Christ the King Youth Ministry - New Paltz, NY - for
donating hygiene supplies to our scarce closet.
Hudson Valley Legal Services for providing monthly
legal advise and workshops on Renters Rights and DepartChrist the King Church - New Paltz, NY - for their donament of Social Services (DSS) case rights.
tion of winter clothes
Hudson Valley Toy Drive for supplying us with brand
Cornwall Presbyterian Church for the generous donanew toys for our Christmas Sale.
tion of warm blankets.
Jr. Catholic Daughters of St Thomas of Canterbury
Elant Foundation for choosing to sponsor us at their refor your bountiful Halloween costume donation.
cent Swinging for Seniors event.
OUR WISH LIST
Hygiene Supplies
 Toilet Paper
 Razors and shaving cream
 Soap, lotion, deodorant and body powder
 Shampoo and conditioner
 Combs and brushes
 Toothpaste and toothbrushes
 Mouthwash, dental floss
 Feminine hygiene products
 Baby formula
 Diapers (especially sizes 4, 5 or 6) and
wipes
Hospitality Area Needs
 Decaf coffee and decaf tea
 8 oz. paper hot cups
 Jars of non-dairy creamer
 Packets of sugar and sugar substitute
 Reading glasses (1.5, 2.0, 2.5)
SEASONAL THRIFT STORE NEEDS

NEW toys and NEW clothing for
infants through 12 year olds

Winter coats (ALL SIZES)

Snow pants and boots

Gloves, hats and scarves
Winterhaven Needs
Thrift Store Needs
Bedding
 Twin size
 Mattress covers
 Bed spreads
 Mattresses
 Pillows (standard size)
Laundry Supplies
 Liquid detergent
 Bleach
 Laudry baskets
Clothing
 Bath robes (uni-sex)
 Pajamas (uni-sex)
 Flip-flops
Food
 Milk
 Hot/cold cereal
 Package food
 Canned goods (ravioli, soups, fruits, vegetables)
 Frozen food (including juices)
 Bottled water, juice, soda
 Prepared meals
Household Items
 Blankets, sheets (ALL SIZES)
 Towels
 Pots and pans
 Utensils, can openers
 Small household items
Prayer, volunteers and financial
donations are always welcome!!
Clothing
 New underwear (ALL SIZES)
 Children
 Infant clothing
 Children’s shoes
 Children’s clothing
 Adults—Men and Women
 Shoes
 Sneakers
Seasonal Items
Winter
 Winter coats
 Warm Clothes
 Hats and Gloves
Fall
 School supplies
 Umbrella