About The Center

Nine years ago, the Center of Compassion, sponsored through a partnership of the Sisters of the Divine Compassion and St. Charles Borromeo Parish, began its' Loaves and Fishes ministry in Dover Plains, N.Y. a rural area in Dutchess County. It is housed in a beautiful home near the center of town where people in need have easy access to it.

The main focus of the Center is to be of service and available to those in poverty especially women and children. Services include a food pantry open 6 days a week which is stocked by the parishioners of St. Charles church and other organizations including the local schools and some of our own schools; visits to hospitals, nursing homes and the homebound; a Thanksgiving meal served to our elderly homebound; Christmas presents to families in cooperation with some parishes, hospitals, a small "Senior" group, and individuals. At Easter time Tara's baskets (named for a young girl in the community who died of cancer) are delivered to about 3 dozen families with toiletries and hams included for the adults. Assistance is also given to mentally and physically handicapped persons.

One of the most successful programs has been the "Welcome Table". From the beginning of November until the end of April a free lunch is available in the parish hall for whoever wishes to join us. About 70 volunteers participate by driving the meals to the homebound, making soups, desserts, greeting and serving our guests, and making the sandwiches. This ministry is 98% subsidized thanks to businesses in the area and our wonderful volunteers. Each week about 150 people are treated to a delicious, nutritional meal and great camaraderie. Half of this number is our homebound.

Collaboration with other agencies in the area such as the Community Action Partnership of Dutchess County, Astor Head Start, Catholic Charities and the schools of the Dover Union Free School District, makes helping a person find and receive the services they need easier.

A delight has been to see those who have "received" then turn around and reach out to others. The spirit of compassion continues to grow among the members of this great community of people.

Our congregation, Sisters of the Divine Compassion, has a lay associate program. Nine persons from Dover Plains are members and are very much involved with the ministry. Most of them are part of our Mom's retreat group which meets one morning a month at the Center. Deepening their spiritual life is a priority for them. The effects of these days can be witnessed in the ministry.

The Center is a place of hospitality, availability and presence. Many times the door bell will ring and someone has come just to chat. A cup of tea "shared" in the middle of the day is just wonderful!

The ministry depends on the generosity of our volunteers. God has blessed us abundantly!

Sister Maureen, the director, invites you to "COME AND SEE" this ministry which is being blessed over and over again. The WELCOME MAT is out for you! ! ! ! !