For financial assistance, please contact the St. Vincent de Paul Society, or call the parish office, 777-4322, ext. 214.  Learn more about our chapter!

Calendar of IMPACT Events

Aug. 21 Bingo at Hillendale
Aug. 21-22 Tender Mercies Sign-ups
Aug. 21-22 Transitional Living Returns
Aug. 21-22 Distribute Bags for Food Drive
Aug. 28 Tender Mercies Dinner
Aug. 28-29 Food Returned for Food Drive

Charitable IMPACT Overview

Impact has a twofold purpose in the parish:

1)Under the patronage of St. Maximilian Kolbe we strive to impact the local and global community by pro-actively organizing special collections of goods, directing in-kind donations from parishioners, and coordinating volunteer opportunities that aid economic needs beyond the parish and inspire spiritual growth.

2) It prudently disburses the biannually budgeted money ($3,750 in January and July) from the parish general fund, as well as funds received from six Charitable IMPACT Pink Envelope collections to recognized external charitable organizations.

There are currently seven Committee members meeting 5 times a year bi-monthly (August, October, January, March and May).  Kathie Roberts is the current chairperson. 

Below is an overview of the primary ministries that we assist.  Unless otherwise noted, we generally provide financial assistance.  Existing volunteer opportunities are indicated for the individual organizations.  If you are interested in volunteering for a particular ministry that doesn’t list a St. Max coordinator, please check the organization’s website for volunteer opportunities.  If you would like more information about an organization than what is provided here, please e-mail Kathie Roberts.

The Meal Deal

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink…” Matthew 25:35

Tender Mercies, CHOSEN of Serve City in Hamilton, Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN)…what’s the deal with those sign-ups after Mass to provide meal items and/or hosting?

Charitable IMPACT is the link between the parishioners of St. Max and the residents of those agencies. We are committed to providing monthly meals at Tender Mercies (Cincinnati) and CHOSEN, and bi-monthly meals through our partnership with Sharonville United Methodist Church for IHN. In other words, if we don’t provide the meal, those people don’t eat – they go to bed hungry!

So here’s how it works…
Tender Mercies sign-ups are always the third weekend of the month to provide a meal on the fourth Saturday of that same month.
• a simple menu is created by St. Max parishioner and Tender Mercies coordinator Chung Bui;
• parishioners sign-up to provide selected item(s) from the menu and/or to serve the meal;
• parishioners meet at 3:45PM on the 4th Saturday in front of the John Porter Family Complex of St. Max to deliver the meal items and/or to leave with Chung at 4:00PM to serve the meal at 5:00PM at Tender Mercies in downtown Cincinnati
• return to St. Max by 6:30PM.

It’s much the same for IHN…sign-ups are the weekend before our meal hosting on Wednesday of that same week.
• a simple menu is created by IHN Meal Coordinator Teresa Kraimer;
• parishioners sign-up to provide selected item(s) from the menu;
• parishioners deliver the meal items at 5:00PM on that Wednesday in front of the John Porter Family Complex of St. Max.

CHOSEN is done a little differently in that groups or families contact Colleen Harris to provide the meal items and serve the meal on the third Saturday of each month. They meet at St. Max at 5:30PM and caravan to CHOSEN in Hamilton, serve the meal to about 50 residents at 6:00PM and are done by 7:00PM.

All meal items serve 8-12 people and should be in disposable containers, delivered either hot or cold as they should be served. Sample menus: meatloaf, macaroni & cheese, salad, rolls, dessert; fried chicken, corn, salad, rolls, dessert. You get the idea – pretty simple, heh? We’re counting on you to help us feed the homeless, displaced and disenfranchised of our community.

Community Charity Ministries Menu

Catholic Charities of Southwest Ohio | CHOSN (Church Hospitality Network) | Dove House Shelter | Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart | Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) | The John Engle Christian Counseling Center (JECCC) | Hamilton Living Water Ministry | Lower Price Hill Community School | Mercy Franciscan at St. Raphael | Meals on Wheels | Nursing Home Rosary Prayer Ministry | Nursing Home Social Visitation | Open Door Food Pantry | Partners in Evangelism Ministry to Prisoners | Prison Ministry | Reach Out Lakota | Serve City | St. Aloysius Orphanage | St. Francis-St. Joseph Catholic Worker House | Tender Mercies, Inc | Transitional Living, Inc.

Catholic Charities of Southwest Ohio (formerly Catholic Social Services)

Catholic Social Services of Ohio was established in 1914 as a coordinated response to the devastation of the 1913 floods.  CSS is an agency of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, which exists to advance the human dignity and welfare of people in need by providing comprehensive social services in response to the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church.  The Agency is committed to extending God’s love for the human family by assisting people to live more fully and freely, to accept that love for themselves and to share it with others.  Contact Catholic Charities of Southwest Ohio.  Liaison:  Kathie Roberts

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CHOSN (Church Hospitality Network)

CHOSEN (Church Hospitality Network) is a Ministry of Serve City.  CHOSEN provides a 48 bed shelter and meals to approximately 750 needy people annually.  St. Max parishioners supply, prepare and serve food to the guests on the third Saturday of the month.  Contact Serve City/CHOSN.  Coordinator: Colleen Harris

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Dove House Shelter

Dove House Shelter is operated by the Hamilton YWCA.  It is a closed shelter serving abused women and children.  We provide donations in the form of Meijer gift cards and specific items as needed.  Contact the YWCA. 

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Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart

Franciscan Haircuts from the Heart was begun in 1988 by Sister Bonnie Steinlage, a Franciscan Sister of the Poor and nurse. Their mission is to provide professional hair care services for impoverished persons.  Maintaining their human dignity enables some to take the next steps in improving their lives by applying for jobs and getting training.  Contact Haircuts from the Heart.

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Tri-State Habitat for Humanity

Tri-State Habitat for Humanity encompasses Butler, Warren, and Clermont Counties in Ohio with a regional office at 8200 Beckett Park Dr.  Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and restores simple, decent houses with the help of the homeowner/partner family.  Volunteer openings range from construction to bookkeeping to board membership.  They also operate ReStore at 896 Fairview Ave., Hamilton.  At ReStore new and second-hand home improvement materials are available at reduced prices.   Contact Tri-State Habitat for Humanity.  Liaison:  Mary Blake

Dear Congregational Members:

Thank you for your generous contribution of $750.00.[…]

Your support enables us to help our area’s families that are in need of a simple, decent place to live. We believe that God did not intend for any of his children to live in substandard conditions.[…]

Over the last six years, our affiliate has successfully completed eighty-three homes with partner families. It is because of caring people like you that TriState is able to continue building affordable homes with God’s people in need.

Again, thank you for your generosity.

Respectfully yours,
William W. Mountsier, Board President, Tristate Habitat for Humanity

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Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN)

Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) is a national organization providing shelter, food and hospitality for temporarily homeless families.  We currently partner with Sharonville United Methodist Church providing meals and hosting six times a year.  Remaining date for 2008 is December 17.  Volunteer opportunities exist to visit with guests, help with homework and play with the children.  Meal Coordinator:  Teresa Kraimer    Hosting Coordinator: Ed Roehm. Contact the Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN).  Liaison:  Kathie Roberts

Dear Rev. Smith,

On behalf of Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati, thank you for your gift of $750.00 received by IHNGC on Friday, April 10, 2009. As you know, volunteers from St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church assist hosting congregations in providing meals and overnight shelter for families experiencing homelessness in Cincinnati. Your congregation is intricately linked to our mission; together, and with the other participating congregations, we are making a difference in the lives of these families. With your financial contribution, we are able to continue the day-to-day service to these families and to assure the future of our programs.

Your contribution supports our mission to provide emergency shelter for homeless families and to assist them in obtaining permanent housing. In addition to the hospitality services provided by over 1000 volunteers in over 70 congregations, we also provide day shelter, case management, and transportation services from our Day Center. Your contribution directly supports these important parts of our program.

Please be assured that our guest families, as well as our Board, staff and volunteers appreciate your gift.

With gratitude,
Georgine Getty, Executive Director

P.S. Thank you so much for your support!

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The John Engle Christian Counseling Center (JECCC)

The John Engle Christian Counseling Center (JECCC) mission is to provide clinical counseling and preventive education to individuals, couples and families who are struggling to keep their psychological and moral balance in a troubled world.  JECCC currently offers five programs: The Third Option, an education and support group for married couples; Mending Hearts, a peer support group for grieving children; PREPARE, a premarital couples group;  Pearls, a support group for women; and Living Hope, clinical counseling.  Our donation supports the Living Hope ministry of JECCC in Butler County.   Contact JECCC by calling 513-896-HELP.  Liaison:  Mary Blake

Dear Friends,

I am writing to express our gratitude for your continued support of the John Engle Christian Counseling Center. Here at J.E.C.C.C., we endeavor to provide hope and healing to the hurting, through professional Christian Counseling and educational/support groups (Living Hope, Mending Hearts, Third Option, etc.)

Your assistance in this ministry is of vital importance. So many of our clients have no insurance and little or no ability to pay. With your help, we are able to reach out to those in pain through clinical expertise combined with a bit of God’s love.

Your partnership in this ministry helps so many – those in troubled marriages, children grieving or coping with abuse, individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, teens with eating disorders or self-mutilating behavior – the list of issues is very long.

Please know that your donation [$750.00] is making a difference in the lives of the above mentioned people, as well as many others. Thank you again for partnering with us in this ministry, and may God bless you as richly as you are blessing others!

Sincerely,

Leanne J. Myers, M.S.W., L.I.S.W., Executive Director

P.S. Wow! You guys are incredible! This means so much to us, not just financially (although that is certainly important), but emotionally and spiritually that you would choose to be a part of this ministry. Thank you so much, and God bless!

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Hamilton Living Water Ministry

Hamilton Living Water Ministry is an urban ecumenical ministry that focuses on the development of people and the revitalization of their community.  They provide tutoring, recreation, computer labs, and mentoring for youth.  They also have a Hispanic outreach program. Contact the Hamilton Living Water Ministry by calling 894-9892.  Liaison:  Sol Gross

Dear St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish,

We would like to thank you for your continued support of Hamilton Living Water Ministry, Inc. We appreciate so much you setting aside a portion of your funds to share with us.

Your contribution will allow us to continue to make a positive impact on the lives of at risk children, youth and families by offering quality academic, community and spiritual enrichment programs. Byu promoting dignity and self worth, we provide hope for the future and encourage each of God’s children to reach their greatest potential.

We are grateful for your partnership and support to Hamilton Living Water Ministry!

Serving Him together,

Cathy Hester, Executive Director

P.S. Thanks so much!

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Lower Price Hill Community School

Lower Price Hill Community School in Cincinnati is a non-profit organization dedicated to community learning for adults, assisting individuals in meeting their educational and employment goals.  The modern learning center in a former elementary school includes a state-of-the-art computer learning center, as well as a pre-school childcare center which allows GED and college attendance by parent-students. Donations serve operations, capital improvements, and provide financial assistance to disadvantaged students. Contact Lower Price Hill Community School.   Liaison:  Mary Blake

Dear Congregation:

This is a heartfelt thank you for the generous donation of $750.00.

For many of our students returning to school is a significant turning point in their lives, and over the years we have seen thousands of lives changed for the better. Our work would not be possible if we didn’t have supporters such as you.

The last school year was a very successful one. We are proud to announce 30 GED graduates in 2007-2008. We are also very enthusiastic about this year. We already have 18 GED graduates bringing our total to 704 for the school since 1978.

This was the first summer that we were opened for GED classes and registration and have had a great turnout. Our GED (high school equivalency), ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and beginning college students continue to grow in numbers. With the addition of our outreach services, such as the legal clinic, your support now reaches countless individuals. We are encouraged and excited at the potential for growth this year.

Thanks again for your donation. By helping our school you are a partner in that success and we appreciate it.

Sincerely,

Jen Walters, Executive Director, Lower Price Hill Community School

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Mercy Franciscan at St. Raphael

Mercy Franciscan at St. Raphael has provided people in the city of Hamilton and surrounding Butler County communities with support services in times of crisis for more than 60 years.  The services include: food, clothing and necessities programs, social services, housing programs, health services, and seasonal donation programs.  This agency provides several volunteer service opportunities including clerical work, staffing for the food and clothing departments, program assistance, maintenance workers, and special events. 

    Thank you so much for your recent gift of $750. Although we have several great needs currently, we have decided to apply your gift to our Baby Layette program. We have recently had to turn away several new moms who needed help with baby essentials because we are out of fund and many supplies for that program. Your gift will allow us to help new mothers that come to us for help for about 6-8 weeks, and we are grateful!

Bless you for your kindness and generosity!

Yours in Christ,
Carrie Morris, Executive Director, St. Raphael

    Thank you so much for your recent gift of $750.00. Your donation will make a tangible difference in the lives of the people we serve.

Among all the excellent causes worthy of your giving, we appreciate that you chose to contribute to the Mercy Franciscan at St. Raphael Baby Layette fund.

On behalf of the mercy Foundation Board of Trustees and staff, thank you again for your thoughtful and generous gift.

Sincerely,

Todd E. Lindley, President, Mercy Foundation

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Meals on Wheels

More Than a Meal Delivery has been active for eight years.  It is sponsored through Senior Citizens, Inc. in Hamilton.  Approximately 16 volunteer drivers deliver midday meals to a variable number of senior citizens in the Liberty Twp. area. Coordinator: Charlotte Flanagan

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Nursing Home Social Visitation

Nursing Home Social Visitation provides opportunities for individuals or families to “adopt” a resident of a nearby nursing home by establishing regular visits with a variety of interactions; including pet therapy, reading, or a resident’s special requests.  Volunteers also host bingo on the 4^th Saturday of the month.  Coordinator: Bridget Buchanan

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Open Door Food Pantry

Open Door Food Pantry of Hamilton primary purpose is to provide food (usually three days worth) for individuals and families in need.  Their aim is to help needy persons on an emergency, temporary basis.  They are located at 800 South Front Street, Hamilton.  St. Max sponsors bi-annual food drives, providing 250-300 bags of non-perishable groceries from each collection.  Liaison: Laurie Johansen

Dear Friends:

On behalf of the Board and the employees and volunteers of The Open Door Pantry, I would like to thank you for your recent donations. It is through the support of friends like you that we are able to continue to pursue our mission of serving the poor and needy of the community.

Sincerely,
Jeff Dauner, President of the Board, The Open Door Pantry

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Partners in Evangelism Ministry to Prisoners

The Partners in Evangelism Ministry to Prisoners is an outreach to Catholics in the U.S. and Canada who are serving sentences in state prisons or correctional institutions or are on death row. We support Catholic prisoners in their faith by providing free copies of The Word Among Us or its Spanish counterpart, La Palabra Entre Nosostros The ministry began with 826 prisoners in 1989. Currently 45,000 prisoners in more than 1,000 institutions are being served by this ministry.

To further support the faith life of prisoners—many of whom have had little religious instruction or ongoing formation in the sacramental life of the church—the ministry also provides other spiritual materials, such as:

God Forgives Can I?(available in English and Spanish)

God Alone: Stories of the Power of Faith

Stations of the Cross for Prisoners

Alpha course materials

How to Pray (Tri-fold card)

These materials are made possible by the generous donations of people like you, who would like to help prisoners grow in their personal relationship with God, in their prayer life, in their knowledge of the Scriptures, and in their love of the Eucharist.

100% of donations received are used directly to support Partners in Evangelism program services.

Dear Friends,

What a blessing you are to Partners in Evangelism as we reach out to Catholic prisoners.

I would like to thank you for your recent donation of $500.00 […] Your donation will go towards the many expenses incurred in sending 48,000 prisoners The Word Among Us each month. Please be assured that your generosity is touching many, many lives with the truths of God’s love every day.  One of the many joys of this ministry is receiving letters and cards thanking Partners for this ministry. Let me share with you a few I’ve received.

The Word Among Us has given me a new understanding and guidance at the beginning of my days for the past two months here in prison. The magazine brings a different light to such a dark place. Jennifer, Florida

I have made some terrible choices and now must accept the consequences of my actions with a life in prison. However, I have been edified by the power of the Holy Spirit, and God is breaking through my broken and tortured soul to help me to see his light and love. The Word Among Us has been a great tool for God to help me. Anthony, Michigan

[…]Please continue to be partners in prayer with us for the many intentions of our service men and women and prisoners. A Mass is offered every month for your intentions by either a prison or military Chaplain.

May God bless you and your family.

Your sister in Christ,

Angela M. Burrin, Director Ministry to Prisoners

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Prison Ministry

The Butler County Juvenile Detention Center needs volunteer tutors for their Rehabilitation Department.  The Center is located on Fair Avenue in Hamilton (next to the Butler County Fairgrounds.)  Get involved with as little as one hour per week.  Hours vary (based on your availability) Monday through Friday any time between 4:00 pm. to 9:00 pm.  Coordinator:  Karen Catanzaro

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Reach Out Lakota

Reach Out Lakota is an ecumenical, community-sponsored organization providing food and clothing to eligible families in Liberty and West Chester Townships.  ROL also has a Back to School Program and a Christmas program.  St. Max sponsors two summer food drives and sponsors the Christmas toy collection.  We also collect bigg’s^® receipts from which ROL receives 1% of the total.  Their hours are Monday 4-8, Wednesday 10-2, and Friday 10-12.  Coordinators:  Laurie Johansen and Fred Neumann. Contact Reach Out Lakota.  Liaison: Laurie Johansen

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Serve City

Serve City is a place where the needy can go to pick up groceries, clothing, personal care items, used furniture, and Christian information.  The CHOICES project was recently developed to provide transitional housing for those needing additional time to get on their feet and permanent housing for those falling through the cracks of existing services but requiring a supportive housing environment.  Serve City will purchase and demolish seven dilapidated properties and rebuild three new structures to accommodate the CHOICES project.  CHOICES will provide 48 additional beds in 24 apartments.  They are seeking private funding for this project to maintain the flexibility to move the right people into this housing project. Contact Linda Kimble, Executive Director at 737-9701.  Contact Serve City/CHOSN.  Liaison:  Colleen Harris

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St. Aloysius Orphanage Butler County KEYS (Knowledge Enhancing Youth Skills)

This program provides a structured learning environment for children between the ages of 5-14 that suffer from severe emotional and behavioral problems – so severe they are unable to attend regular schools.  St. Aloysius has been involved with providing for the neediest of our communities’ children for over 165 years. Contact St. Aloysius. 

I would like to take this moment to personally thank you for your gift of $750.00 received on 4/6/2009. Your generosity allows us to continue our tradition of excellence in mental health care for Cincinnati children and their families.

Because of the support we receive from friends like you, we are able to provide a variety of programs to hundreds of Tri-State children and their families. As you may know, our services include: a school for Severely Emotionally Disturbed children in grades K-8, a group therapy/treatment program to develop and maintain healthy social and coping skills, a short-term crisis respite center, a therapeutic foster care program as well as school-based therapy programs in several tri-state schools designed to help children in the early stages of mental or emotional crisis.

Did you also know that our programs are far reaching, serving clients from Warren, Clermont and Brown counties? We are also proud to have an identical program, the St. Aloysius KEYS Program, at our Hamilton, Ohio facility, serving children from Hamilton, Fairfield, Middletown, West Chester and other Butler County communities. Your support helps us to expand our ability to offer care and nurturing to families throughout the tri-state.

On behalf of all of us at St. Aloysius Orphanage, thank you for your generous donation.

Most Sincerely,
Leslie Lucas, Development Associate

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St. Francis-St. Joseph Catholic Worker House

St. Francis-St. Joseph Catholic Worker House is an emergency shelter whose primary goal is to assist guests in finding permanent housing.  Shelter is provided for sixteen men (including ex-prisoners) each day.  About 250 homeless men are served each year.  Liaisons:  Tony Tinoco and Sue Lora

We wish to express our sincere appreciation in the name of all the homeless residents here for your donation of $750.00.

We are so thankful for your contribution, which helps keep the lights on and the door open. Costs of food and utilities are constantly rising. Your donation to the House is extremely vital, allowing us to meet the needs of our residents and contributes to the success of each.

In 2008, we served 207 men; 76 moved onto independent living with jobs. Our success rate was nearly 37% in 2008 and 36% in 2007. We are well beyond the average of 6% to 8% success rate within a structure such as ours. In part, we attribute this success to our diligent staff guided by Father Mark. Another significant contributing factor is our program for developing human resources. We have a staff of seven of whom five are ex-prisoners; all are in recovery and were formerly homeless. The staff operates as a family and we have a zero tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol.

Your donation has been so beneficial, and we pray that you continue to give freely. May God continue to bless you.

Sincerely,
Karl Fields, House Manager, St. Francis/St. Joseph Catholic Worker House


Donor Appreciation Letter:

The donations, staff support, and shelter provided by CWH [St. Francis/St. Joseph Catholic Worker House] were of great help during my time of need. I’m very grateful to have been a part of CWH’s program. Thank you and God bless you all that help with the continued funding of this blessed program.

Yours sincerely,
George C.

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Tender Mercies, Inc

On the 4^th Saturday of the month St. Maximilian parishioners provide and serve a meal.  Small groups (e.g. CRHP) and families are encouraged to volunteer as a group.  Contact Tender Mercies  Coordinator:  Chung Bui

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Transitional Living, Inc.

Transitional Living, Inc., located on Princeton Rd. in Hamilton, continues to advance its mission of providing competent, caring rehabilitative services to adults with severe mental disabilities assisting them to achieve recovery and live independently.  St. Max has provided over 350 apartment starter kits through our ongoing Giving Wreath program.  Contact Transitional Living  Liaison:  Debbie Sander

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