The Albany Association of the Ladies of Charity is committed to service to the poor and marginalized through its ministries. One of the most active is Mary’s Corner. Two locations serve a combined total of 180 children a week, from birth to age four, with formula, baby food, diapers, clothing, essential baby and toddler items, toys, books and toiletries—all free of charge. Our Ladies and the Daughters of Charity and other volunteers interview the families, help them “shop,” stock shelves, sort clothing and other donations. The children are encouraged to read and play supervised by our volunteers.

The Giving Room serves homeless individuals who use the Soup Kitchen at the Sister Maureen Joyce Center, the same location for Mary’s Corner in Albany. Clothing and personal hygiene items are available two days a week. Also at this location is the Food Pantry which serves 30 to 40 families every Friday and the Soup Kitchen which is open two days a week.

Another popular ministry is Saturday’s with the retired Daughters of Charity. Each month, Ladies meet at St. Louise House to play games and cards, do service projects, have parties for various occasions or just sit and chat. Ladies also are matched with a Daughter of Charity for personal visits, to send cards, be a special friend to that Daughter.

Coats for the Community occurs during the early fall when Ladies collect coats from various locations and organizations around the Capital District. These are sorted, displayed and then distributed over two days. Ladies assist community members to “shop” for that special coat.

To promote systemic change, Bridges Out of Poverty helps those struggling with poverty to overcome barriers to successful employment. Ladies mentor individuals who are taking the “Getting Ahead in a Just Getting By World” classes, co-facilitate classes, help with fund-raising, record keeping, and publicity.

Our website is localbany.org

Marie A. Copeland is the Albany Association of the Ladies of Charity and Northeast Region Advocacy Liaison for the Ladies of Charity, USA