60 Minutes, profiled the work of billionaires with the Sisters of Charity New York in what we now call systemic change. The Robin Hood Foundation has provided significant support for NY Sisters of Charity POTS program.
Part of the Solution (POTS) is a program widely recognized for its unwavering commitment to addressing root causes of poverty, always in an atmosphere of respect and compassion. Its mission is to be a loving community that nourishes the basic needs and hungers of all who seek assistance.
POTS was included in the piece based on their long-standing relationship and unique “one-stop shop” approach of moving individuals from crises to greater stability and ultimately, self-sufficiency.
Sister Karen Helfenstein tells famvin that this 12 minute segment can be viewed on the CBS.
The program began in 1982, when Sr. Jane Iannucelli, SC joined with Tim Boon and Fr. Ned Murphy, SJ in simply offering hot soup to the desperately poor in their midst on Fordham Road. With a growing realization of the complexity of forces that keep people in poverty, POTS has expanded to offer multiple services, making it a powerful catalyst for change in people’s lives.
These services include a Community Dining program that serves hundreds of hot meals each day, a clothing program, a food pantry serving over 600 families several times a month, medical care, pastoral counseling, psychotherapy, free legal services and more.
An essential, guiding principle at POTS is that visitors in need are guests, regarded always with dignity, respect and unconditional love. All services are provided in this spirit of compassion.
In recent years POTS was awarded the First Annual Visionary Award by City Harvest, the largest food rescue program in the world.
Click to visit the POTS web site »
PS The Sisters of Charity are on a roll with 60 Minutes!
The website of the Sisters of Charity Federation posted the following item…
The Sisters of Charity Federation was well represented in the 60 Minutes segment that aired on March 17. We caught glimpses of several from the LCWR meeting in St. Louis, but the dancing Susan Gatz, SC-Nazareth, stands out! The ministry of Perry Family Health Center in Washington, DC, featured Sister Mary Jo Stein, DC. Sisters Judith Park and Virginia Blend, SC-Halifax, were featured at St. John Bread and Life in Brooklyn. The NETWORK segment includes Sister Mary Ellen Lacy, DC. Thanks to all for standing for all women religious in ministry with persons living in poverty! As Pat Farrell, OSF, articulated so well: We are the Church and strive to be obedient to God’s call.
Tags: 60 minutes, Featured, New York, Sisters of Charity, Systemic change
