Representatives from some of the 24 faith and community organizations that 20 years ago founded the Norristown Ministries Inc. Hospitality Center gather January 22 for an anniversary celebration at First Baptist Church, Norristown. They received certificates of appreciation. The Center, an ecumenical initiative involving Roman Catholic, Jewish and Protestant congregations and also corporate sponsors, is located at 530 Church Street in the Borough. It served 1,200 different individuals last year, and provides 20,000 breakfasts annually plus 30 other services, including shelter, phone, fax, mail address, lockers, showers and case management. The Rev. Kim Egolf-Fox, director, said, “ Today we celebrate  a moment in time when we said, enough, we have to do a better job of taking care of the homeless in the community. It is much worse now, and so today we think about how we got here and realize that we have to do better.” “It is not a matter of us and them,” said preacher for the worship celebration, the Rev.  Dr. Aidsand Wright Riggins III. He is executive director of the Home Mission Society for the American Baptist Churches denomination with headquarters in Valley Forge. “The poor are our constant companions,” he continued. “In every face we see the Christ who pitches a tent with us. We are all families, sisters and brothers.” The  anniversary event included testimonials from individuals who credit the Center for helping them improve their lives. One man, identifying himself as an alcoholic in recovery, said, “They kept me straight. They smiled at me. They treated me like family. They never looked down at me.”

Jo Ann Engard has been our faithful case manager for nearly our entire 20 years of ministry to the poor and homeless of Norristown. At first she was our only employee and did it all herself. To many she is the very face of the Hospitality Center. Over the years she has helped over 10,000 people!
 
Jo Ann has been a vital part of the lives of so many. She has been a birth coach; given 1st birthday parties; helped desperate moms place their children for adoption and then comforted the mothers; helped a loving father regain custody of his children who were taken into foster care when he was hospitalized; given sanctuary to prostitutes and encouraged them out of that bondage; ushered an abused wife out the back door to the hospital then coaxed the gun from the abuser and directed the police to the abandoned infant; orchestrated reunions of estranged family members; comforted the suicidal, coaxing them to give her their intended means of death, and visiting them in mental hospitals; accompanied clients to court and visited them in prison, then helped them adjust when they were released; advocated for tenants in disputes with landlords; treated each addict with respect and love, increasing their hope until they agree to go to rehab, then visiting them there; given beautiful memorial services for deceased clients- to name just a smattering of the ways she has blessed many all through their lives.

Now with sadness we must announce that Jo Ann is leaving on 12/31/11.

At a much deserved open house in her honor on December 17, clients old and new, clergy, and representatives of other agencies joined our staff, board, and volunteers in telling story after story of how Jo Ann has been a great blessing to them, personally.  We are delighted that Jo Ann promises to visit the Center often. Jo Ann, we thank you and we love you.

Brownie Troop 772, a group of third grade girls from Audubon Elementary School, spent the morning of November 20th at the Hospitality Center helping to sort holiday food donations for our food pantry. A large donation
had arrived that day, but the girls learned that while people are especially generous during the holidays, the Center needs helpers and donations all year.

In response, one of the girls vowed to return later in the year to help. They were also able to meet some of the past and present clients of the Center and to learn about the needs of the people who come to us in crisis. The girls even made festive autumn centerpieces to bring some cheer to our Thanksgiving meal at the Center.

The girls felt that it was a real honor to help people in need. Many thanks to the Brownies and their moms who helped out that day!

When 13-year-old girls have a birthday party they usually look forward to receiving gifts, but not Emily Dean and Sophia Trump! Instead they asked each of the 75 guests to bring canned goods to give to the Hospitality Center. They realized how well they had it and wanted to help those less fortunate, especially in this bad economy. They also wanted to show their friends what a difference a couple of people can make.

Well, Sophia & Emily, you did make a difference and we thank you for your kindness!

We hope that your birthdays were happy!