Outreach Minister: St. Colman

Background of Outreach Ministry The Saint Colman Parish Outreach Ministry serves people of the West 65 Street neighborhood of Cleveland. Throughout its history, St. Colman Church has always provided service to the community. The neighborhood and its people have changed since the Parish was established in 1880, but it is still a place for those who have low incomes, those who are refugees and immigrants and those who are struggling in many ways to create home for their families. The Outreach Ministry was founded in 1996 to help people in real-life emergencies. While much of the work is in referrals to agencies and programs around the city, direct financial assistance can really make a difference in preventing an eviction, utility shut-off, providing a bus pass to get to work or school, assisting with food. The Ministry is supported through monthly donations from parishioners and through grants and special gifts provide supplementary funding.

Duties and Responsibilities 1. Meet with neighborhood residents requesting assistance through phone calls or in-person visits at the rectory office. Assess needs and respond with appropriate information, referral, and financial assistance, if needed and available 2. Collaborate with agencies, churches, organizations to provide outside support to families/individuals and partnerships in service programs. 3. Coordinate Neighborhood Meals sponsored by Project Seva/Greater Cleveland Food Bank and other sponsors. Meals are provided once or twice monthly on Saturday afternoon through volunteers and served to 70-100 guests. 4. Coordinate the food pantry, which serves individuals and families on an emergency basis when nearby pantries are not open. 5. Support the initiatives of Identification Crisis Collaborative Program housed at St. Colman Rectory. 6. Support the initiatives of the St. Colman Literacy/GED Program. 7. Grant Writing: Outreach Minister is responsible for the application and management of grants to support outreach programs and for the accounting of funds.

Abilities and Skills: • Solid orientation of a ministry of service with vulnerable communities. • Ability to work with diverse groups • Maintain a high level of confidentiality and decision-making skills • Record keeping and report writing skills • Ability to supervise volunteers • Knowledge of neighborhood resources • Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel • Work independently and organize tasks, processes, and information amidst many interruptions and distractions • Ability to be flexible and adaptable in a variety of situations • Build rapport and communicate effectively with a diverse group of clients and volunteers. • Strong time-management skills Education: • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in social services, pastoral studies, or related field.

Experience: • Minimum of 2 years of experience working with vulnerable populations. • Experience with supervision of volunteers, leadership development and team building • Experience with neighborhood organizations and/or interfaith communities. Working Conditions Work schedule requires flexibility, working periodically on weekends and evenings. Able to help with occasional lifting, moving equipment, using stairs.