OLG Outreach Partners

HOMELESS SUPPORT

Our Lady of Grace has a number of long-standing partners in ministry and outreach that work to meet the basic needs of the community. We support these organizations through service hours, financial contributions, and with donations of collected goods through our many Outreach drives held throughout the year. To learn more about these partners and ways to serve see the list below.

Peace House Sandwich Ministry

Peace House grew out of one woman’s desire to meet the deepest emotional and relational need of the disenfranchised people she saw around her. Sister Rose Tillemans, a member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet, opened Peace House in 1985. As a Catholic parish rooted in the Gospel and making Jesus Christ known & loved, Our Lady of Grace has the opportunity to respond with love in action. We invite you to join a simple, weekly Sandwich Ministry for Peace House Community in Minneapolis. Your sandwiches will directly supplement the daily hot lunch they provide, ensuring no one is turned away when food runs low. The need is real, and together we can meet it — one sandwich, one Corporeal Work of Mercy at a time. Click here for to sign up and see the details for sandwich making. Sandwiches can by dropped off at OLG and we will deliver them!

Sharing & Caring Hands

Sharing & Caring Hands is a compassionate response to the needs of the poor. They are set up to be a safety-net organization to help with whatever needs are not being met. This includes but is not limited to providing meals, clothing, showers, shelter, transportation help, rent deposits, rent help, medical assistance, dental care, furniture, school expenses, and other miscellaneous needs. In partnership with Food to People, OLG volunteers serve meals at Sharing & Caring Hands every month. Clothing and household goods are regularly donated by the OLG community for the benefit of the guests and residents of Sharing & Caring Hands and Mary’s Place. To learn more about the regular meal service OLG provides, email Cosette.

Meals on Wheels

OLG Food Ministry volunteers deliver about 75 affordable, nutrient-rich meals each month to Edina neighbors on the 1st Monday and 4th Friday. For many of the people MOW serves, the short conversation with a volunteer is as meaningful as the nutritious meal. In a life narrowed by sickness or financial struggle, that brief human interaction becomes a powerful reminder that they are seen and valued. Learn more here or to become an OLG driver email Cosette. Know someone that needs affordable, nutritious Meals on Wheels delivered to their door? Contact Lori.

Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery (GMCN)

OLG supports GMCN with regular donations of shelf stable food and goods. The mission of GMCN is to end cycles of child abuse and neglect and to help build strong families. Many volunteer opportunities are available and include helping prepare a meal on site for the children, provide childcare, or supervise games, sports, and activities. Click here to volunteer. Questions? Email Ellen.

Prison Ministry

Birthday cards are an attainable way for parishioners interested in meaningfully ministering to the imprisoned and forgotten. The Birthday Card Ministry will take place the third Friday of the month at 9:30 AM in the Dining Room after Mass. RSVPs appreciated but not required at 952-929-3317. OLG's partners with Twin Cities Prison Ministry, the coordinating body for prison ministry for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. Please email Jeff Skinner for more information and additional ways to support the Prison Ministry at OLG.

Monthly Donations

In an effort to fulfil a commitment to the Corporeal Works of Mercy, each month we collect donations for local partners based on the most critical needs in our area. We have an ongoing year-round food shelf collection benefitting VEAP, the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery & STEP. In addition, we regularly collect goods benefitting outreach partners such as the veteran’s organization Every Third Saturday ETS and Mary’s Place at Sharing & Caring hands.” Bins are located outside of Cassidy Hall.

  • OLG has a long-standing relationship with Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP). An ongoing VEAP collection bin can be found outside Cassidy Hall. VEAP helps build pathways to stronger, more hopeful communities -through providing access to healthy food, ensuring housing stability, and offering supportive services. On average, OLG donates 200 pounds of shelf stable food to VEAP each week. VEAP also has a Mobile Food Pantry in Edina (Tuesday & Thursday 9 Am-Noon). It is open to everyone! There are several convenient sites throughout the Twin Cities, VEAP encourages individuals and families to visit as often as needed. Check the event calendar for current distribution sites and times.

  • STEP serves St. Louis Park residents by providing food and other necessities to those who find themselves in need of emergency help. STEP can provide help with utilities, housing assistance, and transportation. Each Fall OLG holds a Thanksgiving Food Drive that results in several thousands of pounds of donated items for the STEP food shelf.

Pro-Life Activities

Pro-Life Activities are important at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. We work with Abria Pregnancy Resources, Cradle of Hope, New Life Family Center and Southwest Options for Women. Additionally, we have hosted a Mass to celebrate adoptions. Please help us continue this important work by dropping off diapers and other baby supplies outside of Cassidy Hall.