A Message from our Executive Director

Dear Neighbors and Friends,

I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the same warmth and gratitude that emanates from the heart of the St. Michaels Community Center. With every donation, our donors have helped us create a stronger, more vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. A gift of $150 will provide 100 meals to our neighbors in need.

As we approach the completion of the renovations on our building, there's an undeniable sense of excitement in the air. We eagerly anticipate the day when we can once again open our doors and welcome the community back into our newly revitalized space. The journey to this moment has been filled with challenges, but it's also been marked by incredible resilience and unwavering support from individuals like you.

Our Community Café and Community Pantry stand as beacons of hope for many in our community who rely on us for nutritious meals and essential resources. The impact of these programs cannot be overstated. They provide not only sustenance but also a sense of dignity and belonging to those who need it most. With your help, we've been able to provide hundreds of meals to our neighbors in need, offering them a lifeline in times of uncertainty.

I am particularly moved by the words of one of our dedicated volunteers, Gina Werner, who is also the owner of Gina's Café, who shared her heartfelt experience of serving in our Community Café kitchen.

​Gina's story is a testament to the transformative power of giving back and the profound impact that each one of us can make when we come together as a community.

Gina writes,

Dear St. Michaels Community Center,

I'm writing to share my heartfelt experience volunteering at the Community Café kitchen during your search for a new chef. My journey with SMCC has been nothing short of transformative, and I'm honored to contribute to such a vital organization in our community.

From the moment I stepped into the kitchen, I felt a deep sense of excitement and purpose. Despite my busy schedule, I knew this was a unique opportunity to give back to the community that I hold dear to my heart. As someone who finds joy in cooking and serving others, I was thrilled to lend a hand where it was needed most.

(Pictured above from left: SMCC's Mark Singleton with SMCC Volunteer & Gina's Café Owner Gina Werner)

What truly struck me during my time at SMCC was the sheer magnitude of the impact your programs have on our neighbors. I hadn't fully grasped the extent of the need in our community until I saw firsthand the faces of those who rely on SMCC's services. It was a humbling realization that many of our neighbors cannot even afford transportation, let alone access to nutritious meals.

Being at the heart of the community, surrounded by passionate individuals dedicated to making a difference, was an experience like no other. I felt a profound connection to the mission of SMCC and was inspired by the spirit of giving that permeates every aspect of your work.

One of the highlights for me was the opportunity to get creative in the kitchen while also ensuring that nothing went to waste. It was a small way to contribute to the greater good while also saving costs—a win-win situation in my book!

But above all, what truly touched my soul was the overwhelming sense of fulfillment that comes from giving back. Being part of something larger than myself, knowing that I was making a tangible difference in the lives of others, was a profoundly spiritual experience.

Thank you, SMCC, for providing me with this invaluable outlet for service and for reminding me of the boundless power of compassion and community.
With love and gratitude,
​
Gina Werner
Owner, Gina's Café

It's stories like Gina's that remind us of the incredible difference we can make when we join hands in service to others. Your support enables us to continue this vital work and ensures that we can meet the evolving needs of our community with compassion and dedication.

As we look ahead to the future, we are filled with optimism and enthusiasm for the possibilities that lie ahead. With the completion of our renovations, we will not only be returning to our beloved building but also launching new and expanded programming to better serve our community. We invite you to join us in celebrating this milestone and to be a part of shaping the future of SMCC.

For those who have not yet had the opportunity to support our organization, we invite you to consider making a donation today..

Together, we can continue to build a stronger, more resilient community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. On behalf of everyone at SMCC, thank you for your continued support, generosity, and commitment to our shared mission.

With heartfelt gratitude,
 Patrick Rofe

P.S. Your support makes a big difference in the lives of our neighbors in need. A gift of just $150 can provide 100 nutritious meals to our neighbors in need, making a tangible difference in their lives Please donate by using the enclosed envelope, or you can stop by our office, give us a call, or visit our website to donate online at www.stmichaelscc.org/donate. Thank you!
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The St. Michaels Community Center is a 501(C)(3) registered non-profit, with your donations deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Please consider helping our neighbors in need as part of your legacy by including the St. Michaels Community Center in your estate plans.

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