600 SQUARE MILES North Country Ministries meeting emergency needs

Parish communities and the Diocese of Albany joined in the effort to serve the needy from Lake George through Warrensburg and Johnsburg, an area that includes 600 square miles of Adirondack land.

Three of the parishes that established the ministry -- Sacred Heart in Lake George, St. Cecelia's in Warrensburg and St. James in North Creek -- continue direct support from both a financial and volunteer perspective.

Depressed area

Lack of transportation is another problem.

"There is no public transportation here," he said. "When people's cars break down, they have no way to get around. Most are driving third-hand vehicles; and if they lose the use of their vehicle, they cannot get to work."

In crisis

"She had no food, no place to live, no transportation," Brother Posluszny said. When she called the NCM office, she was desperate.

"We have a small yearly budget of $6,000 for emergencies just like this one," Brother Posluszny said. He registered her with the Catholic food pantry and provided her with enough money to place a deposit on another place to live.

Because of the increased needs in the area, half of the yearly emergency budget is gone after only two months of the fiscal year.

Filling gaps

"We try to fill in the gaps that these other agencies leave," he said.

The ministry is funded largely through the Catholic parishes and other faith communities. An annual membership drive and local appeal help with the budget.

"We are in continuous dialogue with local town governments, interested governmental agencies and community organizations -- any group that may be interested in promoting assistance and response on the local level to the needs of the people that live here," Brother Posluszny said, adding: "We are always looking for volunteers."

Some of the services NCM provides:

* supportive and pastoral counseling;

* "A Gathering Place," where a home-cooked meal, hospitality, fellowship and contact for additional services are provided;

* emergency aid, such as food, fuel and clothing;

* furniture donation and transportation;

* advocacy and referrals to social service agencies;

* support groups, such as caregivers;

* resource library for personal, family and faith needs; and

* thrift shops in Warrensburg and Johnsburg.

(Contact North Country Ministry at 251-4425.)

(09-26-02) [[In-content Ad]]