Interfaith Family Services of Ocean County is part of a national organization called Family Promise.
Our Mission Statement:
Interfaith Family Services of Ocean County is a non-profit, interfaith ministry committed to providing shelter, meals and assistance to homeless families. With our trained volunteers, we reach out with compassion and acceptance, providing help, hope and a safe haven for our guests while they seek permanent employment and affordable housing. We increase community awareness and advocate responsible solutions to homelessness.
We here at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish have been involved in this ministry since its inception in Ocean County for 25 years. We are one of the churches that provide shelter 4 to 5 weeks out of each year.
The Interfaith Family Services of Ocean County is comprised of 11 churches and one synagogue. There are also 8 support congregations that partner with host congregations to staff a host week.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of the interfaith Family Services (IFS) program. Without volunteers we could not provide services to our guest families. Volunteers perform simple but immeasurably significant services. They supply the meals, the time needed to host at our church and they donate money to purchase the supplies for the host week as well.
They talk to the guests...and listen. They can be a source of HOPE. This is where WE can start to make a difference!
Consider becoming a volunteer. Here are some of the ways you can help:
- Preparing food
- Hosting guests families at our host sites in the evening or overnight
- Playing with children and helping with homework
- Teaching life skills like parenting, home management, budgeting and nutrition
- Becoming a volunteer coordinator
- Helping with clerical and administrative jobs at the IHN office
- Becoming a mentor to our families
- Joining the Board of Trustees
- Or bringing your unique personal skills to help our families in other ways
To find out more ways please go to http://ihnoc.net
The only way this works is through the help of volunteers who are asked to just give a few hours during a Host Week. This program keeps our Homeless children out of hotels and motels. It keeps the children safe and with their parents.
To find out how you can help or volunteer at the Our Lady of Guadalupe please contact Pat Rainer at 732-300-8288 or email at
Pat Barlow (Sleepers) 732-905-4199
Janet Lawson (Hosting) 732-367-0315
Lisa Romano (Dinners) 848-448-1131
Judy and Bill Locke (Supplies) 732-408-9314
Velda Castellano (Set Up and Break Down) 908-600-4835
Thank you to all of you who helped us during our Host week. We were able to house and feed 2 families which included children ages 2 through 16. All parents were extremely grateful for your generosity with supplies, home cooked meals and especially for giving of your time. Thank you to the Knights of Columbus, the Islamic Community of Toms River, Visitation
Church, Brick, the young students who gave up their time to serve, and all of you who gave your time and support. YOU are an amazing group of volunteers that show up and help when needed. I thank you for sharing in this mission knowing that we are serving Christ when we serve our brothers and sisters.
Pat Rainer 732-300-8288
Our next Host Week begins June 2, 2024.