“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”  Frederick Buechner

ST JAMES SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY

The Social Justice Ministry seeks to identify social issues and human needs in the parish and civic community and to develop broad Christian service action plans to help in meeting those needs.  Contact (text or call) Diane Etzel-Wise to get involved, 913-484-3953.  These are some of the activities and programs administered by this committee.

St James-based ministries

Support Immigrants and Refugees 

The committee helps undocumented immigrants and refugees obtain their green cards and citizenship. Those served include immigrants in the greater Kansas City area from Jamaica, Nigeria, Guatemala, Mexico, Ethiopia, Zambia, El Salvador, Haiti, Philippines, Ecuador, and Belize.  Committee members work with lawyers, social workers, medical health personnel, and other parishioners to help these individuals. Assistance includes securing job placements, providing lodging in immigrant-friendly areas, supplying food needs, and providing measures to stay safe in their homes. The committee also works in conjunction with a not-for-profit immigrant aid organization in Kansas City, Kansas, and is provided additional support and advice by an immigration lawyer who donates time to work with us on this initiative. CONTACT Connie Anderson.

Grant Writing

In order to accomplish their stated goals, the Social Justice Committee has applied to other churches and organizations for funds to support the above initiatives.  If you have experience in grant writing, or wish to help in any way, CONTACT Connie Anderson.

Bus Stop Ministry
This is a ministry of hospitality. Each week for an hour, we visit with people at the bus stops at 39th and Troost. Drinks, snacks and Social Service Referral pamphlets are offered to everyone. October through March, hats, gloves and scarves are distributed at the bus stops and other sites in the neighborhood. CONTACT: Mary Vincent

Knitting & Crocheting Group
CONTACT: Mary Vincent
We create scarves and hats for distribution at the bus stops. Yarn and needles/hooks are available. We gladly accept items made at home as well as donations of yarn.  Please check the parish calendar on the website for dates and times.

Kansas City Community Organizations

African Self-Determination Foundation, Togo, Africa

One clear request for education assistance came from our St. James parishioners from the West African nation of Togo. There, the government provides only 25% of the money necessary to support schools. The additional cost of education is beyond the means of most parents who live on a meager income.  When asked, St. James parishioners and friends supported the education of over 100 students.  A St. James committee was created in 2018 to coordinate this project by working directly with the on-site director in Togo, matching students with willing sponsors, collecting money to send to Togo, distributing report cards to sponsors, and assisting in the oversight of this overall program.  In XXXX, the committee became the independent organization African Self-Determination Foundation and is located in Kansas City.  In 2024, it was given Federal tax exempt status as a 501(c)3 organization.  CONTACT parishioners Albertine Kangni-Soukpe or Marcus Liddell for more information.

Anapra/Manos Amigas

• Founded by Deacon Ross Beaudoin, this is a long-standing partnership with a community in Mexico. Establish school sponsorship for children in need in Anapra, provide continuous awareness of political and economic issues, and provide supplies for children’s summer vacation bible school.
• In November and December of each year, as part of the Christmas Giving Tree project, St. James collects money to pay for heating fuel to be used in the homes of the elderly of Anapra/Juarez. CONTACT St. James parishioners Marcus Liddell or Katie Wiegand.  

Bishop Sullivan Center

Bishop Sullivan Center helps people in financial hardship by providing food, help in finding jobs, and other aid. St. James has had a long relationship with Bishop Sullivan Center (BSC), with whom we share a commitment to helping our neighbors in Midtown, Kansas City. BSC is located just three doors south of the St. James parking lot, at 3936 Troost Ave. Volunteers can park at BSC or in the St. James parking lot. Here are some of the ways to volunteer at Bishop Sullivan Center.

• Food Pantry Volunteers: St. James parishioners are invited to help stock shelves and fill grocery sacks for clients. Mon-Thurs. 9:00-12:30 on mornings of your choice. Contact Bishop Sullivan Center at 816-561-8515 for more information or visit their website.
• One City Café: St. James parishioners frequently volunteer together or individually to prepare and serve meals to Café guests. (They also clean up!) Mon-Fri. 4:00-6:30 pm on the night of your choice. CONTACT: Bishop Sullivan Center at 816-561-8515 for more information or visit their website.
• Giving Tree Christmas Program: St. James parishioners collect and organize gifts for children of families who are registered with Bishop Sullivan Center. CONTACT: St. James parishioners Marcus Liddell or Katie Wiegand.

 Center for Conflict Resolution addresses and studies issues of conflict management and justice. Focuses on restoring the individual rather than punishment. Contact Sr. Rose McLarney, for more information. https://www.ccrkc.org/restorative-justice

Communities Creating Opportunity organizes and addresses neighborhood obstacles to living in a safe, just and self-determined city.  https://cco.org/

Journey to New Life
https://www.journeytonewlife.org/
Journey to New Life “maximizes quality of life for men and women returning to the community from prison or other involvement with the justice system.”  Parishioners are encouraged to donate supplies and staples in support of Peace House and Journey House for Women, part of the organization’s residential program for those re-entering life after prison.

Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (MADP) addresses issues related to the death penalty in Missouri and has a Kansas City chapter.

PeaceWorks / Nuclear Weapons addresses issues of peace and potentials of war, especially nuclear weapons.  Contact Br. Louis Rodemann for more information.

Troost39 Thrift Store
CONTACT: Toni Wurth
Troost39 Thrift Store (formerly a ministry of St. Vincent de Paul) is located next door to St. James parking lot at 3922 Troost and is a 501(c)3 organization committed to supporting the Kansas City community it serves by offering low price, high quality essential items. The store is partially staffed by volunteers and supported by donations of goods from the local community.

Troost Alliance
CONTACT:  Patrick Marrin, Mary Vincent, or http://troostalliance.org/
St. James is a founding member of the Troost Alliance, a monthly gathering of social service groups and churches serving the physical and social needs of people along the Troost corridor.