Dear Reader,
I recently had one of the most moving experiences in a long time. While visiting one of the hotels where our volunteers serve, a man named Clyde approached me quietly and handed me two dollar bills and three quarters, saying, “It’s not much, but I want to give back.” That humble, powerful gesture brought tears to his eyes and to ours. Moments like this remind us of the dignity and generosity that live in the hearts of those we serve. In this Spring 2025 Newsletter, you’ll meet Maureen “Mama Mo” Duffin, whose own life was transformed through the PHJC Volunteer Program and who now gives back as a devoted volunteer. Your support makes these stories of hope and healing possible. Thank you for walking with us, and know you are always welcome to witness the mission in action.
Sincerely,
Sister Connie Bach, PHJC
Your Support Changes Lives
When you support the PHJC Volunteer Program, you’re helping create lasting change in the lives of people like Maureen Duffin—known lovingly in the community as Mama Mo.
Mo is no stranger to the challenges of housing insecurity. After her father passed away in 2014, finding affordable housing became nearly impossible. Without steady income or even a birth certificate to establish her identity, Mo spent years living at the Red Rock Inn hotel in Plymouth, Indiana, cycling through 14 different rooms over time.
But your generosity helped change the course of her life.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mo met Sister Connie Bach, PHJC. Through the PHJC Volunteer Program, she received more than food and basic supplies—she found support, compassion, and a way forward. Volunteers helped her obtain her birth certificate, reclaim her legal identity, and eventually move into permanent housing.
“I went to get some paperwork done, and when I came back, all my things were moved into my new apartment,” Mo shared. “I didn’t even know some of the people who helped make this happen.”
Today, Mo is one of the dedicated volunteers giving back to the very hotel she once called home. Each week, she helps deliver food and care to others in need, paying forward the kindness she received.
“I had gotten used to living in a hotel,” she said. “But God told me it was time to move forward, and with the help of Sister Connie and the PHJC Volunteers, I was able to do that.”
In March, Mo reached another milestone: she got her first car. With it, she’s continuing her mission to serve. “I pray every day that others will hear the voice of God like I did. I don’t worry anymore because I know He is with me.”
Because of you, Mo’s story is possible. And because of Mo, the compassion you give continues to grow.
A New Way to Give
We are excited to share a new opportunity for you to support the PHJC Volunteer Program in an even more personal way: peer-to-peer fundraising.
This new initiative allows dedicated supporters like you to create a personalized fundraising page and invite your network to join you in making a difference. By sharing why the Volunteer Program matters to you, you are helping expand the circle of compassion and service that lies at the heart of the Poor Handmaids’ mission.
Whether your efforts inspire one gift or many, your voice can help us grow our reach—funding more service trips, forming new partnerships, and encouraging others to live out their call to serve. Thank you for walking with us in mission. Your support continues to make a lasting impact.
Delivering the Joy of Easter
During Holy Week, the PHJC Volunteer Program brought the spirit of Easter to life through a joyful outreach at one of the local hotels where families experiencing housing insecurity currently live. Volunteers arrived with grocery bags, Easter surprises, and hearts ready to share compassion and care.
Each family received a bag filled with groceries and items thoughtfully chosen to help them celebrate Easter with comfort and dignity. Children were surprised with Easter baskets full of snacks and treats, bringing smiles and a sense of celebration.
To make the day even more memorable, a friendly duck mascot stopped by to visit the children. Families had the chance to take photos and enjoy a moment of lighthearted fun. (Pictured: volunteer Joyce Oboy sharing smiles with families alongside the duck.)
One volunteer said, “We didn’t just bring food. We brought the joy of Easter.”
Taking place during the sacred days leading up to Easter, this outreach was a powerful reminder of what it means to serve with love. Inspired by the legacy of Saint Katharina Kasper, our volunteers offered presence, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Because of your generosity, families felt supported and seen. You helped us create not just a holiday meal, but a meaningful moment of joy and togetherness.
Thank you for making moments like this possible.
In today’s “throw-away culture,” it is easy to fall into habits of judgment, comfort, ease, pointing out other’s weaknesses, assumption-making, and the rejection and degradation of others due to differences and fear. Instead, through living Gospel values, we are called to be catalysts of change. This can only happen with active involvement in relationship building, in accepting others where and as they are, sharing Christ’s message of love, showing forgiveness, being authentic, and being present and vulnerable.