The Father Michael Wittman Ozanam Center is a food pantry and clothing bank under the sponsorship of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Society, Cleveland Council which operates every Saturday from 10 AM-1 PM. The Ozanam Center has been ministering to those in need since 2004 and is dedicated to continuing this ministry through 100% volunteer staff. It is located on the campus of St. Philomena Church.
Fourteen parishes and other organizations volunteer to staff the center and manage its operations. About twenty-four volunteers are needed each week to operate the center. The center provides food and clothing to clients from seven nearby zip codes and serves tens of thousands each year through distributing food, clothing and other goods and services. We welcome new volunteers who would like to join in this important social outreach program and thank those who have supported us through prayers,volunteer hours, and generous contributions. Volunteer activities include packing and distribution of groceries, sorting and distribution of clothing, produce distribution, hospitality assistance, and computer registration. All ages are welcome. Children under 14 must be accompanied by parents or another adult.
We are grateful for the support of Communion of Saints Parishioners for their prayers, donations, and volunteer hours. This mission that can only be accomplished with many people willing to take on a role, large or small. The Board of the Ozanam Center invites interested parishioners to serve our neighbors in need.
For more information contact Bernie Rachel at 216-382-6207, or Annette Cappaert at 216-321-3530, and/or find the Ozanam Center on Facebook.
Note: The Ozanam Center is proud to have continued to serve the community throughout this difficult time of Covid-19 by keeping all venues outdoors, requiring facemasks for all volunteers and visitors, and maintaining social distancing.