El Ministerio Urbano de Santa Maria Lawrence Robles, Executive Director 778 South Almaden, San Jose, CA, 95110-2919 Phone:  1.408.292.3314 Email:  smum@sbcgloblal.net Please visit the SMUM Web Site:  www.smum.org "The Canticle" - Fall 2004 Newsletter Santa Maria Wish List Friends of Santa Maria brochure Special Bulletin Insert - March 2005 (PDF) (MS Word) (Browsers frequently "hang" when you try to open MS-Word files directly in the browser.  It is recommended for the MS-Word format that you "right-click" the link and download the file, then open it from the location where you saved the file.) Santa Maria Urban Ministry (SMUM) was founded as an outreach ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real in April, 1983, providing emergency food to the residents of San Jose's inner city.  SMUM's programs have continued without interruption since that time.  In addition, SMUM has developed additional transformative programs to serve the needs of the community, and to promote self-sufficiency. Those served report that SMUM provides a unique gathering place for those in the neighborhood.  Here they feel safe, and can share their concerns with caring individuals.  The staff and volunteers know those whom they serve -- their stories, their struggles, their gifts, joys and hopes. SMUM is a partner agency of the Second Harvest Food Bank, and has been designated to serve those in need within 8 Central San Jose zip codes. In spite of good efforts and solid programs, the need is growing faster than the resources.  SMUM needs your help to accomplish its mission.

The Mission of Santa Maria Santa Maria Urban Ministry aims to make Christ a living presence by offering to all a safe place of welcome, service and positive transformation. All programs are offered free-of-charge to individuals on an as-needed basis regardless of their race, age, gender, ethnicity, creed, or religion. Those We Serve Most of the families served have at least one adult member who has a full-time job.  Yet, for many, the job is at minimum wage and with no medical coverage.  More than 60% of those served are children. Almost 70% of each family's income is spent on housing/shelter. 85-88% are immigrants, both long-term residents and recent arrivals.  Of that number, the majority are Latino, but SMUM is serving an increasing number of Vietnamese families as well. The number of homeless individuals is also increasing.

Ongoing Programs Food Pantry – SMUM, as an agency affiliated with the Second Harvest Food Bank, distributes food to 1800 people a month, half of whom are children. Second Harvest delivers food once a month. They used to deliver food twice a month, but they don’t have enough food now to do that. This is a prime example of the trickle-down effect of our current economic problems. Donations are down significantly. The goods from Second Harvest are supplemented by donations from Martha’s Kitchen. Martha’s Kitchen is a downtown ministry that provides cooked meals. Their leftover fresh vegetables, bread, etc. are taken to SMUM daily. Clients have to meet certain qualifications, they can’t just be walk-ins with no documentation. SMUM serves 8 zip codes. The food tends to supplement what the families are able to buy with food stamps. Some families qualify for receiving federal government commodities. ABC Playtime – prepares children ages 3-5 for kindergarten by working on Academics, Behavior and Creativity. Most of the children come from Spanish-speaking homes, so this ministry provides some English immersion that prepares the children to cope when they enter the public school system. Spanish is only used to provide meanings of words, otherwise all conversation is in English. Community Closet – provides free clothing for some 300 needy persons a month. Local Motion Ministry – Provides emergency transportation and food deliveries to seniors as well as donation pick-ups.   We are dependent upon volunteer drivers for this ministry.  Please contact us if you have a vehicle suitable for either moving people or moving goods, and can help with driving. Studio 17 – An after school program for youth aged 6-7 which gives the students access to computers and homework assistance. Additionally, the participants are allowed free time on the computer – supervised to keep the kids from going to inappropriate web sites, especially those with sexual or violent content. SMUM is now looking at starting an evening program for adults, to help them with computing skills. More and more, ability to be computer-literate and internet-literate is vital for many jobs. The State of California now requires people receiving unemployment compensation to search their on-line job listings on a regular basis. You login with an ID and password so that they know you are diligently checking job listings. Health Clinic – Not operational at the moment because SMUM is in the process of obtaining state licensing. Many of SMUM’s clients are afraid to seek health care due to fear that they might get deported, so one of the advantages of having a health care service at SMUM is that it is a designated sanctuary where the clients can come without fear. SMUM also provides referrals to dental facilities that accept Medi-Cal and Healthy Kids, Healthy Families insurance, and offer sliding scale/reduced fees. ESL – English as a Second Language is provided for adults. SMUM is also exploring an offering of Spanish as a Second Language, which would be helpful to those who wish to serve the Latino community Pastoral Counseling

Seasonal Programs Giving Day - There is a local dentist who opens her office approximately a quarter to offer free emergency dental care to uninsured clients. First Step – The program provides new clothing, backpacks and school supplies to children and youth at the start of the school year. Christmas Gift Packages – New toys, new clothing and gift certificates are provided to the needed, as well as special Christmas food packages. 1225 clients were served during December 2003. VITA – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is provided to low and moderate income families from February through April. The service includes free e-filing of tax forms. Warm Heart Ministry – This winter-time ministry provides homeless clients with clean, serviceable sleeping bags, blankets, and warm clothing. Other Services and Programs Offered As-Needed Sewing classes Assistance obtaining medical insurance for children Assistance obtaining State of California ID Referrals for other needs to community agencies Halloween and Easter parties for kids

You may provide in-kind support by donating: Food items Must have original seal intact Should not be past the expiration date on the container Used clothing and shoes in good condition (for both adults and children) Household items (small furniture, appliances, dishes, pots and pans, utensils, lamps, table and bed linens, towels, blankets, sleeping bags, etc.) Baby items such as diapers and baby powder Children’s books, toys in good condition, backpacks, etc. Used sewing machines, typewriters or computer systems in good condition Over the counter medications and hygiene items such as soap, razors, shaving cream, lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, wash cloths, nail clippers, feminine hygiene products Seasonal need items: Back-to-School supplies in August Toys and turkeys at Christmas Drivhers and Vehicles need: For providing emergency transportation to seniors For picking up donations and delivery them to SMUM