Auxiliary
In 1888 it was a group of women volunteers who chose to take action in addressing the problem of unmarried mothers and homeless children in the city of Scranton. That decision brought St. Joseph’s Center into being, and it is the ongoing commitment from their successors that enable the organization to continue.
Through two world wars, the Great Depression, and more recently, healthcare crisis and government cutbacks, the grace of God working through the hands of the Auxiliary have enabled the mission of St. Joseph’s to flourish. The annual Summer Festival is renowned in northeastern Pennsylvania. Auxiliary Card Parties and the Dennis Crafferty Memorial Auction are gaining in popularity every year. All of these efforts, and many more, enable this dedicated group of women and men to finance renovation projects, buy needed equipment and provide holiday activities for all of the Center’s programs.
In addition to its fund raising efforts, Auxiliary members have always lent their expertise in programming decisions as services have evolved from our early days as an orphanage to the multi-faceted provider St. Joseph’s is today. For over 100 years they have also shared their time and experience as ambassadors for St. Joseph’s, spreading the news of our services and good works. There is no end to their energy and enthusiasm.
Junior Auxiliary
In recent years the addition of a Junior Auxiliary has enabled teenagers to contribute in a more formal way to the works of St. Joseph's Center. Students from many area High Schools, eager to make a difference, have joined forces to coordinate fund raising events for special projects. They have also been actively involved with Center residents and off-campus programs.
A Mother's Day card sale, assisting at the Summer Festival, social activities with Center residents and a Christmas Party with Trinity program participants are among the projects sponsored by the Junior Auxiliary in 2015. Interested teenagers are welcome.
Auxiliary Events
- Installation Brunch - January 14, 2018
- Feast of St. Joseph Mass and Tea Social - March 11, 2018, St. Joseph’s Center
- Golf Tournament - TBA, Lakeland Golf Club
- Summer Festival - July 27, 28 and 29, 2018 on the campus of Marywood University
- Chicken Dinner - date to be announced
- Dennis Crafferty Memorial Auction - date to be announced, University of Scranton
- Christmas Mass and Tea Social - December 2, 2018, IHM Center
For more information on the Auxiliary, the Junior Auxiliary or any of the events listed:
Katie Weinschenk - Auxiliary Liaison
570-963-1290 or kweinschenk@stjosephscenter.org