I miss going to your place for dinner.  Thanks you so much for all the help you have given me at times.  It was always nice to know that I had a place to go if I was in need.  Tell everyone I said hello.

I was a police officer and saw the homeless on a daily basis. At one point the governor where I was working closed the mental health center and all the homeless centers and they had nowhere to go. It was very upsetting watching them with no options. I dealt with it for 10 years and had conversations with God during throughout the process. At one time I told God that if I survived this job, I would feed the world, at least in the places that I can. It took me a while to get to the point as life intervened. About 10 years ago, I came back.

Feeding the homeless in SMDP or where they live is an essential part of what I am now doing, because it was clear that many homeless people can’t fit into society; they feel comfortable where they are, whether they come in to eat or I take the food to them. I cook at SMDP regularly, and now have a bus that I am working to fill with food and take to the homeless. When I cook dinner, I will make extra and put it in the bus to deliver to the people where they are. I made a promise to feed the world and this place is helping me do it.

Upon my retirement, I had a strong desire, not only to begin enjoying life to its fullest, but also an innate desire to give back to others.

My retirement relocated me to Southwest Florida and it was through my church that I found out about St. Martin De Porres (SMDP) Outreach Ministry. My work as a volunteer, during this past year, has been more than I could have hoped for. St. Martin De Porres is a very welcoming environment that breeds respect for all who are serviced and involved. It is extremely encouraging to be involved as a SMDP Volunteer. In addition, there is great satisfaction being a part of God’s work here, knowing that in some small way, I have contributed to a more effective use of the resources He has provided.

My time spent at SMDP is providing support for the Clothes Closet and Diaper Bank on a weekly and monthly basis. The clients I meet are most thankful and respectful, not only to the staff and volunteers, but also to each other. There is a hidden sense of respect and dignity where everyone may feel the Lord’s presence. The new personal relationships with employees and other volunteer workers has been an unexpected blessing.

I am thankful for the support and guidance I was given that lead me to this wonderful and caring ministry. People at SMDP never fail to let you know that you’re appreciated. I am blessed!

I have been volunteering with the after school & English program for a few months. It is really fulfilling to build a relationship with the kids and see them so willing to learn. They go to different schools so in this environment they are meeting new students & making friends. Besides the learning aspect I have seen timid personalities blossom into confident kids. I am thankful to be part of this work.

During mass in Feb 2015, Barbara Durkin explained how a small group of volunteers had set up a little operation near downtown Fort Myers to directly help those in need.

The staff was entirely volunteer and served people by providing meals, groceries, clothes and language skills. I was impressed with how they treated everyone with respect and compassion and how they accomplished so much with so little. Our family has been blessed and we believe it is important to share with others. St Martin de Porres is a great example of how someone can share their blessings easily and have a direct impact in the lives of those in need.

There is no bureaucracy or overhead; just wonderful caring volunteers helping humans in need!

We started coming to SMDP about 18 months ago. We retired and moved to Florida and, unfortunately, had some unexpected medical issues which resulted in uncovered bills, and we found ourselves on the edge.

We have become unexpectedly unable to pay our way. After the bills are paid we have only $50 to $60 a month to spend on food and everything else. Without SMDP we would be in “big time trouble”. Here we are able to get food, some clothing items and, very importantly, feel welcome. In our opinion, the volunteers are the people who make this place what it is, treating us with respect and smiles.

It is a true blessing, and we thank God that it is here and we are able to come enjoy a healthy meal in a wonderful environment.

My name is Cheryl and I have been having my dinners at St Martin Dr Porres Outreach on Palm Beach Blvd in Fort Myers for almost a year.

I would not be able to eat every day if they did not provide dinners throughout the week. I am a senior citizen and I receive food stamps totalling $23 per month. That $23 doesn’t buy much of anything.

The dinners are very good and nutritious. They usually provide salads and desserts. They often have fresh fruit.

The volunteers are extremely friendly and welcoming.

From time to time, they also provide blankets and clothing. Sometimes toiletries are provided.

Occasionally various professionals are there to assist with different things. My experience is that a Medicare Representative helped me change plans to one that provides many more enhanced benefits in my health plan than what I had been receiving. I needed dental work and this new plan has covered most of the cost between last year and this year.

Sincerely, Cheryl