Philoptochos: Philoptochos, or “Friends of the Poor,” is a national organization with chapters in every Greek Orthodox parish. This group consists of women (though men can be non-voting members) who seek out charitable opportunities, whether locally, nationally, or even internationally. The Philoptochos Society serves as the main charitable arm of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and her parishes. For more information on Philoptochos, please contact the president, Lexie Garrett, at lexiegarrett@icould.com
- Philoptochos Projects:
- St. Joseph’s food pantry operates out of their building located at 206 Van Lennon St. The pantry provides a free bag of food once a week to anyone in need in Laramie County. People who want a food bag must provide identification. This ministry started in the 1980’s and has grown, in 2015 volunteers prepared 1,800 bags of food PER MONTH, representing 2,200 adults and 1,400 children.They invited Holy Apostles to participate in this ministry in October of 2016, and our Philoptochos voted to include this as one of our charities. We are providing 2 volunteers every Wednesday from 11:30-1:15. Children over 10 are encouraged to volunteer with their parents. Jamie Pullos is the Holy Apostles Coordinator for these volunteers. If you would like to participate or would like more information contact her at 303-396-7953. Volunteers are always needed and greatly appreciated.
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Family Promise is a community program ministering to homeless families in Cheyenne. Family Promise, run through Community Action of Laramie County, has as their mission a goal to help homeless and low- income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response. There are over 12 faith based programs in Cheyenne helping to make this happen. Safe shelter, meals, and support services are provided while keeping families together during this difficult time in their lives.Holy Apostles is a support partner with St. Mark’s Episcopal Church on 19th St. The families are sheltered at St. Mark’s once every nine weeks. The week they are living at St. Mark’s, Holy Apostles Philopotchos has accepted the responsibility of providing dinners on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The number of adults and children vary on every rotation and it is not unusual to not have an exact count until the Monday before meals are delivered. Holy Apostles has been delivering meals for Family Promise families since 2013. If you are interested in helping with this ministry Corinna Etchepare is the contact person and can be reached at 307-256-9477 or cornetch@yahoo.com