West Side Catholic Center
Provides Hope: Agnes Hoskin
by Jean Taddie
The West Side Catholic Center has been ministering to the
people of the near west side since 1977. Located
at Lorain Avenue and West 32nd Street, the Center provides direct care for men,
women, and children who are in need, regardless of their religious denomination.
Agnes Hoskin, Executive Director, described many of the
services that the West Side Catholic Center provides.
She stated, “We serve a hot lunch everyday — about 3,500 meals a
month.” Meals are prepared by volunteers from food that was donated
or purchased from the food bank at a low cost.
The Center also operates an emergency shelter that houses women and
children. The shelter serves three
meals a day which, according to Hoskin, adds up to an
The West Side Catholic Center also provides other services
such as a drop in center. People
can drop in from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to get warm, drink
coffee, rest and talk. Other people
receive furniture or clothing. Hoskin
said as many as 1,000 people per month obtain clothes from the Center. All services are provided at no charge.
Hoskin emphasizes that people who come to the center are
treated with respect and dignity. “I
am proud of the positive presence we have been for nearly 20 years here on the
west side of Cleveland. I am only
sorry that our services are still needed. It
seems that people’s situations are getting worse,” she said.
Since it is mainly supported by donations, Hoskin stated that the center
relies on about 400 volunteers. “Our
volunteers are inter-generational. We
have everyone from school children to senior citizens helping us out.”
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
There are many things that you can do to help the West Side
Catholic Center. Call the Center at
631-4741 to volunteer your time. Donations
of cash, clothes that are in good condition, household and hygiene items,
coffee, paper products, and disposable diapers are always appreciated.
The Center’s wish list for this Spring includes any and all
of the following: Bibles, men’s
and children’s socks and underwear, soap, toothpaste, shampoo, disposable
razors, deodorant, towels, sheets, blankets, small appliances, powdered
beverages, coffee, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as paper cups, napkins,
and plates.
One final way you can help is to support the Second Annual West Side Catholic Center Golf Outing which will take place Friday, May 31, at the Ridgewood Golf Course in Parma. People are needed to play golf, volunteer time, sponsor a hole, purchase raffle tickets, and donate door prizes.