by Bea Peterson
As a result of a Stewart’s Christmas/Matching Fund grant, San Damiano Family Support Services in Petersburgh wants to help one child a month for the next 12 months whose parent is a wounded veteran. San Damiano will allocate up to $300 per child for school supplies, lunches, transportation, medical or other needs. Requests for this help should be sent to San Damiano Family Support Services, 414 Potter Hill Road, Petersburgh, NY, 12138. The request should include the veteran’s name, the child’s name and information regarding the child’s needs and wants. Anyone interested in supporting this project so that more children can be aided should send checks to the San Damiano Center and note the gift is for the Children of Veterans Project.
The San Damiano Franciscan Community, Third Order Penitents of St. Francis is a community of full time vowed and professed, married and single members sharing a common life centered around prayer, work, study and outreach services. The community operates a 24/7 assistance program of support services offering emergency food assistance, family advocacy and referral, counseling, developmental disability services, a medical equipment recycling program and loans of medical equipment supplies as well as an elder care advocacy program. Joe and Wanda DiFusco head up the organization at the Mother House on Potter Hill Road. Nearby is the Food Closet which is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 2 pm and any time on an emergency basis. “We distribute a ton of food every two weeks,” Joe said. He added that their developmental disability services and other programs have developed a terrific reputation allowing their programs and services to grow. At the Mother House they have facilities for retreats and for long term residency for members of the Order. Their spiritual leader is Fr. Joe Manerowski, former pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Hoosick Falls.
“We frequently say the Peace Prayer of St. Francis,” said Joe, “and we ask ourselves, do we live it?”
