The Branches Outreach Center
What is The Branches Outreach Center?
The Branches Outreach Center is located at 201 Hirst Ave., in the community of Rio Grande in the Township of Middle, New Jersey.
It is a multiple activity outreach center providing a safe, positive environment for the elderly, disabled, those experiencing homelessness, and marginalized individuals and families. Surrounded by caring volunteers, our guests are offered meals, clothing, counsel, comfort and compassion. We are always in need of volunteers who support our mission and can help provide services.
The Branches Outreach works with churches and organizations throughout the Cape May County to provide for the daily needs of our guests. We rely on our dedicated volunteers, and we always need more. Please email, call, or stop by to become a volunteer.
Sandra Lockhart, Operations Director slockhart@thebranchesoutreach.org
Terri Mascione, Program Director tmasione@thebranchesoutreach.org
Maria Elena Hallion, PhD, Executive Director mehallion@thebranchesoutreach.org
Our Mission is to provide services and programs for the relief of the poor, distressed, and underprivileged residents of Cape May County and to provide the daily needs of our guests with dignity and respect.
Advocates
Client Advocates play an important role at the Branches Outreach Center. They assist our guests with doctor and hospital visits, court dates and appearances and they help negotiate the Social Service System and other housing agencies.
The Branches Outreach staff work in conjunction with Cape Addiction Recovery Service (CARES), a recovery program assisting the placement of persons addicted to drugs and alcohol in rehab facilities.
Services
Clothing and personal care products are given to anyone in need. Our guests are able to use our showers and change into fresh, clean clothes.
A fully stocked food pantry is available to guests of The Branches Outreach Food Pantry located at 1304 Rt. 47, Unit AJ and to our neighbors in the community. Opened M, W, F 9 am - 12 pm.
Computers are available for completing job applications and resumes.
A hair stylist/barber provides haircuts for our guests monthly.
Mobile Food van
From the food pantry in the 1304 Rt. 47, (Village Shoppes), Unit AJ, groceries and personal care items are delivered to two local motels where families live.
All of the items are donated.
Over the years, personal relationships have developed and our friends in the motels look forward to our weekly visits.
Daily
The Branches Outreach Center on 201 Hirst Ave. is open from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Monday - Friday and Saturdays from 10 AM - 12 PM. Breakfast (8:30 - 10:30 AM) and lunch (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM) is served to as many as 40 people a day.
During this time, guests can ask to meet with an advocate. Donations are also made during this time.
During Code Blue, The Branches Outreach Center reopens at 4:30 PM before a 6:00 PM bus takes guests to a warming center to spend the night. They are returned to The Branches Outreach Center at 6 AM where they are met with the smell of hot coffee and breakfast.
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