At St. Francis of Assisi Old Catholic Church, we believe that faith is meant to be lived out through meaningful actions that serve our neighbors and strengthen our community.
There are many ways to get involved in our parish, whether it’s through volunteering, sharing your talents, or participating in outreach programs. Our church offers a variety of opportunities where you can make a lasting impact, not only within our parish but also by partnering with local organizations that align with our mission to help those in need.
Through our community outreach efforts, we work alongside dedicated partners who share our vision of love, compassion, and support for those who need it most. Whether it’s helping families during the holiday season, supporting those in recovery, or providing essential food services to our neighbors, your involvement can make a significant difference in the lives of others. We invite you to join us in these efforts, walk alongside us in service, and help us fulfill the mission of Christ in the world.
The Recovery Epicenter Foundation (REF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to breaking down barriers to sustainable recovery for individuals with substance use disorders. Through peer-to-peer recovery support, stigma reduction training, and community-based outreach, REF serves individuals, families, and the broader public with compassion and dignity. Their programs include “The Catcher’s Mitt” in Clearwater and their newest respite center, “The Outfield,” in Pasco County—both providing safe, short-term support for those in the early stages of recovery who may not qualify for medical detox or have access to private treatment. These welcoming, home-like environments are staffed 24/7 by peers with lived experience, offering an essential bridge to long-term recovery.
There are many ways to support REF’s mission. Community members can get involved through volunteering, advocacy, and donations. REF accepts contributions such as clothing, shoes, computers, hygiene products, and office supplies to help meet the day-to-day needs of those they serve. Volunteers can assist with events, peer support services, and administrative tasks.
Dunedin Cares Food Pantry is a non-profit organization committed to alleviating food insecurity in the communities of Dunedin, Clearwater, and Palm Harbor. Operating as a client-choice pantry, they empower individuals and families to select food items that best meet their dietary needs and preferences, fostering dignity and respect. The pantry offers a variety of non-perishable foods, fresh produce, personal care products, and pet food to those in need.
Community members can support Dunedin Cares through various avenues. Volunteers are essential to their operations, assisting with tasks such as receiving donations, stocking shelves, and guiding clients during their shopping experience. The organization also welcomes donations of unopened, non-expired, and factory-sealed food items, with a priority on essentials like pasta sauce, pasta, condiments, and cereal. Additionally, organizing food drives, setting up fundraisers, or contributing financially are impactful ways to aid their mission.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast, established in 1959, have been a cornerstone for youth development in Pinellas County. Their mission is to provide high-quality out-of-school programs that empower young people—especially those who need support the most—to graduate high school with a plan for the future, demonstrate good character and citizenship, and lead healthy lifestyles. The organization focuses on key areas such as academic success, character and leadership development, health and wellness, and workforce readiness for teens. Programs like the Junior Staff initiative equip teens with job readiness skills, preparing them for future careers and responsibilities.
In a significant development, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast have merged with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay, creating one of Florida’s largest nonprofit after-school providers. This strategic merger aims to expand their reach and enhance the quality of services offered to youth across the region. The combined organization continues to operate multiple club locations, including the historic Royal Theater in St. Petersburg, which serves as a hub for arts and education programs. Through this merger, the organization is better positioned to provide safe spaces, mentorship, and opportunities that foster academic success, healthy lifestyles, and leadership development among the youth in the community.
Clothes To Kids, founded in 2002 by Clearwater residents Jode Eye and Marie McClung, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, high-quality clothing to low-income or crisis-affected school-age children in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties. Operating three stores in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and Tampa, the organization offers a dignified shopping experience where children can select a week’s worth of clothing, including tops, bottoms, shoes, socks, underwear, and seasonal items like jackets. This initiative aims to boost students’ confidence and self-esteem, enabling them to attend school ready to learn and succeed.
The impact of Clothes To Kids is significant, with over 208,000 wardrobes distributed since its inception . In 2022 alone, the organization provided more than 15,766 wardrobes to children in need . Community support is vital to their mission, relying entirely on donations and volunteers to operate. Individuals can contribute by donating new or gently used clothing, organizing clothing drives, or volunteering at one of their store locations . Through these collective efforts, Clothes To Kids continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of children across the Tampa Bay area.