About Us
Founded by St Vincent de Paul in 1617, patron of all charity, the Ladies of Charity responded to the needs of the poor in seventeenth century France. It is the earliest organization of lay women serving Christ in the world. Together with St. Louise de Marillac, they went quietly about their tasks, seeking no recognition, satisfied with the knowledge that they were serving Christ in the person of the poor. The Ladies of Charity, since their origin, have adhered to the vision of their founder through daily prayer and personal service to the poor. That same Vincentian spirit characterizes the Association today. It asks the personal gift of self, of time, devotion, sacrifices and perseverance in the effort to bring dignity to each person and to respond with compassion to every human misery.
The worldwide fifty-three country Association, in response to prayer and mutual sharing, seeks to be open to the call of Christ through the Church. Throughout our 400 year history, the LOC continues to advocate for the poor and disadvantaged.
Our Mission
The mission of the Ladies of Charity is: “To serve, rather than be served, in humility, simplicity and charity.” Inherent in this statement is that we serve Christ. Ladies of Charity provides each of us with an opportunity to serve Christ in a way that makes a tangible and real difference in the lives of those in need in our surrounding community.
Who Are We Today
Established in 1965, Ladies of Charity of Oakland County serves Christ with a two-fold purpose: to enrich our members by way of their experience serving those less fortunate, and to help the needy in their day-to-day life challenges. The Ladies of Charity provides emergency assistance to those in need. More than a group of individuals, the Ladies of Charity acts communally with a spirit of generous cooperation and sharing of resources to a variety of missions.
The Ladies of Charity has grown from thirty to over three hundred dedicated women. We are a 100% volunteer organization with no paid employees and a registered non-profit 501 (c) (3).
We operate a Clothes Closet / Food Pantry Warehouse on the campus of St. Hugo of the Hills Church in Bloomfield Hills, Mi. Partnering with approximately 47 social service agencies, from this facility the Ladies of Charity supplies groceries, clothing, hygiene items, household goods, children’s books, stuffed animals, food and services to needy individuals and families.
Singlehandedly even during the pandemic, the Ladies of Charity’s Clothes Closet/ Food Pantry Warehouse processed more than 8,762 orders for 6,995 individuals during July 2019 to June 2020. Food is purchased through Gleaners and US Department of Agriculture’s Emergency Food Assistance Program TEFAP).
In addition to this work, we collaborate with the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Matchan Nutrition Center, Mary’s Children, Mary’s Mantle, USDA Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), St. Elizabeth Briarbank, local area churches, Gleaners, Oakland County Sheriff’s Department and others.
What We Do
First and foremost, the Ladies of Charity operates a Clothes Closet/ Food Pantry on the campus of St Hugo of the Hills parish to meet the temporal needs of the disadvantaged. We fill thousands of orders every year. Also, we provide groceries to the clients of various social service agencies for the special celebrations of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter meals. In addition, we provide:
- Thanksgiving turkeys and Easter hams to Matchan Nutrition Center
- Christmas baskets for the needy including food, holiday treats, toys and clothing to local parishes.
- First Communion religious items including prayer books, bibles and rosaries to area children.
- Safely distanced visits to a nursing home to provide companionship, activities and social interaction.
- Sewing groups to produce face masks, baby quilts and hospice blankets.
- A “Stay Connected” committee to provide social interaction for our members.
- Social activities including semi-annual fundraisers, Manresa Day of Reflection, special masses and investiture mass/dinner.
- Assistance with programs for the developmentally disabled
- Help with a residential program for homeless expectant women.
Prayers
Charity, Humility, and Simplicity
My God, I humbly beg you
to make me an instrument of your love;
give me the grace of performing
all my actions to help my
neighbor with charity, humility and simplicity.
It is my hope Lord,
that fidelity in the practice of these
virtues may obtain the reward
which you have promised
to those who serve you
in the person of the poor.
To Ladies of Charity Members
With the resurgence of the coronavirus in the South and Western United States, we pray for the first responders, healthcare professionals, elected officials and those who are working tirelessly to serve us during this crisis.
Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, Queen of the Angels and Mother of the Americas. We fly to you today as your beloved children. We ask you to intercede for us with your Son, as you did at the wedding in Cana.
Pray for us, loving Mother, and gain for our nation and world, and for all our families and loved ones, the protection of your holy angels that we may be spared the worst of this illness.
For those already afflicted, we ask you to obtain the grace of healing and deliverance. Hear the cries of those who are vulnerable and fearful, wipe away their tears and help them to trust
In this time of trial and testing, teach all of us in the Church to love one another and to be patient and kind. Help us to bring the peace of Jesus to our land and to our hearts.
We come to you with confidence, knowing that you truly are our compassionate mother, health of the sick and cause of our joy.
Shelter us under the mantle of your protection, keep us in the embrace of your arms, and help us always to know the love of your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Be Healthy – Be Smart – Be Holy
