Over 200 people gathered together on November 16th at the Second Annual Quincy Mayor's Prayer Breakfast. More than $11,000 was raised, all of which will benefit Interfaith Social Services, a Quincy based social service agency.

‘This event is an inspirational way to begin a day, but more importantly it shows the rich diversity of faith traditions that exists here in Quincy,' said Mayor Koch. ‘It also highlights the positive influence Interfaith Social Services has on the lives of so many residents. All in all it was a resounding success.'

The program combined prayer offerings and music from various faiths. Each participant prayed in his her own unique religious tradition, all focusing on the theme of giving thanks.

‘At Interfaith each day we see the tremendous need many people have for basic services such as food, clothing and shelter,' said Rick Doane, Executive Director of Interfaith Social Services. ‘The funds we receive from events like the prayer breakfast help to provide those physical necessities to our impoverished neighbors. We are so grateful for the support we receive from all local houses of worship, and the hope that they are instilling in all the members of our community.'

This year's program participants were Father Jack O'Brien of Sacred Heart Parish, Rev. David Martinez of Central Baptist Church, Captain Heather Odom of the Salvation Army, Rabbi Fred Benjamin from Temple Shalom Milton, Rev. Jack Swanson of the Union Congregational Church, Rev. Francis Balla of the Evangelical Church of the Atlantic, Sajid Yusuf Saraf of the Islamic Center of New England, Anand Saran and Kumu Gupta of the Braj Center, Rev. Dr. Mary Louis Gifford of Wollaston Congregational Church, Rev. Eric Hillegas of St. Chrysostom's Episcopal Church, and David Godfrey of the First Church of Christ Scientist. Sean Glennon of the City's Planning Department provided the musical accompaniment.

Additional Information about Interfaith Social Services

Interfaith Social Services has been serving impoverished South Shore residents since 1947. They are a nonreligious multiservice center for local families and individuals in need. Programs include: the Pantry Shelf, distributing over 400,000 lbs. of food to impoverished local residents every year.

The Learning Pantry, educating food pantry clients about vital life skills such as financial literacy, nutrition, etc. HomeSafe, providing assistance and homelessness prevention services to families and individuals in emergency situations. Harvest Helpers organizes backyard gardeners and community groups who donate fresh local produce to food pantries.

New Directions Counseling Center serves adults, children, couples and families who are dealing with a myriad of life issues. A special program within the center reaches out to clients who cannot afford the help that they so desperately need. Quincy Medical Center Interfaith Chaplaincy delivers counseling to hospital patients and grieving families.

Bureau Drawer thrift shop provides the community with an affordable option for clothing and household items. The shop is run entirely by volunteers. The Career Closet outfits low income job seekers with free professional attire. For more information about ISS, or to donate online, please visit: www.interfaithsocialservices.org

|