Change a Child's Life A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer makes a life-changing difference for children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect. Each volunteer is appointed by a judge to advocate for a child's best interest in court. Advocates are part of a team promoting the well being of children in the child welfare system. A volunteer's court reports help judges develop a fuller picture of each child's life. A typical commitment is about 12 to 15 hours per month, including monthly visits with a child, for 12 to 18 months. For more information on the process and training, check out our local CASA organization at youthheartline.org. Also, Lucy Humbert, one of our parishioners, has served as a CASA volunteer and could tell you about her experience. Lucy Humbert, lucyhumbert@att.net
At present our church office is closed due to the COVID-19 epidemic. Our Food Pantry is open to all on Thursdays 12:30 - 3:45. Used clothing is sometimes available at the food pantry.
Once the epidemic is under control and we can open our office we have three programs: The Rector’s Discretionary Fund may occasionally provide financial assistance to individuals and families in the church and community needing temporary assistance. This program is supervised by our rector, Fr. Mac Brown, on a case-by-case basis. Fr. Mac is available by appointment at 575 758-2790 extension 106. Clothing Voucher: After we reopen, once in 12 months, on Monday and Tuesday mornings (9-noon), visitors can ask for a $10 voucher for clothing from the CAV thrift shop. Gas Heat support: During certain winter months volunteers will also help apply for up to $120 off their New Mexico Gas bill with funds made available through Salvation Army. To apply you will need the following documents:
Copy of your most recent New Mexico Gas bill (in your name, not your landlord’s.)
Photo ID or birth certificate for each member of your household
LIHEAP approval letter
Proof of income for each adult in the house.
Your phone number and social security number
The ongoing need reflects the fact that 22% of residents of Taos County live below the poverty line.
Jim Glenn advises a local resident
12-Step Programs
St James provides subsidized meeting space for many recovery programs each week. Seventeen 12-step programs meet at St James. This includes 6 alcoholics anonymous (AA), 3 narcotics anonymous (NA), overeaters anonymous, adult children of alcoholics, 4 Alanon groups, codependents anonymous (CODA).