Human Concerns Approaches

The Human Concerns committee coordinates the parish Social Ministry through three areas of focus: Justice Education, Social Action, and Direct Services. A Christian faith perspective guides the committee's discussions, recommendations, and actions in: the parish and the broader society.

Justice Education

The purpose of the Justice Education subcommittee of the Human Concerns Committee is to educate our parishioners on Catholic social teachings and on justice issues which affect our lives and the lives of others.

Social Action

There are various ways in which the community can reach out to others by offering time and talent as well as treasure to assist in raising quality of life.

Alzheimer's Family Support Group: This is a monthly support group for the family and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. The purpose is to enable those involved to better cope and become aware of all options in daily care and responsibilities. This support group is not limited to parishioners but is associated with the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Association. For additional information, call the Parish Office. 

Crop Walk: This nationwide hunger walk is sponsored in this area by the Interfaith conference of Greater Milwaukee. Our yearly efforts at St. Alphonsus are coordinated by the Human Concerns, Christian Formation, and School Committees. Money is raised for international hunger relief while non-perishable food is collected for local food pantries. For additional information, call the Parish Office. 

Interfaith Southwest Neighborhood Outreach to Older Adults: The area of ministry for this group is to neighborhood older adults in an effort to keep them living independently in the community for as long as possible. Services include shopping, transportation, visiting, and light housework, as well as providing information on home health care, housing, meals, and other related concerns. For additional information, call the Parish Office. 

Habitat for Humanity: This nationwide ecumenical Christian ministry provides decent, affordable housing to low income families. Volunteer labor and funds are provided by parish members for the restoration of homes in the central city. For additional information, call the Parish Office. 

Respect Life: This group strives to promote an awareness and respect for all stages of life, from conception to natural death. The action of this committee is through education, services, and advocating legislative issues pertinent to all aspects of human life. 
Direct Services

In offering ourselves in service to the poor, the parishioners of St. Alphonsus participate in many "hand-on" or "direct" services to those who need them. For further information on any of these direct services, call the Parish Office.

Emergency Food Pantry: This group provides emergency food for families in need on a temporary basis. Donations of food and money are accepted and will be used to stock the Greendale Food Pantry, located on parish grounds, which will serve the people in Greendale and the surrounding communities. 

Caring Friends: In serving St. Alphonsus parishioners, this group will make confidential telephone contact when there is an extended illness, accident or death in the family. 

Community Meal Programs: Through the generosity and efforts of many, this group is able to purchase, prepare, and serve over 10,000 meals a year to the hungry at three area meal program sites: St. Vincent de Paul, St. Francis, and St. Ben's. 

Guest House Shelter: This group coordinates parishioners as hospitality assistants for the less fortunate at the Guest House, a shelter in the City of Milwaukee. The program is supported by volunteers from churches within Milwaukee and surrounding areas. 

House of Correction: This group of parishioners works with neighboring parishes to provide a variety of services to the men at the Milwaukee County House of Correction. 

Christmas Toy Collection: This collection of new toys and money around Christmas time is designed to bring joy to those who otherwise would not be able to have toys. Distribution of toys is through various parishes and organizations in the Milwaukee area. 

Nursing Home Bingo: Donations by parishioners of bingo prizes and money are collected and volunteers assist at Mount Carmel Nursing Home in the playing of Bingo by the residents. 

S.A.G.E. (St. Alphonsus Golden Envoys): The goal of this group is to promote a sense of Christian community among older adults. After lunch and a general meeting, there is usually entertainment, guest speakers, or special activities for the group. 

St. Alphonsus Employment Assistance Network: This network has been established to help unemployed and under-employed parishioners and others in the following ways: (1) to identify those who are unemployed and under-employed; (2) to locate potential employers and advisors; (3) to provide referrals; and (4) to provide information and career planning. 

St. Vincent de Paul Society: This society is a group of fellow parishioners whose mission is to help the less fortunate in all areas of need. Their mission is supported by income from poor boxes in church and donations from benefactors. Requests for help are handled through the Parish Office.