Mission Updates - January 2026 to March 2026

John Newman Mission:  January 2026

Our community is supporting Hopeful Ways again this month.  This all-volunteer group was founded over ten years ago to provide specialized vision care:  initially to Nicaragua, and more recently to Costa Rica as well.   The team of specialists and admin volunteers will deploy to Costa Rica later in January.  They are scheduled to provide over 900 people with free eye exams, followed by fitting with free prescription glasses.  Others will receive reading glasses, and even more people will receive sunglasses to protect their eyes.  Financial support will be used to perform cataract removal surgeries in Nicaragua, all coordinated by the Lions Club of Nicaragua.  These surgeries will restore sight to people who are considered legally blind.   This past year, over 200 surgeries were performed, all free of charge, thanks to funds collected by Hopeful Ways.

Hopeful Ways Clinic in Costa Rica - January 2026

Administration Update

The new board of directors had its first meeting in January.  The new slate of officers is:

Jack Leo, President;  John Roba, Vice President;  Steve Hanley, Treasurer;  Mark Brady, Secretary.

Directors include:  Mary Lazickas, Perry Figliotti, Valerie Vullo, Ralph Mercuri, Joann Kiefer-Sullivan (new), and Mary Miller.

++++  Thank You, from Harvest House  ++++

In the past year, the JNMC joined 45 organizations to help with the Harvest House "Baby Shower". The economic input for the community was nearly $50,000 .   The "Baby Shower" provided a six-month inventory of products for the Baby and Children's Ministry.   

February 2026:   Hearts for the Homeless

Our community supported this ever-growing outreach organization again this month.  We heard from Nick Calandra, the Executive Director and President.  Nick explained how the ministry has grown and has done remarkable work this winter, when several warming shelters needed food for the homeless.  Hearts stepped up and filled the need.   Read more about this organization here on their web site: Click Here 

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Ash Wednesday

The community gathered during the evening for our traditional soup and bread dinner.  Thank you, Diane and Ralph Mercuri for planning and preparing the evening gathering at the Unitarian Church on Main Street.   And thank you, Father "Duke" for the Ash Wednesday services that evening.  The community brought delicious soup, bread and desserts!

March 2026:   Buffalo Peace House

Since they opened their doors in 2009, we have supported Buffalo Peace House, a shelter for asylum seekers in Buffalo.   A new location in Buffalo is now the home of the shelter, thanks to a house and property donated by a generous family.  We heard from the Board Chair, Eileen Scannell, about the many services provided to the 22 residents in the facility.   A new modular home is planned to be built on the adjacent lot this summer.  

Timau Mission Update from Sister Joanne

    Sister Joanne sent us photos and letters from our sponsored children.

        Timau: Click Here