Special to the Regional Review
St. Leonard’s Parish, Pastor Fr. Michael Della Penna, John “JR” Romano along with his family and friends will be running an event to help and support the Rita A DiMento Women’s Clinic at Arch Street Church.
The clinic is a walk-in clinic that provides comprehensive medical care and services for Boston’s most vulnerable population, homeless women.
A team of female medical professionals works alongside a licensed drug and alcohol counselor and recovery coach to bring women off the street to provide medical and recovery services, case management, connections to housing services, mental health referrals, shelter navigation and victim services and support. It offers women a safe place to relax, shower and unwind from the chaos of their daily lives.
Many of these women are reluctant to seek care at co-ed clinics, where privacy and comfort can be compromised.
Street outreach is done to meet women where they are at. You will find the team underground in the T, bus and train stations, the Boston Common and anywhere homeless women might be.
The clinic serves as a refuge, offering a calming and confidential environment tailored to their unique needs.
The event will be held on Saturday March 22, 8.am to 4:30 pm at St. Joseph’s Hall at St. Leonard’s Church, 31 Prince Street. We will be collecting items needed by the most vulnerable members of society, homeless women.
Items for collecting-ALL ITEMS MUST BE NEW:
Women’s sweatpants, leggings, sports bras, women’s socks, new or gently worn women’s sneakers, women’s T-shirts, individual sunblock packets, summer baseball hats/sun hats, fanny packs, water bottles (refillable) or pouches, body wipes, small bug sprays, $10 gift cards to Dunkins or McDonald’s, (gift cards are used to incentivize goals and/or medical tests, also allow use of a restroom). Spare change will also be collected.
Join Fr. Michael and all the helpers at the 5pm Mass following this act of love. The second collection at this mass will be dedicated to this mission. Any questions or to make a donation before the event, please contact John at (617) 750-9749 or [email protected]. Donations by Venmo are also accepted.