SOCIAL SERVICES

The Sisters of St. John of God have always responded to the needs of the time and have been closely associated with the people among whom they have lived and worked. This response has taken on many and varied forms in both professional and voluntary capacities.

Wheelchair Association

Our Sisters have been involved with the Wheelchair Association for many years and the Province presented the Association with a large site beside our Kilkenny Convent. On this site, independent living units have been built for the wheelchair-bound.

Community Development

Sisters have been and are involved in community development in deprived areas in Wexford and Offaly. They network with other agencies including Respond in an effort to improve the standard of living and quality of life for many families. Link www.respond.ie

Sheltered Housing for the Elderly

In Rathdowney, Owning and Enniscorthy, sheltered housing for the elderly has proved to be very successful. This success is partly due to the commitment of the community of Sisters of St John of God who care for the elderly residents in their respective locations.

Meals on Wheels

In Wexford of the 1950s a building on the quayside was known as the 'Penny Dinners'. Here the Sisters of St John of God prepared and served dinner to the many homeless and poor of the area. This developed into what we now know as 'Meals on Wheels', a service provided not only in Wexford but throughout the length and breadth of Ireland. While no longer responsible for the running of these projects, we cooperate with our colleagues as cooks, helpers and drivers.

St. Vincent de Paul

Because of our commitment to the materially poor, our Sisters are encouraged to network with the St Vincent de Paul Society and to become members when feasible.

A Sister works as a full-time counsellor with the St Vincent de Paul Society.