Sojourner Truth Ministries (STM), a Christian-faith nonprofit organization, will be holding its annual Community Health and Resource fair on Wednesday, September 24th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Castellano Center, 320 Park Ave, on the corner of Hepburn and Park Ave. in Williamsport.
This free, family-friendly event aims to empower individuals and families by providing access to health services, wellness education, and local resources. The fair will include free immunizations, health screenings, and wellness checks. In addition, information on mental health, addiction recovery, housing support, nutrition, and employment will be available. “This upcoming health and resource fair is a chance for neighbors, beyond whom typically STM reaches, to discover or rediscover additional tools and contacts they need in order to take steps necessary to thrive, all in one welcoming place,” said Pastor Angelique Labadie, director of Sojourner Truth Ministries.
Free medical services include immunizations for adults and children, blood pressure checks, and basic screenings. The event will also include resource booths hosted by local agencies offering information on housing, employment, legal aid, domestic violence support, and public assistance programs. Free healthy snacks and wellness tips will be available, along with cooking demonstrations.
Sojourner Truth Ministries, Inc. is an integrated soup kitchen located at 501 High St, Williamsport, providing meals, limited social services, faith-building, and other intentional activities to help many who are struggling in the community. The ministry serves hot meals Monday through Saturday.
The organization began as a simple soup kitchen in the former High Street Methodist Church. When it became necessary for this church to close its doors, the church building and parsonage were sold for $1 to several churches that joined forces to help feed hungry people by means of a traditional soup kitchen. This remains the core ministry of Sojourner Truth Ministries, Inc. to this day.
In 2024, Sojourner Truth Ministries served 36,400 lunches in addition to perishable food giveaways during the week. This offered numerous opportunities to connect in meaningful ways with patrons, include warm handoffs to local agencies and emotional and spiritual support. “Our integrated soup kitchen works hard to offer more for our neighbors,” said Pastor Labadie. “We strongly believe that our neighbors both deserve and need hope, health, and resource advocacy, and a connection to the greater community.”
Earlier this year, Sojourner Truth Ministries celebrated its 25th anniversary. Over the years, the organization has grown to become so much more than a soup kitchen. While a meal might be the main entry for most people, they quickly learn that STM is a ministry. The group emphasizes that they are ambassadors for God and believe in sharing His loving, healing heart with all who come through their doors.
Their mission: To love all people, create community, build character, and equip people to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. Their goal: To provide a place where God’s love may be experienced. Their doors are open to all as they minister to those who are broken, whether that brokenness is financial, physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, or any other type. Sojourner Truth Ministries seeks to be a place of safety and healing through the grace, healing, and mercy of Jesus Christ.
Call for sponsors and partners: Sojourner Truth Ministries would like to invite local businesses, medical providers, and community organizations to sponsor and/or exhibit at the Community Health and Resource Fair. Your support makes it possible to deliver these critical services to the community free of charge. Sponsorship levels include name/logo recognition on event banners, flyers, social media, and press materials.
In addition, Sojourner Truth Ministries is actively seeking volunteers who know the peace of Christ and are able to share that peace with those who are troubled, anxious, alienated, and disenfranchised. All volunteers must meet the Safe Sanctuaries requirements.
For more information about Sojourner Truth Ministries or if you would like to donate or volunteer, go to stmwilliamsport.org or call 570-323-1797.
