Directed by Pastor Angelique Labade, Sojourner Truth Ministries in Williamsport endeavors to provide patrons and the broader community with a comprehensive program beyond a daily meal. One of the ways the organization does this is by hosting its annual Community Wellness Fair. This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, June 17th, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “The goal is to connect the people we serve with the resources that they need,” said Pastor Angelique. “We have established the proper relationships that empower and motivate individuals to engage the community and navigate the resources that are available to meet their specific needs.”
The Community Wellness Fair will include health, wellness, and social service agencies from around the region that will be providing giveaways, educational materials, and also opportunities for the public to connect with various resources and programs.
About STM-Sojourner Truth Ministries has served the community for over 26 years and continues to live out a mission that reaches far beyond providing meals. Located at 501 High Street, Sojourner Truth Ministries is a Christian nonprofit and integrated soup kitchen. Over the years, it has become a trusted place where people can find not only food but also encouragement, prayer, practical support, and a sense of belonging.
Anyone who has spent time at STM during the lunch hour can quickly see why the ministry has made such a lasting impact. Guests are greeted warmly, and the dining room offers more than a place to eat. It is a place of fellowship, dignity, and human connection. Staff members and volunteers work to create an atmosphere where each person is welcomed and treated with care. Pastor Angelique is often found speaking with guests, offering a smile, a kind word, or simply her presence. That spirit of hospitality is one of the defining qualities of the ministry.
Hot meals are served Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and for those who cannot stay, brown-bag lunches are available to go. Prayer and a daily devotion are offered during mealtime, and on Saturdays, Dinner Church is held upstairs in the sanctuary at 11:15 a.m. STM also provides a limited food giveaway from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. In addition to meeting physical needs, the ministry creates opportunities for spiritual growth through Bible study, held on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the sanctuary.
When asked how daily meals connect people in the community, Stephanie Shover, Pre-missionary to South Africa and PhD candidate, stated, “The soup kitchen builds bridges with people and helps refer them to supports for them and their families. Building community and strong, healthy relationships. It meets the need for food insecurity in Williamsport as well as provides a place for people to seek help with other resources.” Shover went on to say that the idea behind the health fair was to build awareness in the community and collaboration among agencies.
“STM was named after one of my heroes, Sojourner Truth,” said Pastor Angelique. “She escaped slavery and went on to be a powerful preacher, abolitionist, promoted women’s and all people’s rights, and demonstrated that one’s past does not need to dictate their future. People can rise from their circumstances and ought to help others along the way. We are a soup kitchen serving in Williamsport. One of our tag lines is “so much more than a soup kitchen”, and we welcome people in for community time and a hearty meal while treating each with dignity. The food is often times the back door to connecting with others, and agencies, who may be able to help people with their specific areas of need. We do everything with the love of Jesus Christ.”
When asked why she thought STM was important to the community, Pastor Angelique went on to say, “We help, even if in micro-steps, people to move forward if they choose. We serve meals, have emergency food care boxes, an after-school kids program and tutoring, daily optional devotions, and opportunities for spiritual growth. This place is a community hub for many; a safe place to be.”
She went on to say that the Community Wellness Fair is an excellent opportunity for multiple reasons. “For agencies to network and collaborate, for those curious about or needing various services to be introduced to real people representing those services, and to have opportunities to ask questions,” said Pastor Angelique. “We hope that this eliminates apprehension to receive services. We have connections made, and barriers lessen, leading to follow-up and follow-through. I so much appreciate how advocacy also happens as a result of connections being made at the resource fair. Pipeline referrals- I have done this myself numerous times. In addition to this, neighbors and our community have opportunities to connect, learn, collaborate, and be introduced or reintroduced to services in our area. This can only strengthen our community.”
Event details: Sojourner Truth Ministries Community Wellness Fair will be held on June 17th, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at 501 High Street, Williamsport.
