The mission of our outreach program is To build and nurture a community of Christians that spreads the Word of God by ministering to the physical needs of the church family, the surrounding community and the world. This mission is accomplished through St. Dunstan’s sponsored programs, by collaborating with other organizations to meet greater community needs, and by providing in-kind and financial support to programs beyond the San Diego community. Our Outreach Ministry team provides oversight to the programs which are funded by an annual two-day rummage sale with more than 100 members of the congregation coming together to create a profitable event, as well as time, talent and treasure of St. Dunstan’s members. Many of the programs supported by St. Dunstan’s address the needs of homeless individuals and families, victims of domestic violence, and refugees.

How Do I Get Involved?
There are a variety of ways you can get involved. You can join the Outreach Ministry team which meets on the first Monday evening of the even-numbered months. You can get involved in one or more of the programs listed below. Some provide an opportunity to share your time and talent and others provide an opportunity to donate new or gently used household items and clothes as well as food and personal hygiene products. You can volunteer at the annual rummage sale which provides gently used affordable merchandise for the San Diego community along with funding to support our Outreach Ministry mission. It is also a great way to get acquainted with other parishioners. For additional information call the Church Office at (619) 460-6442 or send an email to outreach@stdunstans.org.

Our Outreach Ministry
Below is a very brief overview of the programs supported by St. Dunstan’s. For more information regarding a specific program send an email to outreach@stdunstans.org.

St. Dunstan’s Sponsored Programs

  • Angel Tree provides Christmas gifts for needy families.
  • San Diego Agape supports SDSU students through this Lutheran-Episcopal campus ministry.
  • Emergency assistance programs.
    • Parish and Ministry Discretionary Funds
    • Food and Gas Cards
  • St. Dunstan’s Scholarship Program awards scholarships to high school graduates from Patrick Henry High School and to graduates who are members of St. Dunstan’s.

San Diego County Collaboratives

  • ISN Rotational Shelter provides housing and services for homeless men, women and families. St. Dunstan’s hosts up to 12 guests for two weeks each year.
  • ISN El Nido apartment provides housing and services for battered women and their children. St. Dunstan’s sponsors one of 11 units.
  • San Diego Youth Services Teen Shelter provides shelter and transitional housing for children and young adults, without a home, who otherwise would have nowhere to go.
  • Amikas provides housing for homeless women and veterans, many with children.
  • East County Transitional Living Center provides transitional living centers and support programs for individuals and families.
  • Helping Empower Community Refugees assists refugees resettle in San Diego County.
  • 29:Eleven Maternity Home empowers expectant mothers through safe housing, healthcare, counseling and life skills training. Services provided through six months after birth of their baby.
  • St. Paul’s Senior Services provides affordable senior living communities and innovative services.
  • Alcoholics Anonymous, Al-Anon and CODA St. Dunstan’s provides meeting space for these groups.

Episcopal Diocese of San Diego Sponsored Programs

  • Episcopal Community Services (ECS) serves persons in need through programs that foster hope, dignity, and independence through social services that encourage healthy interdependence.
  • ECS Uptown Safe Haven is a residential facility serving chronically homeless single adults.
  • RefugeeNet helps refugee families become self-reliant, engaged, and contributing citizens.

National and Global Projects

  • Heifer International provides animals, tools and training to help families transform their lives in the USA and throughout the world.
  • Mexico Ministries and Mission in Puerto Vallarta, one of the few English-speaking churches on Mexico’s west coast, is supported with donations for their facilities and their outreach programs, which include layettes for the newborns at Majesterio Regional Hospital, its Hospice program, the sewing project at the Women’s Prison, as well as work with the junior high school for the handicapped. Fr. Jack and Shirley Wehrs are founders of this program and are also members of St. Dunstan’s. They spend several months each year in Puerto Vallarta.
  • ROWAN (Rural Orphans and Widows AIDS Network), registered with both the Ugandan government as an NGO and a 501©3 non-profit in the United States, provides access to education, health care, nutrition and clean water for residents in a rural area of eastern Uganda.