By RYAN ARENA

L’Observateur

LAPLACE — When we slip and fall, we can all use a helping hand to get back on our feet.

That statement is the effective purpose of the St. John Ministry of Care, a social service organization that seeks to help those struck by misfortune to regroup and get back on their feet.

Open twice a week, on Wednesdays and Fridays, the Ministry of Care and its volunteers work with its clients to provide food and financial assistance on a case-by-case basis.

The organization thrives most when it has much to give; in particular, food donations are a big lift to the cause, and Labat said that, fortunately, this has been a good time for the group to that end.

The office holds a food bank, one that is currently well-stocked. Church and school food drives have pushed matters forward. At the beginning of June, the Post Office made a major contribution.

“Some church organizations collect food and bring it to us,” said Labat. “Most recently, the post office had a food drive. It was a parish-wide deal. They brought us a ton of food, so we’re fairly well-stocked.

“When that’s the case, we’re able to give a little more food to each person in need.”

Donations by individuals, Labat said, are always welcome and extremely beneficial.

“We’re fairly stocked now, but if the food keeps going out and you don’t get any in, your supply evaporates,” said Labat.

At times, the Ministry of Care also helps those rendered unable to pay their rent or utility bills in full — those decisions are made on the basis of perceived need. At others, it helps some purchase prescription drugs needed to treat an illness.

“We can’t help clients on a regular basis with those things, like a government organization could,” said Labat. “But in a case where someone has lost their job suddenly and just need a hand in staying afloat, we’ve offered that when able to.

“We know there are people who might try to take advantage, and we get taken sometimes. But we’d rather err on the side of helping someone in need.”

Labat said that more than anything right now, the Ministry of Care can use a few extra volunteers.

“On a given day, we may see 15 people. Each client gets a 45 minute meeting,” said Labat. “Four hours goes by very quickly. We want to help everyone who comes in, but sometimes you just don’t have enough people on the job.”

The St. John Ministry of Care is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays. It is located on 217 W. Fifth St. in LaPlace.