St. Verena's Outreach Program
A volunteer-led service program of St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church in Raleigh, serving the hungry, the homeless, and the overlooked in our community with compassion and dignity.
"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."Matthew 25:40
Being the hands and feet of Christ
Rooted in the Coptic Orthodox tradition and inspired by St. Verena's life of service, healing, and mercy, we meet people where they are with food, clothing, hygiene essentials, and the assurance that they are not forgotten.
Homeless outreach
Food, clothing, hygiene kits, and blankets on the streets, in shelters, and wherever people need help.
Seasonal drives
Monthly collections of food, clothing, and hygiene items with our local churches and communities.
Emergency response
Volunteers and supplies mobilized quickly during extreme weather, fires, or displacement.
International giving
Support for those in extreme poverty, especially in underserved areas of Africa and the Middle East.
Our story
St. Verena's Outreach Program was born from a heartfelt mission that began with serving our church community in Namibia. During our time there, we witnessed firsthand the resilience, faith, and needs of those facing hardship. The experience deeply impacted us, inspiring a commitment to continue serving long after we returned home.
With the example of St. Verena's compassion and humility guiding us, we established St. Verena's Outreach Program to support the vulnerable members of our local community. Our mission is simple yet profound: to bring hope, dignity, and practical assistance to those in need through acts of love and service.
Today, we honor the spirit of service that first called us in Namibia by working to uplift individuals and families, offering help where it is needed most. We believe that through faith and action, we can be a light for others — just as St. Verena was.
Who was St. Verena?
St. Verena was born around 260 AD to a Christian family in Thebes, Egypt. She traveled with the Theban Legion as a nurse, and after the legion was martyred she settled in what is now Switzerland. There she lived simply, caring for the sick, including people with leprosy, serving the poor, and teaching cleanliness and hygiene.
Her icon shows her with a water jug and bread, signs of her care for the afflicted. Her quiet, humble service is the example our volunteers follow every time we serve.
Follow along
Dates for our next outreach, drives, and photos from the field are posted on Instagram first.
St. Verena's Clothing Service
Our most recent outreach, 2:00 – 4:00 PM. Watch Instagram for the next date, or see past events.
Ways to help
Donate items
We collect toothbrushes, soap, feminine hygiene products, and other essentials all year round.
See the listVolunteer
Find a place to serve in Raleigh, from food banks to weekend meals, or join one of our own events.
See volunteer opportunitiesLearn her story
St. Verena was an Egyptian nurse, hermit, and teacher of cleanliness. Her life shapes how we serve.
Read about St. Verena"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."Psalm 118:24