Holy Moments

Our Father Michael Wittman Ozanam Center (FMWOC) is a food pantry and clothing bank located at the Chambers Community Empowerment Center in East Cleveland, Ohio. It is named after Fr. Wittman who served as Pastor of the former Christ the King Parish in East Cleveland and was devoted to serving individuals in need; and SVDP’s founder, Blessed Frédéric Ozanam.

The Center is open every Saturday from 10am to 12pm and individuals and families receive free food including fresh produce, clothing, shoes, books and even household items. Mary Golrick, a weekly volunteer of over 10 years, commented that, “One of the biggest advantages of the current location is the walk-in cooler that allows us to store and hand out fresh produce because the Center is in a food desert.”

But it is so much more than just a food pantry – many of the neighbors served come every Saturday as early as 8am to socialize. It is a community where everyone feels they belong. This includes the mighty team of about 24 volunteers that show up each week to operate the Center.

They come from backgrounds that include lawyers, doctors, nurses, and business executives. They are from over 15 local churches and Catholic Parishes including Church of the GESU, St. Mary’s in Chardon, Communion of Saints, St. Gabriel and Sacred Heart of Jesus in South Euclid. Some of the volunteers are not affiliated with any religious organization. Case Western University students attend most Saturdays to help with the “heavy lifting,” and Church of the Savior is also a supporter of FMWOC. As long-time volunteer, John Kirn said, “We have an impressive group of volunteers that come together from many churches and backgrounds.”

In fiscal year 2024-2025, a total of 3,055 bags of groceries and 23,671 clothing items were distributed to 4,339 people.

Thank you, volunteers, for all you do for SVDP, and in honor of Fr. Michael Wittman!