Sisters of Saint Joseph Bring Mission of Hope to Camden

Religious order celebrates 50 years of community service in New Jersey city.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Sisters of Saint Joseph, a Catholic religious order, are celebrating 50 years of serving the community of Camden, New Jersey. The order operates a neighborhood center that provides essential services and programs to local residents, including food assistance, job training, and youth development initiatives.

Why it matters

The Sisters of Saint Joseph have been a steadfast presence in Camden, one of New Jersey's most economically disadvantaged cities, for half a century. Their work reflects the order's mission of serving the poor and marginalized, and highlights the important role that faith-based organizations can play in supporting vulnerable communities.

The details

The Sister of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Center, led by Sister Bonnie McMenamin, offers a range of programs and resources to Camden residents. These include a food pantry, after-school tutoring, job readiness workshops, and recreational activities for children. The center also partners with local organizations to provide additional services, such as healthcare screenings and legal aid.

  • The Sisters of Saint Joseph first established a presence in Camden in 1976.
  • The neighborhood center celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2026.

The players

Sisters of Saint Joseph

A Catholic religious order that has been serving the Camden community for 50 years through its neighborhood center and various outreach programs.

Sister Bonnie McMenamin

The director of the Sister of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Center in Camden, leading the order's mission of providing essential services and support to local residents.

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What they’re saying

“Our mission is to bring hope and support to the people of Camden, and we've been doing that for the past 50 years through our neighborhood center and other initiatives.”

— Sister Bonnie McMenamin, Director, Sister of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Center

What’s next

The Sisters of Saint Joseph plan to continue their community outreach efforts in Camden, exploring new ways to address the city's ongoing challenges and support its residents.

The takeaway

The Sisters of Saint Joseph's longstanding commitment to serving the people of Camden, one of New Jersey's most disadvantaged cities, is a testament to the power of faith-based organizations to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.