3/13/2020
RICHMOND – In line with the public health disaster declaration issued by Fort Bend County in response to the expected spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Mamie George Community Center (MGCC) in Richmond will close temporarily beginning Tuesday, March 17. Current plans are to re-open on April 1. The center functions as the hub for Catholic Charities services in Fort Bend, including programming for seniors, families and individuals of all ages.
Catholic Charities’ Mamie George Community Center
In addition, Trini’s Market food pantry will also be closed beginning March 17, and the community food fair originally scheduled for March 28 is cancelled.
“The majority of our clients are seniors, considered the population most vulnerable to the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Gladys Brumfield James, MGCC’s regional director. “It’s imperative to do all we can to protect their health during these uncertain times.”
MGCC is waiting until Tuesday to close in order to ensure that the seniors who depend on the center for daily hot meals are supplied with shelf-stable meals and food from the Trini’s Market food pantry to last them while the center is closed.
Each month, Patty’s Café at MGCC serves nearly 2,000 hot meals on weekdays to low-income seniors who are otherwise challenged to secure sufficient nutritious food. Trini’s Market prevents hunger by serving more than 450 individuals and families monthly by allowing them to select fresh produce, meat, dairy and nonperishable food. Hundreds more come to food fairs held on one Saturday each month, open to anyone in the community who needs food assistance.
Other services at MGCC include groups for women veterans, classes for young parents, counseling services and more.
Clients who are already receiving services through the center can continue to maintain contact by phone or email with MGCC staff. Volunteers will be contacted separately with potential opportunities for service during this time.