How are Miraculous Medal Church and 

the Ryan Outreach Center Connected? 



The OLMM Parish Outreach blossomed gradually in the early 1970s, when parishioners and church leaders decided to take direct action to help uplift the community of Wyandanch--our home turf. 

Initially, the focus was on feeding the hungry via street outreach, and setting up a food pantry. Later, a clothing distribution point was established in the rectory basement.

In 1975, with the hiring of a bi-lingual social worker, the Outreach was making undeniable progress in its mission, and in '85 it adopted the name Gerald J. Ryan Outreach, to honor the dynamic former OLMM associate priest and (later) Auxiliary Bishop of our diocese.

OLMM was among the very first churches in the Diocese of Rockville Center to formalize outreach as integral to parish ministry.

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In 1992, the Gerald J. Ryan Outreach Center (GROC) became incorporated as a not-for-profit 501 c3, so as to efficiently channel government and other grants to meet the serious challenges of local people in need and at risk--most especially those facing homelessness and hunger. 

Later, services were expanded to include emergency assistance to help local residents in crisis situations. 

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Financial donations, all tax deductible, can be

made directly in the name of the Gerald J. Ryan Outreach OR, alternatively, in the name of OLMM Church--as long as they are specifically designated for the Ryan Outreach programs.