The Peekskill Area Pastors Association (PAPA) has been in existence for close to 150 years. We are a model for cooperation between communities of diverse beliefs and have historically played a pivotal role in issues of justice, diversity and service in our area.
While we come together to further causes that put our individual faith into action, we respect and do not debate the different approaches to God which we all hold dear.
PAPA and its member congregations is the founder and sponsor of the “noontime meal program” which is served Monday-Friday every week at the Salvation Army building. Three decades ago, our members organized and provided for the now well known “Thanksgiving Day Dinner” which this past year, served approximately 300 persons and distributed clothing, children’s items and other necessities to area families.
Among other humanitarian outreaches, we were instrumental in starting CHOP (Caring for the Homeless of Peekskill), support the Jan Peek Shelter, Fred´s Choice Food Pantry, Hudson River Health Care, Sunny Doughnut Breakfast Program, other area food pantries and much more. In these difficult times, the need for our work is increasing more than ever.
Well over a decade ago, our organization began the inter-faith chaplaincy program at the Hudson Valley Hospital Center, which today boasts round-the-clock service of some 40 chaplains of various confessions.
We host the annual Thanksgiving Inter-Religious Service. In 2009, this service attracted close to 400 people and was highlighted over seven languages and the various cultures of the greater Peekskill-Cortlandt area.
In the second decade of the Twenty-first century, PAPA remains committed to promoting inter-faith dialogue, understanding and cooperation, so much needed in our world today.
