In 1983, five Catholic sisters from different local religious orders set up shop to simply listen to the needs of the people living in a city torn apart by race riots, homelessness, drugs, and relentless poverty. In time, the sisters learned how to navigate the systems and get people connected to the help they needed. Quickly, the Newburgh Ministry became known as the place to go without judgement or qualification.

Today, the Newburgh Ministry continues to thrive as a multicultural, grassroots organization serving the most basic needs of residents in the City of Newburgh.