Nearly 800 volunteers contribute their time to the daily operations of the SFBS, and thousands of individuals provide support through cash and material donations. For every dollar donated to the SFBS, ten dollars worth of service is returned to the community. And less than 7 percent of the SFBS's total funding comes from federal, state, and local government.

As a model for social services, Father Dan's SFBS deserves close attention. Since the SFBS is virtually self-sufficient, they don't have to fear that government cutbacks might threaten their existence. Also, the SFBS is able to move quickly to address community needs, without the delay of government bureaucracy. As Father Dan asks in his conclusion to Many Hands, Many Miracles, "How can we ask our clients to become self-sufficient unless we model self-sufficiency ourselves?"

This important and incredibly inspiring book should be read by people of all faiths who are dedicated to finding successful ways to alleviate poverty, hunger, and suffering in America. In the words of Father Dan, "We are all responsible when people suffer from hunger, cold, oppression and hatred. We cannot be apathetic. We cannot stand idly by. We are not powerless. We Can make a difference!"