Universal Search

Supportive Partnership Recognition at September School Board Meeting

At the last Washington Township school board meeting, Deleath Blomberg and St. Luke’s were recognized as a supportive community partner. We were nominated because Kristin Parisi, the Director of the Early Learning Center, has come to depend on the assistance we are able to provide through our weekly food donations to families at ELC. This is what she had to say about the program and it’s impact:

“When I was younger, my dad taught me how to care for those who aren't as fortunate as I was. I have fond memories of going to Kroger and picking up boxes of canned foods for the school canned food drive. When I walk through the rooms of my school and see the families in need, I am taken back to those days when my dad told me to always give to others. BUT...I can't give to all of my families in the ways that I want to. However, many hands make light work and you have all stepped in to make this light work! Our children are getting fed at home and families are able to take one thing off their plate. I am truly grateful and love the partnership that we are forming with St. Luke's!”

Thank you and congratulations to Deleath and everyone who has supported the Weekend Warriors food program. We plan to continue expanding what we can provide, and we are so thankful that we are able to help keep food on the tables of children in our community. Be sure to check out the article in our "Neighbor Resources" section to learn about a NEW way to volunteer with the Early Learning Center!

Please click here for more information about getting involved and providing groceries!

Submitted by Samantha Isaacs

UWF Rummage for a Reason

Drop Off & Setup: September 24-25 | 9am-6pm
                              September 26 | 9am – 12pm
Shop Member’s Sale: September 26 | 6-8pm
Public Sale: September 27 | 8am-2pm

Rummage for a Reason is our semi-annual sale to support organizations in our community that benefit women, youth, and children. Make some time to clean out your home and bring in your donations for a good cause!

We would also love to have you join us for sorting and setting up from Sept 24-26, and to help us clean up on September 27. Feel free to invite friends, family, and neighbors. The more volunteers, the more fun!

Thursday morning is our Volunteer Pitch-in Luncheon from 11am-Noon. Bring a dish and join us!

Click here to sign up as a volunteer!

Please contact Brenda Westfall with any questions.

Submitted by Lori Chambers

Update on Afghan Resettlement

A tireless team of 4 St. Lukers includes Bob Dillingham, Teresa Towriss, Debbie Davis, and Steve King. This team continues to support the family that St. Luke’s helped to sponsor in 2022 through Exodus Refugee. From school supplies to tutoring, from odd jobs to after school activities, these four friends are helping this family not only survive, but thrive in the U.S. The lives of the 7 children involved will be forever changed.

But for the past year, there has been another initiative underway. Our team has supported four Afghan women through the process of obtaining their driver’s licenses. There are only a handful of BMV branches in the State that are set up to accommodate testing with a translator. And only one driving instructor who would give them behind-the-wheel instruction.

These women do not read, and do not speak English. For most of their lives, they have not been allowed to leave their homes without an approved chaperone. Imagine the independence they have received with this one document. The ability to go to the store, to visit a friend, to transport their children, to go to a doctor appointment, and even potentially to get a job. These four women enthusiastically embraced the opportunity, and studied and practiced for hours upon hours.

We are so proud to have been a part of this empowering experience. Thank you Teresa and Debbie for all your efforts!

Submitted by Shelly Clasen