“Nothing can be done….” is the oft-used excuse for apathetic and passive acceptance. After all, despite all of our human activities, the world is slowly spinning toward entropy, as my sweet husband frequently points out. Sure, our efforts cannot solve all of the world’s ills, not even all of the problems of the inner-city of our “Sweet Home, Chicago”‘ — but they can and do make a difference — one life at a time.
Holy Family Ministries of Chicago has been one such difference making organization for over 30 years. Founded in 1985 by a “small but visionary congregation of the Cabrini-Green public housing community,” and led by Senior Pastor Charles Infelt, the Holy Family (K-3) Lutheran School was established and supported by five suburban Lutheran congregations, including Lutheran Church of the Atonement in Barrington, Kenilworth Union Church, Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hinsdale, Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Northfield, and Trinity Lutheran Church in Evanston. These congregations continue to be Church Partners with the ministry.
“They are very supportive of our children and our programs,” said Cynthia Schmidt, chief development officer and development director. Soon after that, the Holy Family Advisory Council was established and run by Susan Work, its soon-to-be retiring President and CEO of Holy Family Ministries.
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Holy Family Ministries’ mission statement declares that “We provide opportunities for children and adults from Chicago’s underserved neighborhoods to excel academically, grow spiritually, expand life experiences and become effective leaders.”
Holy Family School and Little Learners Academy, which teaches children in their formative pre-school and elementary years, has “nearly quadrupled in size” in their award-winning facility in the Homan Square area of North Lawndale, and this crucial instruction often leads to enrollment in competitive high schools and colleges. Other concrete examples of their ministries include their “Adventures in Learning After School and Summer Camp Programs, which received the 2015 “Best Practice Program Award” at the 29th Annual Illinois Afterschool Spring Conference; and Peace Builders, which promotes peace and non-violence through young Chicago leadership, as well as “The Peace Exchange” with Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Lutheran Church of the Atonement and Barrington residents Tami and Joe Pringle, have been “Faithful friends and Volunteers” of Holy Family for over 20 years.
“With the government’s recent cuts in education, the need for scholarship assistance is greater now than ever.” Tami added, “It’s an amazing place… Faith an education are two things that can never be taken away from you.”
Because of their loyal support, Tami and Joe are the “Champion of Children Award” recipients at this year’s Fall Benefit. You are invited to “Reach for the Stars” to support these ministries on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. at Stonegate Conference and Banquet Centre, 2401 West Higgins, Hoffman Estates. There will a cocktail reception and silent auction at 6:00 p.m., followed by a dinner and program at 7:30, and a live auction at 10 p.m. Joe is a Holy Family board member and both are on the benefit committee. Susan Work commented on why the Pringles where being honored: “One of things that the Pringles do so well is to involve their whole family. They have transmitted their family values to their children. It has made a huge impact on their lives and has enriched Holy Family Ministries tremendously.”
Individual tickets to the benefit are at $100 per person; patrons at $500 receive two tickets; partners at $1,000 receive four tickets; and sponsors at $1,500 receive a table for 10 guests. Cannot attend? There is also a special $25,000 matching gift award from the Kemper Educational and Charitable Fund that will “dollar for dollar” match all new and increased contributions. You may RSVP online at holyfamilyministries.org or send donations to: Holy Family Ministries, 550 Frontage Road #2820, Northfield, IL 60093.
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Kim Albrecht is a freelance columnist for Pioneer Press.