St. Francis Inn
St. Francis Inn is a Franciscan, Eucharistic community called to minister with the poor and the homeless of Philadelphia. Formed in the spirit of the Gospel and inspired by the life and compassion of Francis and Clare of Assisi, they try to meet the immediate needs of the people they serve with food, clothing, and hospitality. They also empower persons to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty and address structural injustices. The Inn seeks to build relationships with those that they serve by respecting their human dignity and by helping them to restore hope in their lives, and by living simply among them.
www.stfrancisinn.org

CREATE, Inc.
TLOA makes the first of its annual grant to CREATE, Inc. a multi-service organization in Harlem which provides social services and support to persons of all ages in need. The organization is run by Fr. Benedict Taylor and Fr. Christopher Keenan who took Mychal Judge's place as FDNY Chaplain. Mychal was very involved in CREATE, Inc.
www.createinc.org

St. Christopher's Inn
St. Christopher's Inn in Garrison NY shelters over 1,200 men each year; most whom suffer from alcoholism and/or drug addiction. The Inn was founded almost 100 years ago by Fr. Paul Watson, and is home to St. Anthony's clinic - an OASAS licensed alcohol and substance abuse outpatient program and their primary health care clinic.
www.stchristophersinn-graymoor.org

Good Counsel Homes
TLOA supports single moms with it's first annual grant to Good Counsel Homes. The organization operates five homes in the tri-state area for pregnant single moms. The homes provide a general stay of up to one year providing the basics of food, clothing, and shelter. Single mothers participate in "life skill" programs which include parenting classes, nutrition, career guidance, spirituality and budgeting. Daycare is available in each home so that a mother may work or return to school to complete her education.
www.goodcounselhomes.org

Aiding the children of the Iraq War
On December 16th Ana Walczak, of Monmouth Beach, New Jersey held a "Purpose Party,”…that is, a party where friends, family, kids and adults alike gathered to have fun as they helped pack over 100 gift boxes to be sent to Iraq. The boxes contained items that had been specifically requested by American Military personnel, and toys for them to distribute to the Iraqi children they encountered.

Ana, who is 13, was inspired to launch this project after she attended a Memorial Day service for Dennis Zillinsky II, (a young man who had gone to the same school as her brother) who died last year at the age of 23 while serving in Iraq. At the service, Dennis's mother shared a letter he’d written home to his parents requesting that they send nothing for him, but instead ship some crayons and coloring books that he could give to the Iraqi kids.

Moved by his spirit of generosity, Ana decided to honor his wish, and the idea for her “Purpose Party” was born.

Her first step was to begin purchasing coloring books, crayons, magazines and snacks with money of her own that she had saved.

Then she contacted “Build A Bear Workshop” which immediately offered to contribute 100 bears to her cause. Random House Audio and Rendezvous Entertainment each sent a hundred CDs. Ana also posted letters at her school and around her town describing her 100 box goal, and soon a steady stream of donations were being left at her front door.

When TLOA heard about her mission, they were inspired, and offered complete and total support to make LT. Zilinsky's request a reality. With TLOA behind her, Ana was able to purchase gifts for hundreds of soldiers and kids.

And on Dec 16th Ana’s “Purpose Party” was in full force! In six fun filled hours her friends and family packed over 1,000lbs of toys, games, bears, books, CDs, suduko, cameras and cards. It was a wonderful evening that spoke to the inherent need we all have to give, and affirmed what a great time we can all have doing it!

As Ana said …”One idea can spark a million possibilities”.

Gift of Endowed Education
Charity group offers gift of endowed education to three sisters who lost their parents one year ago December 15, 2004.
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Grant Issued
Father Mike's ministry continues as TLOA makes the first of it's annual grant's to St. Christopher's Inn, Inc.
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