St. Luke’s Services, Inc. (SLSI) has as its mission: a) the provision of wholesome and appealing meals, in a cheerful, no-questions-asked setting where men, women and children in need are welcomed; and b) the offering of varied additional support services to guests who choose to utilize them. In a land of great plenty for some and demeaning poverty for others, we believe that providing food for the hungry is a compelling necessity, but that meals alone constitute a “band aid” measure. We therefore feel responsible for addressing some of the causes of dysfunctional living as well, by making available a range of life enhancing opportunities.
The sustaining philosophy of our work is the time-honored belief that there is God in every man, woman and child. Translated into soup kitchen terms, this challenges us to share respect consistently among lunch guests, paid and volunteer staff, and professionals. Not always an easy task where intensely difficult life issues often make for a precarious balance of tempers. However, respect works! Women express their appreciation for the special St. Luke’s atmosphere, and – very importantly- give us their trust, thus enabling us to assist them with services which range from pastoral counseling to children’s programs.
It has been 22 years since St. Luke’s Services fed its first six luncheon guests. The lunchroom doors were opened June 1989 and a full course meal was prepared by the late William Johnson. In 1994 St. Luke’s Services, Inc., was incorporated as a non-profit organization, governed by its own board of directors and separate from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The two maintain an active and valued relationship by parishioners who continue to serve on the Board.
In 2010 St. Luke’s Services distributed 2,531 meals in our friendly “no questions asked” environment. The mutual respect found in this lunchroom opens opportunity to lend a hand in a variety of ways. By that, St. Luke’s Services operates a food pantry, diaper bank and clothes closet. Each year, students of the Hopkins School assist “Santa” by sharing their bounty with families from St. Luke’s Services along with the parish of St. George Catholic Church in Guilford, Connecticut. Thanksgiving baskets are provided to needy families. The items included assure a full thanksgiving meal with the trimmings. We are grateful to St. George Catholic Church which continues to provide generous support in this area.
Submitted by Yvette Barnard, SLSI Secretary/Treasurer
The sustaining philosophy of our work is the time-honored belief that there is God in every man, woman and child. Translated into soup kitchen terms, this challenges us to share respect consistently among lunch guests, paid and volunteer staff, and professionals. Not always an easy task where intensely difficult life issues often make for a precarious balance of tempers. However, respect works! Women express their appreciation for the special St. Luke’s atmosphere, and – very importantly- give us their trust, thus enabling us to assist them with services which range from pastoral counseling to children’s programs.
It has been 22 years since St. Luke’s Services fed its first six luncheon guests. The lunchroom doors were opened June 1989 and a full course meal was prepared by the late William Johnson. In 1994 St. Luke’s Services, Inc., was incorporated as a non-profit organization, governed by its own board of directors and separate from St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The two maintain an active and valued relationship by parishioners who continue to serve on the Board.
In 2010 St. Luke’s Services distributed 2,531 meals in our friendly “no questions asked” environment. The mutual respect found in this lunchroom opens opportunity to lend a hand in a variety of ways. By that, St. Luke’s Services operates a food pantry, diaper bank and clothes closet. Each year, students of the Hopkins School assist “Santa” by sharing their bounty with families from St. Luke’s Services along with the parish of St. George Catholic Church in Guilford, Connecticut. Thanksgiving baskets are provided to needy families. The items included assure a full thanksgiving meal with the trimmings. We are grateful to St. George Catholic Church which continues to provide generous support in this area.
Submitted by Yvette Barnard, SLSI Secretary/Treasurer
St. Luke's Services Weekly Operations:
Diaper Bank: every First Tuesday of the month, 10a.m.-12 noon
Women & Children Lunch Program: 12 noon -1p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays
Wednesday Breakfast Program: 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Clothes Closet: Thursdays 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Food Pantry: every First and Third Friday of the month, 10a.m.-12 noon
Summer Shutdown: Programs will not operate in July and August. All programs reopen the 1st Tuesday after Labor Day annually
Women & Children Lunch Program: 12 noon -1p.m., Tuesdays & Thursdays
Wednesday Breakfast Program: 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m.
Clothes Closet: Thursdays 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Food Pantry: every First and Third Friday of the month, 10a.m.-12 noon
Summer Shutdown: Programs will not operate in July and August. All programs reopen the 1st Tuesday after Labor Day annually
