St. Thomas, Freeman, was the recipient of a
diocesan Seeds of Hope Grant for 2015. Seeds of Hope grants support the
development or expansion of social justice ministries in Southern
Virginia.
Diocesan Seeds of Hope Grants to St. Thomas, Freeman, in 2015 funded a Youth Empowerment program, Senior Pals Project and a Women's Conference.
The Senior Pals program assists senior citizens in the community
with computer training, financial literacy and social activities. This
year's activities included learning to crochet blankets for those who
are homeless using strips cut from grocery bags and a Paint Party.
"Senior Pals workshops were a blast this year," said one participant. "I
was so excited to get up on Tuesday mornings and go to St. Thomas and
fellowship with different people." The Women's Conference included a
Zumba class that was such a hit that regular classes are offered to the
Senior Pals.
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| Senior Pals program at St. Thomas, Freeman. |
Diocesan Seeds of Hope Grants to St. Thomas, Freeman, in 2015 funded a Youth Empowerment program, Senior Pals Project and a Women's Conference.
The Youth Empowerment program provides mentoring, tutoring
and cultural events for the young people of their community, as well as
educational programs for their parents. This year included a "Saddle Up
for Success" program - a Saturday event attended by 30 elementary and
high school students with 20 adult volunteers.
"The beautiful part of Saddle Up for Success program was that
St. Paul's Memorial Chapel, Lawrenceville, partnered with us," reported
Iris Jones, St. Thomas' Senior Warden. "Their donations, expertise and
fellowship made this the most special activity of the year."
The western-themed day included educational activities,
career planning, preparing for college, importance of voting, as well as
games, arts and crafts.
