Franciscan Health Crown Point: Youth Ministry Helps Feed St. Clare Health Clinic Clients

Franciscan-Health-Crown-Point-Youth-Ministry-Helps-Feed-St-Clare-Health-Clinic-ClientsThe St. Matthias Parish Youth Ministry in Crown Point participates in the national Souper Bowl of Caring program, in which it performs different service projects each year. One of them recently benefited St. Clare Health Clinic, which, since 1996, has offered free health care services and other benefits for underprivileged area residents. On Super Bowl weekend, representatives from the ministry (grades six through 12) stood at the church doors after each Mass and requested parishioners donate to help feed the hungry in the community. “The money was collected in large soup pots and thanks to their big smiles and the generosity of our parishioners, the fundraiser was a great success,” said youth group leader Barb Ruess.

“Before the fundraiser, we talked about places where we could donate the money raised. St. Matthias made a donation of gifts and supplies over Christmas to the prenatal side of St. Clare’s and our high school youth group delivered those donations. While there we learned more about the mission and activities of St. Clare Clinic. When it came time to select a recipient for this year’s Souper Bowl fundraiser, St. Clare’s came up as a good fit. The kids were particularly excited to be able to raise money for a program close to home.” Shown from left in the clinic’s food pantry are group members Emily Hochbaum and Emily Ruess, both Crown Point High School sophomores; with clinic manager and nurse practitioner, Julie Mallers. Mallers said of the ministry, “It is an amazing group of local teenagers that are making a huge impact.” The clinic is under the auspices of Franciscan Health Crown Point. For more information, call (219) 663-2160.