As a result of strong working relationships developed with churches and neighborhood organizations, LCFS and its partners are able to serve people in need in ways that they could not on their own.
Greater Olney Circle of Friends Community Development Corporation began in 1998 as an LCFS initiative intended to improve the quality of life of families living in the Olney and Feltonville neighborhoods. Beginning with an assessment of community strengths and needs, the Circle partners - LCFS and St. Mark, St. Paul, St. Paul English, Tabor and Zion Lutheran Churches - formulated a strategy for mobilizing volunteers, designing support services for the community, and developing resources for project implementation, ultimately incorporating the Community Development Corporation in 2003. The GOCFCDC has decided to reduce activities during a time of staff changes with many of its partners. For information, call (215) 424-3741 x201 or contact the convener at werat@libertylutheran.org
Olney Senior Program, funded by the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), has operated at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Olney since 1984. Offered are socialization activities, counseling services, computer instruction, Tai Chi classes, intergenerational programming, and craft-making and gardening activities and a mid-day meal. In addition, the Olney Senior program is multicultural and welcomes all community seniors. For information, call (215) 424 4807 or contact the program administrator at olneyseniorcenter@lcfsinpa.org.
West Philadelphia Senior Community Center Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) and Lutheran Children and Family Service (LCFS) welcome you to the City’s newest center for West Philly’s active seniors. Located in a spacious, newly renovated facility at 1016 N. 41st Street, at the corner of Poplar and 41st, The West Philadelphia Senior Community Center is fully outfitted with state-of the-art educational, recreational, and computer equipment. Click here.
Liberty Lutheran Caregiver Circles, a Synod-wide social ministry program first funded by Wheat Ridge Ministries and the ELCA Foundation, has offered congregation-based training and empowerment activities for caregivers to aging parents and spouses who desire to remain in their homes and communities. For information, call (215) 643-6335, ext. 794 or contact the program administrator at caregivers@libertylutheran.org.
Elsa's Thrift Shop, located at 5903 North 5th Street in Olney, was established in 2003 to provide affordable clothing and household goods to those in the community who need them, thereby raising funds for the support of social service activities in the neighborhood. Some goods are also distributed free of charge to indigent and low-income members of the community, using a voucher system. Elsa's is run under the oversight of the LCFS Program Committee and the Greater Olney Circle of Friends Community Development Corporation. The Women of the ELCA - Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod are contributing members. For information, call (215) 548-6505 or contact the program administrator at thriftshop@lcfsinpa.org.
For information about becoming a volunteer, click here.
For information about donating furniture, household goods, clothing and other items for sale or distribution to neighbors in need, visit the Elsa's Thrift Shop page.
Christmas Ingathering is a Synod-wide holiday gift collection drive, engaging Lutheran congregations and individual donors in providing gifts for children of low-income families served by LCFS. For information, call (215) 276-5500 or contact the program administrator at ingathering@lcfsinpa.org.
