Feed Medical Lake and the St. John’s Lutheran Church received a $5,000 “Lutheran Community Matthew 25: Neighbors in Need” grant from the Thrivent Financial Foundation, earlier this month.
Founded in 2011, Feed Medical Lake serves over 100 free meals on the second Monday of every month. The charity also provides free groceries to residents. St. Johns provides the space for Feed Medical Lake to provide space, utilities, storage and freezer space.
According to their website, the Thrivent Financial Foundation is a private foundation that operates exclusively for charitable, educational and religious purposes. It provides grants for projects and missions that reflect the foundations’ charitable interests of assisting nonprofit organizations and those they serve in achieving economic security and sustainability.
The “Matthew 25: Neighbors in Need” grant is awarded to charities based on their effectiveness in addressing needs in the community such as providing food, clothing, shelter, fellowship and care for the sick.
Feed Medical Lake director Joanna Williams learned about the grant from Chris Houglum, manager of community engagement for Thrivent Financial.
Houglum said William’s work in the community is something that fit the foundation’s charitable interests.
“In our world — especially in areas like Medical Lake and Cheney — it’s saddening that this need exists, but a blessing to fill that need through organizations and passionate people like Joanna,” Houglum said.
Williams applied for the grant back in April. In her application, she explained the purpose of Feed Medical Lake, as well as how many people it serves and how the charity would use the grant money.
In a phone interview, Williams said the money would go toward purchasing new equipment, including a commercial refrigerator. She would also like to have Feed Medical Lake host two meals a month.
“We’ll discuss how to use the grant money at the September board of directors meeting,” Williams said.
In addition to the $5,000 they have already received, Feed Medical Lake will participate in a complementary-challenge grant sponsored by the foundation. For money they raise from now until Nov. 30, the foundation will match 50 cents for every dollar, up to $5,000.
“So if they raise $5,000, we’ll give them an extra $2,500,” Houglum said.
In a news release, Richard Kleven, vice president of the Thrivent Financial Foundation said he is delighted for the foundation to assist Feed Medical Lake.
“We trust that this support will strengthen Feed Medical Lake’s outreach/ministry to those it serves,” Kleven said in the release.
For the challenge grant, Williams said she has reached out to donors for contributions. She has also sent information to businesses about the grant.
While Feed Medical Lake is planning for their Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, Williams said the board would also discuss ideas for small fundraisers to raise money for the challenge grant at the board meeting.
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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