LAKE ELSINORE – Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church (SOLLC), Lake Elsinore, recently received a $5,000 "Lutheran Community Economic Outreach Bridge Grant" from the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation. The funding was awarded to SOLLC partnering with Helping Our People in Elsinore (H.O.P.E.) based on its effectiveness in addressing basic needs of the local community such as food and clothing.

SOLLC has also elected to participate in a complementary two-to-one challenge grant program sponsored by the foundation. For every dollar raised by SOLLC from donors by Mar. 31, the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation will provide an additional 50 cents – up to $5,000 – in support of H.O.P.E.’s food and backpack ministry.

"Difficult economic conditions and high unemployment rates have caused many Americans to seek support for basic needs such as food, clothing and shelter from local nonprofits," said Kathy Larson, grants program manager for the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation. "This grant program is designed to help effective organizations maintain their financial stability in the face of increased demand on their resources."

"We are excited about the opportunity for this Advertisement

[ Berry-Bell and Hall Mortuary ] funding for our food pantry and backpack ministry," said Ron Hewison, H.O.P.E.’s CEO. "The number of meals that we are serving compared to just 2 years ago has gone up 64 percent. This grant could not have come at a better time."

"SOLLC has partnered with H.O.P.E. for over 20 years with SOLLC’s former Pastor Don Butenshon as H.O.P.E.’s first CEO," said Kristine Hanson, SOLLC’s Outreach Chair. "We have donated food and time in the past and now have the opportunity to raise funds for their needs, targeting the backpack outreach ministry which feeds local school children and their families on the weekends. As a teacher, I have had first hand knowledge relating to the backpack ministry and the affect it has on our school age children. It is an awesome program."

There will be a Pancake Supper on Shrove Tuesday, Feb, 12, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at SOLLC with all proceeds designated for the challenge grant for H.O.P.E. The public is invited to attend and show their support for H.O.P.E.

SOLLC is located at 30400 Grand Avenue, Lake Elsinore.