“Helping our sisters in need is a good feeling and Broad Street’s Presbyterian Women believe in making a difference in the lives of others less fortunate both globally and locally,” explained PW vice moderator of Communications, Brenda Hauser.  PW made a meal and served 47 homeless women and children on January 10, 2008 at the Faith Mission Homeless shelter.  “What could be more fun than peeling onions with a group of friends,” remarked Nancy Hull.  Nancy along with Kathy Kelly-Long, Donna Kelly, Betty Lou Stull, Linda Pratt, Shannon Koslowski, Marti Harriman, Brenda Hauser, Shirley Barker and Carolyn Barnaby spent a Thursday afternoon preparing a nutritious meal.  The menu included Shepherd’s Pie, Green Salad, Fresh Fruit Salad and home baked cookies.  Betty Lou Stull recalled her experience, “The enjoyment in simply being together in the church kitchen peeling potatoes created fellowship with one another, the opportunity to know one another at a deeper level, as well as the sense that we were responding to Jesus’ call to feed the hungry.” 

         Serving the women at Faith Mission was both a humbling and rewarding experience.  “My first impression was of the friendliness, appreciation, cooperativeness of all of the Faith Mission workers as well as the clients,” remarked Barb Blanke, BSPC Director of Children and Youth Ministry. Barb joined Mary Tedrow, Jessie Commeret, Danielle Blanke, Lu Zipfel, Brenda Hauser and Sally Hauser to serve the homeless women.  At 6 o’clock the doors opened and the ladies filed in each being served generous portions of the meal.  “Thank you so much.” “This looks delicious.” “We really appreciate you coming out to help us.”  These are a few of the remarks from the women.  Mary Tedrow noticed that one of the women looked nicely dressed and well-kept.  A Faith Mission employee explained that even though some of these women have jobs, they can’t afford housing.  Sadly, the women at Faith Mission are among the millions of working poor in America.  Sally Hauser commented, “It felt really good to see these ladies smiling at me.  They were so sweet and it made me realize how fortunate we are.” 

         This is BSPC PW’s second year for serving the women at Faith Mission.  PW participates in numerous projects throughout the year which benefit women nationally and globally.