Women from St. John Lutheran Church, Sudbury, Mass., assemble fleece lap blankets for Florence House, Worcester, Mass., an LSS program for homeless teen mothers and their children.In December, the Women's Group of St. John Lutheran Church, Sudbury, Mass., "Tied One On," making nine adult and 10 child-size fleece lap blankets as Christmas gifts for the moms and tots of Florence House, Worcester, Mass., one of two teen parent programs operated by Lutheran Social Services (LSS). Twelve women gathered on a Friday evening to cut, tie and gift wrap the blankets. In a recent e-mail, Tina Cole, assistant program manager of Florence House, wrote: "The moms and kids absolutely loved their blankets, and they use them every day!"

Volunteers from St. John actively support LSS programs in Worcester. The congregation's Youth Group plans to deliver Easter baskets to Florence House Sunday, April 1, as well as return to Emanuel Village Sunday, May 6, for another "Wii" lunch.

Young teen from St. John Lutheran Church, Sudbury, Mass., teaches a resident of Emanuel Village how to play Wii bowling.Two years ago, the Youth Group treated residents of Emanuel Village to lunch and a special gift – a new Wii game system. "I was greatly impressed with the patience, gentleness and support the teen girls displayed as they taught the older residents at Emanuel Village how to bowl using the new Wii," said a staff member. The residents were hesitant at first, concerned they might make mistakes and embarrass themselves, but the girls encouraged them to learn the game, and soon there was a line of residents eager to learn. The girls applauded every time a pin was knocked down – even if it were only one pin – without any coaxing from the adults who brought them. The young teens earned the money for the Wii through bake sales at church.

Among the adults with the young teens were Karen LaCure, director of youth and family at St. John, and Doug Ellis, who installed the Wii system.

God's Hands, Doing God's Work!

More About Florence House and Emanuel Village

In response to Christ's love, Lutheran Social Services has been serving and caring for people in need for 140 years in New England.  It delivers a broad variety of services to children, youth and families, persons with developmental disabiliites, mental illness and deafness, the economically disadvantaged, refugees and older adults.

LSS directs two programs for single teenage mothers and their children: Florence House in Worcester and Ruth House in Brockton, Mass., which serve a total of 18 families. Both offer transitional living in a supportive environment for low income and often homeless mothers who, with the help of staff, gain the skills necessary to manage life successfully when they leave. These programs offer recreational activities that help to build family bonds and encourage healthy social relationships. Children receive early intervention healthcare and specialized services. The young mothers are required to achieve a high school diploma or GED. "LSS supports teen parents and their children because we believe that they are an investment in our economy, the reflection of hope, the picture of determination against odds, and the future of our society," said a staff member.

Emanuel Village is a HUD subsidized, low-income, senior housing facility nestled in the heart of the Quinsigamond Village area of Worcester that offers independent living in comfortable studio and one bedroom apartments for low income elders and mobility impaired adults.