Giving a Leg Up to Our Homeless Neighbors
Asbury extends its faith community to include families in need.
“Undie Sundays” arrived at Asbury when folks recognized the needs of homeless kids.
Local leader Donna Butera serves students and their families in the Bethel School District as their McKinney-Vento Homeless Liaison. Donna identifies needs of homeless kids grades Kindergarten through twelve. At Malabon Elementary she stocks a facility full of items they might need. Socks, underwear, warm caps, non-perishable foods, personal hygiene items, and school supplies are available to those students because Donna cares, and takes the time to share those needs with Bethel neighbors.
Soon, that wasn’t enough. The Glory Fund was born.
When Asbury member Jan Osoinach Smith lost her dear mother, Gloria, she shared with friends at Asbury the joy of this remarkable woman’s life, not without challenges but always doing her best to help others. Jan suggested folks bring help to neighbors in need. Chipping in dollars needed for the deposit on a new apartment, Asbury’s community extends its generosity, in honor of Gloria Osoinach, to homeless students and their families. The Glory Fund was launched in November 2020. It continues to grow and grow. As Donna Butera spots needs of families, members of the Asbury community know their contributions are put to excellent purpose. “To God be the glory,” indeed.
