Lexington, KY, Monday, July 22, 2019 – Lighthouse Ministries, a faith-based nonprofit organization, has received $26,000 in grants that will help further its mission to physically, nutritionally and spiritually serve homeless and low-income members of the community. Organizations providing funding include: Cralle Foundation Inc., Walmart Foundation, North Lime Coffee & Donuts and Pizza Wholesale of Lexington, Inc. (PWL)—a founding distributor of Hunt Brothers® Pizza and longstanding supporter of Lighthouse Ministries.
This funding will allow Lighthouse Ministries to strengthen its Dining with Dignity program, which provides a safe, clean indoor environment for people in need to eat hot lunch and dinner meals. Dining with Dignity is offered in partnership with the City of Lexington and the Office of Homelessness, Prevention and Intervention.
By partnering with individuals (ages 12 and up), churches, small groups, civic groups and businesses, Lighthouse Ministries aims to provide meals and hope seven days a week, along with a gospel message. Lunch and dinner is served every Monday through Saturday, with dinner available on Sundays.
“Grants allow us to fulfill our purpose in the community. We rely on funding across several areas in order to provide those in need with not only food to survive, but with the fellowship and support that can change lives,” said Valerie “Tay” Henderson, executive director of Lighthouse Ministries.
Jeff Singleton, store manager of Walmart Neighborhood Market on Saron Drive and longtime supporter of Lighthouse Ministries, has been involved in various community efforts through both his work and church. “Walmart is proud to give back to the community and be involved with local organizations like Lighthouse Ministries that truly make a difference here in Lexington,” he said.
Erin Hunt Ferguson, CEO/President at Pizza Wholesale of Lexington, Inc., is the second generation leader of the company to support the non-profit’s community efforts. “We love how God is moving in a mighty way with Lighthouse Ministries,” she said.
The Cralle Foundation is based in Louisville and primarily supports education and human services causes through grants.
In addition to Dining with Dignity, Lighthouse Ministries changes lives through two other initiatives: Michael’s Feet and Self-Care. Michael’s Feet ministry offers new and gently used shoes through John’s Run/Walk Shop and individual donations, providing an average of 25-30 pairs per month to those in need. Self-Care, the organization’s newest ministry, provides Lexington’s in-need community with hygiene items as one of the first steps to caring for oneself and achieving self-love.
Lighthouse Ministries is actively seeking volunteers to feed, clothe and care for nearly 200 people every day. Having served over 56,000 people in need in 2018 with the help of more than 4,000 volunteers, Lighthouse Ministries hopes to increase its impact in 2019. To get involved, email Administrative Assistant Allison Barnett or call (859) 259-3434. Learn more about volunteer opportunities.
About Lighthouse Ministries
Lighthouse Ministries is a non-profit, faith-based organization in Lexington, Kentucky that physically, nutritionally and spiritually serves homeless and low-income members of the community through three mission-centric ministries: Dining with Dignity, Michael’s Feet, and Self-Care.