Love in Action: Women Making A Difference

by Mary Pittman

Sister Carol Weber and her team at the Saint Luke N.E.W. Life Center in Flint, Michigan, extend a transformative kind of love to their community. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Sister Carol by our neighbor Bob Jacobs, who has dedicated nine years to the N.E.W. Life Center and now sits on their board. Bob's passion for the center's mission is infectious, and it was through his encouragement that I discovered the incredible work happening to uplift those in Flint.

Sister Carol is at the heart of the center's efforts, whose unwavering dedication and compassion create a nurturing environment for individuals and families in the Flint area. Her vision of love in action is evident in every initiative—from providing essential resources to fostering a sense of belonging among those who walk through their doors. Love can take on many forms, and sometimes, the most transformative love is the one that reaches out to embrace those in need, regardless of where we call home.

Since co-founding the Saint Luke N.E.W. Life Center in 2002, Sister Carol has dedicated her life to uplifting those often overlooked. In a city like Flint, where challenges can feel insurmountable, Sister Carol embodies a powerful vision: to empower individuals and families to reclaim their lives through education, skill-building, and a faith-driven approach to community support.

At the heart of Saint Luke is a mission grounded in love and resilience. The N.E.W. Center offers life skills training, educational programs, and workplace readiness initiatives specifically designed to help individuals rise above their circumstances. With a budget of $2 million, it is more than just a service provider; the center fosters a nurturing environment where self-esteem blossoms and hope is reignited.

A Journey of Compassion: The Birth of Saint Luke N.E.W. Life Center

The story of the Saint Luke N.E.W. Life Center began in 1998 with Sister Judy and Sister Carol, who started a street ministry to lay the groundwork for what was to come. After a transformative 30-day silent retreat, Sister Judy was moved by a vivid dream of women with blurred faces reaching out to her, pleading for help. Though she returned to her daily work at Saint Luke Catholic Church, the dream lingered in her heart.

Around the same time, Sister Carol's niece, Alison, was preparing for her confirmation, and together they decided to take action. They collected used clothes and accessories to distribute to people experiencing homelessness, leading them to the St. Luke North End soup kitchen. One poignant moment from this initiative stood out: while handing out homemade peanut butter cookies, a man approached, tears streaming down his face as he revealed that it had been over 41 years since he had tasted a homemade cookie. This encounter highlighted the profound impact of compassion and connection, solidifying their resolve to continue their ministry.

In January 2002, Sister Carol encountered a woman needing newborn clothes for a child born in an abandoned home. This heart-wrenching situation pushed Sister Carol to recognize an urgent need for more consistent support in the community. When the St. Luke school building was slated for closure later that year, Sister Judy seized the opportunity to gather church members and discuss the potential of the vacant space. The parishioners voiced a collective desire to create a safe haven for women and children, focusing on education and self-esteem building.

With this community input, Sister Carol and Sister Judy launched a three-year program aimed at life transformation. They welcomed their first cohort of women, creating a family-oriented environment that included meals and tutoring for children. The humble beginnings of the Saint Luke N.E.W. Life Center marked the start of a journey filled with hope, resilience, and a commitment to lifting families out of hardship.

As they grew their food pantry to serve approximately 300 families each month, Sister Carol and her team laid the foundation for an organization that meets immediate needs and fosters long-term growth and self-sufficiency.

Weathering the Storm: A Response to Crisis

However, in 2008, the landscape changed dramatically. The financial meltdown and recession hit hard, leaving the community grappling with unprecedented unemployment and despair. Flint, a city already struggling with economic challenges, faced a grim reality as jobs vanished and families found themselves in dire straits.

In response to this crisis, Sister Carol and her team recognized that they needed to adapt and innovate. They understood that simply providing support wasn't enough; they had to create sustainable opportunities for the community. With a resilient spirit, they launched a sewing enterprise aimed at teaching women valuable skills that would enable them to secure employment. This initiative provided practical training and instilled a sense of purpose and accomplishment in the participants.

Through a serendipitous connection, the center received a call from Bob Jacquart, the owner of Stormy Cromer, a renowned outerwear company in Ironwood, Michigan. He was looking for skilled sewers, and Sister Carol and Sister Judy saw this as a pivotal opportunity. With a group of six women, she embarked on a week-long journey to learn the intricacies of sewing the company's products. For many of these women, it was their first time leaving Flint, and the experience was both transformative and empowering.

As they honed their skills, the women gained employment and confidence, realizing that they could overcome obstacles through determination and support. This venture marked a significant turning point, enabling Sister Carol and her team to expand their sewing operations. They upgraded their equipment with industrial machines, enhancing the quality of their work and establishing a fulfilling business model.

In the same year, Sister Carol and Sister Judy recognized the need to extend their mission to men in the community. The struggles faced by families were not limited to women; men were equally affected by the economic downturn. Thus, the Adult Literacy Center was established, sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, formalizing their original quest to help individuals grow in education. This initiative created another pathway for long-term sustainability, allowing both men and women to obtain their GEDs and pursue further educational opportunities.

A New Era of Growth and Opportunity

Today, nearly 70% of the Saint Luke N.E.W. Life Center's funding comes from individual donors. Over the past 22 years, the center has been blessed with dedicated volunteers and supporters, allowing it to flourish and expand its impact on the community. Currently, there are 43 employees at the center, with ten scheduled to transition to new employment opportunities in the coming months. This cycle of growth and renewal is a testament to the center's commitment to fostering self-sufficiency.

Sister Carol is now on a quest with two significant goals for the upcoming year: completing renovations for a new social enterprise hub and establishing more extensive pathways for participants to gain meaningful, long-term employment outside of the Saint Luke N.E.W. Life Center. An inspiring milestone is the opening of a second building that will house three of their social enterprises, showcasing the center's growth and their faith in their mission.

Jessie's journey stands out among the many success stories from the center. Once weighing 450 pounds and enduring a history of abuse, Jesse has transformed her life. After facing cancer twice and carrying a bullet from her abusive past, she is now a proud mother and grandmother and a respected figure in her community, known for her vivacious spirit and hard work as a seasonal seamstress.

Then there's Napoleon, who battled addiction for years. With the unwavering support of his determined wife and the resources from the center, he turned his life around and now serves as a supervisor in a local factory. His transformation is a source of pride for him and everyone at the center who witnessed his journey.

Pepsi's story adds another layer to the center's impact. Once a victim of severe abuse, Pepsi found hope through the Resilient Women's Program. Today, she contributes her skills to the sewing enterprise, demonstrating the power of resilience and support.

In recent years, the center has changed the lives of more than 100 adults each year, and expectations are high for this number to grow with the renovation of the new facility. Moreover, the positive impact extends to the children of these adults, guiding them toward a future filled with hope rather than despair.

A Call to Action: Share Your Love

Sister Carol believes in the profound impact of listening and encouragement. "Community service is not just about doing something; sometimes it's about being an active listener and a cheerleader for those who have never had one," she states. A smile and a kind word can go a long way in a troubled community.

We invite the Genesee County community to get involved with Sister Carol and the Saint Luke N.E.W. Life Center. There are many ways you can extend your support. Financial contributions are vital to sustaining and expanding their programs.

You can donate through their website (www.StLukeNewLife. com), send a check to 3115 Lawndale Ave., Flint, MI 48504, or even schedule a tour to see their work in action (Phone: 810-239-8710).

We invite members of our community to consider hosting a small gathering at their home, where our neighbors and friends can learn more about Sister Carol's impactful work. Bob Jacobs is eager to discuss this opportunity in more detail; you can reach him at bjacobs@viengineering.com.

Non-financial contributions are equally important. Consider volunteering, serving on a committee, or referring someone who may want to help. Sister Carol encourages everyone to engage with the community: "Go and listen. Ask them about their story, and then listen—really listen."

The work happening at the Saint Luke N.E.W. Life Center is a testament to the power of compassion and community. By supporting Sister Carol and her team, you're not just donating; you're becoming a part of a movement that believes in changing lives. God is at work in Flint, and with your help, we can spread His goodness even further.