PLANTING HOPE AN UPDATE
The spirit of giving and growth flourishes at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. Remember the impactful Planting Hope campaign we participated in last year? Thanks to your generosity, SOTV contributed a remarkable $75,000 toward the Saint Paul Area Synod’s Planting Hope Campaign as it raised money for a therapeutic preschool. The project was a partnership with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) for investing in a transformative project on the East Side of St. Paul. SOTV members joined others from the synod’s 106 congregations to help plant seeds of hope for a brighter future for children and families who face economic disparities and challenging life situations.
A BEACON OF HOPE FOR YOUNG MINDS
The East Side has a rich history as a haven for new immigrants. However, the community also faces significant economic and societal challenges. Recognizing the critical role early childhood education plays in a child’s success, particularly for those facing adversity, the Planting Hope Campaign raised $1 million toward the renovation of the lower floor of Grace Lutheran, St. Paul, to house a therapeutic preschool. The project broke ground in 2023 and a grand opening was held in August of 2024. The school, called LSS Early Learning Center – East Side, replicates the success of LSS’s already existing therapeutic preschool in St. Paul’s Frogtown neighborhood. This trauma-informed learning environment features low student/teacher ratios, on-site therapists and resources for children and families to prepare a smooth transition to kindergarten and beyond.
The synod’s Planting Hope Campaign has raised more than $1.4 million. While the initiative related to investing in a transformative project on the East Side of St. Paul can be considered complete, the campaign continues on with the following other key areas:
- Raising up the next generation of leaders. Funding has already been achieved for five summers of paid internships for young adults. Additional funding is sought for global travel experiences for young adults and for seminary debt relief for the synod’s pastors and deacons.
- Renewing the congregations of the synod. Funding is sought for congregational vitality programs such as vision/mission/goal setting retreats, stewardship training and spiritual gifts workshops.
- Inviting others into life in Christ. This final initiative will be the focus in 2025.
SOTV’S COMMITMENT TO HOPE
While contributions from SOTV have been fulfilled, we are celebrating with LSS, the synod, and the LSS Early Learning Center - East Side for a successful campaign and Grand Opening! In August of 2024, several members from SOTV attended an appreciation dinner with the Saint Paul Area Synod as a thank you for the investment SOTV made, and continues to make, with our Mission Support contributions. Thank you to the staff and volunteers who worked so hard to make the Planting Hope campaign successful at SOTV and beyond. And thanks to all who contributed financially!
Photo by Rebecca Slater - Ribbon Cutting of the East Side Preschool, August 2024