Bittersweet Birthday

Fr. Alfred & Fr. Floyd Lotito celebrating St. Anthony’s 25th Anniversary in 1975

On Sunday St. Anthony Foundation turned 59 years old.  Which strikes us here a few different ways.  It means that for nearly six decades St. Anthony’s programs have been open to serve those in our community who need them most.  It means that for folks who have fallen through the holes in the safety net, there have been hands there to reach out to them, and help them back to their feet.

It also means those services, that were intended to help men in the post-war 1950’s economy to re-stabilize, have not become unnecessary.  That still, through wars, economic peaks and valleys, the structures that create poverty have not changed. And in many cases, have changed for the worse.

For now, even though the Foundation is entering its golden years, we are more active than ever.  Seeking ways to best serve the ever-changing population that comes to us for help.  Finding ways to collaborate and plan for the future, to advocate and work with community leaders and service providers to make hunger, poverty and homelessness obsolete.  And until that day comes, when we can put ourselves out of business, we will remain a cornerstone for those who need a hand up.