Volunteers Join Forces with 
C.A.R.E.S. in Farmington Hills
(C.A.R.E.S., Sept. 29 2017)
Farmington Hills, MI – On a hot Sunday summer afternoon, more than 20 members of Hope Lutheran Church turned out to scrub floors and clean out a creek bed at the former St. Alexander site in Farmington Hills.
Boosted with an Action Grant from Thrivent (www.thriventfunds.com) Hope members turned out to celebrate the legacy of community service work at the St. Alexander site and to lend support for C.A.R.E.S. as it works to carry that legacy into the future.
Hope member Jessica Beamer helped organize the event with long-time community leader Todd Lipa. “For many, many years, the parish at St. Alexander modeled and invited all of us to 
share in the tradition of Christian service,” said Beamer. “Through its food pantry, countless people in need have found help. C.A.R.E.S. is working to continue that good work right here at the former St. Alexander property, and Hope Lutheran is more than happy to lend a hand.”
Lipa, who spent the day working and sweating side-by- side with Hope’s volunteers, has joined with a handful of community leaders to form C.A.R.E.S. C.A.R.E.S. of Farmington Hills (Community. Action. Resources. Empowering. Services.) looks to be an incubation site for the betterment of those who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances.
Organizers helped to raise $500,000 to purchase the St. Alexander property from the Archdiocese of Detroit. Now, they are moving forward with plans to continue and grow service opportunities for the entire community. C.A.R.E.S. seeks to consolidate services in order to provide food and clothing resources, counseling, spiritual renewal, education work-related training, life skills, physical wellness, mental grief, and grief and suicide prevention. 
Thrivent Financial provides financial products and services from a faith-based perspective. Through its Action Teams, participants may be eligible for a $250 action grant to jump start projects like the workday sponsored by Hope and C.A.R.E.S.
Hope member Leanne Allvin sponsored the Action Team. “I really appreciate that Thrivent Financial not only works with my family to protect our financial security but also provides opportunities like this to give back to the community at large,” said Allvin.
Hope member Andrea Chowanic served as the on-site leader, and she and her family spent the day buffing up the property both inside and out. “It’s an incredible story and an incredible legacy,” said Chowanic. “No matter your background or faith perspective, it’s hard not to be moved by the good work that has been done, and will continue to be done, at this place.” To learn more about C.A.R.E.S. and how you might get involved, contact Lipa at tlipa@fhgov.com. Hope Lutheran Church of Farmington Hills is located at 39200 W. Twelve Mile Road, in Farmington Hills and can be found online at www.hope-lutheran-church.com.
