Education Drive Letter

Our Lady of Hope Child Services
PO Box 1094
Buffalo, NY 14215
 
Dear Friends and Supporters of the OLH Community,
 
     It's been a blessed year here at St. Luke's. The students of Our Lady of Hope Home School continue to thrive both academically and spiritually. Our younger students were able to go apple picking, ice skating and enjoyed visiting the Aquarium, Science Museum and Museum of Play in Rochester.  These students also raised $1,000.00 for our school by making and selling Buffalo Bills bracelets at Queen City Vintage on Elmwood Avenue!
 
     Our 6,7 and 8th graders have been blessed to have a “School on Wheels”.  It has enabled them to spend time in NYC, Washington DC, West Point, Cleveland and various sites within the beautiful city of Buffalo. They ventured through the cities learning about their history, visiting memorials and museums, and attending Masses at beautiful churches.
 
     Sometimes, hearing the students speak about Our Lady of Hope is more powerful than anything I could write, so here are two quotes from last year’s graduating class:

• "This school is more than just a regular school; for me, it was a safe place."-Elona, Our Lady of Hope 8th Grader, 2025 (currently attends St. Mary’s in Lancaster)
• "Without you I would not have gotten the education to prepare me for high school and life in general. I would probably be in a foster home. And to my fellow graduates: Study hard! Work hard and always put God first!"-Trevor, Our Lady of Hope 8th Grader, 2025 (currently attends St. Mary’s in Lancaster)

 
     None of this would be possible without God, you, your prayers and generous donations.  The continued support from our beloved community has allowed us to continue educating the children of St. Luke's through adulthood. This is our mission! To provide a Christ centered education, opportunities to allow them to dream, and ways to make those dreams a reality. All of this to help break the cycle of poverty on the East Side of Buffalo.
 
     We still need you and here are a few ways that you can help:   

• A check made out to Madonna of the Streets, Inc. and put in the self-addressed stamped envelope.
• Venmo – Madonna of the Streets, Inc. Please enter Educational Program in the “What is this for” box.
• Donate directly at www.stlukesmissionofmercy.org through PayPal or credit/debit card.            Please use the field “special instructions regarding the donation” to advise that it is to be used for the Educational Program.

 
     Each one of you is a blessing to us and your gift is truly making a difference in the lives of our St. Luke's families. So, from the bottom of my heart, our children and from all those who teach them... THANK YOU! 
 
     May God bless you with His grace and provide you with an abundance of peace, joy and good health.
 
     Sincerely,

     Dennis Gilhooley, Interim Director, St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy