APPEAL: WOODLAWN AND ST. MARTIN DE PORRES HOUSE OF HOPE, SEPTEMBER 2006

September 22, 2006

Dear Friends,

What comes to your mind when you hear the name “Woodlawn”?  Is it Loretto Academy or St. Cyril School?  Maybe you have images of Jackson Park, Stony Island or Mt. Carmel High School.  Woodlawn represents not only an area in the city of Chicago put also a place filled with memories of school days, families and friends, magnificent churches and changing times.

The IBVM began its days within the Woodlawn community in 1905 when ground was broken for the construction of Loretto Academy.  From 1906 through 1969, thousands of young women chose Loretto for their high school education.  IBVM Sisters also staffed St. Cyril School from its opening in 1923 until the 1980s.  In 1965 Adult Education evening classes began at Loretto Academy.  The Sisters selflessly served the educational needs of the community from early morning to late into the evening.

Today the IBVM presence in Woodlawn continues through the ministry of Sister Therese O’Sullivan (photo at left).  For over 40 years, Sister Therese has served as teacher, mentor and friend to thousands of young children and their families, beginning in 1965 when she became a first grade teacher at St. Cyril.

In 1983 Therese O’Sullivan, IBVM, and Sister Connie Driscoll co-founded the St. Martin de Porres House of Hope.  Their dream at that time was to provide a shelter to protect women and their children from abusive relationships that led to domestic violence, homelessness and drug abuse.  When Sister Connie passed away in 2005, Sister Therese became the Director of the House of Hope.  With the assistance of a strong Board of Directors, a dedicated staff and devoted volunteers, the House of Hope strives to help those in need address life’s challenges.

Sister Therese and her ministry are very important to us.  We hope and pray that our presence in the Woodlawn community will continue for years to come.  Please consider making a donation that will enable us to support Sister Therese in this vital ministry.  Many of our retired and infirm Sisters fondly remember their teaching days at Loretto Woodlawn and St. Cyril.  Your contribution will also assist us in caring for them and in sustaining our other ministries.

Sincerely,

Kay Foley, IBVM

Director of Development 

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