to download - Liberty Lutheran

A Gift from the Heart
Pat Stanley, Director of the West
Philadelphia Senior Community
Center (WPSCC), learned the
importance of giving time, skills
and resources from her parents and
grandparents.
“My parents and grandparents
didn’t have a lot, but they always
felt that giving was important. I
remember seeing my mother knit
long white bandages to send to
Lutheran World Relief for lepers.
She always talked to us about what
she was doing and why it was
important,” recalls Pat.
“I feel blessed and want to share the
talents and skills I have to better the
lives of others. I can’t imagine not
helping others.”
Located in the third-poorest
legislative district in Pennsylvania,
residents living near the Center
experience intimidating crime
rates, and live in sub-par housing.
Although Pat sees the many daily
challenges members face, she also
sees the resilience of this community.
With the support of her husband
Tom Lackman, Pat frequently
contributes to the organization.
During their courtship, Pat and Tom
learned they shared a love of music,
drama and a commitment of giving
to others. “When we married we
agreed that contributing our time
and money was a priority. Tom
knows how important my work is to
me and gives his time as a volunteer
at special events and even taught a
workshop at the Center.” Despite
funding cuts, WPSCC continues to
offer a breakfast and lunch program,
provide food and utility vouchers
“I feel blessed and
want to share the talents
and skills I have to better
the lives of others.”
for heat, electric and water, and help
members apply to the Low Income
Home Energy Assistance Program
when appropriate. “If we can get
someone some food to help them get
to the end of the month, or help
them with a repair to their home,
it makes a world of difference,”
Pat said.
The center also provides
members with regular health
screenings and offers a
variety of educational and
fitness classes and many
social events. WPSCC
members are supported
in their volunteerism, and
frequently give their time
and talents to others.
“Our members have worked
hard their entire lives. It is
our privilege to offer them
the opportunities they have
never had before.”