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Louisville - Site Visit 1

Shively Area Ministries in Louisville, KY

By Sister Joetta Venneman, PBVM

October 1, 2014

Our first stop of the day is Shively Area Ministries, one of several in a network of community ministries supported by local churches, private organizations and the federal government.

Located in the 40216 zip code, the poverty rate has climbed from 11% to 18% since the last census. The center shares food both from local and federal sources. It provides financial assistance to individuals in need for utility services, rent and medications. Lastly, it offers Meals on Wheels, counseling and education in health and finances.

I met Kim, a resident of Shively who was among those in need of help today. She is a middle-aged white woman who recently lost her job and has placed her house up for sale. Filled with sadness and uncertainty, she was shocked into transition as a result of these circumstances. "I hadn't intended to start over at my age," she said.

I informed her that I could not relate nor would I pretend to, but that the situation must be pretty tough. She acknowledged this with a nod amidst her grief. Time was cut short for a tour of the facility. I wondered what this must be like to lose all security and readjust to something that I felt I had no control over.