November 8, 2024— We wouldn’t be us if it weren’t for you
St. Jude League Community Development (SJLCD) empowers at-risk communities through targeted, Claretian-led community programs that address the roots of social inequality and economic insecurity. By supporting initiatives focused on education, health and wellness, migrant and refugee support, uplifting media, and holistic community development, we create pathways for sustainable change. These programs provide vital resources—from academic support to life and job skills training—and foster local leadership to break generational cycles of hardship. At every step, these initiatives are driven by the people who know their communities best, ensuring that each program reflects the unique strengths and needs of those it serves.
It has been a year of blessings, change and growth with some very noteworthy highlights! Leading the way, in celebration of his life of service to the St. Jude League, we launched the Fr. Mark Brummel Legacy of Hope Fund. The Hope Fund will benefit Fr. Mark’s legacy at the National Shrine of St. Jude, Our Lady of Guadalupe School, and Villa Guadalupe Senior Community. As we reflect on our blessings this season, we’re especially grateful for a generous donation will match and double donations to the Hope Fund through the end of the year. We also celebrated a leadership gift to support that has enabled us to expand our support for our network of food pantries. With the increased need during this time of year, we’re truly thankful to provide additional assistance to those who rely on these vital services.
In 2024, you helped us:
- 15,000 visits to food pantries
- 25,000 nights of refugee shelter
- 250 units of affordable housing
- More than 40,000 shelter meals
- and much, much more!
As we prepare our hearts for the season of gratitude and Thanksgiving, we appreciate the increasing support and interest as we rise to meet the needs of those living with unimaginable challenges. SJLCD offers multiple ways to support the mission, including one-time or monthly donations, tribute, and memorial gifts, employer matching, personal fundraising, and planned giving options like wills, stocks, or charitable gift annuities. Each method enables supporters to directly impact our good work, from food security to community development and quality education. Being part of the solution by supporting SJLCD goes beyond bringing hope where its needed most – we’re creating lasting change for vulnerable populations, making every gift a meaningful investment in a brighter future.
As we gather as families, friends and communities in the weeks ahead, we invite you to focus on gratitude and Be a Part of the “Cause Challenge” to make a lasting impact by choosing a SJLCE cause that is most meaningful to you. Whether you choose:
- Education & After-School Programs– Local community leaders like the Claretians are uniquely positioned to collaborate with local schools and parents to ensure that young people have sustained access to the kind of education that will allow them to become successful, informed, and productive community members.
- Health & Wellness– St. Jude League Community Development supports Claretian-led programs that offer food pantries and medical services. Our commitment to healthcare is not as a provider, but as a conduit of resources to inform and guide people to better health and wellness for themselves and their families.
- Migration, Refugee & Humanitarian Relief– SJLCD makes a difference in the lives of families impacted by forced-migration and refugees by providing resources that will stabilize and guide them to a better life.
- Community Development– We focus on supporting Claretian-led programs that work to create safe neighborhoods where people can live with dignity and care for one another, even amid the many urban challenges in high-poverty areas.
- Media & Publishing– SJLCD strives to put hope into action by supporting media sources that are dedicated to bringing hope to global audiences.
Your interest in and support of your chosen “cause” throughout the year can drive real change. By following one cause consistently, you’ll see firsthand how support makes a difference, from empowering students to enhancing community health. As you stay engaged, you’ll help amplify the voices and needs of the community, transforming compassionate intentions into concrete actions that ripple outward to create a brighter future.
As the year winds down and we reflect on our blessings, there couldn’t be a more ideal time to share your spirit of gratitude with the causes that resonate with us. Join us in creating a personal fundraising page as one especially impactful way to share your SJLCD “Cause” with your network. Sharing your page with friends, family, and colleagues engages your personal community in meaningful giving. Fundraising for the St. Jude League multiplies your impact, allowing everyone to contribute to a cause that aligns with your shared values during this season of gratitude.
