Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries has announced its 2008 support of congregationally related social ministry projects.

To promote congregational-based, community-focused social ministry efforts, Diakon annually provides small stipends to assist a range of organizations in meeting local needs.

“The idea is to assist congregations and organizations with their initial efforts in creating services, especially in a type of service or a region where we see unmet needs or where the funding may help those in need without unnecessarily duplicating existing services,� says the Rev. John Richter, Diakon vice president for church relations, who oversees the funding process.

While Diakon provides a range of social services requiring grants and other contributions, “we are able to use some organizational resources as a healthy way for Diakon to be involved in congregational social ministry,� says Richter. “These resources, not acquired through grants or recent contributions, are funds designated to support the work of local congregations.�

Funds awarded are as follows:

• Family Promise of Berks County, third-year grant of $8,750.
• Western Berks Free Medical Clinic, third-year grant of $5,250.
• Baltimore Food Pantries, a number of food and related programs operated by Baltimore Lutheran congregations, third-year grant of $7,210.
• Lutheran Congregational Services’ Food Pantry, Wilmington, Del., second-year grant of $13,559.
• Delaware-Maryland Synod anti-racism training, first-year grant of $14,800.
• The Welcome Center for homeless persons, Philadelphia, first-year grant of $15,000.
• Feast of Justice Ministries, Philadelphia, a food pantry with counseling, education, and life-skills programs, first-year grant of $16,000.