When LSSI asked Interim Pastor Karen Tews of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Dixon, if members would be interested in volunteering to be “birthday buddies” for the residents of the Dixon Group Home, the answer was “of course.”

LSSI has nine group homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Dixon, Sterling, Aurora, Beardstown, Homer Glen, Stockton, and Chicago. The Birthday Buddies program matches volunteers with residents to recognize them on their birthdays. St. Paul was the first church to participate, and two residents at the Dixon Group Home received balloons and cards in June 2023.

“They loved it,” said Lorrain McAlister, Supervisor, Dixon Group Homes. “They tied the balloons on their dining chairs to continue the celebration.”

The church’s WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) group, headed by Marian Myers, took on the role of organizing the birthday buddies, in the midst of planning the congregation’s 175th anniversary! She said church members look forward to further involvement with the residents.

St. Paul’s has a long history of partnering with and supporting LSSI. This includes support for the annual Holiday Hope Chest, which provides Christmas gifts for families served through LSSI’s office in Nachusa.

“LSSI is a worthwhile, transforming organization,” said Myers. “We have confidence that our support has value.”