Associate Home Circle Charism Initiatives
August 21, 2025
A shorter version of this article appears in the August Issue of Reflections and Connections
In June of 2024, associates reflected on what they believed to be the greatest needs in our world, aware that charism happens when critical needs are met in the present. Three areas of need clearly emerged: inequality, economic justice for the poor, and respectful conversation. Since then, associate home circles have been working on an initiative related to one of these areas of need.
On behalf of the associate office, Associate Director Kelly Robe and Assistant Director Kathy Koepsell handed out Subway gift cards and an informational packet of local food resources to homeless people. Wealth inequality, low wages, rising rent and food costs, unaffordable housing, unemployment, physical or mental illness, substance abuse, and domestic violence can be contributing causes of homelessness.
Subway gift cards seemed like a good choice, as there are 7 Subways in Fond du Lac, compared with only 3 McDonald’s and 2 Taco Bells. One person declined the gift card stating they had no transportation to get to a Subway location, but most accepted these cards with diverse responses: saying ‘God bless you,’ staring at the gift card for what seemed like an eternity, nodding, or murmuring thank you.
It was difficult to witness homelessness as a real lifestyle for many in Fond du Lac. Some people carried their possessions with them in backpacks, bags, or foldable shopping carts. Some carried nothing with them and stayed at a shelter, tent, or their car in the evenings. “It creates a hole in my heart to see people in our community and country without a place to live or carrying signs asking for food. These are the faces I see at night when I have trouble sleeping,” said Kathy.
Kelly shared these interactions were humbling. “All frivolous things fall away in the presence of people lacking basic physical needs. Everything is grace and gift. Other countries like Finland have adopted a “Housing First” principal, stating people have a right to decent housing and to useful social services. It’s a radically inclusive policy compared to the United States, one of the wealthiest nations in the world.”
If your church, workplace, or other group organizes a drive for clothing, food, water, or hygiene supplies, please give what you can. When we all work together, more can be done. Share your love and gifts with those less fortunate and more vulnerable.