Sunshine Ministry
Little Flower Parish and Saint Benedict School relentlessly champion the inherent dignity of all people. We lovingly welcome everyone, including persons with disabilities, their families and their friends.
Having made available 5 acres to Sunshine Communities, there now are two new beautiful homes for Sunshine residents adjacent to our 14 acre campus.
NATIONAL CATHOLIC REGISTER
By Judy Roberts
Special Welcome: Parishes Gladly Accommodate Those With a Variety of Needs
When Father David Nuss learned that Sunshine Communities was seeking group-home sites for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, he knew his parish could help. Not only did Little Flower Catholic Church in Toledo, Ohio, have a parcel of unused land on its 19-acre campus that would be suitable for such homes, but as a faith community with a fully accessible church building and a heart for people with disabilities, it was a place where, Father Nuss said, “We’ve got a built-in ‘welcome wagon.’
After visiting the parish for a Sunday Mass, Sunshine representatives agreed. Sale of the land — at below-market price — was completed, and ground was broken May 2 for two homes that will house eight people each.
“People with developmental disabilities too often live in communities without having a sense of belonging that comes from lasting relationships.” — Betty Holland, Previous CEO Sunshine Communities
“Community based living will expand their circle of contacts well beyond those paid to provide needed support. It is uplifting to imagine how residents will be able to develop relationships with many new friends who will become meaningful parts of their lives.” — Jason Abodeely, President & CEO Sunshine Communities
Fostering a sense of belonging and building relationships with residents at the Olimphia Homes are some of the goals of Little Flower’s Sunshine Ministry. The ministry team works to provide assistance, and opportunities for personal interactions that foster a deeper connection with our parish and parish life. Team members invite residents and their families to Mass, barbecues, parish celebrations and holiday events.
Church welcomes homes for disabled
Ground-breaking for complex today
By Mark Reiter
After learning from friends that Sunshine Communities wanted to build group homes in neighborhoods that would welcome and embrace people with special needs, the Rev. David Nuss instantly thought about his own parish.
Little Flower Church in West Toledo had more land than it needed at its 19-acre campus on Dorr Street. Also, parishioners, many of whom live in neighborhoods in Reynolds Corner, are advocates for integrating people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“They explained to me about the capital campaign to raise funds to be able to build new group homes,” Father Nuss recalled about the conversation over dinner last year.
“People with disabilities . . .give us opportunities to grow in love, mutual aid and unity.”
Pope Francis