Holy Family Memorial

Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Nine employees of Holy Family Memorial in 2015 volunteered to work with Rebuilding Together Manitowoc County and Philippi Quality Construction to construct an accessible ramp for a local homeowner who has a son battling multiple sclerosis. Because of the ramp, this young man is now able to get in and out of his own home without needing help navigating the stairs. The son, Devon, loves being able to go outside on his own.

Jerry Miller, HFM project coordinator, has organized a group from HFM for the last 10 years to help with Rebuilding Together Manitowoc County’s annual spring event.

“Our HFM mission isn’t just a statement,” said Miller, “It’s a way of doing our work within our walls and also serve this local community. Giving our time for one or two days each year allows HFM employees to bond together as well as help families with the needed repairs to make their homes a better place to live.”

Miller cited this building project as he opened the March Network Leadership meeting tying the program with St. Joseph, foster father of Jesus, who worked with his son in the carpentry trade. Miller’s opening prayer read, “Grant us the ability to look upon our work with the eyes of faith so that we shall recognize in it our share of God’s own creative activity and the building up of the all that is good and true.”

It is noteworthy that a stained glass window from HFM’s original hospital building of 1899 is on permanent display at HFM’s Western Avenue entrance. The window includes a depiction of St. Joseph as well.