Sept. 13, 2017
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Lutheran Foundation has awarded $195,000 to help local Lutheran schools students, including those at Concordia Lutheran High School.
This grant will provide needs-based financial aid to families who have chosen Concordia for their students.
“Financial aid allows more students to come to Concordia,” said Debbie Schumm, director of financial aid. “It gives us a chance to witness to students who don’t have a church home or wouldn’t be exposed to Christ’s word. They get that here.”
Concordia awards nearly $3 million in financial aid to families each year, covering over 98 percent of its students.
"The Lutheran Foundation, through this grant, is helping families receive help with their tuition that CLHS might not have been able to provide from internal or other sources. It is impactful for families who are truly seeking Christ-centered educational excellence for their children and is a very positive influence in the families life," said John Schoedel, chief development officer.
Along with providing financial support for students, The Lutheran Foundation also awarded $12,000 to Matt’s Rack, an organization, headquartered at CLHS, that provides new and gently used clothing to students in area Lutheran schools, including Concordia.
Started in 2008 by volunteers, it is now managed by Luanne Erdos, business teacher at CLHS, who is passionate about helping those in need.
“Matt's Rack funding provides assurance for identified parents and guardians that their children will receive appropriate clothing for the school they are attending,” said Erdos. “Students are excited to have brand new clothing and shoes, while the parents are relieved of this financial burden related to starting a new school year.”
The grant enables Erdos to work with suppliers and purchase quality clothing so that the students feel right at home in their classes.
“The start of school is an exciting time for children and families; however, it can also be stress-filled, financially woeful and angst ridden,” Erdos said.
According to Deals Plus: National Federation, USA Today Snapshots reported that the average amount a U.S. family with kids in grades K-12 spends on back-to-school apparel is $217.82.
The Lutheran Foundation envisions the people of northeast Indiana seizing opportunities to grow in Christ and actively living out the life God intended in their communities. By caring for people mentally, physically, and spiritually, we are following in Christ's footsteps and encouraging a whole-person approach to health.
Concordia Lutheran High School, located at 1601 St. Joe River Drive in Fort Wayne, Ind., was founded in 1935 as a private, co-educational Lutheran high school open to students of all faiths and backgrounds. With Christ at the center, Concordia continues to pursue educational excellence that equips individuals for lifelong learning and service as disciples of Jesus Christ. Learn more at www.clhscadets.com.