The Lutheran Foundation awards grants to help area students

May 21, 2015

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Lutheran Foundation has awarded nearly $200,000 to help local Lutheran school students, including those at Concordia Lutheran High School.

A $185,000 grant has been given to Concordia to help supplement financial aid to families who come to Concordia.

“We believe that providing financial aid to families in need who wish to attend Concordia Lutheran High School is one of the foundations of our existence,” said John Schoedel, chief development officer.

As enrollment continues to grow, the need for financial aid also has increased. This grant will help to offset that need without increasing costs for CLHS families.

“If we truly create life-long learners who are disciples of Christ — in service to their community — then their modeling of this behavior may inspire others to support CLHS and/or have their children attend Concordia,” Schoedel said.

Along with providing financial support, The Lutheran Foundation also awarded $12,000 to Matt’s Rack, an organization that provides new and gently used clothing to students in area Lutheran schools, including Concordia. All information is confidential. The program was started in 2008 by Mrs. Chris Goeglein along with a group of volunteers. Beginning this year, Mrs. Luanne Erdos, business teacher at CLHS, will lead the program. While not working directly with families, the program will become a teaching tool for students who will learn about stock and inventory, purchasing and accounting.

“We are serving the neediest of our families through Matt’s Rack,” Erdos said. “By providing clothing and uniforms that mirror what their classmates are wearing, we believe this removes ‘appearance’ as a possible deterrent to their interaction and learning.”

This grant will help to increase funding to better support more students, especially those whose personal needs may fall outside the norm in size or other needs.

Matt’s Rack works with outside organizations such as Cross Border Partners, local merchants, Max’s Kid Source, Salvation Army, Goodwill, Premium Imports and Mark Fore.

The Lutheran Foundation invests in organizations that care for our community physically, mentally, and spiritually. By supporting programs that deliver hope and healing, we are the body of Christ.

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27
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.

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