Lyons Lunches serving for 8 years

The Lyons Lunch Program opened on February 8, 1999 and began by serving five to 10 meals a day. Since opening, the LLP has served more than 78,000 meals and averages 55-60 meals a day.

The mission of the LLP is to serve delicious, nutritious meals to anyone in need. Many of our guests come to us because they are going through difficult economic circumstances. Some have lost their jobs; others are unable to work.

Some are making a transition back into the community after a time of incarceration. Some folks come because they are lonely and appreciate the fellowship. We also provide a space of hospitality where people feel welcomed and valued. We model caring behavior and respect for one another.

If someone doesn't show up at lunch for a few days, folks will check to see if this person is okay. For some folks, the Lunch Program is their only 'family.'

Some guests eat with us five days a week; others, just once or twice a month, when they aren't able to make ends meet. We have all sorts of folks who eat with us from young to old. Many of our guests at the LLP have become regular volunteers and help with unpacking food, vacuuming, and clean-up.

Several have taken the Foodlink Food Handler's certification class and are helping with food preparation. We are hopeful that the skills learned through volunteering will help them in finding and securing jobs. We also have had four workers who have been part of the 'Welfare to Work ' program. LLP is their 'job site.' Again, this meets a community need and benefits our program. We are more than a meal, we are a ministry.

We are a re-entry point for those who are being released from jail and we do our best to help folks transition back into the community. With the help of 'angels' in our community, we are often able to help folks get furniture and bedding.

We want to help folks to succeed and so we will make referrals to related groups and agencies that can provide support. An important connection is AA, which meets Monday and Tuesday nights at the Lyons Presbyterian Church, Queen Street at Broad.

We also encourage parents with young children to sign up for WIC and to schedule their visits right here in Lyons. We encourage our guests to get their GEDs and partner with Adult Literacy, Even Start and other agencies to resource folks. Our guests are appreciative of this!

We have partnered with other agencies to present informative programs. We encourage wellness activities. The program is a ministry. We give out blankets and warm winter coats to those who are in need. The LLP is a certified Foodlink site and is supported by The First Presbyterian Church of Lyons, the Inter-Church Council of Lyons, The American Red Cross, The Presbytery of Geneva, and Operation Ricebowl. The LLP also receives support from individuals, organizations and businesses near and far.

We are blessed to have a great cook-coordinator, Steve VanDuyne, a man of deep faith. We also have a team of many dedicated and caring volunteers. On our eighth birthday, we want to thank the church and community for its on-going support. We hear Jesus' words to his disciples as words to us: 'Truly just as you do unto the least of these, you do unto me.'

Blessings and peace, Rev. Dr. Cynthia Huling Hummel

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