Fond Farewell at Doors to Hope

Hundreds of women and their families have passed through the classrooms of the SCN ministry Doors to Hope, attending English as a second language (ESL) classes, courses in computer literacy, tutoring for school-age children and empowerment programs. Countless lives have been impacted.

Since the program’s inception in Louisville, Kentucky, other programs and nonprofits have developed, giving families more options than ever. Realizing that the needs can now be met by other programs, the decision was made to retire this ministry.

Volunteer Susan Kilb, SCN, shares, “It was a joy for me to teach adults at Doors to Hope. Two women, especially, were eager to learn English to help their families in a new environment. I know that they will find other means to learn the language, but I will miss them.”

Julissa Martinez, meanwhile, is grateful for the help she and her daughter have been given. “My daughter didn’t read, and it was hard for her,” reflects Julissa. “With my English I had a hard time helping her.”

Lorena Miller and Rebecca Miles, SCN, have both been directors at the SCN ministry, Doors to Hope.

As a third grader, Julissa’s daughter, Daniela, struggled to read. Still, with regular help from Doors to Hope volunteers, she caught up and is excelling now as a talented artist and honor roll student in one of Kentucky’s top high schools.

In May, Doors to Hope held a closing ceremony outdoors at its location in Louisville. About 50 guests, including past directors, SCN Leadership, Doors to Hope volunteers, and the families served, marked the end of this SCN ministry. Some recalled the beginnings of this ministry and noted that the teenagers there now were only small children when Doors to Hope began. Others noted the improvement in English-speaking skills for many immigrant women and families since the ministry’s inception. Guests stood to illustrate the ministry’s impact; some stood for ESL, GED, citizenship or computer classes, and afterschool tutoring.

Since 2012, Doors to Hope has served the Louisville Latino community, providing immigrant women and families services. Doors to Hope staff and volunteers have provided learning opportunities, engaged in advocacy, and ensured that all knew how to access the many resources available to them. Over the years, dedicated staff and volunteers have journeyed with families as they learned English, earned their high school diploma, gained citizenship and completed computer literacy classes. A women’s support group met each week for ongoing education and advocacy. Children, under the careful guidance of tutors, have seen their grades improve.

During the pandemic, in 2020, the transition was made to put all services online. Director Brenda Gonzales, SCN, along with Doors to Hope staff and volunteers, helped the families through the challenging year. They provided school supplies to start the year and helped with the children’s online classes. Vaccination sites were also promoted. Sister Brenda describes the challenges faced while the state was on lock down,

Top: Doors to Hope has served the Louisville Latino community, providing services to immigrant women and families. Bottom, left: In recent years, SCNs Julie Driscoll (left) and Rebecca Miles (right) gave Archbishop Joseph Kurtz a tour of Doors to Hope. Bottom, right: Betty MacDougall, SCN (now deceased), volunteered for many years at Doors to Hope.

Top: Doors to Hope has hosted a number of programs for children of all ages, and volunteers offered English as a Second Language classes. Bottom: Families from across Louisville, Kentucky, have been the heart of Doors to Hope. including “getting in touch with people and getting them what they needed. It was hard figuring it all out.“

Rebecca Miles, SCN, meanwhile, who is the ministry’s first director, recalls its early days. “The very first person to show up was Maria. She came for quite some time. She had an 11-year-old son … must be 21 by now.” She adds, “It’s kind of bittersweet, you want to keep them small, but they grow up.”

Over the last nine years, some of the Sisters who were volunteering have passed away. This has been painful for participants as the Sisters became like family. Betty MacDougall, SCN, taught three nights a week at Doors to Hope and is remembered for always having an encouraging word. Miriam Corcoran, SCN, became close to a woman from Cuba, a doctor, whom she tutored in English so that she might pass her medical boards in the United States. The doctor now has a clinic in Florida.

The impact Sisters and volunteers have had is hard to put into words, but Julissa goes out of her way to tell others how the ministry changed her life. “Thanks for all the support the Sisters gave to us,” says Julissa. “We will always be thankful.” Doors to Hope is grateful as well, grateful to all the donors, the many committed volunteers, the staff, and Advisory Committee.

Members of leadership say the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth will continue to be present and support the Latino community in whatever ways possible, through volunteering in other organizations, grants, and especially with prayers and love for this wonderful community that has been built and grown over the years.