Published in the Olean Times Herald on Friday, Oct. 14, 2016
By DEB WUETHRICH, Special to the Olean Times Herald
ISCHUA — Ischua Union Church’s Fund for the Needy got a big boost this year with a $2,000 award from the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation.
Linda Pepperdine, a trustee on the foundation board, was on hand during services last Sunday to award the check to the Rev. Richard “Buck” Young.
The church established its Fund for the Needy in 1995 and since then has offered more than $20,000 in assistance toward immediate needs for families in the community. Families and individuals have received help in such areas as bringing a fuel bill current so a new delivery could be made to an empty tank, gas cards for medical appointments, winter coats for children and other needs.
“This is the second year we have received funds from the Renodin Foundation,” said John Ames, a church member who wrote the grants.
Last year’s award was $1,500. He added that a committee that includes church members Sue Wilbur and Melody Zampogna makes recipient decisions. Ames said Wilbur was instrumental in making the initial connection with the Renodin Foundation. Pepperdine confirmed that she and Wilbur work together at The ReHabilitation Center.
“One day Sue was talking about the things this little church has done,” Pepperdine said. “Because I’m on this board, I thought, ‘Maybe I can help.”
While the church needed a sound system, Pepperdine said the foundation does not fund capital expenditures. When Wilbur mentioned the Fund for the Needy, however, she thought it might
be a good fit between the organizations.
“Our mission statement sets very specific terms to help the underprivileged,” Pepperdine said. “The organization has to have nonprofit status.”
Through a back-and-forth process, Ames and Pepperdine consulted, which allowed the church to learn the parameters for eligibility and application.
“She also visited us to share information and that helped a lot,” Ames
said.
The fund helps people in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties in New York and McKean County in Pennsylvania.
“It comes from money that was invested when St. Francis Hospital closed and the Franciscan Sisters started the foundation,” Pepperdine said. “They are the unsung heroes in the community, and they don’t ask for a lot of publicity regarding the people they help.”
The Renodin Foundation has offered assistance totaling nearly $1 million since 2002.
“I’ve seen a lot of good that’s been done,” Pepperdine said. “Since I’m not personally able to help much financially, one of the ways I can help is with my time, making connections like the one Sue and I made and offering people like John and the church the tools they need to submit a grant.”
Young, in his sixth year at Ischua Union Church, was pleased with the award.
“The gifts that they offered are so much appreciated,” he said. “To me, I believe it helps with the continuing camaraderie between Ischua Union Church and the surrounding community. These gifts from the foundation are really special to those who need them and
receive them.”
Young and his wife, Myrna, were reciprocal recipients from community members a couple of months ago during a fundraiser to help defray their medical expenses. Young is still undergoing testing at the Cleveland Clinic to determine eligibility for a lung transplant.
“After this last series of tests, they’ll let me know,” he said. “Either way, I’m thankful for every day.”
Photo above: Ischua Union Church received a grant for $2,000 from the Dr. Lyle F. Renodin Foundation this year. Funds will help support the church’s Funds for the Needy program. Marking the moment are Sue Wilbur (from left), who serves on a church committee to determine distribution priorities; Linda Pepperdine, trustee of the Renodin Foundation; and the Rev. Richard “Buck” Young.
