LOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 19, 2004) - The Ursuline Sisters of Louisville have received a $20,000 grant from the Koch Foundation, Inc., to aid with renovations to their Motherhouse on Lexington Rd.

The Florida-based Koch Foundation awards grants for evangelization efforts to propagate the Roman Catholic faith throughout the world. This grant falls under the category of capital expenditures, which are awarded to "build or repair churches, convents, monasteries and religious formation centers."

The Ursuline Sisters hope to begin making renovations in late spring to improve accessibility for retired sisters living in the 86-year-old Motherhouse. Needed improvements to the center and west wings include adding handrails in hallways, improving restroom and shower facilities, replacing an elevator, improving lighting, upgrading plumbing and painting.

"We're grateful to the Koch Foundation for recognizing our need," said Sister Jean Anne Zappa, president of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville. "The basic renovations will help us to keep our retired sisters active and focused on their volunteer ministries.
"With a more accessible environment, we feel the sisters will be able to get around more easily, which ultimately assists them in having more energy for ministry and prayer, and leads to healthier lives."

The Koch Foundation grant brings the amount raised for the project to $180,000. The goal is to raise $500,000.

For more information about providing financial support to the Ursuline Motherhouse renovation campaign, please call (502) 896-3938 or click here.

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