LOUISVILLE, Ky, (Oct. 27, 2003) - The Ursuline Sisters of Louisville have received a $10,000 grant from Support Our Aging Religious (SOAR!) for use in renovating the Ursuline Motherhouse on Lexington Rd. SOAR! is a non-profit organization that assists elderly and frail members of Catholic religious congregations in the United States.

The SOAR! grant brings the total amount raised thus far for the recently launched Ursuline Motherhouse renovation campaign to $62,000. The campaign goal is $500,000.

"Renovations are needed to make facilities in the center and west wings of the Ursuline Motherhouse more accessible and friendlier to our aging sisters' needs." said Sister Jean Anne Zappa, president of the Ursuline Sisters of Louisville. "These two wings of the motherhouse were last renovated after a fire 25 years ago."

Improvements to the Motherhouse include adding handrails in hallways, improving restroom and shower facilities, replacing an elevator, improving lighting, upgrading plumbing and painting.

On average, 50 Ursuline Sisters live at the Ursuline Motherhouse. Many are retired from full-time ministry, but still volunteer throughout the community, providing vital services at places including parishes, nursing homes, hospitals and schools.

A second part of the fundraising project will allow renovations to the former chaplain's house on the Ursuline Campus. Upgrades to that building have not been made in the last 50 years. The project includes installing a new heating and air conditioning system, replacing plumbing and windows, renovating the kitchen and restoring the exterior. After renovations, the building will be home to four sisters.

For more information about providing financial support to the Ursuline Motherhouse renovation campaign, please call (502) 896-3938 or e-mail development@ursulineslou.org.

To make a donation to the Ursuline Motherhouse renovation campaign, click here.

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