Colonial Courtyard partners with churches to feed those in need

Sarah Ewing (left) of Calvary Tyrone Church and Dawn Karlheim, executive operations officer at Colonial Courtyard in Tyrone, stand in front of a sign encouraging hungry people to share a free meal. The Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone has teamed up with Calvary Tyrone to help provide meals as part of the community initiative organized by the church. Courtesy photo

TYRONE – The Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone senior living community has partnered with local churches to help provide meals to less fortunate local residents during the month of October.

Several area churches have come together with a heartfelt initiative that includes three meals a week – on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays – offered at Calvary Church, 1062 Pennsylvania Avenue in Tyrone.

Meals are available at 6pm for anyone in the local community who is homeless or struggling with food insecurity.

“Our senior living community is contracted to provide meals every Tuesday during the winter months,” said Dawn Karlheim, executive operations officer at Colonial Courtyard in Tyrone.

“The goal is to provide hot, nutritious meals and fellowship for those who need support. We are grateful to be part of a Calvary Tyrone program that impacts so many people.”

Sarah Ewing, co-ordinator at Calvary Tyrone Church, is grateful for the support of other churches and volunteers, such as those at Colonial Courtyard in Tyrone.

“We have several churches, businesses and individuals who have volunteered to provide meals,” Ewing said. “We are very excited to be partnering with Colonial Courtyard in Tyrone. Their support has been a great blessing and an answer to prayer.”

The initiative involves members of the Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone team, including Karlheim and Director of Dining Experience Mary Komisar, who plan meals around the needs of the local community.

“Our senior living community’s dining staff plays an essential role in preparing and packaging food for delivery to the church,” Karlheim said. “Our team at Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone has a huge heart. We are already planning a food drive to support the local pantry, and employees have even asked about organizing a clothing drive.”

Residents of Colonial Courtyard in Tyrone are also keen to get involved. Some offered to make desserts. One resident offered to donate hats and scarves that she makes by hand.

“The enthusiasm and generosity demonstrated by residents and staff illustrate the deep sense of community and compassion that defines Colonial Courtyard in Tyrone,” said Karlheim. “Initiatives like this help people in need realize that someone cares about them, and maybe for a night or a day, they won’t have to struggle so much.”

The senior living community acted quickly when the need arose.

“When I announced we were going to sponsor this, there was no hesitation,” Karlheim said. “Everyone asked, ‘What can I do? Just let me know which day you need my help. Our community is grateful to be able to share with others who are not as blessed as we are.”

The upcoming meal distributions will not only meet immediate needs, but also foster a deeper connection between Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone residents, staff and the greater Tyrone area. “It’s a true testament to the power of coming together to support those in need, offering hope, nourishment and kindness – one meal at a time,” Karlheim said.

For more information, contact Dawn Karlheim, director of executive operations at Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone, at [email protected] or call 814-686-5970.