The All-Parish Project
2003-2004

Each year, The First Parish Church in Weston has the custom of finding, funding, and finishing a special project that has the potential to change us and change the world. "All-Parish" means all of us –
children as well as adults.

For 2003-04, our project was working with Waltham's Bristol Lodge Family shelters, in particular Sandra's Lodge, Hestia House, and Olivia's Place.

This from the Standing Committee 2003 Annual Report, published in January 2004:

These shelters for single mothers provide vital services to women who are trying to put their lives back together, and to become and raise contributing members of our society. Hats off to Lelia Elliston who organized our fall service day (look for another in the spring.) Our thanks also to Cheryl Stookey for supporting the volunteers who trek to Waltham on a near weekly basis to organize clothing donations, and to Sue Newbury who has organized furniture donations. Mary Shaw and Jean Masland have orchestrated sewing bees whose curtains have brightened the rooms at Olivia's Place. The effect of these collective efforts along with those of many others has been transforming and has changed a part of our world. - Winifred Li, Chair