Sister Susan Olson, OP may have taken a vow of poverty, but she is rich in compassion, spending her time and talents generously.
When she recently received a $1,000 grant from Sisters on the Frontlines, she used the funds to help two often-overlooked populations near and dear to her heart: those struggling with homelessness and artists hit hard by the pandemic in Columbus, Ohio.
I hope this ‘hand up’ for these two groups will ripple out to our larger community.”
She used the grant to buy essential goods for those facing homelessness in the city. With the help of her fellow Dominican Sisters of Peace, some 50 backpacks were stuffed with the supplies she purchased.
Sister Susan wanted to help address both food insecurity and personal hygiene. The backpacks contained a number of foods and personal items, including packaged snacks, a toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, cleansing wipes, and socks.
The supply kits were delivered to an organization on the South Side of Columbus who, according to Sister Susan, “works hard to give people a hand up, not a hand out.”
I was honored to be able to show some support through this grant.”
Helping Artists
Another overlooked population hit hard by the pandemic is the artist community. Due to the pandemic, many arts organizations shut down, leaving many people out of work. Sister Susan reached out to local artists to help them get by.
She was able to help a graphic artist by helping to pays some of her bills. Her business was struggling because advertising decreased during the pandemic. The grant helped save her from going further into debt.
The gift was particularly special to Sister Susan because she has known the woman since she was 3 years old and wanted to keep her dream of owning her own business afloat during a difficult time.
A Growing Movement
Sister Susan is just one of hundreds of Catholic sisters who have received grants from Sisters on the Frontlines donors. Across the country, there are thousands of nuns who, given $1,000, knows exactly who might need it most.
Thanks to presence of Sisters across the country, Frontlines grants have been able to help people of all ages and circumstances in the most overlooked corners of our communities. We invite you to explore more stories of Sisters on the Frontlines, and give today to help Catholic sisters provide emergency assistance to families and individuals in need.
