A small group of about 50 persons who were friends of Fr. Clement Kern of Detroit met after his death and decided to start the foundation. His work often went beyond parish confines, the Foundation would be supportive of its social and educational mission but extend into the areas of justice, interracial relationships, concerns for new arrivals to the big city, whether they were Appalachians, Hispanics, Yugoslavians and others who came to seek a better life for themselves and their children, human rights, promotion of worker rights, paying scholarships for education, programs for parolees, alcoholics and for direct handouts to the poor regardless of race, creed or worthiness. Dom Helder Camara, the saintly Archbishop of Recife, Brazil, once said, When I give food to the poor, people call me a saint; when I ask why they are poor, people call me a communist! Like the Archbishop Father Kern did both - he served the poor with social programs and worked with political, business and union leaders for justice in society. Father Kern judged no one. He accepted each person without reservation, as they were right at that moment. He didnt like people to have to beg or go through a lot of humiliating paperwork and questions. We try to keep his spirit. I suppose that is why some might think our report of grants (available) is scattered. Wed give more if we had more. We give to those who ask. We dont make them jump through hoops to request it. We trust them in spending it. But we do feel proud that we have carried on Father Kerns mission and philosophy. The Kern Foundation has given out over $365,000 in the last 16 years. It is our prayer that our small effort has helped people just as Fr. Kern did and made the lives of some Detroit children and families just a little bit better. We humbly ask your prayers that we can quietly continue his work. Father Kern was to many people in Detroit what Mother Theresa was to many in India! We want that spirit to continue. Those wishing to be part of this effort may send contributions to: Fr. Clement h. Kern foundation, p.o. Box 312881, detroit, mi 48231-2881 .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
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