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

TYRONE — The Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone senior living community has partnered with local churches to help provide meals for less fortunate local residents throughout October.

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

Meals are available at 6 p.m. to anyone in the local community who is homeless or struggling with food insecurity.

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

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

Sarah Ewing, coordinator at Calvary Tyrone Church, appreciates the support from other churches and volunteers such as those at Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone.

“We have several churches, businesses and individuals who have offered to provide meals,” Ewing said. “We are so excited to partner with Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone. Their support has been a huge blessing and answer to prayer.”

The initiative involves members of the Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone team, including Karlheim and Dining Experience Director Mary Komisar, who plans the meals based on the local community’s needs.

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

The residents of Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone are also eager to get involved. Some have volunteered to bake desserts. A resident offered to donate hats and scarves she crochets by hand.

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

The senior living community quickly took action when the need arose.

“When I announced that we were going to sponsor this, there was no hesitation,” Karlheim said. “Everyone asked, ‘What can I do? Just let me know what 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 address 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, executive operations officer, Colonial Courtyard at Tyrone, at dkarlheim@integracare.com or call 814-686-5970.