10.25.19
Lisa and Jim Schweitzer, honored at the Catholic Charities Galveston Beacon of Hope Reception for their selfless service to the Galveston community.
GALVESTON – Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston honored Galveston Judge Jim and Lisa Schweitzer with the Beacon of Hope Award at its annual Beacon of Hope Appreciation Reception, along with two Catholic churches that partner with Catholic Charities.
The Schweitzers have supported Galveston’s most vulnerable families for more than 20 years by organizing food and clothing donation drives, mentoring young people and giving generously of their time, talent and treasure. In recognition of their lifetime of generosity and philanthropy, Catholic Charities is establishing the Lisa’s Kids Fund to provide healthy food to Galveston children of all ages.
“Jim and Lisa are a guiding light in serving people in need in our community,” said Elizabeth Kinard, director of Catholic Charities’ Southern Region. “Their work has inspired generations of philanthropists and changed thousands of lives.”
Catholic Charities thanked two parishes for their dedicated partnership with Catholic Charities: Rev. Clint Ressler, pastor of St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal in Texas City, and Fr. Stephen Payne with Holy Family Parish in Galveston.
Jim Schweitzer is the presiding Galveston Municipal Court Judge, appointed in 2006, and previously served as a Galveston County Justice of the Peace for 13 years. Lisa was a teacher in Galveston ISD for 30 years and principal of Holy Family Catholic School in Galveston.
The two churches that received recognition are St. Mary of the Miraculous Medal in Texas City and Holy Family Parish in Galveston. The two parishes recently expanded their service to the community by hosting “Know Your Rights” immigration information sessions, in partnership with Catholic Charities’ St. Frances Cabrini Center for Immigrant Legal Assistance.
Catholic Charities’ Beacon of Hope Center is the hub for Catholic Charities services on the Island and in Galveston County, with food pantries and financial assistance at the Galveston Island Community Center and in Texas City, in addition to other social services.