Community Care Programs

Faye Cowee

Ten Years of Service Illustrate Care

If you’ve been around MLM long, chances are you’ve met Faye Cowee. And chances are, you’ve been impressed.

Among other things, Faye is an excellent example that good things come in small packages. Just over five feet tall, she brings a command that can snap a group of young volunteers to attention with a word. Her insight into poverty and need was earned through a lifetime of community service.

Officially MLM’s Community Care Center Coordinator, Faye is one of the key people who know how to find answers that can help clients who need a job, an apartment or just some food to get through a rough patch.

A veteran of MLM for nearly 11 years, she also served with the Mid-America Assistance Coalition and had worked with the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program. She began her career in social services in St. Louis before moving to Kansas City and working in Section 8 housing and as a Head Start family services worker.

“I had a lot under my belt,” she laughed.

While difficult at times, the work is also rewarding. “It’s a great joy and pleasure to work for Metro Lutheran Ministry,” she said. “I think what we do for the clients and working so hard for the poor is what keeps you coming in each day and what keeps you in your chair. Just providing those services and helping people gives us a tremendous lift.”

One example involved a woman with Parkinson’s disease. A few days after helping her, Faye received a note in the mail. It was difficult to read because of the crooked writing but it was clear that the woman had wanted to say, “thank you.”

“This is what keeps me at my desk,” she said. “That and the wonderful hugs and thank yous.”

Although she will be missed, Faye is quick to insist that no one is irreplaceable. “New blood, new thoughts, new ideas are good,” she said.

Faye and her husband Keith will be retiring to near Linn Valley, Ks., a small community south of Louisburg. They will travel, including on their motorcycle, and spend time with their four daughters, 16 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

A retirement reception was held for Faye Feb. 27 at the MLM main offices, 3031 Holmes.