Outreach
Augustana is committed to helping those who are in need. We have a variety of initiatives that assist people in the local community and worldwide. Visitors are welcome to assist in these projects. Contact the church office for details and to become involved, or stop in to learn more.
Refugee & Immigrant Driving Program
In 2007, Augustana instituted the Refugee and Immigrant Driving Program to help individuals earn their driver’s licenses. It is the only program of its kind in Western New York.
Augustana volunteers have aided more than 100 participants from 30 different countries in obtaining driver’s licenses. Additional participants have earned their driving permit.
Costs, from training materials to the permit test fee and professional driving lessons, are covered by individual donations, Lutheran Charities, the Lutheran Foundation of WNY, and Thrivent Financial. Augustana is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization. Donations can be made payable and sent to:
Augustana Lutheran Church
3143 Eggert Road
Tonawanda, NY 14150.
The Driving Program brochure is available here.
Habitat for Humanity
Augustana organizes a work day at Habitat for Humanity annually in the summer or fall. The work performed ranges from hanging siding and doing landscaping to interior painting and drywall installation.
In 2017, members of other Lutheran churches participated with us.
Community Picnic
Held on the church grounds, we serve food, raise money for charity, and have fun!
This year's picnic raised funds for Ken-Ton Closet.
God's Work, Our Hands
In the fall, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran Charities and Thrivent Financial coordinate this service event. Churches across the US, including Augustana, take on projects that meet needs in their communities.
Throughout the year we raise funds for charities that help people in need - locally, nationally, and globally :
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LUTHERAN CHARITIES OF WNY
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LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE
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ELCA WORLD HUNGER
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EVANGELICAL MODEL PRIMARY SCHOOL, SIERRA LEONE
For ELCA World Hunger, we hold a drive in the fall for 'God's Global Barnyard,' with individuals choosing farm animals to be given to those in need, culminating in a luncheon to celebrate and to thank the donors.
Augustana collects cold weather gear for local charities such as FRIENDS OF THE NIGHT PEOPLE.