ABOUT SWCM
our mission
Our mission is to offer not only help, but hope — empowering individuals and families to move toward self-sufficiency with greater independence and resilience.
our values
SWCM believes communities thrive when neighbors lift one another up. Guided by faith and compassion, we value collaboration and empowerment—supporting others with dignity, encouraging independence, and fostering a sense of shared community and lasting hope.
our vision
SWCM strives to go beyond meeting immediate needs - to create a stronger, more equitable Southwest Louisville by empowering neighbors in crisis, alleviating the burdens of poverty, and fostering a connected community where dignity, independence, and long-term stability are within reach for every individual and family. At SWCM, our goal is not just to meet needs today, but to help our community thrive tomorrow.
Our Board
We depend on guidance and support from our board, which meets six times a year. The board of Southwest Community Ministries is made up of representatives of member churches and representatives of non-churches or business organizations that support our work and mission.
Board of Directors
Julie Hook | President
Kim Leanhart | Vice President
Board Members
Khalil Batshon
Sheila Carter
Wanda Trimble
Melissa Miles
John Smith
Lyndsey Henken
Honorary Members
Carol Lee Severs
Charlie Miller
Meet Our Staff
Executive Director
Sarah Langmeyer
Emergency Assistance Director
Karen Minton
Food Pantry Director
Mary Wells
Community Program Coordinator
Madison Ludwig
Development Coordinator
Casey Hibbs
Community Program Coordinator
Lyndsey Elliott
We are blessed to have such a fantastic group of staff members and volunteers. They have helped us provide support for Southwest Jefferson County over the last 35 years and with their help, we hope to continue to provide assistance to our neighbors in need for many years to come.
Churches Partners
Any church that supports the goals of Southwest Community Ministries qualifies for membership. We would love for you to join our action-oriented community. We ask for your help both financially and through service. When you become a member you commit to: provide a delegate to our services, make a good faith pledge of financial support and to provide volunteers.
Member Churches
Beechland Baptist Church
Bethany UMC Church
Church of the Incarnation
Cornerstone Community Church
Faith Presbyterian Church
Garrs Lane UMC
Good Shepard Lutheran Church
Hillsdale Baptist Church
Meadowlawn Baptist Church
Mosaic UMC
New Salem Church
PRP United Methodist Church
Prairie Village UMC
Ridgewood Baptist Church
South Jefferson Baptist Church
South Jefferson Christian Church
St. Francis
St. Paul Catholic Church
St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church
Valley Station Community of Christ
Valley View Baptist Church
Other Associations
Southwest Community Ministries is a member of the Association of Community Ministries (ACM), a collaborative collective of Louisville’s 15 community ministries leveraging the strength and knowledge of extended connections and common causes. ACM members work together to advocate, identify funding, negotiate with utility companies and encourage community-wide support for this network of community ministries.
Our Memberships
Valley Station Chamber of Commerce
Mill Creek Advisory Council
Riverport Business Association (RBA)
Southwest Louisville Rotary
We also encourage community organizations to join us. If you support our mission and work, come share our commitment!
Contact us at 502-935-0310 or email at info@supportswcm.org
to become a member.
SWCM Press & Past Events
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6/16/2025
HONORABLE ORDER OF KENTUCKY COLONELS
AWARD 333 GRANTS TOTALING $2.5 MILLION
SOUTHWEST COMMUNITY MINISTRIES AN HONORED 2025 RECIPIENT
Louisville, Ky – Southwest Community Ministries is proud to announce it received a grant from the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (HOKC) in the amount of $9,423 to repair and upgrade large systems within our facilities.
The Southwest Community Ministries serves Southwest Louisville by providing vital resources including food, senior support, emergency financial assistance and seasonal programs for kids and animals to help Southwest Louisville neighbors facing hard times build stability and hope.
HOKC awarded $2.5 million in grants supporting 333 non-profits, impacting more than 4 million Kentuckians. Grants are made possible through donations from Kentucky Colonels from throughout the Commonwealth and around the world who choose to exercise the honor of being named a Kentucky Colonel in a meaningful way.
According to Commanding General Gary Boschert: “2024 / 2025 was a challenging year for fulfilling Grant Requests, with $5 million in total requests. We were able to distribute $2.5 million through the Good Works Program that each of you generously supports. Every dollar you contribute to the Good Works Program goes out to nonprofits in the Commonwealth. Together we helped support more than 4 million people this year.
About Southwest Community Ministries
Southwest Community Ministries is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families in need throughout the Southwest Louisville area. They provide a wide range of essential services, including emergency food assistance, utility and rental help, senior care programs, and seasonal outreach initiatives like back-to-school and holiday gift support for kids. By partnering with local churches, businesses, groups, and volunteers, the organization works to strengthen the community by offering compassionate, practical aid to those facing hardship, helping them maintain stability and dignity during challenging times. Find more information on SWCM at www.supportswcm.org.
About the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels is a 501(c) (3) entity dedicated to supporting charitable activities throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The organization is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees. The “Kentucky Colonel” commission is an honorary title granted by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Since 1951, the organization has pursued its mission through annual grants totaling $72 million to more than 1,700 nonprofits. Of those Colonels’ contributions, each grant is thoroughly vetted by the trustees and staff. Though the corporate name is The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, most know it by its long-term trademark, KENTUCKY COLONELS. Visit kycolonels.org to learn more.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 6.19.2024
HONORABLE ORDER OF KENTUCKY COLONELS
AWARD 325 GRANTS TOTALING $2.5 MILLION
Southwest Community Ministries - AN HONORED 2024 RECIPIENT
Louisville, KY – Southwest Community Ministries is proud to announce it received a grant from the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels (HOKC) in the amount of $4,300 to purchase new security cameras and make maintenance updates.
Southwest Community Ministries serves neighbors living in the 40272, 40258 and the Jefferson County Portion of 40177. We do this via our food pantry, Emergency Financial Assistance Department, Meals on Wheels Programing and Children's Programing assisting with infant supplies, back to school needs and Christmas assistance.
HOKC awarded $2.5 million in grants supporting 325 non-profits, impacting more than 3.9 million Kentuckians. Grants are made possible through donations from Kentucky Colonels from throughout the Commonwealth and around the world who chose to exercise the honor of being named a Kentucky Colonel in a meaningful way.
According to Commanding General Gary Boschert: “2023 / 2024 was a challenging year for fulfilling Grant Requests, with over $5 million in total requests. We were able to distribute $2.5 million through the Good Works Program that each of you generously supports. Every dollar you contribute to the Good Works Program goes out to nonprofits in the Commonwealth. Together we helped support 3.9 million people this year. Our efforts following the western and eastern Kentucky disasters continue, with limited funds remaining for both regions. Many Trustees just toured eastern Kentucky earlier this month to see firsthand how much need there truly is. The rebuilding in both areas continues and your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your support!”
About Southwest Community Ministries
Southwest Community Ministries is a 501(c)(3) entity dedicated to uniting community partners to fulfill the needs of our neighbors in crisis. Southwest Community Ministries started as a food pantry mission for a local congregation 40 years ago and has grown to be a pivotal piece of keeping many Southwest Louisville residents in their home with basic services. As an active member in the Association of Community Ministries we work diligently with all other members to assure that all resources within the community are accessible. On average Southwest Community Ministries serves an average of 342 households each year with financial assistance and 7,000 individuals with food. Since 1984, the organization has pursued its mission through grants, doantations and fundraising via a volunteer board and minimal staff. Visit supportswcm.org to learn more.
About the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels
The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels is a 501(c) (3) entity dedicated to supporting charitable activities throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The organization is governed by an all-volunteer Board of Trustees. The “Kentucky Colonel” commission is an honorary title granted by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Since 1951, the organization has pursued its mission through annual grants totaling $68 million to more than 1,700 nonprofits. Of those Colonels’ contributions, each grant is thoroughly vetted by the trustees and staff. Though the corporate name is The Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, most know it by its long-term trademark, KENTUCKY COLONELS. Visit kycolonels.org to learn more.
Sarah Langmeyer, Sarah@supportswcm.org
2024 GIVING BACK GALA
SWCM'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
April 13th, 2024 - Angel's Envy Bourbon Club
Event Sponsors
Shirley's Way
Leanhart Plumbing
Fraternal Order of the Eagles #3903
U of L Health Mary & Elizabeth
Byler Ford Dixie
Superior Commercial Cleaning
Humana
Heartsong Adult Day Health Care
Newcomer Funeral Home
Edward Jones
Timmy's Auto Wash
Event Donors
Churchill Downs
The Galt House
Perfect North
Stillpoint Wellness Center
Bark!
Frazier Museum
Glen Oaks Country Club
Kendra Scott
Louisville Football
Julie Hook Realtor
& Many Individuals Donors
October 2019
Our Annual Dinner and yearly fundraiser was a huge success! We would love to thank all of our sponsors who helped us raise funding to help minister to our neighbors in need. "Doing Together What We Cannot Do Separately"
March 2015
Our Annual Dinner and Fundraiser with The Monarchs! We had a tremendous turnout and an outstanding fundraiser! We would also like to thank Dawne Gee (WAVE-TV) for her amazing talents as an emcee and auctioneer. Thank's to all for helping us raise so much money!
Past Newsletters
January 2026
September 2025
July 2025
May 2025
Accountability Records