Catholic Social Services’ Eilers nominated for Catholic Extension’s Lumen Christi Award

June 26, 2023

Information courtesy of Catholic Extension
MOBILE — Congratulations to Lee Eilers, Home Repair Coordinator for Catholic Social Services of Mobile County, one of 41 nominees for Catholic Extension’s Lumen Christi Award.
The Lumen Christi Award is Catholic Extension's highest honor and and given annually to people who radiate and reveal the light of Christ present in the communities where they serve. Finalists and the award winner are expected to be announced later this year.
St. Joseph is the patron saint of carpenters. He knows his way around the plane and the lathe.
St. Joseph would love Lee Eilers.
Lee knows his way around a router and a table saw. They both know that roofs should not leak, and that all should be well and truly sheltered, especially the poor, elderly and disabled.
CSS and Lee provide home repair assistance free of charge to elderly and disabled homeowners who would otherwise not be able to afford it.
In 2022, Lee supervised the completion of more than 50 home repair assessments and projects for various individuals and families within Mobile County.
He treats each person with respect and a gentle humbleness that shows not only his faith but the true character of his soul.
The work that Lee does for the community by building wheelchair ramps, repairing roofs, installing new floors, repairing broken windows and doors, painting, and countless other repairs has lessened the burden to some of the most financially impacted people in the community.
One young man suffered from debilitating epilepsy, which negatively impacted his ability to walk. He had use of a wheelchair but was unable to enter or exit his home because he had no ramp. For years this young man had to crawl on his hands and knees into his home because the family could not afford to have a wheelchair ramp.
Once Lee learned of the situation, he immediately went to the young man’s home. Within one week a new wheelchair ramp was built.
The impact this one ramp has had for this young man was profound. As the mother of this young man said, “It is a blessing to have such a wonderful worker within the Catholic faith, who made the life of my son more meaningful than it has been in years. He no longer has to crawl on all fours like an animal but has a wheelchair and ramp to get into and out of our home.”
Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi said “Lee is always a shining example of his faith and considers his work to be a service not only to the community but to his faith as well. At each project, he proudly posts yard signs that indicate the work being done is that of Catholic Social Services of Mobile, so that all who see that sign know that God’s work is being done through the Archdiocese of Mobile and Catholic Social Services.” 
Lee explained: “I simply like to assist those folks who can’t afford to get done what needs to be done.
"I want to help make their lives easier or better in the best way I know how and am able.” 
There are currently 40 clients on a waiting list to be assessed and possibly served. Lee may need to enlist the services of St. Joseph to get all the jobs done.  They would make a heavenly team.
— Visit www.catholicextension.org/what-we-do/lumen-christi-award/2023-2024-lumen-christi-award-nominees/ for more information