CANA chapter honors St. Luke’s Episcopal Church food ministries, awards nursing scholarships

The Bronx, Manhattan, and Westchester Chapter (BMWC) of the New York-based Caribbean-American Nurses Association, Inc. (CANA) honored the Community Food Ministries at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church during the chapter’s 29th Annual Vernese Weekes Scholarship Luncheon. The event took place at Eastwood Manor on Eastchester Road in the Bronx, where the church’s food ministries were recognized for their vital role in the community.

The BMWC also presented the Vernese Weekes Scholarship awards to two nursing students, Morgan Forbes and Jamaar Henry. The scholarship fund is named in memory of Vernese Weekes, a late member of CANA, and is intended to support nursing students pursuing careers in healthcare.

Nelson A. King Trinidadian-born Karen Bovell served as the Legacy Keynote Speaker at the gala. She honored her late mother, Catherine Benjamin Bovell, who was an active and valued member of CANA. Her speech highlighted the importance of community service and the legacy of those who dedicated their lives to helping others.

The Community Food Ministries at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in the Williamsbridge neighborhood of the Bronx provide essential services to families and individuals facing food insecurity. The church’s soup kitchen and food pantry offer both immediate warm meals and weekly groceries, serving over 35,000 people annually. These programs focus on distributing essential ingredients, fresh items, and shelf-stable goods to help restock household kitchens.

The church’s food ministries bridge structural gaps by preparing and serving freshly cooked meals in a welcoming, dignifying environment. This approach reflects a commitment to meeting people’s needs with compassion and respect, aligning with the biblical call to care for the hungry and the poor.

Morgan Forbes, a nursing student of Jamaican ancestry, expressed her dedication to healthcare as a calling rooted in compassion and service. She is currently enrolled at Advent Health University in Orlando, Florida, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. Forbes emphasized that nursing is more than a profession for her—it is a way to advocate for those in need and provide accessible healthcare.

Jamaar Henry, whose roots trace to Antigua and Barbuda, shared his aspirations to build a career in healthcare. His story reflects the broader mission of CANA and the church’s ministries to empower individuals through education and service. Both recipients exemplify the values of neighbor-love and selfless dedication that define these community efforts.

The recognition of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and the scholarship recipients underscores the importance of supporting those who serve others. As Galatians 6:10 reminds us, we should do good to all people, especially those in the church. These ministries and individuals embody that spirit, offering hope and practical help to those in need.

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