Pastor Julia Wike selected as first Women Warriors honoree
YOUNGSTOWN — The Guiding Circle of the Community Foundation's Fund for Women and Girls selected Pastor Julia Wike as its first Women Warriors honoree.
Wike is the director of Basement Outreach Ministries, which provides aid to the homeless, addicts and those who are impoverished, according to the organization's website.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wike has increased her organization's output to ensure that no family in need goes without food, according to a news release. Each week, she obtains food, stocks shelves, creates transportation routes, organizes volunteers and fundraises to purchase groceries.
In April, Wike organized and helped deliver groceries, hot meals and personal care products to 908 men, women and children in 344 families.
"The Fund for Women and Girls commends Pastor Wike for her efforts to ensure local families have basic necessities during the current health crisis," the release states. "Working on the front lines, she demonstrates compassion, and her dedication is one of the ways the Mahoning Valley will make it through this together."
Women Warriors is a campaign that recognizes women who are stepping up to lead crisis relief and response efforts in the Mahoning Valley during the COVID-19 outbreak. Each week, the Fund's Guiding Circle will select one woman from submitted nominations to spotlight.
This story was originally published May 13, 2020 at 2:15 PM with the headline "Pastor Julia Wike selected as first Women Warriors honoree."