A place of worship in Palmerton, along with its pastor, has received an award for having a positive social impact on the community.

Living Hope Lighthouse Church, 705 Third St., and its pastor, Keith House, recently received the Making a Difference Award.

The award recognizes people who serve as exceptional allies within the community, consistently going above and beyond to support, advocate for, and enhance the well-being of VIPS across the C.A.R.E.S. Agency.

Living Hope Lighthouse Church and House were nominated and awarded the distinction from Community And Residential Empowerment Services, which helps people with intellectual and developmental challenges.

Korey Ebert, regional director of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Division at C.A.R.E.S., said the organization provides services to individuals with developmental deficiencies.

Shannon Socha, Walnutport Program specialist, C.A.R.E.S. Day Program, nominated Living Hope Lighthouse Church, along with House, for the Making a Difference Award, which recognizes the community impact.

“Over the past year, Pastor Keith and the congregation at Living Hope Lighthouse Church have continuously gone above and beyond to support the VIPs and staff of C.A.R.E.S.,” Socha wrote in her nomination letter. “From the moment we walk through their doors, we are greeted with kindness, respect, and genuine appreciation.”

Socha singled out House, whom she said “Consistently makes our VIPs feel welcomed, valued, and included. He often takes the time to thank both our VIPs and C.A.R.E.S. staff for all that they do, reminding everyone that they are important members of our community.

“What truly sets Pastor Keith apart is his commitment to creating meaningful experiences for our VIPs,” she said. “Recently, he began hosting a monthly craft activity, giving our individuals an opportunity to be creative, socialize, and build connections.

“Our VIPS had such a wonderful time participating that they continue to ask when the next craft session will be. Their excitement and enthusiasm speak volumes about the positive environment Pastor Keith has created.”

Socha added, “Living Hope Lighthouse Church has become more than a volunteer site; it has become a place where our VIPS feel accepted, encouraged, and celebrated.

“Pastor Keith’s compassion, dedication, and willingness to go the extra mile exemplify what it means to be an ally within our community,” she said. “His efforts have enriched the lives of our VIPS, and strengthened the partnership between Living Hope Lighthouse Church and C.A.R.E.S.”

House, whose wife, Lisa, works for C.A.R.E.S., said that he didn’t know what to say upon learning of the distinction.

“It’s a reflection of our church community at Living Hope Lighthouse Church,” House said. “It’s a blessing for Living Hope Lighthouse Church to be recognized for making a difference in the lives of people.”

House, who has been pastor at the church for the past 2½ years, said his congregation is averaging about 60 parishioners, which is up from 40.

He said it was a “team effort,” and attributed it to “preaching the word of God.”

“We have a loving congregation,” he said, “hence it’s reflection of having people from C.A.R.E.S.

House said the Crafts with Cares program is held once a month at Living Hope Lighthouse Church, and noted the interaction is “awesome.”

Joe Slovick, assistant outreach/evangelism team co-director, Living Hope Lighthouse Church, volunteers with the Crafts with Cares program.

“I’ve come to learn (that) the little things you do can make the biggest impact; I learned that from them,” Slovick said. “I enjoy being around the VIPs seeing what they can learn.”

One of the VIPs, Eric Berger, of Bowmanstown, said he likes to bring up everyone’s spirits.

“It makes me feel happy,” Berger said. “I’ve always been a nice person, and it made me feel nice, rejuvenated.”

Another VIP, Josh Bougher, of Whitehall, described what he enjoys most.

“It’s very fun to be out with people, build relationships with staff and VIPs,” Bougher said. It’s fun to be here.”

VIP Shelby Sell, of Schnecksville, said she enjoys the crafts, (and) “just talking, crafting.”