Sister Stories

Mary Jo Kahl
FSM, Receives Humanitarian Award

On Friday, March 20, 2009, Mary Jo Kahl, FSM, was honored in the “Women Putting Their Stamp on Metro Milwaukee” celebration sponsored by the United States Postal Service. The award recognizes her humanitarian work with SET (Service to Empower and Transform) Ministries.

The 11th awards luncheon, part of Milwaukee’s celebration of Women’s History Month, saluted honorees “for their commitment to overcoming challenges and changing society to improve the quality of life for all citizens.”

Women Putting Their Stamp on Metro Milwaukee honors women for achievements in Abilities Awareness, Arts or Entertainment, Business, Diversity Champion, Education, Government Service or Law, Growing Leadership, Health or Social Services, Humanitarianism, Media, Postal Service, Sports, Volunteerism, and Youth Achievers.

Sr. Mary Jo, a Franciscan Sister of Mary for more than fifty years, has spent her life in service to others—especially the poor and marginalized. She is a nurse case manager for SET Ministries, helping people who live in Milwaukee’s public housing, and she provides support for two Somali Bantu families who immigrated to Milwaukee several years ago. She is also active on the Human Concerns Committee and with the St. Vincent de Paul Society in her parish, St. Francis of Assisi. She helps families and others who need food, clothing, and furniture.