Raised on a dairy farm in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin with twelve siblings, Florence Mielke learned early what it meant to live a life grounded in faith, family, and hard work. Growing up in a devout Catholic household, Florence watched her previous eight siblings attend Catholic school, but she was the first who didn’t get the same opportunity.

“I always felt a longing for what they experienced,” Florence shares. “That’s why I’m passionate about helping others access what I couldn’t.”

Now a faithful monthly donor to Changing Lives with Legacy, Florence is using her giving to ensure students today don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow in both academics and faith.

Serving Her Community

After a 40-year career as a nephrology nurse, Florence has embraced her new free time as a time of service and spiritual growth.

She is active in her Church of the Ascension parish, where she provides her time, treasure, and talents to the Matthew Community, currently helping underserved persons in the metropolitan area through AZ Brain Food, MANA House, and Andre House. She also assists the parish Arts & Environment committee. Additional prayer time is devoted to Ascension’s weekly Divine Mercy Chaplet and Seven Sisters Apostolate, where women commit to praying for their priest one hour each on their specific day of the week. In the Fountain Hills community, Florence volunteers with the River Of Time Museum and Arizona Care Hospice.

“That’s what we’re here for,” Florence says, reflecting on her life of prayer and service.

Florence first heard about Catholic Education Arizona when a speaker visited her parish and explained the Arizona Tax Credit. Her response? “That’s a no-brainer! I want to give what I can.”

After being a loyal tax credit contributor for 13 years, Florence learned that she could give beyond her tax credit with a traditional donation to Changing Lives with Legacy.

“There are lots of children out there who need the help,” she says. “And it’s one way to grow our numbers in the Church if we can help the children learn more about their faith at an early age.”

Florence sees education as a powerful way to build the Church and bring hope to families. “Many of these parents or guardians might not have had a college education or have a well-paying job. To be able to help them provide better education for their children—hope for the future, and faith-based—it can only be helping our world.”

Florence’s story reminds us that monthly giving is a powerful way to change lives and help underserved, disabled, and foster children take the next step toward their future.

Share Your Story

Are you a supporter of Changing Lives with Legacy? We want to hear your story and know why you believe Catholic Education Arizona is valuable. To tell us your story, contact legacy@ceaz.org or call (602) 218-6542.