Sutton Bank Presents Check to FELC
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 11, 2025
Sutton Bank Donates $10,000 to Franciscan Earth Literacy Center for Scholarships to Support Environmental Education
Tiffin, OH — Sutton Bank has announced a generous donation of $10,000 to the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center (FELC) to support its mission of providing transformative environmental education and promoting sustainable living practices throughout the community.
The gift will be used for scholarships for those who cannot afford hands-on programs, summer camps or workshops offered at FELC throughout the year. It will also allow anyone to utilize a Seeds of Hope Farm community garden plot, who would otherwise not be able to afford a plot. These programs inspire participants of all ages to deepen their connection with the natural world and learn practical ways to care for the environment.
“At Sutton Bank, we believe in investing in the communities we serve and in protecting the natural resources that sustain us all,” said Brody Fultz, Vice President at Sutton Bank. “We are proud to support the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center as they educate and empower individuals to become responsible stewards of our shared environment.”
FELC’s programming aligns with Franciscan values of respect for creation and care for the most vulnerable. The Center engages more than 3,000 children and adults annually through its educational efforts, community gardens, and conservation initiatives.
“We are deeply grateful to Sutton Bank for this generous support,” said Hannah Bumb, Administrator and Program Coordinator at FELC. “Their commitment enables us to continue offering meaningful learning experiences that encourage environmental responsibility and inspire future generations.”
Pictured: Donna Frank, Carol Iannatuono and Char Pope (FELC Board Members), Brody Fultz, VP at Sutton Bank, Hannah Bumb (FELC Administrator & Program Coordinator), Emily Riehle (FELC Board Member), Hannah Watson (Seeds of Hope Farm Manager) and Sister Shirley Shafranek (Seeds of Hope Farm Volunteer)
About Sutton Bank
Founded in 1878, Sutton Bank is a community-focused financial institution dedicated to fostering economic growth and supporting local initiatives throughout Ohio.
About the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center
The Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, located in Tiffin, Ohio, offers experiential programs that promote sustainability, ecological awareness, and a reverence for all of creation.
TWIA Presents Check to Seeds of Hope Farm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10, 2025
Tiffin Women in Action (TWIA) present $700 check to Seeds of Hope Farm for Family Gardens
Tiffin, Ohio — July 10, 2025 — Tiffin Women in Action (TWIA) proudly presented a $700 check to Seeds of Hope Farm on July 7 in support of community garden plots for women without resources and their children. The presentation took place at the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center (FELC), with representatives from both organizations in attendance.
TWIA has long been committed to supporting women and children in the Tiffin community financially or through volunteering. This donation will allow Seeds of Hope Farm, located at FELC, to provide women with their own garden plot, tools, plants, tips for preparing their own food and education through care of creation.
“We are honored to support Seeds of Hope Farm and their incredible work,” said Peggy Wolf, TWIA President. “This donation reflects our shared commitment to assisting women and children with the tools they need to succeed while learning how to grow healthy food.”
Seeds of Hope Farm Manager Hannah Watson expressed gratitude for the support “This generous gift from TWIA will allow us to expand our garden plots, specifically to women with limited resources and their children so that they can plant their own food and learn how to prepare it.” “We are deeply thankful for their partnership and dedication to helping those in need in the Tiffin community,” added Sister Shirley Shafranek, Seeds of Hope Farm volunteer.
Pictured: Peggy Wolf (TWIA President), Mikki King and Mary Hay (TWIA Board Members), Hannah Watson (Seeds of Hope Farm Manager), Donna Frank, Char Pope and Carol Iannantuono (FELC Board Members) and Sister Shirley Shafranek (Seeds of Hope Farm Volunteer)
About TWIA
Tiffin Women in Action is an organization dedicated to the support of women and children in the Tiffin Community. The support can be financial, volunteerism or both. TWIA meets monthly, at noon on the 4th Wednesday of the month at the Tiffin Eagles.
About FELC
The Franciscan Earth Literacy Center is an environmental education center that, since its founding in 1996, has offered a variety of programs for children and adults promoting the appreciation of nature and sustainable living practices.
Followers of St. Francis: Sister Shirley Shafranek, OFS/T
You could say that Sister Shirley Shafranek, OFS/T, was born a Franciscan and that, as her life unfolded, so did her realization that God was calling her to religious life. Now a vowed Franciscan sister with the Sisters of St. Francis in Tiffin, Ohio, Sister Shirley’s early life subtly hinted at her future with the Franciscans. She was raised in rural Chelsea, Iowa, along with four brothers, in a devout Catholic family. Despite their religious conviction, Sister Shirley and her brothers attended public school because money was tight. However, faith was a huge part of their home lives. “I remember kneeling down by [my mother’s] chair each night and saying my prayers,” Sister Shirley says. “I could even tell you the order we all learned them in.”
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Open in new tab Seeds of Hope—News Article
Seeds of Hope Farm Market is back in business this year with the help of workers from Seneca County Opportunity Center.
Sister Shirley Shafranek of the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, which operates the market, said the center received a grant from the Betty Jane Foundation this year to provide jobs for disabled people. The new employees are assisting with the market by picking vegetables and stocking the tables, and also cleaning, weeding, watering and doing other tasks.
Sensory Garden Survey
Click HERE to take the Sensory Garden Survey
The new Sensory Garden at FELC is almost finished! Filled with beautiful live plants and other features, this unique, inviting space encourages visitors of all ages to explore the garden using every sense–touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing, with colorful signs to educate and guide the way. Children will especially enjoy interacting with multiple fairy gardens and visiting with the rabbits, chickens, a duck and even a small fish pond. The area also includes a new picnic area complete with new plastic lumber picnic tables, benches and sun sails. The Sensory Garden is made possible through generous grant funding by the Meshech Frost Foundation and the Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation. All are welcome!
