Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Men and women at SMC Regina’s Center, a facility for teens and adults with intellectual disabilities, are acquiring sewing skills to assist mothers and babies. Every Monday morning, students sew with the help of volunteers, creating items like pillowcases and aprons for themselves, as well as burp cloths, changing table pads, and laundry bags for new mothers at St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities’ maternity home in New Albany, Indiana.

“They learn by giving away,” stated Donna Smith, program director of Regina’s Center. “They are recipients of a lot of great things. We want to give back to the community.”

The center recently renamed itself in honor of Ursuline Sister of Louisville Regina Bevelacqua, who passed away in 2021. Sister Bevelacqua co-founded the center with Mary Jo Payne and served as executive director until her death.

On October 14th, students delivered 30 changing pads to St. Elizabeth. The sewing room was filled with laughter and songs as six students worked on their projects alongside volunteers.

Frances Brown from Epiphany Church coordinated the partnership with St. Elizabeth and accompanied the students on their visit to the maternity home. Brown spent 15 years on St. Elizabeth’s board before starting her volunteer work at Regina’s Center six months ago.

“I fell totally in love” with the people and programs at Regina's Center, she said. “It’s a total joy. I meet God in a profound way through the people here.”

Colleen Penny, now executive director of the center after serving as program director, expressed relief at hearing laughter return to the building after Sister Bevelacqua's passing left a void.

“We still miss her,” Penny said about Sister Bevelacqua's influence on the center's atmosphere.

Penny has been leading for over a year now and is focused on continuing Sister Bevelacqua's legacy while welcoming new participants to join their programs.

Now celebrating its 31st year, SMC Regina’s Center offers various activities including computer classes and social outings daily for its 76 students; around 50 participate regularly according to Smith.

For more information about volunteering or donating to SMC Regina’s Center visit www.smcreginascenter.org/.