© 2024 WNIJ and WNIU
Northern Public Radio
801 N 1st St.
DeKalb, IL 60115
815-753-9000
Northern Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Deacon Steps Off On March To Washington

Shelter Care Ministries Executive Director Lou Ness departed Tuesday on the first leg of a 756-mile walk to Washington D.C., where she hopes to draw attention to the plight of the poverty-stricken.

With Rockford Mayor Larry Morrissey at her side and the Rockford Lutheran High School drum line at her back, Ness headed for Belvidere, the first overnight stay in a trek expected to last two months.

“I leave this morning on a journey which began as quiet message to me from God, but which has grown into the mission of compassionate people across Rockford to make sure the voices of the least among us are heard,” said Ness, a 65-year-old Episcopal deacon and grandmother with a chronic bone marrow disease.

Morrissey, the drum line and many supporters accompanied Ness to Rockford City Hall, where a smaller group – including the owner of a Florida art gallery who flew in Monday – continued on the 13.5-mile hike to Belvidere.

Anyone who wishes to participate as the Hear Our Cry March progresses should call 815-964-5520 to make connection arrangements.

Related Stories