Q: What is your name, occupation and how long have you volunteered to serve on the St. Joe Foundation Board?

A: I am Tom Felts. I retired as the Judge of the Allen Circuit Court at the end of 2020 and currently work part-time as a Senior Judge for the Indiana Office of Court Services. I have volunteered to serve on the St. Joe Foundation Board since 2014.

Q: What inspires you about the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and their Foundress Saint Katharina? Are there particular values or works that you find especially important?

A: It has been wonderful to be able to learn more about Saint Katharina and the shining example she set for the Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ and others. To me it is very simple – she walked in the steps of Jesus, giving help to those in need without judgment. The Poor Handmaid Sisters live this every day and have inspired me to do the same.

Q: Please share a memorable interaction you have had with a grantee and their staff/clients.

A: As a Board member I have had two opportunities to visit Miss Virginia’s Food Pantry in Fort Wayne and have witnessed firsthand Saint Katharina’s and the Poor Handmaids’ values put into action. Food and other assistance is given freely to those in need, without question or judgment, by an extremely small staff and a host of dedicated and caring volunteers. I was so impressed by these experiences that I am now a regular volunteer myself.

Q: What do you enjoy most about serving on the St. Joe Foundation Board?

A: I very much appreciate the opportunity to use my talents, knowledge and time to make a difference in people’s lives through the Foundation’s grants. I also love the interaction, camaraderie and spiritual sharing gained by engaging with the Poor Handmaid Sisters, the wonderful Foundation staff and thoughtful and committed Board and Committee members.

Q: Tell us about an accomplishment in your professional or personal life that you are proud of.

A: I am most proud of my wonderful family with which I have been so blessed: my wife Kay, sons Erik, John and David and being “Papa” to my grandchildren Brynn, Collin and Jack.