The Rev. Eugene W. Morse Impact Awards

The Rev. Eugene W. Morse Impact Award honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional passion and involvement in the mission of LifeWise StL. Recipients of this award invest their time, talents, and financial support into LifeWise StL’s programming, projects, and committees, while also actively connecting others to our cause. Named in honor of our former Executive Director, Reverend Eugene W. Morse, this award reflects his enduring legacy of leadership and commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive community through LifeWise StL.

View Past Honorees

Rev. Robin Bell

Rev. Robin M. Bell finds profound inspiration in her role as a District Superintendent within the United Methodist Church (UMC). In June 2019, she was appointed as the Gateway Central District Superintendent in the St. Louis region, where she made a lasting impact on both LifeWise StL and the wider community. In 2024, Robin was appointed as District Superintendent for the Northwest District of Missouri, but her influence on LifeWise remains strong.

Robin’s love for serving the church is evident in her passion for the people, churches, and communities she supports. She often shares that “the stories of what is happening in people, churches, and communities — is often amazing.” As a District Superintendent, one of her greatest joys is developing relationships with UMC-related agencies, including LifeWise StL.

Reflecting on her first visit to LifeWise, Robin recalls, “I was blown away by the integration of ministries. Education for all ages, from Early Childhood to senior adults, Economic and Emotional Well-being programs, intergenerational relationships—there’s so much happening here!” She has deep appreciation for LifeWise’s innovative, participant-driven approach to breaking the cycle of generational poverty, emphasizing creativity, dignity, and real ownership from those they serve.

Robin is also a strong advocate for the Urban Forum experience at LifeWise, which educates both youth and adults, challenges stereotypes, and fosters advocacy for systemic change. During her time in St. Louis, Robin used her platform as a church leader to strengthen connections between the UMC and LifeWise, creating collaborative opportunities for support and funding.

Although Robin’s role has now moved her to a different district, her relationship with LifeWise transcends the physical boundaries of distance. Her leadership and advocacy will continue to resonate within the St. Louis community.

LifeWise StL is honored to recognize Rev. Robin M. Bell as a 2024 Rev. Eugene Morse Impact Award honoree, celebrating her unwavering commitment to service and the profound influence she has had on our organization and beyond.

Frank Grimes

Frank Grimes first connected with LifeWise StL through the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC), where he is an active member. The IVC offers individuals, most aged 50 or older, meaningful opportunities to serve others and make a lasting impact. LifeWise StL, as one of IVC’s many community partners, has benefited immensely from Frank’s dedication and service.

In September 2017, shortly after retiring, Frank began volunteering with LifeWise StL. His initial involvement quickly grew into a deep commitment, motivated by the positive experiences he shared with both participants and staff. For Frank, the sense of community and the variety of volunteer opportunities keep him coming back. Volunteering twice a week, he has contributed over 3,000 hours of service, touching many aspects of LifeWise StL’s programming.

Over the years, Frank has generously offered his time and talents in numerous ways: distributing food boxes, stocking shelves in the Food Market, assisting in the Bodega, and welcoming guests at the reception desk. Reflecting on his experience, Frank says, “I’ve had the chance to meet so many amazing regular volunteers, all of whom love what they do, whether it’s routine tasks or more adventurous projects. The connection with participants is always fulfilling.”

One of the things Frank admires most about LifeWise StL is the organization’s commitment to education and growth for its participants. From offering infants special attention in the Early Childhood Center to empowering seniors with the skills to navigate an increasingly complex world, LifeWise StL fosters progress at every stage of life.

For Frank, the relationships he has built with participants and staff are what make volunteering truly special. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else,” he shares. “And it’s the smiles from the kids—hundreds of them by now—that make me smile when I think of LifeWise.”

LifeWise StL is proud to honor Frank Grimes as a 2024 Rev. Eugene Morse Impact Award recipient, in recognition of his unwavering dedication and the profound difference he has made in the lives of so many.

Karen Kayser

After retiring from a successful career as a physical therapist, Karen Kayser was eager to find an organization where she could make a meaningful difference. In 2019, she discovered LifeWise StL and began volunteering in the City Harvest Market and the Bodega. It wasn’t long before Karen, along with her friend Lisa Miller, took on the significant responsibility of weekly grocery shopping for the Market—a commitment they’ve upheld faithfully for the past six years.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Karen felt compelled to do even more. She and Lisa came to LifeWise each week to pack grocery bags with essential food items for curbside delivery, ensuring that participants and the wider community had access to nutritious meals in a time of great uncertainty. Karen’s dedication to LifeWise didn’t stop there; she also introduced her daughter Jennifer and husband Don to the organization, encouraging them to get involved in volunteering as well.

In addition to her work in the Market, Karen has expanded her volunteer efforts to include helping with the setup for the annual Golf Tournament & Dinner Auction, as well as volunteering with the Freedom School program. Since joining LifeWise in 2019, Karen has contributed over 270 hours of service.

Karen is a passionate supporter of the LifeWise mission, praising its unique model of combining learning and personalized coaching to build confidence, trust, and accountability. When asked about her commitment, Karen often draws parallels between the LifeWise mission and the Parable of the River, which teaches the importance of addressing both immediate needs and working toward long-term solutions.

LifeWise StL is proud to recognize Karen Kayser as a 2024 Rev. Eugene Morse Impact Award honoree. Her tireless dedication and compassionate service have made a lasting impact on both our organization and the community we serve.y.

Lisa Miller

Lisa Miller’s journey as a dedicated volunteer with LifeWise StL began with her involvement in the Back to School and Holiday Market events. Over time, her commitment deepened, and she began taking on more responsibilities, including volunteering with the Freedom School program. In 2019, Lisa started working weekly in the LifeWise City Harvest Market and the Bodega, where she has since logged over 370 hours of service. Along with her close friend Karen Kayser, Lisa also handles the weekly grocery shopping for the Market, ensuring that shelves are stocked and participants have access to fresh, nutritious food.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Lisa, like Karen, stepped up to meet the increased needs of the community. Together, they came each week to prepare grocery bags, which were then delivered curbside to LifeWise participants and families. Lisa’s dedication to serving others never wavered, even during this challenging time.

Beyond her work in the Market, Lisa is a familiar face at LifeWise’s annual Golf Tournament and Dinner Auction. She’s always there, bright and early, helping to set up the silent auction, and returns later in the evening to take part in the dinner auction. Her unwavering support for this event is just one example of her dedication to LifeWise.

What impresses Lisa the most about LifeWise is the relationships it fosters with both participants and volunteers. She speaks warmly of the kindness and thoughtfulness of everyone she meets, and the friendships she has formed with fellow volunteers in the Bodega have become like family to her.

Lisa is also an enthusiastic advocate for LifeWise’s mission. She consistently shares the organization’s work with her friends and family, and in addition to her financial support, she loves bringing groups to LifeWise for the “Lunch and Tour” program, giving others the chance to witness firsthand the impact the organization is making in the community.

LifeWise StL is thrilled to recognize Lisa Miller as a 2024 Rev. Eugene Morse Impact Award honoree, celebrating her heartfelt commitment and the incredible impact she has made through her service.

and commitment.

The Holy Smokers

The Holy Smokers is a dedicated ministry at Salem United Methodist Church, focused on fellowship, service, and sharing the joy of community through their passion for smoked barbecue. The group not only gathers for monthly meetings but also smokes meats to support various organizations and fundraisers throughout the year.

The ministry began in 2008, when Joe and Rev. Terri Swan moved to St. Louis as Rev. Terri took on the role of pastor at Salem United Methodist Church. Joe, having started a Holy Smokers group in Texas, brought this unique fellowship to Salem, quickly inviting members of the church to join him. In October 2014, Joe purchased a hog smoker, and by 2015, the group’s smoking events had blossomed. Today, The Holy Smokers have grown to 80 members, with approximately 40 actively participating. United by a shared mission, they serve God by fellowshipping, inviting others into the church, supporting the community, and feeding the hungry.

In 2022 alone, The Holy Smokers smoked an astounding 2,897 pounds of meat, serving approximately 7,410 individuals. Beyond fundraising, their efforts also extend to donating smoked meats through nutrition outreach, benefitting several St. Louis organizations and emergency personnel. LifeWise StL, Epworth Children and Family Services, Haven Street outreach, and the Ladue Police and Fire Department are just a few of the groups they’ve supported.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, The Holy Smokers played a crucial role by smoking hundreds of chickens for distribution at LifeWise StL, ensuring that vulnerable families continued to receive nutritious meals in uncertain times. Since 2015, they have smoked over 10 tons of meat, including chicken and pork butts, exemplifying their unwavering commitment to feeding the hungry.

Led by Joe Swan and Tim Jarvis, The Holy Smokers team humbly embodies their mission of service. Joe and Tim often share that they are simply and joyfully living out their purpose of providing nourishment and hope to the St. Louis community.

LifeWise StL is honored to recognize The Holy Smokers as 2024 Rev. Eugene Morse Impact Award recipients, celebrating their remarkable contributions and selfless service.