FAIRFIELD - MaryAnne Jordan was a woman with a mission.

Two months ago Jordan, vice president of St. Mark's Lutheran Church Council, heard the Heather House was having financial difficulties and set a personal goal to help the facility.

It is 'the only facility that takes in women and children from bad situations and gives them a place to stay, helps with employment and assists with getting an apartment,' she said.

She contacted Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and asked for assistance.

They offered to match up to $1,600 a goal Jordan hoped St. Mark's congregation could achieve.

On Sunday, during the 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. services, Jordan will watch as pastor Todd Bertani of St. Mark's Lutheran Church hands over a check for $6,555 ($1,600 from Thrivent) to Linda Mahoney, executive director of Heather House.

'We're talking about a congregation of about 150 core people. You can always count on them to step up to the plate,' Jordan said. She donated $200. 'I am amazed at the dollar amount and at how their hearts went out to the Heather House appeal.'

Mahoney, who didn't expect to receive such a large amount, is delighted to hear of the news.

'We are thrilled that community members have taken it upon themselves to develop creative ways to bring in funds to help keep the shelter operating,' Mahoney said, who in the last four weeks helped move four homeless families into their own apartments.

Last year, 89 percent of the families that completed the Heather House program moved into permanent housing.

Since opening in November 2001, the shelter has assisted more than 700 clients.

Reach Andrea E. Garcia at 427-6953 or agarcia@dailyrepublic.net