Foundation and Conference Contribute $240K to Lydia Patterson Institute

Baton Rouge, LA – The United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana announced today it is partnering with the Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church to provide a joint gift of $240,000 to the Lydia Patterson Institute, a private faith-based school supported by the United Methodist Church’s South Central Jurisdiction.

Dr. Carla Cardoza, President of LPI (left) with Foundation President Chris Spencer

The gift will help the Lydia Patterson Institute with ongoing capital needs that help the school provide a high quality education and faith-centered formation for its students – many of whom cross the U.S.-Mexico border daily to attend school in a safe and supportive environment.

“We are proud to provide this gift that will make significant improvements to LPI, a school that has long held a special place in the hearts of United Methodists across the South Central Jurisdiction of our denomination,” said Chris Spencer, president and CEO of the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana. “Earlier this year, I had the privilege of visiting Lydia Patterson Institute and walking in the footsteps of the students who cross the border from Juarez, Mexico, each day to attend school. It was a truly inspiring experience to meet students who are thriving academically and spiritually due to the dedication and commitment of teachers and school leaders who are working to improve the quality of life for many on the margins along the Texas-Mexico border.”

Bishop Delores J. Williamston, Bishop of the Louisiana Conference of The United Methodist Church, said, “Lydia Patterson Institute has long been a mission project of the South Central Jurisdiction, and this is what it means to connect when we speak of building, connecting and equipping. This gift is love made tangible.”

Spencer noted that the gift came from funds originally raised to assist with the renovation of the Lydia Patterson Institute’s chapel. Since that project has been completed, the funds are being redirected to help address the school’s current pressing needs.

“We are grateful to team up with the Louisiana Conference to show love and support in a meaningful way,” Spencer said. “Helping the Lydia Patterson Institute is about more than just money – it’s about standing alongside students who deserve a future full of hope, no matter which side of the border they call home.”

Dr. Carla Cardoza,  LPI President, expressed her gratitude by saying, "Because of this outpouring of grace, our students, many of whom cross the border each day in pursuit of something better, still have a path forward.”

Founded in 1913 with Mrs. Lydia Patterson, a Methodist laywoman acting through the Women’s Missionary Society of her church, the Lydia Patterson Institute is a private, faith-based United Methodist school that serves students in the El Paso-Juarez region, providing education to students in 6th through 12th grade. For more information on LPI, go to https://www.lpi-elpaso.org/.

Celebrating 50 years in 2025, the United Methodist Foundation of Louisiana supports United Methodist churches and ministries by promoting faithful stewardship, planned giving, financial grant support and long-term financial sustainability throughout Louisiana and beyond.

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