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Lifeline started because of a woman named Catherine “Bobbie” Meyers. 

 

In the 1950’s she was the parent of two young children with developmental disabilities.  After being told her children were not welcome in more typical Sunday school classrooms, she became determined to ensure the religious education of her children and other children with developmental disabilities.  She gathered with 20 other families and began teaching in 1954.  

 

About four years later First Trinity Lutheran Church in downtown DC offered space for her to hold classes.  The classes eventually expanded to include adults with developmental disabilities.  

 

When Mrs. Meyers retired in the 1980’s, First Trinity created Lifeline Partnership as an independent non-profit organization.  

 

Lifeline eventually expanded its focus to provide both spiritual and social programs to adults with developmental disabilities.  

 

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