Triangle Community Ministry was founded in 1978 more than two years after Reverend Don Rudrud (of Madison's St. Mark's Lutheran Church) submitted a proposal for a grant from the American Lutheran Church. The idea for TCM was the result of conversations between Rev Don and Chuck Pfeifer, the long-time Director of Madison-area Urban Ministry (renamed Just Dane.) Rev Don became TCM's first President and was awarded the long-overdue title of President Emeritus at TCM's annual meeting on June 8, 2023. We have included a recent letter from Rev Don below.
Sister Mary Ellen Lewis of Franciscan Sisters of Mary collaborated with long-time Board Member Barbara Komoroske to bring a Faith Community Nurse to TCM in 1998 in partnership with St Mary's Hospital. Barbara wrote the original proposal to place Parish Nurses throughout the community, but it was Sister Mary Ellen who suggested placing the first Faith Community Nurse in the Triangle. She and FSM have remained strong supporters of TCM ever since. Out of gratitude for her important contributions, Sister Mary Ellen was awarded the title Board Member Emerita at TCM's annual meeting on June 8, 2023. Sister Mary Ellen died April 24, 2024.
TCM assists Dean Health Plan - Medica and Second Harvest with a monthly Food Pantry for residents of the Triangle. Bob Gwynne was responsible for establishing the Triangle Food Pantry during his distinguished tenure as TCM Board President. Bob has remained a valuable advisor in the years since his retirement from the board, and he was awarded the title President Emeritus at TCM's annual meeting on June 8, 2023.