Amy Betros (Canisius ’20)

In 1992, Amy Betros was a successful entrepreneur and owner of her own restaurant, Amy’s Place. Her life changed forever that year after meeting Norm Paolini in Portugal, who was working as a research scientist at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Upon returning to Buffalo, the two decided to do something to help the less fortunate community in the Buffalo area. They started their charitable service, Madonna on the Streets Inc., working out of the back of Betros’ restaurant.
On Aug. 1, 1994 they purchased the property and St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy was born.

St. Luke’s Mission has grown to encompass over 250 regular families, with 16 full time missionaries, 85 associate missionaries and hundreds of volunteers. They also have grown with 23 homes for women and children and have a school program that educates 22 children.
Her message continues to come loud and clear. “If someone is hungry, it is likely someone will say to them, ‘go to St. Luke’s,’” said St. Luke’s school program offers children in unfortunate circumstances an opportunity. Betros said the goal is to give them the individual attention they need so that they have a chance to move on and be accepted into high schools in the area.
Betros said St. Luke’s is spiritually conjoined with the Buffalo Diocese, however financially St. Luke’s survives on the grace of individual and corporate sponsors and receives no money from the government or diocese.