Lss leader newsletter sept 2015

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THE

LEADER

Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Newsletter

Healing Emotional Scars

Fall Quarter

Inside President’s Message pg. 2 Grace House to Open pg. 2 LSS Steps in to Help Flood Victims pg. 3 Faith Mission Resource Center Expansion pg. 3 Delaware County Food Pantry Wraps Up Campaign pg. 4

“During my 20 years of marriage to my husband, I endured physical, sexual and emotional abuse. The physical pain was awful, but the emotional scars are what haunted me daily. When I reached out for help, everyone told me to stay, leaving me isolated and alone.

The church I attended told me it was a sin to leave, my parents told me to stay for the kids, and my friends said but he is such a good guy.

We went to marriage counseling, and I was told I needed to work on my communication and be forgiving of my husband’s anger.

My mother always said I had to have done something to make him so mad and that I should treat him to his favorite meal so he was more relaxed. No one truly knew what I was going through and experiencing on a daily basis. I was so alone and so hopeless.

It wasn’t until a woman slipped a CHOICES brochure in my Bible at church that I had any hope at all. I will always remember my first call to the CHOICES hotline because it was the first time I heard that it was not my fault. I began meeting with a counselor weekly and attending weekly support groups. I finally received the validation, support and education I needed to realize I could get out. My counselor was able to help me formulate a safety plan to leave my husband, link me to resources for my divorce and provided trauma specific therapy to heal my emotional scars. Without CHOICES, I would not be living my life free of abuse and misery.” - Linda Unfortunately, stories like Linda’s are all too common. This past year, CHOICES provided safe shelter to 742 victims of abuse and their children and answered the crisis

Linda has hope because of CHOICES hotline 3,108 times. In 2014, Franklin County police departments recorded more than 9,287 incidences of domestic violence.

Domestic violence is an epidemic in our community, with one in four women experiencing it sometime in her life.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and you can help end the cycle of violence by showing your support of CHOICES and our mission. Purchase your own CHOICES t-shirt by visiting www.beardedturtle.net. All proceeds will be used to help women like Linda at CHOICES. Also, please like and share our posts on Facebook (/LSSCHOICES) and Twitter (@lssco), and post messages to social media on ending domestic violence with the hashtag #CbusSaysNotoDV. Let’s show our community we say no!

Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Lutheran Social Services of Northern Ohio · Lutheran Social Services of Southern Ohio

Creating a Better World by Serving People in Need

1

LSS Steps in to Help Flood Victims

President’s Message

Sign up to Receive The Leader

by Email In an effort to be better stewards of our resources - both monetary and natural - LSS is now offering The Leader newsletter in email format.

If you would like to receive the quarterly Leader by email, please go to www.lssco.org/ leaderform-optin. asp. Thank you for your support!

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Dear Friends, Why do we do what we do?

On August 5, we celebrated the first anniversary of the opening of the LSS Delaware Food Pantry. After a brief program to recognize and thank those who made the Delaware pantry possible, I had the opportunity to mingle with event attendees.

As I was about to leave, I met an elderly lady.

She is 93 years of age. Her husband died several years ago, and she lost his pension income. She has been living on the edge and coming to the pantry for food. She related to me how she would not be able to make it without our pantry. This sweet lady then told me she has been trying to find full-time work – at age 93! She told me she continues to get

turned down because of her age. I would love to do more for her, but we do what we can. By providing her with food, we are helping to make a difference in her life.

Of course, this dear 93-year-old is but one of countless folk we connect with and touch with our services, each and every day – and what a blessed privilege it is to be a part of their lives. Without question, this would not be possible without your ongoing support.

Why do we do what we do? We do it because of that 93-year-old lady, and we do it for all those we serve, care for and help along the path to wholeness and selfsustainability.

My thanks for your generosity and compassion and for making our mission and ministry come alive!

Blessings, The Rev. Larry A. Crowell President and CEO

Grace House to Open This fall, Grace House at Kensington Place, a brand new 11 bed memory care unit, will open. In addition to offering the same home-like and caring atmosphere as Kensington’s independent and assisted living apartments, Grace House will feature 24hour staffing, individualized care plans, a daily schedule of activities designed to keep residents engaged and active, communal gathering and eating space for unit residents and an outdoor family courtyard. All in a safe and secure environment conducive for those with memory impairments.

“We’re excited and honored to be able to offer a state-of-the-art memory care unit at Kensington Place,” said Rick Davis, LSS vice president of operations. “Not only will

new residents be able to benefit from the personalized care in a small neighborhood setting, but current Kensington independent and assisted living residents can easily access the facility if needed without the hassle or trauma of moving.”

For more information on Kensington Place and Grace House, please call 614-2525276.

For information on retirement living, please visit our website www.kensingtoncolumbus.com

2

The Leader is written, designed and produced by the Communications Department of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio.

Copyright © 2015, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio.

500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Ste. 245 • Worthington, Ohio 43085 (614) 228-5200 • www.lssco.org

After 20 or more days of continuous rain and storms, the month of June brought widespread flooding that devastating property across Ohio. LSS Disaster Response has been on the ground in 12 counties, providing case management, material donations and volunteers to help over 350 families rebuild their homes and lives.

This support is critical because without a presidential state of emergency declaration, families do not receive any government aid to assist in their recovery.

“Residents across the state are struggling to recover after losing everything,” says Mary Bates, LSS director of disaster response.

“Marlene is one of several seniors who have nothing left. She’s 79 years old, lives on a small fixed income and doesn’t have flood insurance.

It breaks your heart.”

Many residents have been displaced from their homes as walls have collapsed and rooms are flooded. Some families need to replace complete sets of furniture, appliances and more. With winter fast approaching, it is a race against time to get everyone back in their homes before the cold weather hits.

Now through September 30 all profits from Double Comfort Restaurant will benefit the LSS Food Pantries.

Dine in or carry out and know you are helping to feed hungry families.

The church-led Disaster Preparedness Task Forces have all met and are planning to provide volunteer teams and spiritual care during the rebuilding process over the next six months. But more help is needed. Monetary gifts and in-kind donations of building materials, furniture and appliances are urgently needed to assist residents. Volunteer teams are also specifically needed in Brown, Gallia, Henry and Fulton counties to assist with repairs and construction projects.

To donate, please visit www.lssco.org and click Donate to LSS, or return the reply envelope in this newsletter. For information about volunteering, please call or e-mail Mary directly at 740.509.1132 or mbates@lssco.org.

Thank you.

Visit www.lssfoodpantries.org for more information.

Faith Mission Resource Center Expansion The link between employment and permanent housing is undeniable. The number one cause of homelessness is unemployment. Finding a job is often the starting point for many people on their quest to regain housing. Recognizing the importance of stable, living-wage employment, Faith Mission—with your invaluable help—is working to significantly expand and enrich its resource centers.

Core services provided by the resource centers include job readiness assessments and Individualized Employment Service Plans, and establishing partnerships with local employers that will hire our clients at a living

wage. Currently, 44 employers are on board with the program and more continue to join.

Clients are also welcome to use our resource centers to conduct an independent job search. Clients have computer and Internet access, personal voicemail and e-mail accounts, and training to use these tools, if needed—things that most people take for granted and are critical to a job search.

Thanks to your support of Faith Mission and our resource centers, women and men have the chance to regain stability, selfsufficiency and hope. Thank you for making our work possible!

Support for certain LSS programs is provided by:

For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website at www.lssco.org

Please use the enclosed gift card and envelope to make a donation to help LSS and its programs.

3

LSS Steps in to Help Flood Victims

President’s Message

Sign up to Receive The Leader

by Email In an effort to be better stewards of our resources - both monetary and natural - LSS is now offering The Leader newsletter in email format.

If you would like to receive the quarterly Leader by email, please go to www.lssco.org/ leaderform-optin. asp. Thank you for your support!

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Dear Friends, Why do we do what we do?

On August 5, we celebrated the first anniversary of the opening of the LSS Delaware Food Pantry. After a brief program to recognize and thank those who made the Delaware pantry possible, I had the opportunity to mingle with event attendees.

As I was about to leave, I met an elderly lady.

She is 93 years of age. Her husband died several years ago, and she lost his pension income. She has been living on the edge and coming to the pantry for food. She related to me how she would not be able to make it without our pantry. This sweet lady then told me she has been trying to find full-time work – at age 93! She told me she continues to get

turned down because of her age. I would love to do more for her, but we do what we can. By providing her with food, we are helping to make a difference in her life.

Of course, this dear 93-year-old is but one of countless folk we connect with and touch with our services, each and every day – and what a blessed privilege it is to be a part of their lives. Without question, this would not be possible without your ongoing support.

Why do we do what we do? We do it because of that 93-year-old lady, and we do it for all those we serve, care for and help along the path to wholeness and selfsustainability.

My thanks for your generosity and compassion and for making our mission and ministry come alive!

Blessings, The Rev. Larry A. Crowell President and CEO

Grace House to Open This fall, Grace House at Kensington Place, a brand new 11 bed memory care unit, will open. In addition to offering the same home-like and caring atmosphere as Kensington’s independent and assisted living apartments, Grace House will feature 24hour staffing, individualized care plans, a daily schedule of activities designed to keep residents engaged and active, communal gathering and eating space for unit residents and an outdoor family courtyard. All in a safe and secure environment conducive for those with memory impairments.

“We’re excited and honored to be able to offer a state-of-the-art memory care unit at Kensington Place,” said Rick Davis, LSS vice president of operations. “Not only will

new residents be able to benefit from the personalized care in a small neighborhood setting, but current Kensington independent and assisted living residents can easily access the facility if needed without the hassle or trauma of moving.”

For more information on Kensington Place and Grace House, please call 614-2525276.

For information on retirement living, please visit our website www.kensingtoncolumbus.com

2

The Leader is written, designed and produced by the Communications Department of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio.

Copyright © 2015, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio.

500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Ste. 245 • Worthington, Ohio 43085 (614) 228-5200 • www.lssco.org

After 20 or more days of continuous rain and storms, the month of June brought widespread flooding that devastating property across Ohio. LSS Disaster Response has been on the ground in 12 counties, providing case management, material donations and volunteers to help over 350 families rebuild their homes and lives.

This support is critical because without a presidential state of emergency declaration, families do not receive any government aid to assist in their recovery.

“Residents across the state are struggling to recover after losing everything,” says Mary Bates, LSS director of disaster response.

“Marlene is one of several seniors who have nothing left. She’s 79 years old, lives on a small fixed income and doesn’t have flood insurance.

It breaks your heart.”

Many residents have been displaced from their homes as walls have collapsed and rooms are flooded. Some families need to replace complete sets of furniture, appliances and more. With winter fast approaching, it is a race against time to get everyone back in their homes before the cold weather hits.

Now through September 30 all profits from Double Comfort Restaurant will benefit the LSS Food Pantries.

Dine in or carry out and know you are helping to feed hungry families.

The church-led Disaster Preparedness Task Forces have all met and are planning to provide volunteer teams and spiritual care during the rebuilding process over the next six months. But more help is needed. Monetary gifts and in-kind donations of building materials, furniture and appliances are urgently needed to assist residents. Volunteer teams are also specifically needed in Brown, Gallia, Henry and Fulton counties to assist with repairs and construction projects.

To donate, please visit www.lssco.org and click Donate to LSS, or return the reply envelope in this newsletter. For information about volunteering, please call or e-mail Mary directly at 740.509.1132 or mbates@lssco.org.

Thank you.

Visit www.lssfoodpantries.org for more information.

Faith Mission Resource Center Expansion The link between employment and permanent housing is undeniable. The number one cause of homelessness is unemployment. Finding a job is often the starting point for many people on their quest to regain housing. Recognizing the importance of stable, living-wage employment, Faith Mission—with your invaluable help—is working to significantly expand and enrich its resource centers.

Core services provided by the resource centers include job readiness assessments and Individualized Employment Service Plans, and establishing partnerships with local employers that will hire our clients at a living

wage. Currently, 44 employers are on board with the program and more continue to join.

Clients are also welcome to use our resource centers to conduct an independent job search. Clients have computer and Internet access, personal voicemail and e-mail accounts, and training to use these tools, if needed—things that most people take for granted and are critical to a job search.

Thanks to your support of Faith Mission and our resource centers, women and men have the chance to regain stability, selfsufficiency and hope. Thank you for making our work possible!

Support for certain LSS programs is provided by:

For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website at www.lssco.org

Please use the enclosed gift card and envelope to make a donation to help LSS and its programs.

3

Tracing its roots to 1912, LSS is a nonprofit social service agency affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and recognized by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. LSS provides human services for all people according to their needs. These services include food pantries, emergency shelters, affordable senior housing, retirement living, skilled nursing care and other services that strengthen communities.

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LEADER

THE

On August 5, one year to the day, the LSS Delaware Brad Draper. “We are deeply committed to meeting the County Food Pantry celebrated its first year of serving need that exists in our own backyard and collaborating neighbors at its 73 London Road location. Volunteers, with community partners to reach as many individuals and friends, clients and supporters came together to make the families as we possibly can.” event a success.

In addition to the storefront pantry, LSS currently Since its opening, 2,237 unique families have been operates three mobile pantry routes in Ashley, Sunbury and served by the LSS Delaware County Food Pantry, resulting Westerville Estates. A fourth route through the western part in at least 260,115 meals to neighbors who may have of the county will be operational in September. otherwise gone hungry. According to 2011 U.S. Census estimates, 13 percent of Delaware County residents qualify for food pantry assistance.

At the celebration, LSS board chair-elect Ron Sieffert announced a $100,000 gift from OhioHealth, marking the completion of the Nourishing Our Neighbors campaign. The campaign’s $1 million goal facilitated the opening of the new pantry and three years of operating expenses.

“The encouragement and support we have received from the people of Delaware County has been a true blessing,” said Pantry Manager Casey McElroy poses with volunteers at the event Director of Food Pantry Services

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Delaware County Food Pantry Wraps Up Campaign

Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Newsletter

Healing Emotional Scars

Fall Quarter

Inside President’s Message pg. 2 Grace House to Open pg. 2 LSS Steps in to Help Flood Victims pg. 3 Faith Mission Resource Center Expansion pg. 3 Delaware County Food Pantry Wraps Up Campaign pg. 4

“During my 20 years of marriage to my husband, I endured physical, sexual and emotional abuse. The physical pain was awful, but the emotional scars are what haunted me daily. When I reached out for help, everyone told me to stay, leaving me isolated and alone.

The church I attended told me it was a sin to leave, my parents told me to stay for the kids, and my friends said but he is such a good guy.

We went to marriage counseling, and I was told I needed to work on my communication and be forgiving of my husband’s anger.

My mother always said I had to have done something to make him so mad and that I should treat him to his favorite meal so he was more relaxed. No one truly knew what I was going through and experiencing on a daily basis. I was so alone and so hopeless.

It wasn’t until a woman slipped a CHOICES brochure in my Bible at church that I had any hope at all. I will always remember my first call to the CHOICES hotline because it was the first time I heard that it was not my fault. I began meeting with a counselor weekly and attending weekly support groups. I finally received the validation, support and education I needed to realize I could get out. My counselor was able to help me formulate a safety plan to leave my husband, link me to resources for my divorce and provided trauma specific therapy to heal my emotional scars. Without CHOICES, I would not be living my life free of abuse and misery.” - Linda Unfortunately, stories like Linda’s are all too common. This past year, CHOICES provided safe shelter to 742 victims of abuse and their children and answered the crisis

Linda has hope because of CHOICES hotline 3,108 times. In 2014, Franklin County police departments recorded more than 9,287 incidences of domestic violence.

Domestic violence is an epidemic in our community, with one in four women experiencing it sometime in her life.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and you can help end the cycle of violence by showing your support of CHOICES and our mission. Purchase your own CHOICES t-shirt by visiting www.beardedturtle.net. All proceeds will be used to help women like Linda at CHOICES. Also, please like and share our posts on Facebook (/LSSCHOICES) and Twitter (@lssco), and post messages to social media on ending domestic violence with the hashtag #CbusSaysNotoDV. Let’s show our community we say no!

Signature_____________________________________________________________

Please make your check payable to Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio 500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Ste. 245 • Worthington, Ohio 43085 Name _____________________________________________ or donate online at: www.lssco.org Address ____________________________________________ Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.

City/State/Zip_______________________________________ You will receive a receipt.

Phone ( )______________________ Email_____________________________

LD1509

Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Lutheran Social Services of Northern Ohio · Lutheran Social Services of Southern Ohio

Creating a Better World by Serving People in Need

1