goins on
TBy Ted W. Goins, Jr. | LSC president
LSC makes it work
here is not much new under the sun. The book I’m reading currently is a study of the intense societal polarization of the 1930s and 1950s. Today’s polarization is not unique; we are just living in it. There is not much new under the sun. Our polarization feels unhealthy, but I suppose it’s necessary for progress in a free society.
Lutheran Services Carolinas (LSC) and our ilk are uniquely positioned to serve and model in these difficult times.
For years, LSC has borrowed a motto from the national Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; All Are Welcome. That is based on the love of Christ. LSC stands at the crossroads of health/human services, church, business, and government.
We serve thousands, from the frailest elders to skydiving retirees to foster children to refugees to disaster survivors to people with developmental disabilities. We employ over 2,500 teammates, are blessed by hundreds of volunteers and donors, and touch thousands of families, friends, and communities.
The people we serve and those who serve come from every part of the political and cultural spectrum. But we make it work. All Are Welcome.
As an organization, LSC makes it work. Everyone can hold their personal beliefs but join together to provide our biblical vision of abundant living to all we touch. It’s not easy, especially as every decision and every program is a societal minefield.
LSC has survived and thrived by keeping our eyes on the prize of walking with everyone we serve (as outlined in our mission). We do that by staying laser-focused on the vision of abundant living, and on our values of faith, integrity, respect, excellence, compassion, collaboration, and justice.
Let’s all embrace the better way, where All Are Welcome.
PS: Just as I was finishing this, my sweet wife Cheryl sent me a link to a Freakonomics Radio podcast episode called “How Can We Break Our Addiction to Contempt?” Every American should hear this. It shares the same sentiments better than I.
Scan the QR code to hear the podcast.
LSC welcomes two new board members
LSC is pleased to welcome two new members to the Board of Trustees: Barbara Trapp-Moen and Susan Kulstam.
Barbara Trapp-Moen is a retired nurse practitioner from Durham, North Carolina. She is a member of Christus Victor Lutheran Church.
Susan Kulstam is from Huntersville, North Carolina, and is the director of medical education operations at Atrium Health. She is a member of Community in Christ Lutheran Church.
The two new board members are replacing outgoing members Cary Grant and Kaye Leonard.
On the cover: Erin Meehan rose from substance use disorder to Trinity Recovery leadership.
Susan Kulstam
Barbara Trapp-Moen
LSC announces 2025 scholarship recipients
Ten teammates advance their education and strengthen services
LSC has awarded scholarships totaling $22,340 to 10 teammates for the 2025—2026 academic year.
Through three different scholarship programs, five teammates will advance their nursing education and five will pursue degrees in other professional fields such as social work, law, and human services. All of the scholarships are designed to help talented teammates grow within the organization while enhancing the quality of care and services that LSC provides.
Hollar Scholarships — Established in 2011 by Bryce Hollar in memory of his wife, Margie Hefner Hollar, this scholarship honors her caregivers at Lutheran Home— Hickory (now Trinity Village) and supports LSC’s direct-care teammates in furthering their education.
The 2025 Hollar Scholarship recipients include teammates from several of LSC’s senior care communities and two other LSC programs:
• Jenna Henry, a Licensed Practical Nurse at Aston Park in Asheville, pursuing an associate’s degree in nursing;
• Ashley Morrow, RN, a staff development coordinator/infection preventionist at Trinity Ridge in Hickory, studying toward a Bachelor of Science in nursing;
• Jennifer Walker, LPN, of Trinity Village in Hickory, working toward her Registered Nurse credential;
• Marquita Martin, LPN, of Trinity Grove in Wilmington, pursuing an associate’s degree in nursing;
• Kanci McKnight, Intensive Alternative Family Treatment care coordinator with LSC’s Winston-Salem Foster Care team,
Ten Lutheran Services Carolinas teammates from across North and South Carolina have been awarded a total of $22,340 in scholarships to further their education and enhance LSC’s quality of services. They include (top row, from left) Ashley Morrow, Jennifer Walker, Kanci McKnight, Jenna Henry, and Sybil Richardson, as well as (bottom row, from left) Marquita Martin, Veronica Lupescu, Cora Ingle, Karyna Smirnov, and Billie Marie Logsdon.
studying for a Master of Social Work; and
• Sybil Richardson, program manager of Raynor Street Apartments supportive housing in Durham, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human services.
LSC Scholarships support teammates whose studies will help them grow within the organization. This year’s recipients include:
• Cora Ingle, a teammate specialist in the LSC Administrative Office in Salisbury, studying toward a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication and management;
• Veronica Lupescu, a case manager with the Asheville New Americans Program, pursuing a bachelor’s in business management; and
• Karyna Smirnov, a member of the Columbia New Americans Program Legal Team, studying for a juris doctor degree. Grady Scholarship — Established through a bequest from the late E. B. Grady, Jr., this award supports the professional advancement of teammates serving on the Trinity Oaks campus in Salisbury. The 2025 recipient is Billie Marie Logsdon, a Certified Nursing Assistant and medical aide at Trinity Oaks health and rehab, who is pursuing her LPN credential.
“LSC is committed to lifelong learning and growth,” said LSC President and Chief Executive Officer Ted W. Goins, Jr. “We are thrilled that our 10 scholarship-winning teammates are growing to better themselves and our organization.”
Lutheran Services Carolinas (LSC) recently received three grants to support disaster recovery and unmet needs assistance for survivors of Hurricane Helene. Shown here are LSC Disaster Case Manager Jose Valdez and colleagues from Rebuilding Hollers, an LSC partner organization in Yancey County, North Carolina.
LSC receives multiple grants to support disaster recovery
LSC has been awarded multiple grants to assist Hurricane Helene survivors in the Carolinas.
LSC RECEIVES $845,125 AMERICAN RED CROSS GRANT FOR DISASTER RECOVERY IN YANCEY AND MADISON COUNTIES
LSC has been awarded an $845,125 grant from the American Red Cross to expand disaster case management services in Yancey and Madison counties, two of the North Carolina communities hardest hit by Hurricane Helene. With this funding, LSC will hire four fulltime disaster case managers, along with parttime program and data management support, to provide direct assistance to at least 208 households — representing more than 400 individuals — working to rebuild their lives. Case managers will help families create recovery plans, navigate resources, and overcome barriers to long-term stability.
In addition to one-on-one support for survivors, LSC will strengthen local disaster resilience by partnering with community-based groups, including Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOADs) and LongTerm Recovery Groups (LTRGs). These collaborations will ensure resources are coordinated and that the most vulnerable
residents, such as older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income households, receive the help they need.
“For nearly two decades, LSC has stood beside disaster survivors across the Carolinas, offering guidance, advocacy, and hope,” said LSC Disaster Response Director Ilham Thurston. “This grant makes it possible for us to bring that same commitment to Yancey and Madison counties at a time when it is needed most.”
This project is supported by the American Red Cross.
LSC RECEIVES $110,000 IN GRANTS FROM ONE SC FUND, LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF, AND LOWE’S
LSC also received three generous grants to support disaster recovery and unmet needs assistance for survivors of Hurricane Helene. The combined funding — totaling nearly $110,000 — comes from the One SC Fund, Lutheran World Relief, and Lowe’s.
These grants will enable LSC to provide direct support to individuals and families in South Carolina and Western North Carolina as they continue to recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. Assistance will include rebuilding materials, essential supplies,
and coordinated case management through partnerships with local organizations and agencies.
The One SC Fund and Lutheran World Relief grants will support families across 10 FEMAdeclared disaster counties in South Carolina, including Greenwood, Saluda, Newberry, McCormick, Edgefield, Abbeville, Laurens, Greenville, Anderson, and Pickens. The Lowe’s Reconstruction Grant, awarded in the form of store credit, will assist 10 households in Western North Carolina in repairing and rebuilding their homes.
“Our hearts go out to everyone impacted and still waiting for assistance,” Thurston said. “We remain committed to supporting the disaster recovery journey. These grants will help tremendously.”
LSC will work closely with the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR), local VOADs (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), and community partners to ensure funding is distributed efficiently and equitably to those most in need.
The new funding builds on LSC’s longstanding disaster response role. Since 2017, LSC has served more than 5,500 survivors of hurricanes and floods across North and South Carolina, helping them access housing, public benefits, and community resources.
Power restored, hope rekindled
South Carolina resident overcomes Hurricane Helene’s aftermath with help from LSC
Larry Wall, a Hurricane Helene survivor from Cayce, South Carolina, in Lexington County, has endured more than his fair share of setbacks. Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Wall has tried to hold on to a sense of independence while repairing his stormdamaged home little by little. Each time he thought he was making progress, another issue seemed to appear. The strain of trying to recover alone, with limited resources, took a heavy toll.
By the summer of 2025, Wall’s situation reached a breaking point. His electricity had been shut off for weeks, and Dominion Energy required him to pay his entire pastdue balance, a reconnection fee, and an additional deposit before restoring service. Already struggling financially, these costs were beyond his means to meet on his own. He described the stress of living in a dark, powerless home while battling health issues as overwhelming.
That’s when LSC Disaster Services, in collaboration with the South Carolina Office of Resilience (SCOR) Disaster Case Management Team, stepped in.
Through disaster services, LSC was able to provide utility assistance to cover the necessary expenses to restore power. This wasn’t just about restoring electricity; it was about restoring hope, dignity, and a sense of relief
after months of hardship. Wall expressed his gratitude with heartfelt sincerity, even saying that he and his puppies were thankful to finally have light and comfort again.
Wall’s story is a reminder of how fragile recovery can be, and how one essential service can mean the difference between despair and stability. It also shows the vital role that LSC plays in being there when
survivors need a lifeline the most.
Thanks to the generosity of donors and grant partners, LSC continues to stand with survivors of devastating storms — offering hope, resources, and a path forward. Your support means everything to our neighbors who are navigating challenges they never imagined. Thank you for walking beside them as they rebuild their lives.
Welcome new Shepherd Society members
LSC’s Shepherd Society stands as a pillar of support and dedication within the organization, comprising a community of donors and volunteers whose unwavering commitment fuels the advancement of LSC’s vital services.
The Shepherd Society encompasses three categories:
The Shepherd Giving Society honors donors whose financial contributions total $1,000 or more within a calendar year — as well as lifetime members, now known as Golden Staff members, whose cumulative giving reaches exceptional milestones of $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for organizations. These donors not only sustain but amplify LSC’s ability to provide essential services.
The Shepherd Legacy Society recognizes individuals who have generously included LSC in their estate planning, ensuring a lasting impact that extends far into the future.
The Shepherd Volunteer Society is comprised of individuals who epitomize the spirit of service by contributing 100 hours or more per calendar year to LSC ministries. They directly enhance the organization’s capacity to support and uplift neighbors in challenging circumstances.
Welcome to the following new LSC Shepherd Society members who have joined since July 2025:
• Anonymous (1)
• American Red Cross, Washington, D.C.
• Marcia Anderson
• Joshua A. Beatty
• Coastal Community Foundation of South Carolina, North Charleston, SC (Drs. David Bundy & Katherine Richardson)
• Susan Davis
• Aaron Dixon
• Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund, Cincinnati, OH
• Greg and Cindy Hellmann Giving Account of Fidelity Charitable, Cincinnati, OH (Cynthia Hellmann)
• Jeffrey & Severine Hutchins
• The Rev. Jill King
• Linda Kinsinger & Russ Harris
• Luke Family Fund of Fidelity Charitable, Cincinnati, OH (Allan & Ann Luke)
• Dr. Brian Mesimer
• Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, Mount Pleasant, SC
• Glenda D. Poole
• Hunter Prest
• Providence Church, Daniel Island, SC
• Ricky Rice
• Diane Riley
• The Estate of A. Keith Roberts+, Greenwood, SC
• Ryan Blaney Family Foundation, Concord, NC
• Sisters of Bon Secours, USA, Marriottsville, MD
• H. Gilbert & Wendy Smith
• South Carolina Bar Foundation, Columbia, SC
• St. John’s Lutheran Church, Saint Johns, PA
• St. John’s Lutheran Church, Conover, NC
• Lee & Deb Steinmeyer
• Trenholm Road United Methodist Church, Columbia, SC
• Trinity Baptist Church, Cayce, SC
• Truist Bank, Asheville, NC
• United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, Inc., Asheville, NC
• The Estate of John R. Wise+, Salisbury, NC
• Ken Zulla ( + indicates that the donor is deceased.) For more information about the Shepherd Society, contact LSC Director of Development Emily Dubay at edubay@lscarolinas.net.
Trust in giving The Roberts Family supports LSC
In July 2025, LSC received a generous gift from the Keith Roberts Trust. LSC extends its deepest gratitude to the Trust and to Thad Roberts, along with Al K. Roberts, Jr., Carroll R. Dent, and Sheryl R. Rhoden, for honoring their parents’ remarkable legacy through this meaningful contribution. Below is information that Thad Roberts shared with LSC about his parents.
Keith and Jean Roberts led lives defined by service, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to their community. Their desire to share their success and offer a hand up to those in need reflects the depth of their character and values. LSC is honored to be entrusted with a part of their legacy.
Keith Roberts was born near Walterboro, South Carolina, and Jean Roberts was born in Newberry, South Carolina, both in 1925. The couple met while attending Newberry College and married in 1944 while Keith was serving in the Navy in Florida. Jean graduated magna cum laude in 1945, and Keith graduated cum laude in 1947.
Their early years were spent in Whitmire, South Carolina, where Keith became an expert in road construction. His career led the family to relocate to Lexington, SC, in 1959 and later to Costa Rica in 1967. Jean managed the household during these transitions and consistently participated with local organizations, serving as a Cub Scout den mother, Girl Scout leader, librarian, and Sunday school teacher. Eventually, the family settled in Greenwood, South Carolina, where Keith Roberts became managing partner — and later owner — of Satterfield Construction. He served as president of the South Carolina Asphalt Paving Association and was named
director emeritus. Both Keith and Jean Roberts were active members of Immanuel Lutheran Church and volunteered extensively. Keith Roberts served as president of Habitat for Humanity and supported the local food bank. The couple also volunteered with Meals on Wheels for over 30 years. Jean Roberts was deeply involved with the Literacy Council, teaching students from five countries her signature “Southern English,” and held leadership roles in the Garden Club and Philae Club.
Devoted fans of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, they attended numerous football and basketball games throughout the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s.
As parents, Keith and Jean Roberts were
deeply supportive, never missing a game or concert involving their children. As their children grew and started families of their own, their parents continued to offer support — whether through help with a down payment, tuition assistance for a grandchild, or covering unexpected medical expenses. With ten grandchildren, family gatherings were busy and joyful.
Keith Roberts passed away on January 19, 2010, after a two-year battle with cancer. Jean Roberts passed away on January 6, 2025, just one month shy of her 100th birthday. Her passing activated the distribution of funds from Keith’s trust, which she had helped establish with the intention of sharing their financial success with those in need.
Jean Roberts expressed a clear desire for the funds to be used to help individuals facing real hardships, those in need of a life-changing hand up. LSC is committed to honoring that wish and ensuring the Roberts family’s legacy continues to uplift others.
Thad Roberts, son of Keith and Jean Roberts, presents the donation to LSC Chief Development Officer Heidi Rixman and LSC President and CEO Ted Goins.
Keith and Jean Roberts
Finding herself again
Ruth Hall’s journey at Trinity Living Center
When Ruth Hall first walked through the doors of Trinity Living Center (TLC) in 2008, she said she was a shadow of her former self. Life had taken a toll — years of caregiving for her husband after he had a devastating car accident in 1983 left her physically and emotionally drained.
“I wasn’t even close to the person that I am today,” Hall recalls. “I would sit in the corner, and I was depressed. I was sick. I didn’t talk like myself.”
Hall graduated from East Rowan High School. After high school, she married, and she and her husband raised three children and later adopted two grandchildren. Her husband’s car accident changed everything. He lost his eyesight and spent months in the hospital. Hall left her job at Collins & Aikman to become his full-time caregiver, putting her own health and well-being on hold.
“I didn’t take care of myself while I was taking care of my husband,” she says. “He was in and out of hospitals all the time.”
Eventually, her husband was placed in a senior living community, and he passed away in 2009. Right before he passed, Hall became a TLC participant.
At TLC, Hall rediscovered joy and a sense of community.
“I love everything,” she says. “I like to paint — used to paint lighthouses a lot — and I still love to color. The activities we do, the lunches, the employees… It’s all wonderful.”
She fondly remembers dressing up as Miss Piggy for Halloween and cherishes the friendships she’s made with teammates and fellow participants.
“Beth Huber (executive director) reminds me of a sweet grandmother type. Andrea Moore (outreach coordinator) is like a sister because I was an only child. And Brittany Belk (life enrichment director) — she’s so talented. They all take time with you,” she notes.
Today, Hall is thriving. She cooks, bakes, and even cans vegetables from her garden.
“Since I’ve been better, I’m really able to do things that when I first
was sick I couldn’t,” she says. “I had to have nurses when I got home from TLC, and my kids would take turns helping. I was not capable then.”
Now, Hall is a beacon of encouragement for others.
“I would recommend TLC to anybody,” she says. “There are a lot of folks that have to stay with their kids, and they get isolated. This is a good place for them to come and meet friends.”
TLC didn’t just give Hall a place to go — it gave her a place to heal, to grow, and to belong.
The most powerful gifts come from surprising places
As the year draws to a close, we invite you to consider how your generosity can make a lasting impact — often in ways you might not expect. Non-cash gifts such as appreciated stock, IRA distributions (for those age 70½ or older), and Donor-Advised Fund grants are powerful tools that not only support the mission of LSC but may also offer meaningful tax advantages, including reducing taxable income and avoiding capital gains tax.
These smart giving strategies help sustain vital programs that serve children, families, older adults, and individuals with disabilities — people who, like you, belong to the LSC family. Your support ensures that everyone we serve feels seen, valued, and included. You belong here. And so do the lives you touch through your generosity.
Learn how to give smarter this season — and thank you for being a part of our mission.
TLC participant Ruth Hall (left) with TLC Outreach Coordinator Andrea Moore.
Trinity Living Center receives grant support for intergenerational programming
Three grants will enhance engagement among older adults and local youth
Trinity Living Center (TLC), LSC’s adult day services program in Salisbury, has received three generous grants to support its award-winning intergenerational programming. Funding from the Margaret C. Woodson Foundation, the Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Foundation, and the Foundation for a Healthy Carolina will allow TLC to deepen its impact through art, wellness, and community engagement activities.
TLC provides a safe, creative, and social environment for adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and intellectual or developmental disabilities. Intergenerational programs bring youth of all ages together with TLC participants for meaningful activities — including reading buddies, art projects, cooking classes, gardening, and wellness lessons. These interactions foster joy, connection, and personal growth across generations.
“We are so excited and grateful for the community support,” said TLC Executive Director Beth Huber. “These funds will allow us to expand our partnerships with area schools and preschools, providing our participants an opportunity to interact in a meaningful way with younger people and giving children the chance to connect with seniors. It’s a win-win for everybody.”
Grant funding will support TLC’s certification as an Opening Minds through Art (OMA) center, expand its EngAGE Together program, and introduce new health and wellness activities designed to benefit both older adults and young participants. Trinity Living Center partners with local schools and organizations, including Partners in Learning, Salisbury Academy, Isenberg El-
Trinity Living Center, a Salisbury-based adult day program of LSC, recently received nearly $20,000 in grants to support intergenerational programming that brings program participants and local children together.
ementary, Henderson Independent High School, Rowan-Cabarrus Early College, and Catawba College.
By strengthening intergenerational con-
nections, these programs help reduce social isolation, improve physical and mental well-being, and build a more connected community.
From struggle TO STRENGTH
Erin Meehan’s journey through substance use disorder to Trinity Recovery leadership
Four years ago, Erin Meehan was in the depths of substance use disorder, facing a federal prison sentence and feeling hopeless. Today, she’s the recovery services coordinator at Trinity Recovery, a certified peer support specialist, a college graduate, and a guiding light for women walking the same path she once did.
“I’m just blessed to be here,” Meehan says. “Now I get to support people who are going through the same thing. I can be that light for them.”
Her story is one of resilience, faith, and transformation. Meehan’s struggle with mental health began early in life, compounded by substance use and the loss of custody of her children. Her turning point came during a 10day quarantine in jail, where the only thing available to read was a Bible.
“Those stories were so relatable,” she recalls. “They started opening my eyes.”
That moment sparked a spiritual awakening. Meehan began reading “Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyer, aligning her thoughts with faith and purpose.
After being released, Meehan enrolled at Midlands Technical College, earning an associate’s degree in forensic psychology. She pursued certification as a peer support specialist and began rebuilding her life, reconnecting with her children, healing relationships with her parents, and creating a safety plan filled with coping tools, including journaling, opposite action, and self-affirmations.
Her breakthrough came when a job opened at LSC’s Trinity Recovery the same day she graduated with her associate’s degree. Trinity
Recovery helps congregations and nonprofits become more “recovery-informed” and thus more accessible to people seeking assistance. They also help these same individuals find housing, jobs, clothing, and food. It serves the counties of Greenwood, Lexington, Newberry, and Richland in South Carolina.
“God works in mysterious ways. It was meant to be,” she says. “Ever since I’ve been here, I’ve networked, knocked down doors, and found my purpose.”
At Trinity Recovery, Meehan found more than a job — she found a family.
“They know all people recover differently,” she explains. “We’re uniquely qualified because of our lived experience. They protect that, let
us grow, hear our ideas, and support us.”
Meehan now leads support groups, hands out hygiene bags to people in the community, and teaches harm reduction strategies like Narcan distribution and fentanyl testing.
“Even if one test strip or one Narcan saves someone’s life, it’s a blessing,” she said.
She’s currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology and considering a master’s.
“I’m not going to forget school,” she says. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”
A DEEPER LOOK AT HER JOURNEY
Meehan was facing up to 25 years in prison after violating her bond due to continued drug use and failed tests. She was arrested and spent 8 months in prison. Upon release, she entered federal drug court, a strict two-year program requiring full commitment.
She attended every counseling session and drug education class, appeared in court biweekly, and took three random drug tests each week. It was grueling, but she stayed focused and graduated.
“Being part of Trinity Recovery has helped me grow in confidence and become a leader — someone who listens, learns, and leads through action,” she says. “It’s given me the chance to turn my lived experience into a source of healing and hope for others.”
Meehan defines leadership as creating pathways for change, and she’s excited to use her experience to build programs that restore families, empower individuals, and
“One person who loves you”
A conversation with Chevelle Hytower, NC Foster Parent of the Year
ometimes, all you need is one person who loves you right and believes in you.”
That’s a quote from Brita Nicol, the LSC Foster Care case manager who nominated LSC’s 2025 North Carolina Foster Parent of the Year.
To one 11-year-old boy, Chevelle Hytower is that person. Since 2019, she has been a constant, loving presence and an unwavering advocate for Kareem (not his real name), who struggles with learning differences and behavioral challenges. In her care, he has grown into a happy, protective, and loving child.
Hytower lives in Pender County, North Carolina. She has been fostering with LSC since March 2017.
“I’m single, and I always knew I wanted to raise a child,” Hytower notes. “I’ve fostered a few children. Kareem has been in foster care since he was 19 months old. I met him when he was four, and he came to live with me at age five. He’s 11 now, and we just finalized his adoption in July,” she smiles.
Kareem attends half-days at a special school, and he and Hytower receive homebased family counseling to help address his emotional and behavioral issues.
and play in his room while I’m studying or in a meeting downstairs.”
In addition to raising Kareem, Hytower works full-time as a substance abuse program coordinator with the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. She is also studying to become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
“It’s a lot, but I make an effort to really be present for him every day. We go for walks together, and we watch inspirational movies. We take turns picking,” she says. “Recently, we’ve watched Tyler Perry’s Ruth and Boaz, The Forge, and Ferdinand. We are working on learning gentleness.”
Hytower places great value on faith and family, and it shows in the loving bond she has with Kareem. They attend church on Sundays, and Hytower ensures that Kareem still sees his older sister, who has aged out of foster care and lives about an hour away.
strengthen communities.
“Most importantly, I couldn’t have done this without the support of my parents,” she adds. “Their love helped me find my way back and become the mother my three daughters need and deserve.”
Meehan’s message to others living with
“Kareem has definitely become more comfortable and independent over the last few years,” Hytower says. “When he first arrived, he was scared to be apart from me; he’d follow me around the house. Now he can go upstairs
When asked what she’d say to prospective foster parents, Hytower leaves it with the Lord: “Take a chance and see what God’s got in store for us.”
For information on foster parenting with LSC, email NCFosterCare@LSCarolinas. net for North Carolina or SCFosterCare@ LSCarolinas.net for South Carolina.
substance use disorder is clear:
“Recovery out loud is so important,” she said. “Talk about it. Support people. Be patient with yourself. Things will fall into place.”
Meehan’s story is one of redemption and relentless hope.
“There’s nothing you can’t do. As long as you have positive self-talk and faith in something,” she said. “Finding my higher power was God and finding that it doesn’t matter what I did or where I was at in my life, He forgives. His grace is bigger than anything.”
Chevelle Hytower is LSC’s North Carolina Foster Parent of the Year.
“We host small gatherings around a table or by the fireplace,” says Trinity Grove Life Enrichment Director Amanda Powell. “We have a flexible, weekly leisure calendar. We bring local college students and children in for activities. And we use personcentered language — like ‘neighborhoods’ and ‘residents’ instead of ‘units’ and ‘patients.’”
Creating a true home
Amanda Powell cultivates creativity & belonging at Trinity Grove
Imagine a senior living community that celebrates seniors’ strengths. A unique community where all are welcome. A place where everyone has a voice in their own care... a place that feels like home.
That’s what renowned geriatrician Bill Thomas, M.D., envisioned when he began his transformative work in the 1990s. He aimed to combat the loneliness, helplessness, and boredom so many elders felt at the time.
And that’s exactly what LSC has accomplished. In LSC’s flagship senior care communities, residents live in four distinct “neighborhoods,” where they eat together in shared dining rooms and socialize in spacious living areas complete with fireplaces, potted plants, and large-screen TVs. Outside, they stroll or wheel through green courtyards, tend their own container gardens, and enjoy regular visits from friendly animals.
CHANGING THE CULTURE OF SENIOR CARE
In the early 2000s, LSC introduced a culture change initiative called New Pathways, which combines two revolutionary models of nursing care: the Eden Alternative, co-founded by Dr. Thomas, which emphasizes resident choice and quality of life; and Wellspring, which empowers front-line teammates through specialized training and collaboration.
As a result, LSC’s senior living communities feel like home. And each offers a variety of meaningful, creative, inclusive activities led by a small army of dedicated life enrichment professionals.
CASE STUDY: TRINITY GROVE
Life Enrichment Director Amanda Powell has been with Trinity Grove in Wilmington since 2011, and she knows the difference a resident-centered, teammate-empowered approach can make.
“What drew me to Trinity Grove was its faith-based foundation and the vision to be more than just a nursing facility,” she recalled.
“Our administrator at the time, John Frye, aimed to create a true home,” said Powell. “A few of us traveled to Clearwater, Florida, for specialized training in the Eden Alternative.
We returned with a mission: to integrate its principles into our daily life.”
“At the time, reactions were mixed,” Powell remembered. “Many teammates didn’t understand how we could possibly have an animal living on-site. Today, we can’t imagine not having one! We share space with birds and a cat. Gump the therapy dog — our current administrator’s dog — visits often. We’ve also had visits from horses and donkeys, goats, bunnies, and reptiles.”
THE ROLE OF RECREATION THERAPY
Powell’s recreation therapy training — which centers inclusion and active participation — has also contributed to Trinity Grove’s homey atmosphere.
“I attended the University of North Carolina Wilmington as a vocal performance major. While visiting my grandfather in the hospital, I saw firsthand how much his recreation therapist helped him. I decided to take some recreation therapy classes since UNCW has a program, and I fell in love with it,” she recalled.
Powell received her Bachelor of Arts in recreation therapy at UNCW, passed the exam to become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and earned her recreation therapy license — a requirement in North Carolina. Powell and her Life Enrichment teammates, all
recreation therapists, maintain their credentials annually through continuing education.
“Being a recreation therapist shapes the way I approach my work in profound ways,” Powell noted. “I see each resident as a whole person. Every activity is designed to enhance emotional, social, physical, and cognitive wellbeing, ensuring every resident can participate at their highest level of independence.”
SELF-EXPRESSION AND MUTUAL CONNECTION
The entire Trinity Grove Life Enrichment team strives for a culture of mutual connection.
“We host small gatherings around a table or by the fireplace,” said Powell. “We have a flexible, weekly leisure calendar. We bring local college students and children in for activities. And we use person-centered language — like ‘neighborhoods’ and ‘residents’ instead of ‘units’ and ‘patients.’”
An accomplished actress, singer-songwriter, and author of four children’s books, Powell draws on her personal talents to enrich residents’ lives.
“I try to give residents a way to express themselves and escape reality,” she said. “Sometimes, as adults, we forget to play.”
Powell has taught residents improv and creative writing and enlisted them to give feedback on her book manuscripts. She and her colleagues lead outings to nearby Kure Beach, where residents use special wheelchairs to maneuver across the sand.
ADAPTING TO NEW CHALLENGES
When COVID-19 hit, Powell found equally creative ways to adapt.
“One resident was sad she couldn’t decorate a Christmas tree in person with her family,” Powell recalled. “I contacted her family members all over the United States and got everyone to participate in a surprise video call, which I recorded. She was able to decorate the Christmas tree with her whole family — even her great-grandchildren.”
“Together,” said Powell, “we have made Trinity Grove a place where we all truly belong.”
Amanda Powell
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints aids South Carolina refugees
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has made a significant donation to its New Americans Program, helping to provide emergency assistance and legal services to hundreds of individuals and families seeking stability, safety, and a fresh start.
Legal refugees receiving assistance through this initiative benefit from temporary housing, food, medical support, and legal help with obtaining green cards, work authorization, and U.S. citizenship — vital steps on the path to self-reliance.
“This support will directly change the lives of hundreds of New Americans,” LSC’s New Americans Program South Carolina State Director Seth Hershberger said. “It allows us to respond quickly to urgent needs like rent, groceries, and medical expenses, and to offer the legal guidance needed for longterm security. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to work with the Church of Jesus Christ, and for the sense of joy and compassion this work brings to all who are involved.”
REFLECTING THE SAVIOR’S LOVE
“As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to love and lift those around us. We are honored to support the impactful work of Lutheran Services Carolinas in blessing the lives of our new neighbors,” Elder David Winters, a regional leader of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in South Carolina, said. “This collaboration is a sacred opportunity to reflect the Savior’s love through meaningful service.”
This effort reflects a shared commitment to welcoming the stranger and easing burdens with dignity and care.
LSC New Americans Program Outreach Coordinator Sarah Lewis shared a story about a family of five that came to Columbia, South Carolina, as refugees about two years ago. The family received critical assistance from
LSC New Americans Program Outreach Coordinator Sarah Lewis (right) with a family that received assistance and support from the program in Columbia, South Carolina.
LSC during their initial resettlement and has continued to receive services throughout their time in Columbia.
Despite many challenges, the family worked hard to learn English and save money for extracurricular programs and social activities; their children loved these opportunities and appreciated every connection.
“This family has experienced deep hardship, but their determination to build a new life,
while remaining kind and grateful, has been an inspiration. LSC’s New Americans Program team is grateful for the chance to serve refugee families and rejoice in watching our clients build a new life in America, just as so many have done before them, throughout our nation’s history,” Lewis said. “We’re grateful for the partnership of community members, churches, and businesses who invest in this beautiful work of welcome.”
Resilience in action
One teammate’s story of recovery and service
The past year has brought unexpected changes to LSC’s New Americans Program (NAP) — especially for clients and teammates in and around Asheville, North Carolina, and Greenville, South Carolina. Both communities were battered by Hurricane Helene last fall, and both were impacted by federal stop-work orders and budget cuts this spring. But some bright spots emerged from the disruption. Below, LSC teammate Tonia Allen shares her personal story. Allen coordinated housing for LSC’s New Americans Program in Asheville during Hurricane Helene; since March, she has worked as an LSC disaster case manager.
On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated Swannanoa — my community in Buncombe County, North Carolina. Overnight, our normally gentle creek, just three feet wide and ankle deep, swelled to 40 feet across and over six feet deep. Though my home sits at the highest point in our neighborhood, 24 homes nearby flooded to the rooflines. Many neighbors spent hours stranded in their attics or on rooftops, waiting for help. Heroes emerged: neighbors in kayaks rescued those trapped, and volunteers began caring for one another even as they faced their own losses.
My own home flooded beneath the floorboards, destroying vital equipment. We lived without power for over a month and without water for three. Still, I was fortunate to stay in my home when so many couldn’t. That day marked the beginning of my journey into disaster recovery — from feeding neighbors with food from my freezer, to organizing supplies, to navigating complex relief systems to help others access assistance.
In March, I transitioned from the NAP to the Disaster Team, where I am proud to continue supporting recovery efforts in Western North Carolina. Helping others is at the heart of LSC — and it is at the heart of who I am. I am deeply grateful for the chance to serve my community.
I was the housing coordinator for the Asheville NAP, a position I loved. One of our refugee clients lived in an apartment that flooded. Her story is compelling: she was saved by her neighbor, who helped her escape, and they spent hours standing on a railing and clinging to the gutters until the water rose enough to climb onto the roof. I was desperate to reach her that morning but was trapped in the upper part of my neighborhood.
Keep in mind that these homes were not located in the flood zone. They were 100-year-old houses that had never flooded.
The entire NAP team worked tirelessly to ensure that our clients were well cared for. From newly arrived refugee clients at the local Extended Stay Hotel to those living without power or water (as was the case for everyone in Buncombe County), we all pitched in to serve our clients.
My son and I hand-bailed out six feet of water from under our home
Like many LSC teammates in Western North Carolina and Upstate and Midlands South Carolina, Tonia Allen was personally and professionally affected by Hurricane Helene and federal budget cuts. Allen not only found a silver lining — she paid it forward to other community members.
over three days and pulled out all the wet insulation ourselves. While everyone on the NAP team managed their own immediate needs, we also supported our clients by driving to check on families, bringing supplies, and charging phones with our vehicles, among other efforts. We did this for many weeks. It was an incredible experience to be part of the LSC Asheville New Americans Program Team.
My work with the LSC Disaster Team began on March 10, 2025, and I’m still learning how to continue the work I started as a volunteer. I remain actively involved in my local community, serving as a liaison between county and state officials to support local recovery efforts. The work is ongoing and will continue for years to come.
(Lutheran Services for the Aging, Inc.)
Post Office Box 947
Salisbury, North Carolina 28145
Phone: 704-637-2870
Toll free: 1-800-HELPING www.LSCarolinas.net
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“Empowered by Christ, we walk together with all we serve.”
St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church helps raise funds for New Americans Program
St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church in Columbia, South Carolina, has long partnered with LSC through a Circle of Welcome, helping families newly relocated to the U.S. with transportation, housing, and cultural support.
Earlier this year, the Rev. Mitch Smith and the Rev. Caitlyn Keith stepped up to raise funds for LSC’s New Americans Program. “Our church has sponsored four families becoming new Americans here in the Midlands through LSC,” said the Rev. Caitlyn Keith. “Each time, we promised to
support them through their transition. When we learned that the federally guaranteed funds for our most recent family, and many others, would not be disbursed, we decided as a church to stay true to our promise.”
St. Martin’s presented LSC with a gift of more than $44,000 to support the New Americans Program’s Continuing the Welcome Fund. This includes a grant from St. Martin’s Foundation and generous community donations. Rev. Mitch Smith also raced in the Beaufort River 5K Swim/ Run, raising over $20,000.
adults in North Carolina. Content for Voices is written by Erin Kidd, director of communications, and Susannah MacNeil, communications manager. Questions or comments should be directed to Erin Kidd at ekidd@lscarolinas.net