Engage Magazine - AUTUMN 2023

AUTUMN 2023 ISSUE

INSIDE • Dr. Beckwith, Trailblazing CEO • Color of Hope Gala Awards • The Timeless Art of Quilting • LSSSC Mobile Services Van

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READERS EMBRACE

FROM THE EDITOR

A

s fall and winter begin in Southern California and the evenings cool, let us not forget to be thankful for all those loved ones who bring us joy and comfort. And let’s remember those who may be struggling during this holiday season.

When we celebrate the holiest of seasons, let us be reminded of those less fortunate who are searching for comfort to begin a new chapter in their life and find a new beginning or who are just looking for a warm bed for the night.

In this issue we celebrate the gathering of passionate people who so generously support LSSSC with not only their time and financial support but spiritual support as well.

More than two hundred generous supporters and friends gathered in October to support LSSSC’s annual Color of Hope Gala & Awards and honor those who articulate our mission through giving and volunteering. Take time to recognize those selfless givers who epitomize our Color of Hope Awards and read of our Lifetime Achievement winner Maria Hernandez who tirelessly feeds the hungry in Long Beach after being one of the hungry herself.

And let’s honor those generous souls; be they individuals,

community organizations, churches and businesses who by donation or in-kind contribution support LSSSC and our efforts. They are listed on page 24 and we cannot thank them enough for their various contributions. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners.

We are also awed by our own dedicated CEO, Dr. LaSharnda Beckwith who leads us in our journey to affect as many as possible and inspires us to continue to make a difference in a world with abundant need. She teaches us to run toward need, not to ignore it.

The need is growing and so must we.

Also enjoy the beautiful hand-made quilts pictured on page 10 and imagine the warmth and love with which they were produced. The quilts of love will surely protect you from the winter chill.

And finally in this season of transition, while watching the leaves dance through the air (and having to rake them up) and we enter the sacredness of Christmas and the new year, let us remember our humanity and recognize those less fortunate around us who need our understanding, our compassion, and most of all, our support.

Enjoy the wonderful colors of fall and the holiness of Christmas and we will see you in the Spring.

- YOUR EDITORIAL STAFF L SSS C.O RG |

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS

DR. L ASHARNDA BECK WITH

LSSSC CEO & President

DR. TERRY PAULSON

LSSSC Chairman of the Board

R ANDY BEVIL ACQUA

Director of Marketing

RUBY MA

Grant Writer & Contributing Columnist

MARK WIMBERLEY

Advocacy and Community Engagment Liaison

PAUL FOURNIER

Church & Community Representative

TR AVIS L ARIVIERE

Graphics & Design

JAMES BATES

Development Specialist

BARBARA KIMLER

Public Relations

FOLLOW LSSSC

CONTRIBUTORS

06 THE TRAILBL AZING CEO 09 STEM STUDENTS SERVE SOCAL 11 T H E T I M E L E S S A R T O F Q U I L T I N G 12 A C A L L I N G T O H E L P O T H E R S 15 F A I T H - B A S E D F I N A N C E 16 C O LO R O F H O P E G A L A A F F I R M S M I S S I O N P O S S I B L E !

18 T H A N K S G I V I N G T E A M W O R K S U R P R I S E S L O N G B E A C H 20 LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES MOBILE VAN 22 FACES OF MANKIND 2 3 SAN DIEGO COMPANIONS APPROACH SILVER ANNIVERSARY 24 HELPING OTHERS PURSUE EMPOWERMENT 26 REBUILDING COMMUNIT Y THROUGH PHIL ANTHROPY 28 VOLUNTEERING IT FORWARD: A LIFE IN SERVICE 30 WORDS OF WISDOM 31 H O W Y O U C A N H E L P

@LSSSOUTHERNCALIFORNIA X @LSSSOUTHERNCAL WWW.LSSSC.ORG

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THE TRAILBLAZING CEO

D

r. LaSharnda Beckwith, the Chief Executive at several organizations, was a devoted and effective business leader. Then came illness. She successfully fought back by blazing new trails in both business and athletic running.

LaSharnda Beckwith has always been an overachiever.

Whether as a small child who lost parents at a young age, to college and academics, as a young woman working in top civilian positions supporting the military, including in the Middle East, to serving on nonprofit and education boards, she’s always been known for putting in double the effort while setting her personal standards high. In fact, she literally holds double degrees — two Masters and two Doctorates (DBA and PhD).

Then, more than a decade ago in 2011, Dr. Beckwith developed a serious life-threatening illness. She had to step away from running businesses, endured difficult rounds of treatment, and was left unable at most times to enjoy the simple pleasure of opening her front door to go for even the shortest of walks.

Though Dr. Beckwith could no longer walk well, her mind and heart were always active. A woman of great faith instilled in her from the earliest of years, she knew she had to fight her way back. She prayed and asked the Lord to help regain her strength. And, as is her nature, she challenged herself and God to be able to do more than just walk. She was going to regain more than just her old level of health from activities like working out in the gym -- she was going to become a runner.

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“I opened the door on that first day and took a few steps."

Soon the steps turned into a walk to the end of the culde-sac. Then it became a walk to the gate of my community –then out the gate to the local park,“ she recalls.

With her goal of wanting to take up serious running set before her, she was determined to do it safely. Starting out running on her treadmill, she later ventured outside to safe non-secluded areas. Today, back in business leadership as the head of one of Southern California’s most respected faith-based social service organizations, she’s literally and figuratively blazing trails.

“I run 7-8 miles every day except Saturday,” she proudly states even sharing that she runs no matter where she is, citing her run up and down the coastline of San Diego last week. These 12 years as a runner racking up the miles have been more than exercise for her. They are a chance to meditate on life, to devise strategy about business, and to mediate on scriptures and messages that she’ll use in her blogs and in written and video message for her Friday Inspiration.

Dr. Beckwith has been CEO of LSSSC for the last 3 ½ years— steering it through the challenges of COVID on day one of her leadership role to growing the organization to more than $22 million with 210 employees and is still enjoying what she calls her “dream job" with no plans to retire.

Shortly after she took over as CEO & President of LSSSC, she was named a Frontline Hero by Lutheran Services

DR. BECKWITH’S FAVORITE MINISTRIES AND CAUSES Dr. Beckwith supports many non-profits in Southern California and even internationally. Here’s just a few of her favorites: 1. LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA – 16 sites offering 40 free programs and a fleet of mobile wellness units. Her current passion is for the first Community Wellness Campus that will use a wellness wheel model for delivering services. If you or someone you know is interested in making a major gift to this $38 million expansion she would welcome the opportunity to meet with you. www.lsssc.org

2. OAK VALLEY COLLEGE - Transforming lives through applied education within a Christian community with no student loans. Dr. Beckwith sits on the board of directors of this boutique college that is innovative, focused, community-centered, and practical. https://oakvalley.edu/

3. SOUTHWESTERN ASSEMBLIES OF GOD - Dr. Beckwith is a direct supporter of the SW Assemblies of God Universities missions program to Saudia Arabia. https://www.sagu.edu/

4. SHEPHERDS HEART CHILDREN’S HOME IN SRI LANKA - Shepherd’s Heart Children’s Home was opened by founders Rev. Dr. Woodrow and Melanie Blok on the 9th of February 2002 in response to the heart-rending cries of the vulnerable children in Sri Lanka. They strive to offer a stable life in a safe environment for hurting children. https://shepherdsheartchildren.org

5. BUSINESS FOR MISSIONS – Business for Missions was started by Dr. Beckwith at Southwestern Assemblies of God University with Mr. Joshua Weiss and Dr. Tara Peters, and Dr. Danon Carter. Business students were taken to places such as India, Sri Lanka, Romania, Ukraine, where micro businesses were established with the help of students who subsequently taught villagers. The Business as Mission website is about connecting and resourcing businesses and businesspeople to that end. https://businessasmission.com/

in America. She was honored as the first African American female CEO in LSSSC’s 78-year history.

She immediately got to work both on the Southern California and National social services scene championing many of her passions. She serves as a member of the Lutheran Services in America Race Equity Network, a cohort of leaders that meets quarterly to discuss how to promote racial diversity, equity, and inclusion among Lutheran social ministry organizations and inform the national policy agenda on issues affecting racial equity. By her own effort, Dr. Beckwith has led virtual round tables to foster strategic conversations about the impacts of systemic racism in our society.

Before joining LSSSC, Dr. Beckwith worked at California Southern University as Provost and Chief Academic Officer. She also served for 27 years at the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and created the Professional Christian Women in Service organization in 2005.

“I’d never heard of Lutheran Social Services, and I met a recruiter named Jax. She and I just clicked, and she invited me to meet with the LSSSC nominating committee. I was impressed by the effervescent Board Chair Terry Paulson and long-term board member Susan Kroeger. Their personalities were fun, optimistic, and engaging,” she remembers about her first meeting at LSSSC. “I began to look into the background of LSSSC and found they stood for what I stand for. My second (Continued on Page 8) L SSS C.O RG |

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(Continued from Page 7) meeting was with the judicatory leaders and bishops. They were transparent and focused on asking me questions about my faith. I appreciated the fact that they focused on my faith,” she further explains.

Born as an only child in the State of New York, both her mother and father died when she was very young. LaSharnda was sent to live in the south with her grandparents who were Pentecostals. Church and faith were important parts of her growing up.

Just like the students in LSSSC’s Upward Bound & Trio program, she was the first person in her family to attend college. She attended college at Barry University, a Catholic University in Miami.

To those who know her, she takes her Bible knowledge as seriously as her business knowledge.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; defend the rights of all those who have nothing. Speak up and judge fairly and defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt."

One of her first jobs she credits directly to God for opening the door. “I wasn’t the first African American woman to be offered leadership opportunities working for the Federal Government. I’ve always felt that there was more opportunity and more equality possible in the government system.” she explains.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; defend the rights of all those who have nothing. Speak up and judge fairly and defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

“Twenty of us interviewed for that first job and I went straight from college to a white-collar job. I was on my way to Dallas, to join the Army and Air Force Exchange Service College training program. I started to climb the ladder and was promoted frequently." She was twice promoted within six months. "Along the way I had to deal with those who were trying to block my way. But God placed people in my path. One day at a strategic forum, a Senior Vice President approached me. He said, “someday I’m going to do something for you.” She had no idea why he would say that to her. She was shy and a little timid at this off-site forum. Maybe that’s

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what caught his eye.

Mr. Fair had indeed said someday he would help her and two years later out of the blue she got an email while she was working as an expat overseas in Heidelberg Germany. She’d been recommended by him as one of three candidates for the Executive Liaison positions for Mr. Beverly the COO of the Army and Air Force Exchange. Mr. Fair had never forgotten meeting the remarkable young woman.

Not invited to the states for an in-person interview like the other four candidates, she was sure she did not stand a chance. “Four white men were given the privilege of flying into Dallas for their interview. The Army rigged an internal

system, something like an early version of the internet only for the Army, so I could be interviewed by Mr. Beverly.

“The interview included an assignment; I had 30 minutes to prepare a writing sample based on a certain scenario, ”she explained.

“I waited and two months went by. I was sure I hadn’t gotten the position. Then the call came, and I’d been selected.

Apparently, one of the reasons was that I’d been confident enough not to call to inquire.”

Today as CEO of LSSSC, she used that tenacity to take up the war against homelessness. Specifically, she is leading a $38 million dollar campaign to convert the Central City Lutheran Mission near downtown San Bernardino from a 70bed shelter for men to a Community Wellness Campus for the entire community. That campus will also house and help more than 600 men experiencing homelessness each year.

Just as she took up the vision to become a runner when she could not walk due to illness, she has a big vision to make the campus a reality as soon as possible. In fact, she’s even named this year’s gala fundraiser for the event – Mission Possible. She is tireless in her efforts, meeting with city and county officials, organizations, and other Southern California leaders.

STEM STUDENTS SERVE SOCAL

O

ne sunny day in Fullerton, California, a group of bright minds from Concordia University carpooled from their picturesque Irvine campus to Lutheran Social Services of Southern California’s (LSSSC) Fullerton office location parking lot shared by LSSSC and First Lutheran Church. Today’s lesson: learning to embrace the homeless on their journey to self-sufficiency. CONCORDIA Serves engages alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, donors, and friends to step into their communities to give to others from the abundance they have been given. This year, 25 participating nonprofits received similar visits from traveling Concordia groups as part of CONCORDIA Serves 2023 event.

Concordia’s Engineering, Math, & Computer Science (EPiCS) students and staff chose LSSSC as their nonprofit of choice to fill housewarming baskets for previously homeless families that were entering transitional housing. The EPiCS club learned that when a homeless individual moves into their first house or apartment, they often move in without any other necessary housing effects like furniture, towels, dishes, sponges, and brushes, etc. It is quite

often just an empty room.

To effectively embrace the new chapter in which the previously unhoused will be enjoying, EPiCS prepared more than 20 baskets, filling them with dishes, towels, toothbrushes, pens & paper, trash bags, measuring cups, kitchen mats, brooms & dustpans, and more similar items. These baskets are garnished with a handwritten “Welcome Home” letter from the student who filled it, containing words of encouragement and congratulations.

Many of the letters were personalized with drawings and handcrafted artwork.

College is the training ground for yet to be experienced individuals to assume their unique and God-given role in their community. Whether that relate to a field of study, or the first of many rich networking opportunities, the impact a young college goer may have on their fellow classmates and the world around them is sometimes best discovered when they step outside the classroom and into a world of philanthropy – giving from their abundance with no expectation of receiving in return.

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THE TIMELESS ART OF QUILTING

CRAFTING COMFORT AND COMPASSION

T

he art of quilting, an intricate tapestry of creativity and community, has been practiced for centuries. The tapestries, bedcovers, and decorative pieces have warmed homes and chronicled stories for generations.

While quilting remains an ageless craft, a deeper narrative emerges when one considers the passionate enthusiasts, predominantly women, who bring this art to life. The passion behind each stitch reveals not just the love for creativity but also a compassionate desire to make a difference in the world while promoting community.

MORE THAN JUST A CRAFT Many quilters find solace and joy in the repetitive motions of threading the needle, stitching together fabrics, and seeing their creations come to life. Quilting offers an escape, a time to meditate, and a sense of accomplishment. For some, it's the colors and patterns that captivate them; for others, it's the tactile feel of the fabric and the rhythmic movement of the hands.

Connecting with other enthusiasts, be it in local quilting guilds or international communities, provides a shared experience.

These groups serve as platforms for ideas, learning new techniques, and fostering lifelong friendships. Beyond the sheer joy of crafting, many quilters are driven by a noble cause— charity.

QUILTING FOR A CAUSE

Rock of the Foothills Lutheran Church in La Verne handcrafts several quilts each year to raise money at Lutheran Social Services’ annual Gala, one of several beneficiaries of their artistry.

“Quilts = Healing,” is the message of the nationwide Quilts of Valor Foundation (www.

QOVF.org). Their volunteers have made and awarded over 362,000 quilts to veterans and service members touched by war in the 20 years since the first one was awarded in 2003.

Recipients have given comments such as, “This was the first thanks I have ever received for my service,” and “I don’t know why, but this has really helped my PTSD.” And a worldwide example of such benevolence is the annual ingathering of quilts

by Lutheran World Relief (LWR). This global organization, rooted in the Lutheran tradition, understands the profound impact of a quilt.

Every quilt sewn and donated is more than just a blanket—it carries with it hope, love, and a message that someone, somewhere, cares.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF: SPREADING WARMTH WORLDWIDE Year after year, countless quilts are collected and sent to people around the world affected by natural disasters, conflict, and poverty. These quilts offer warmth against the cold, shelter from the sun, and even serve as simple tents or floor coverings. Their vibrancy brings a touch of color and comfort to often bleak surroundings.

(Continued on Page 13)

It's heartwarming to note that numerous quilters and quilting guilds channel their skills for philanthropic endeavors, from hyperlocal to global. One can wonder, "Why would someone invest countless hours into creating a masterpiece, only to give it away?" The answer lies in the profound satisfaction derived from knowing that their handcrafted quilts provide warmth, solace, and a touch of beauty to those in need.

One example of quilters supporting local causes is the Busy Bears Quilt Guild in Big Bear Lake, whose annual quilt show proceeds fund a host of local charitable organizations, including Lutheran Social Services’ Big Bear office.

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A CALLING TO HELP OTHERS

P

rogram Coordinator, Mirian Rodriquez, and Peer Support Advocate, Ramona Jimenez, both exude enthusiasm and purpose when they speak of the Peer to Peer Support Special Training Program offered by Lutheran Social Services of Southern California.

Their passion, no doubt, stems from their experience of being on both sides of the peer to peer equation. “Who better to support those experiencing difficulty than those who have been in a similar situation and lived and learned through it,” says Ramona.

“I know what it is to be in need with few places to turn to and so I am called to help others. God put me in this position for a reason. And that is to help others. “ “We both, cover a large swath of Southern California including Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. And we hope to expand our reach as well as some of our service options,” she added.

“Who better to support those experiencing difficulty than those who have been in a similar situation and lived and learned through it.”

- Ramona Jimenez Peer to Peer Support Advocate The Behavior Health Program Peer Support Specialist Training Program was established by the California

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Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCSAI) to address the ongoing workforce development needs and shortage of personnel providing mental health/recovery systems of care, engaging in treatment and their recovery process. The support they provide helps break down barriers and empower people to find and follow their own recovery paths.

While in this training, participants will engage with a 100-hour online curriculum covering the importance of peer support, ethics, confidentiality, care for parents and family, crisis management, homelessness, justice involved individuals, suicide prevention, recovery planning, case management, triage, technical job skills, and self-care. Participants can complete the online training at their own pace.

After completion of the online program, our Program Coordinator and Peer Support Advocate will help participants find a placement within mental health and/ or recovery agencies. With career counseling and group support, the goal is to enable participants to successfully complete their training program, effectively transition their Peer Support Specialist role, and foster their continued development and growth.

This Peer Support Specialist Training Program is free of charge to those participating. Participants must be at least 18 years old and have lived experience in mental health and recovery. This is a terrific opportunity to share hope and recovery journeys while providing guidance and help navigating systems of care.

To learn more about this program and hear Mirian and Ramona discuss their experiences, please tune into our latest Get Engaged podcast by visiting www.lsssc.org.

QUILTS OF LOVE (Continued from Page 11)

Typically, the annual ingathering event by LWR is a significant occasion. Quilters, many of whom start crafting these masterpieces at the beginning of the year or even earlier, anticipate this event. The commitment these artisans show is astounding. They spend months planning designs, selecting fabrics, and stitching together quilts that they know will bring comfort to a stranger perhaps half a world away.

Here in Southern California, Lutheran Social Services each year provides logistical support to LWR for the ingathering, and over a five-day period in October, quilting guilds and women’s groups from 59 Lutheran churches from Pismo Beach to San Diego to Palm Desert traveled with their handiwork to ten collection sites, donating nearly one thousand boxes of quilts and health kits, and more than $5,000 in funds to cover shipping costs to war-torn and disaster-stricken sites around the world.

The ingathering serves as a culmination of their year-long efforts. It’s an emotional, rewarding moment when they can see stacks upon stacks of quilts, each representing hours of dedication, ready to be dispatched to various corners of the world.

SEWING QUILTS TO SOW GOD’S LOVE Quilting, sometimes perceived as a quaint hobby or craft, holds a much deeper significance. It is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to create, connect, and care. For many women, it's an extension of their nurturing nature— a way to envelope someone in warmth, both literally and metaphorically.

The tireless efforts of organizations like Lutheran World Relief and the countless quilters who support them remind us of the power of community and compassion. In a world that often seems divided, it's heartening to see threads of hope being woven together, one quilt at a time.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF INGATHERING OF QUILTS LWR’s Ingathering of Quilts takes place in Southern California each year during the third full week of October. The 2024 ingathering will take place October 21 -25, 2024 in 10 SoCal locations. See https://lwr.org/quilts for more information about quilts, health kits and supporting their shipping fund. See https://ingathering.lwr.org/ for information about SoCal sites.

FIND A QUILTING GUILD NEAR YOU If there is a crafter inside of you yearning to emerge, and quilting inspires you, contact a local Lutheran church and ask to be connected with their women's organization (often called LWML - Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, or WELCA – Women of the ELCA). If you can't connect with quilters there, check out the Southern California Council of Quilt Guilds’ website: https:// www.sccqg.org/. It is full of information, including a list of local quilt guilds throughout the Southland and a list of teachers who know their craft.

Q U I L T S O F V A LO R FO U N D A T I O N If you are a quilter and would like to help bring healing to veterans and service members who have been touched by war, visit https://www.qovf.org/membership/.

And if you know of a veteran or service member who you think might be uplifted by a lovingly handcrafted quilt made just for them, visit https://www.qovf.org/ nominations - awards/ to nominate them.

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7 TIPS TO

MANAGE STRESS

& MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE

HOLIDAYS

PLAN AHEAD Have a plan in place for all your holiday tasks and activities.

BE REALISTIC Don’t stress yourself out by trying to create the perfect holiday.

STAY ACTIVE DON’T WORRY

Don’t feel obligated to complete every small thing on your list.

SET ASIDE DIFFERENCES

Enjoy other’s company and talk about topics that bring happiness.

Exercise is a great way to deal with holiday stress, and anxiety.

JUST SAY NO

If you have too much on your plate, let your friends and family know.

ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR FEELINGS

Have a plan in place for all your holiday tasks and activities.

By Arbor Place 14

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FAITH-BASED FINANCE

FRANK CLEMENT DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS AMERICA’S CHRISTIAN CREDIT UNION

W

ith recent lists of failed banks making the news, many people are looking at banking, investing, and saving options where they can get personalized attention. For many, that may mean considering examining credit unions and other unique sources of financial help.

In 2022, California boasted 270 credit unions, largely in the largest ten cities including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, and Anaheim.

Many look to faith-based financial institutions to steward resources they believe are a gift from God. Increasingly they are banking with organizations that they can feel good about that serve what they consider a higher purpose.

Many faith-based financial institutions are joining together across denominational lines to serve more people for greater good. For example, in the summer of 2012 the $28.5 million Lutheran Credit Union of America in Brea merged into the $254 million America’s Christian Credit Union (ACCU) in Glendora.

“Since 2009, ACCU has made it our mission to work on behalf of vulnerable children until the last waiting child is welcomed home. But we were not always so focused on this life-changing work”, shares Frank Clement, director of strategic partnerships, about adoption loans being made to families.

“A year before we launched our adoption program, our credit union staff

was engulfed in managing the fallout of the Great Recession. Members were losing jobs and asking for flexibility on mortgages and car loans. Churches we served with construction loans were struggling to make payments as they watched weekly giving drop by double-digit percentages. Families and organizations alike were depleting their savings and beginning to rely on credit cards just to make ends meet.”

“Suffice to say, our attention to the well-being of widows and orphans was not particularly concentrated at that time. But then something happened that would change our organization’s trajectory forever: we got a phone call.”

“Do you have adoption loans?”

"Do we what?"

“Do you lend people money to pay for adoptions? We just got a call from our agency that there might be a potential match, but we still need $30,000. Can we borrow it from your credit union? You are Christian, right?”

“You’re Christian, right?”

“That last question was like a dagger to the heart. We prided ourselves on being a Christian credit union and thought we were doing everything right. Yet, somehow, we hadn’t connected the dots between our faith and providing a service that would help people heed the words of James 1:27. It was a clarion call to step back from the busyness and take stock of how our faith should be informing our actions.”

In September 2020, the team at ACCU achieved one of its most meaningful milestones in their 65-year history: funding their 2,000th adoption loan.

For many, the cost of adoption can seem daunting, especially if they are going through an agency or adopting internationally–or both. The average cost of private adoption in the United States is anywhere from $30,000 – $45,000. Even adopting within the foster system can come with unexpected costs, such as needing to make home improvements or buy a larger vehicle to accommodate a new family member.

Less than a year after that fateful phone call, ACCU rolled out their adoption lending program.

Financial counseling calls often end with tearful prayers and words of comfort when a placement falls through. And rarely does a week go by without ACCU receiving a letter in the mail featuring a first family photo, sometimes taken in the very courtroom where the adoption was finalized!

“Caleb and Amanda Cagle were one of our early adoptive couples and our hearts were fit to burst when they finally brought baby girl Emmi home. Amanda’s words in a subsequent letter confirmed our original sense that God was calling us to do more as a financial institution.”

“We are so thankful for ACCU. Without financial assistance, we would not be able to afford it. You truly have been an encouragement and blessing to us. God definitely uses you in powerful, beautiful ways. Thank you for the boldness of your faith.”

This November, Frank encourages you to join wherever you are in celebrating National Adoption Month. For more than a decade, many have observed A Day of Prayer Together (A.D.O.P.T.) where all are called to pray for adoptive parents, adoption agencies, and organizations championing the causes of orphans everywhere. All are encouraged to join in the ACCU-hosted event that brings awareness to the needs of the nearly 400,000 vulnerable children in the U.S. foster care system and 143 million orphans worldwide who need the love, safety and support of home and family.

For ACCU’s CEO, Vicki VannBerstein, this month of celebration and awareness is deeply personal. “As an adoptive mother myself, I know the adoption process can be arduous and overwhelming,” said VannBerstein at last year’s A.D.O.P.T. gathering at the credit union. “No words can describe the true joy we feel as an organization to be a part of the process of adoption and to see dreams come true for so many families.”

Since launching the adoption loan program, ACCU has expanded its efforts to support orphans through partnerships with organizations like the Global Orphan Project, the Christian Alliance for Orphans, and numerous networks of adoption agencies across the country.

While the number of champions for orphans is growing, the need remains staggering: in Los Angeles County alone, an estimated 34,000 children are either in, or on the verge of, family breakdown, homelessness or foster system integration.

“As Jesus told his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field” (Matthew 9:37-38, NIV)” concluded Clement.

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COLOR OF HOPE GALA AFFIRMS MISSION POSSIBLE!

H

istoric Mission Inn Riverside was the stunning backdrop for Lutheran Social Services of Southern California’s second Color of Hope Gala on Saturday, October 7. The event theme Mission Possible was a twist on the Mission Impossible TV show and was creatively woven throughout the evening to celebrate LSSSC’s many successes.

Guests in black-tie attire generously supported the gala by helping to raise over $210K towards transforming the San Bernardino Central City Lutheran Mission (CCLM) into a comprehensive Community Wellness Campus.

CEO Dr. LaSharnda Beckwith said, “I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our donors and supporters. Your unwavering belief in our mission and your generous contributions are the lifeblood of our organization. Without your support, we would not be able to do what we do - providing essential services to vulnerable individuals in Southern California.”

The beautiful evening featured a welcome reception with photo areas, cocktails and silent auction followed by a gourmet dinner, awards ceremony, speakers and live auction. Emcee and auctioneer Jesse Hernandez, guided the evening with great energy and enthusiasm while Dr Beckwith was a featured speaker highlighting the San Bernardino Central City Lutheran Mission project. Recording artist Kedma Wenz performed standards throughout the evening while Mission Impossible-themed music was provided by the Crean Lutheran High School Jazz Band during the dinner program.

Steve and Cathy Kienle of Walter’s Automotive were honored for their significant support of LSSSC. Longtime philanthropists, the Kienle family began collecting toys at Christmas for LSSSC families in the Riverside and San Bernardino areas. This support grew to include their entire team at Walter’s Automotive’s six dealership locations and now encompasses the entire Inland Empire.

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Among several other presentations was Board Chair, Terry Paulson, Ph.D. honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his dedication and service to the leadership of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California. The first ever Lisa Gillett Achievement Award went to Johnny Martel Jr. and Sr. Lisa was a housing counselor in the Long Beach area who passed away suddenly earlier this year. She worked tirelessly on behalf of clients, was a model staff member and had a particular impact on the Martels.

Martel, Sr. and son, Johnny Martel Jr., in fact was tied to a significant evening highlight – an art project featuring an original art piece by artist and homeless advocate Brian Peterson from the Faces of Mankind project. During the reception, Peterson put the finishing touches on a rendering depicting them. The senior Martel had sought assistance through Lutheran Social Services’ housing and case management program in Long Beach after facing childhood violence, family mental health issues and addiction.

During the gala, the extended Martel family celebrated his sobriety, healing and unwavering faith.

Perhaps one of the most moving moments of the gala occurred during the live auction when the finished portrait was purchased by the Kienle’s who in turn gifted it back to the family.

The night’s final Lifetime Achievement Award went to Maria Hernandez, a stalwart volunteer in Long Beach. You can read her story on page 28 in this issue.

A special thanks to volunteer committee members Rev. (Col.Ret.) Scottie R. Lloyd, Susan Kroeger and Deborah Dannemeyer.

The entire committee and LSSSC staff thank everyone who made this incredible evening and important fundraiser a mission possible!

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READERS EMBRACE

THANKSGIVING TEAMWORK SURPRISES LONG BEACH

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n October and November, Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC) stepped up to address the elevated needs that every community experiences during holidays. At the Long Beach/South Bay office of LSSSC, where feeding families is a regular occurrence, an additional food drive has been underway to address food insecurity in advance of the hallmark American feast of Thanksgiving.

But the kind attention given to Long Beach’s neighborhood goes a little farther with an extra surprise.

For the past four years, Wendy Rubio, Assistant Director for LSSSC’s Long Beach location, has orchestrated the Thanksgiving Chili Bowl Community Meal – an unannounced opportunity for food pantry participants to sit down to a warm bowl of chili, fresh cornbread, and cool lemonade.

LSSSC’s effort to embrace, equip, and empower their vulnerable community doesn’t end with just collecting food to feed the hungry. Just a county over in Pasadena, LSSSC’s Avanti program engages individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities in social and volunteer opportunities in a successful effort for Community

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Integration. This time of the year is full of rich opportunities to send Avanti’s participants into the community and give them a chance to interact with the world around them in meaningful ways. This year, what better way than to join forces with Long Beach’s Thanksgiving Chili Bowl Community Meal?

2023’s Thanksgiving Chili Bowl Community Meal was the first time both offices collaborated on this festive event.

About 200 people came by and were pleasantly surprised by the freshly made holiday staple. The Avanti participants served the community in shifts, enjoying their own bowls of chili when on break. Wendy Rubio spent the day overseeing the teamwork, giving her own thanks to Avanti for helping her show the Long Beach clients that LSSSC is always thinking of them.

The community of Long Beach was able to spend the holiday with extra thankfulness in their hearts, thanks to joint participation from two of LSSSC’s Los Angeles Countybased locations.

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LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES MOBILE VAN SERVING SO CAL COMMUNITIES FOR 80+ YEARS!

909.381.6921

1354 N. G Street San Bernardino, CA 92405

VISION

www.lsssc.org

Sharing the love of Christ, we seek to form a community where… the vulnerable are safer and stronger, the dependent are self-sustaining, the isolated dwell in community, and the weary are given hope.

On the Road . . . keep an eye out for the new Lutheran Social Services of Southern California colorful wellness van that will roam the Inland Empire at the beginning of the New Year.

LSSSC has fifteen program offices, including San Bernardino in the Inland Empire. The new van service is made possible through a partnership with OmniTrans and the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority.

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®

TRAILBLAZING CEO (Continued from Page 8) And she’s not stopping at just one. She plans to blaze a trail setting up LSSSC Community Wellness Campuses all over the Southland. “Our long-term goal is to see a Community Wellness Campus in every area we serve. Our vision and our expertise position LSSSC to best develop and implement this innovative project in a manner not yet seen or experienced before”, Dr. Beckwith promises.

“Some people see our project as only being in San Bernardino. That’s just where we are starting. Those churches, companies and individuals who can pledge a major gift now to this campus are just helping us get further along the trail to bringing one to their own community.”

Inspiring others to be trailblazers is truly in her DNA. Dr. Beckwith’s Friday Inspirations messages can be read weekly here: https://www.lsssc.org/fridayinspiration/. Consider becoming your own trailblazer by listening to them while you run, walk, or take up a new challenge.

Dr. Beckwith says her personal mission is to “enable, encourage, empower, and energize others to be all that God has called them to be.” LSSSC staff note how she inspires them every day to embrace, equip, and empower individuals and families through 40 different programs throughout Southern California.

Speaking of what calls her to her work, Dr. Beckwith says, “Ultimately, my desire is to live out Proverbs 31:8-9 – Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

You can find out more about Dr. Beckwith on her website, www.lasharndabeckwith.com. For more information on the incredible work that Dr. Beckwith and her team are doing visit the LSSSC website, www.lsssc.org.

A WORD FROM DR. BECKWITH (Continued from Page 30) using your leadership gifts.

How do we square religious tradition, various Scripture passages, and how Jesus interacted with women leaders? How do we embrace our role of women in business and leaders in the church healthily and biblically? You ask for it, and when given the opportunity, you accept it and step into it. You Lean In. Because women who feel a call to serve God often possess a diving grace and humility – they don’t make waves; they don not lean in. They wait and remain quiet, watching from the sidelines. Many strong gifted women walk away from their greater calling to lead because they feel illequipped. But you are not ill-equipped. Those He has called; He will also equip (Exodus 4:10-11; Acts 29). If He has chosen you to do this work, don’t deny, reject, or ignore that call. Just as Ms. Fannie Mae, at the age of 94, prepares to embrace her eternal reward, we are encouraged to live our lives in a manner that reflects our trust in Christ's promises. I had some amazing role models as a young woman. Ms. Fannie Mae is near the top of that list. Her faith in the transformative power of Christ was unwavering. I am truly grateful to have had her influence on my life.

May we all find comfort in the truth that closing our eyes to this world can lead to the everlasting joy of life in Christ. May the Peace of Christ live in your soul today and always.

A WORD FROM DR. PAULSON (Continued from Page 30) loved. Being involved in LSSSC has allowed me to do just that. I treasure my memories of working with the men and women on the board and those serving on staff. I may be leaving my position as chair of the board, but I’m not done with my support for this amazing organization. With the current board and leadership, I have no doubt that the future of LSSSC is in very good hands. Join me in ensuring that the future of LSSSC remains the best it can be.

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FACES OF MANKIND The streets are where Brian Peterson finds his inspiration. An inspiration that looks beyond circumstance into the humanness of his subjects. Brian paints those on the street and tries to capture their essence. Their being.

In October, at LSSSC’s Color of Hope Gala, Brian entertained (and raised donations) by completing his recent painting of one of our important clients representing the joy and accomplishment of recovery and a bright future born out of darkness.

Brian’s journey led him to form The Faces of Mankind, a nonprofit organization where he set out to befriend and paint portraits of the vulnerable community throughout the world. He then sells the artwork and uses proceeds to help in rehabilitating his newfound friends.

Brian often evokes Matthew 25: 34-40. “We have found great satisfaction and learned a lot about ourselves while helping those in need,” he explained.

The king will reply, “ Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Then the king will say to those on his right, “Come you who are blessed by my father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

“Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”

The king will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

We, at LSSSC, cherish our relationship with Brian and follow similar beliefs of embracing and empowering vulnerable communities. Thank you, Brian, for touching the hearts of our supporters and reminding us all to be thankful and giving.

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SAN DIEGO COMPANIONS APPROACH SILVER ANNIVERSARY

In the great city of San Diego, homebound seniors have been receiving compassionate care and companionship, thanks to Lutheran Social Services of Southern California’s (LSSSC) Senior Companion Program. Now proudly celebrating its 25th year, the Senior Companion Program is a warm light in the window of 70 homebound seniors who need a little extra help. LSSSC sends 16 companion volunteers out to these homes to enhance the seniors’ quality of life and help them remain independent for as long as possible.

“To me, this is the best-kept secret of San Diego,” says Director Eleanor Slaughter, a secret she would love to get out. Volunteer Companions spend up to four hours a day with the homebound seniors to ensure that doctor appointments are made and kept, grocery shopping is routine, meals are shared, hobbies are enjoyed, and the Volunteer Companions even take the seniors into the community for fun activities.

The best part – there is no cost to the seniors.

“ To me, this is the best-kept secret of San Diego.”

- Director Eleanor Slaughter These Volunteer Companions, who keep the world turning for otherwise isolated San Diegans, enjoy a party every year in June when Ms. Slaughter throws a celebration in gratitude for their ongoing contributions in embracing the lives of so many. But there’s plenty of room for more. Ms. Slaughter has a goal to add 10 more Volunteer Companions to the program this year, just in time to celebrate a momentous 25 years in San Diego.

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HELPING OTHERS PURSUE EMPOWERMENT

he Color of Hope awards are designed to honor individuals, business partners, and private funders in each of the eight local communities where we serve across Southern California where we serve. The H.O.P.E. Awards demonstrate those who Help Others Pursue Empowerment with passion, dignity and compassion.

The four categories for the awards are: • Individual/Family • Church/Community Organization • Business/Private Funder • Lifetime Achievement Award Nominations are reviewed by the Selection Committee based on predetermined criteria. All nominees are independently scored before being officially nominated. Both nominees and winners represent extraordinary individuals and institutions of the community that have exhibited a long-term commitment to the most vulnerable in Southern California as well as the mission of LSSSC to empower vulnerable individuals, families and communities toward self-sufficiency.

Congratulations again to the chosen winners.

Maria Hernandez – Lifetime Achievement Award

San Diego Food Bank – Chula Vista Community Organization San Diego Food Bank supports one of the founding programs at LSSSC and help Project Hand to reach more than 4,300 individuals each year. Their presence in the community serves as a major power source in innovative food distribution and reducing food waste in our local food system.

Maria has been supporting Lutheran Social Services for the past 30 years as a volunteer. Her warm presence has become a trademark of our Community Pantry Program in Long Beach. She has truly gone above and beyond to support the Long Beach community.

Lisa Gillett Award - Johnny Martel Sr. & Family

In memory of Lisa Gillett, a housing counselor at our Long Beach location. This year for the first time we are presenting an award in her memory to a special family that truly exemplifies the special relationship that LSSSC has with those we serve.

Helen Walsh – Big Bear/High Desert Individual/Family Helen has been tireless in her efforts to provide funding for projects like our clothes closet for youth in Wraparound and Success programs. From her advocating for larger grants from her Rotary Club, to giving from her personally, Helen supports the mountain communities.

San Manuel Band of Mission Indians – Corporate San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has supported LSSSC across multiple various capital projects that have significantly improved its program services at the San Bernardino Community Wellness Campus. Their involvement has also benefitted numerous San Bernardino County community organizations in a collective effort to address homelessness.

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Trinity Lutheran Church – Pasadena Church/Community Organization Trinity Lutheran Church has been an integral part of the AVANTI Program and has graciously opened their doors every Thursday so that participants can have an opportunity to attend church and be a part of a new community.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints East Long Beach Stake – Long Beach Church/Community Organization The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints East Long Beach Stake has been a consistent partner of LSSSC since 2017. They have provided the community with food, clothing, and compassionate care. Their generous spirits extend far beyond LSSSC and assist numerous other local nonprofits in the Long Beach community.

Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo – San Fernando Valley Individual Since the grand opening of our San Fernando Valley office, Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo has shown her support of LSSSC and her personal concern for the local unsheltered community. She knows the names and faces of these neighbors in the 40th district and has personally helped and advocated on their behalf through her legislative work.

Brenda Lussier and Brenda Lussier – Riverside County Individual/Family Brenda and Brenda have been serving at Riverside for many years.

Each week, they cook delicious homecooked meals for the local homeless community at our Riverside location.

Rock of the Foothills Church – San Bernardino County Church/Community Organization Rock of the Foothills Church has consistently served our community members in San Bernardino through regular donations of hygiene care and preparation of Sunday meals for our shelter residents.

They have been a faithful partner of LSSSC for the last five years, and we are grateful for their involvement in the community.

AmeriCorps – San Diego County Business Organization For more than 23 years, the Senior Companion Program has been supported by AmeriCorps. Because of their support, thousands of homebound seniors in the community can remain in their homes.

Their support fostered countless beautiful friendships between volunteers and our seniors.

Loaves and Fishes Ministry – Ventura County Church/Community Organization St. Jude the Apostle Church’s Loaves and Fishes Ministry has partnered with LSS Ventura County for more than four years.

They provide grocery cards, food pantry donations, care kits for unsheltered community members who come to our DropIn Center. They also put together move-in kits for our Rapid Rehousing clients and order new beds and furniture to stabilize the community when they move into their housing.

Orange County United Way – Orange County Business Organization Orange County United Way began the Equity in Orange County initiative and launched county-wide conversations about creating a more equitable and healthy community for underserved populations in the County and has also been a tremendous resource for LSSSC and other nonprofit organizations.

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REBUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH PHILANTHROPY In honor of Native American Month, Lutheran Social Services recognizes and celebrates the legacy that our Native American neighbors have built in our communities.

As their vibrant culture continues to profoundly impact our communities today, we celebrate along with staff, community members, and neighbors, including Tribal nations throughout Southern California who have displayed immense support of Lutheran Social Services of Southern California.

In recent years, the rise of native voices in philanthropy has brought forth a powerful force in the Southern California region. In congruence with the rich cultural practice of generosity, Tribal nations have established charitable infrastructures in the form of philanthropic financial giving aimed at revitalizing historically underserved communities of color, including native communities. While this has led to a community-wide transformation that will impact generations to come, we must also recognize that much work still needs to be done.

In 2020, the total US charitable giving was 471 billion dollars, and less than 0.5% of philanthropic giving is dedicated to Native communities (Native Americans in Philanthropy).

Over the years, community-wide transformation and generational impact have taken place, yet we must recognize

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that much work still needs to be done.

These findings provide critical insights within the nonprofit sector and shed light on the inequity that still exists in the industry and the communities we serve. Organizations like Native Americans in Philanthropy are a nationwide force in leading the initiative of changing systems and improving native communities' representation and equitable experiences through the following strategies: 1.

2.

3.

Allocating more resources to Native communities; Strengthening support of Native philanthropic leaders to further diversify the sector; Advocating having people of color in leadership positions improves our collective understanding of more underserved communities and their complexities and historical context.

Among the communities LSSSC serves in Southern California, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians has been one of the leading Tribal nations that have led the transformative philanthropic initiatives in improving diverse communities that span over 1,110 acres of the San Manuel reservation (San Bernardino and Inland Empire).

Four pillars of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians are: 1.

2.

3.

4.

SINCE 2020, THERE HAS BEEN 703 GRANTS MADE OUT TO NATIVE COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING WHERE LSSSC SERVES IN SAN BERNARDINO. THE VALUE OF THE TOTAL GRANTS IS $103.4M WITH 135 FUNDERS.

Inspiring Our Future Through Education Empowering Lives Reinforcing Healthy and Resilient Communities Preserving cultural Traditions and Empowering Indian Country.

From making blankets for children at the Children’s Assessment Center to establishing the Yuhaaviatam Center for Health Studies to address health inequities in the Inland Empire and Indian Country, San Manuel is a community champion in preserving and promoting cultural, environmental, and social impact.

In 2023, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians awarded a $2.22 million grant to the city of San Bernardino to help fund a new mobile veterinary clinic, improvements at Seccombe Lake Park, and new policy vehicles. Their support has also provided the renovation of LSSSC’s Central City Lutheran Missions Community Meal and Pantry Program.

Since its founding in 1994, the mission prudently allocated most of the funding to care for the communities. Still, it became challenging as the mission began providing multiple meals daily for the emergency shelter men. Perishable goods such as meat and vegetables contribute to a balanced and healthy diet and have become increasingly harder to store. The grant from San Manuel Cares was able to build a walk-in refrigeration unit as part of the kitchen structure. This has drastically improved CCLM’s ability to store perishable foods used to prepare daily meals and the missions’ ability to receive food donations for the bi-monthly pantry distributions for local low-income families in the communities.

Most recently, San Manuel Cares awarded another grant to LSSSC to advance the agency-wide effort to build a onestep comprehensive Community Wellness Campus (SB CWC) at Central City Lutheran Mission. The project will not only add to existing shelter capacity but also bring on an additional 140 units of transitional housing for individuals experiencing homelessness in the community.

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is funding the campus’ Community Enrichment Center, equipped with 13 computer stations and a community area. The project will provide computer lab hours to residents at SB CWC to complete their case management tasks for accelerated housing navigation and placement services. Community members will have designated hours for workforce development to work on resumes, job applications, continuing education, job training, and more. The enrichment center will also be a community hub for various workshops for adults and school-aged youth in the community.

COMMUNIT Y HIGHLIGHT S

1

2

First Nations Development Institute has dedicated the last 40+ years working with rural and reservation-based nonprofit organizations in establishing financial health and independence.

Their mission is to strengthen American Indian economies to support healthy Native communities, invest and create innovative institutions and models that strengthen asset control, and support economic development for American Indian people and their communities.

Native Americans in Philanthropy promotes equitable and effective philanthropy in native communities for the last 30 years and work closely with counterpart organizations to advocate for Tribal communities, including Native professionals in philanthropy, elected Tribal leaders, Native youth leaders, Native philanthropic executives, board members, and Native nonprofit leaders.

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VOLUNTEERING IT FORWARD: A LIFE IN SERVICE

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ost days in the city of Long Beach, you can find Maria Hernandez preparing meals for the hungry and those most in need.

At Lutheran Social Services in Long Beach, we rely on hundreds of volunteers like Maria to to help us Embrace, Equip, and Empower vulnerable individuals, families, and communities across our region. We could not do this work without the dedication and compassion of volunteers like Maria. In October, Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC) recognized Maria Hernandez with the 2023 Color of Hope Lifetime Achievement Award for her contributions to our LA/Long Beach Site. Maria has been a volunteer with LSSSC for more than 30 years.

Maria first came to LSSSC with her husband who, at the time, had unfortunatley lost his job. They were accessing services through the food pantry and taking English classes through LSSSC staff and volunteers. Soon, her husband was able to return to full-time employment. After her husband got back on his feet and her children returned to school, she decided that she wanted to give back to LSSSC after they had helped her during a difficult time. She has been a dedicated volunteer ever since.

Maria volunteers at the food pantry Monday through Thursday helping prepare food to be distributed. When the pantry doors open, she is there handing the food out to LSSSC clients and community members. She loves to support the community; she gets to see herself in some of the clients she works with. She is a bright light to others in the community - a reminder and example that there is hope for a better and more stable life. When we care about the safety and happiness of others, we build a healthier and happier community. It brings comfort to her to know that people will be able to prepare a meal for their families and that they will not go to bed hungry.

Volunteering hasn’t always been easy, but Maria has never given up. As all of us do, she has faced trials in her life. One of her biggest trials was learning she had cancer. After her diagnosis, she insisted that she would continue to volunteer, even showing up after completing chemotherapy appointments. For her, volunteering helped her take her mind off the illness and the challenges she faced with surviving, it helped her heal in ways medicine could not.

She has brought the same resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic. She insisted on continuing her service to others. Being part of a vulnerable population especially susceptible to COVID-19, Maria knew the dangers of the pandemic, but urged LSSSC to keep the doors open to the community.

While many food pantries in the area closed their doors, LSSSC’s Emergency Services never stopped serving the community during the pandemic. Maria and a handful of staff and other volunteers helped LSSSC keep the doors open to the community. She

E N G AG E MAGAZINE - AUTUMN 2023

motivated and inspired the team to work through one of the most difficult and deadly times the world has faced.

Maria is a very active member in First Baptist Church in Long Beach, where she also enjoys spending quality time with her grandchildren.

Family and faith are important to her. Both have inspired her to continue to give to the community.

Because of her volunteer work distributing food to thousands of families and individuals in need, she has been recognized by former Long Beach City Mayor Robert Garcia, and Long Beach City Council. She also received a 2020 Woman of Distinction award by California Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell. She is and continues to be a celebrated pillar of the community.

Thank you, Maria, for your dedication to LSSSC and the communities we serve.

Not all volunteers have as much time to give as Maria, but we need you. You’d be surprised how big of an impact you can make with as little as an hour of volunteer work. Demand at Long Beach has increased to accommodate the increased demand for the Food Pantry. The Long Beach office has increased hours to allow access to people in need of services. LSSSC also needs volunteers to help teach life skills and small group classes and has many opportunities for you to volunteer in your own home by making quilts, assembling health and school kits, or supporting one of our giving campaigns.

To join Maria in volunteering at our Long Beach site, please reach out Wendy Rubio, Assistant Director at wrubio@LSSSC.org or call 562-599-1321.

Volunteers looking for opportunities at a different site please visit LSSSC.org/volunteer for more information.

2023 Engage Quarterly Magazine

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A WORD FROM DR. TERRY PAULSON, CHAIR OF THE BOARD

A WORD FROM DR. L ASHARNDA BECK WITH, CEO As a woman in leadership, I have always found this responsibility to be both exhilarating and challenging. One thing I have always said is that leadership is not for the faint of heart. To be a leader, one must have GRIT. GRIT is to have courage, resolve, and strength of character. The person must be unrelenting and never give up. We have an added responsibility for women in leadership who are also Believers. Our human frailties will take a hit through hurt feelings, insecurities, threats, and fear of failure, and our spiritual side is also challenged. We must remind ourselves to walk in faith and to be led by the Spirit. We must balance our egos between the Fruits of the Spirit and winning. Ken Blanchard reminds us of how EGO can take on two very different meanings. We must think of which definition we will intentionally embrace – EDGING GOD OUT OR EXALTING GOD ONLY. I try very hard to do the latter, but I must admit the former can quickly get in the way.

Why is it necessary to recognize our leadership abilities and go a step further in unleashing what is inside us?

Because understanding what makes a strong leader can help us identify characteristics that define our leadership potential. As a leader, we influence others, and we can unleash our follower’s potential. When we recognize our natural God-given talents of nurturing, we can create an atmosphere of trust; trust breeds the creation of space for open and often communication. We can create a feeling of succeeding and failing together as a pack and build a strong foundation for connection.

Why should you step into your leadership role? Because leaders influence change. Followers are not the ones who are making the change we see or want to see in this world.

The ones with the power are the ones who can do that.

Whether things have improved for women in business, what about in the church? We can agree the church still has a long way to go.

Perhaps you are a woman who has felt the call of God, and yet you’ve been met with an “unwelcome mat” when (Continued on Page 21) 30

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E N G AG E MAGAZINE - AU TU MN 2023

Early in 2015, I was invited to play golf with two board members with Lutheran Social Services of Southern California. I was already acquainted with the work of LSSSC. Our pastor at Westlake Lutheran Church had often referred people who came to our church for help to their Thousand Oaks office. Pastor Craig, would say, “LSSSC puts faith into action where it’s needed most.

They do things we can’t do at the local congregation.”

LSSSC was there to do case management, identify and verify needs, and provide or refer to the services available. They worked with local congregations to provide an evening meal and lodging for those who were homeless. So when they asked me to consider becoming a member of their board, I wanted to do my part to support its important work.

It was a time of transition for the organization, and by the end of 2016, many of the existing board members had timed off the board. When those left looked around the table, I was one of the few with board experience and the inclination to lead. So in November of 2016, I was elected as the new board chair.

Since taking the chair position, I’ve worked with the leadership and board to support accountability and an expanded mission to embrace, equip, and empower the disadvantaged that we serve to return to personal selfsufficiency. We remain committed to coming alongside the people we serve to a point that they no longer need our support.

In recent years, working with Dr. LaSharnda Beckwith and her team, we’ve focused our efforts on supporting programs that have been proven to be effective, developing a vision of a series of Wellness Centers to meet the full needs of those we serve, and partnering with churches, corporations, and community leaders to make a difference where it counts most.

There is nothing more satisfying than putting one’s faith into action in a way that allows us to love as Jesus (Continued on Page 21)

BOARD OF DIREC TORS

Terry Paulson, PhD Chair, Board of Directors

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MISSION Ignited by faith, we live out God’s love by embracing, equipping, and empowering vulnerable individuals, families, and communities toward selfsufficiency.

VISION Sharing the love of Christ, we seek to form a community where the vulnerable are safer and stronger, the dependent are self-sustaining, the isolated dwell in community, and the weary are given hope.

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