JUNE 2020
HEROES
in our midst
OLV’s staff rises to the challenge in difficult times
A Message From Our CEO David Kersten
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hen our editorial team started preparing for this issue of The Voice in February, it had a very different look and feel. Then, something surreal happened … COVID-19.
We never could’ve predicted the sudden impact the virus would have on our world: businesses closed, people weren’t allowed to gather in groups, daily routines were disrupted, and houses of worship were emptied.
challenges, teaching skills to kids in our vocational programs, or providing emergency counseling and support to those experiencing trauma, our OLV HEROES are working to positively impact the more than 4,500 mentally, emotionally and behaviorally challenged individuals we serve. Acts of kindness started to pour in from every corner of our communities.
It seemed as though our world was grinding to a sudden halt.
Our OLV family is no different. Each day, we are Fostering Miracles by carrying on the great legacy of our beloved founder, Venerable Nelson Baker.
Then, the human spirit began to shine through, showcasing the goodness that God has imprinted on our hearts.
Whether caring for individuals in our residential settings or adults with developmental and/or physical
IN THIS ISSUE
I hope you enjoy reading about the acts of kindness happening each day at our “City of Charity.” May Father Baker watch over you and Our Lady of Victory intercede for you and your loved ones.
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Pg. 3-4 Heroes in Our Midst
Read about the heroic members of our team!
Pg. 5 Socially Distant, Spirtually Connected How can we stay united in prayer?
Pg. 6 From Your Heart to God’s Ear
What happens when you send us Prayer Intentions?
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Greetings from Florida!
Florida friends made Msgr. LiPuma feel welcome
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Paying Tribute
Honoring an old friend of the organization
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HEROES
in our midst
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hat unprecedented and challenging times we find ourselves in. The shock of a global pandemic continues to be overwhelming. Confinement, social distancing, and empty churches are now familiar to us. For so many, closed doors are the norm. But, for our own OLV Human Services, the doors MUST remain open to those who depend on the medical and supportive services we provide to survive.
Amazingly, even as a threat of illness looms over their shoulders every day, staff members from all over our campus go about the business of caring for those who are fragile, vulnerable, and in need. Of course they have fear, but the values that shine through the gloomy clouds of anxiety -- self-sacrifice, passion and dedication – are the ones most commonly shown. It is nothing short of inspiring! Heroes in Our Midst As soon as schools were closed, the many teachers in our educational programs began instructing through online classes, videos, and creative activities designed to accommodate our students’ wide variety of ages and disabilities. To this day, instruction continues and teachers and students remain connected. “Teachers are receiving abundant gratitude from families. They realize our teachers are going the extra mile for their children,” said Amy Tassini, lead principal of our early education programs. The social workers of our Preventive Service Program continue to serve on the front lines. They are in homes throughout the region every day, providing assistance to children and families. Even though they are taking every precaution, team members continue to find creative ways to keep in touch: discussions may now take place on open porches, much-needed food may be dropped off instead of delivered, and homework may be left in doors or mailboxes. Said Program Director Barbara Farrow: “We are signs of hope and caring to those we serve. It’s important they still see us.” The direct-care staff of our Emergency Foster Care Program are patient and understanding with the little ones residing with us. Because of the younger ages involved, social distancing presents a challenge. But staff have found innovative ways to be there
for their young charges and Skype calls are happily arranged for children to communicate with their families while they live with us. The staff members and students in our vocation-focused WAY (Work Appreciation for Youth) Program found a unique challenge to take on: making protective masks for staff and residents. To date, more than 300 hand-made masks (like the one seen above) have been created and distributed. “I like to sew things,” said Lee, a WAY student, “so it was fun to do something new and help others stay safe at the same time!”
Our residential team members are working 24/7 with children and teens with disabilities and, often, severe emotional and behavioral challenges. Making matters even more challenging is the fact that now these youngsters are confined to their residences, without recreational (Continued) activities, school, or field trips.
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HEROES
in our midst Members of our Food Services team not only make the food for our residents these days, but also deliver and help confined young people stay busy with baking projects.
Maintaining our schools and residences has always been an important task, but maybe never as critical as it is now. Our team takes the safety of those in our care very seriously!
Using technology, therapists continue sessions to lower anxiety levels and work even more diligently on teaching coping skills. And, of course, team members whose jobs are in finance, purchasing, food services, maintenance, and housekeeping are being called upon to go above and beyond every single day. As Environmental Sciences Manager Karen Wagner said: “We’ve already seen that it is taking a whole village to get through this crisis.” In particular, strict health regulations require all staffers to work closely together to be sure the many schools, residences and sites are maintained, disinfected and kept very clean. Members of the food service team are
Our teachers have made sure that distance learning for all students — young and old — is as fun as possible in our “new normal!”
assisting with meals and even doing creative cooking activities with young residents. This article captures just a snapshot of the full picture of all that is happening to care for the 4,500 children and families during this difficult time. The quality of work shown by OLV Human Services’ team members, coupled with their commitment, compassion, resiliency and creativity truly make them super heroes!
Let us salute OLV Human Services’ extraordinary, heroic employees. Our hearts are filled with deep gratitude for them and their outstanding efforts! 4
Socially Distant, SPIRITUALLY
“Thank you for bringing the Lord to us in the comfort of our own homes!”
CONNECTED
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ho would’ve thought we’d live in a time when all of our Churches would be closed? As we find ourselves confined to our homes by the pandemic – perhaps isolated and anxious – the desire for spiritual connection grows stronger, doesn’t it? This need is the perfect reason to keep ourselves grounded in the love of God’s presence! Our saintly founder, Father Nelson Baker, knew how important it was to stay connected with his organization’s children, parishioners, and donors. Dozens of stories have been told about the importance he placed on listening, speaking and corresponding with individuals locally and across the country. We hold that same commitment sacred. Now, maybe, more than ever before. Surely it is an important time to be here for all the members of our “OLV Family.” And while we may not be able to walk down the street and shake hands
each week. You can view the Mass, as well as download the readings and send us your prayer intentions, on our web page, www.olvbasilica.org, starting around 4 p.m. every Saturday. This new way of coming together has been a hit!
Thank you for bringing the Lord to us in the comfort of our own homes! — Barbara Thank you! I really felt like I was in my regular pew at the Basilica. — Marion A beautiful service. Thank you from a former parishioner living in Montana! — Janice While our phones are always busy, this lonely time for many has meant more incoming and outgoing calls than usual. Calls to friends throughout the country are affording our staff members the perfect opportunity to just “check in” and inquire if folks are remaining healthy – physically, emotionally and spiritually. The conversations have been especially meaningful lately as our team members do their best to lift spirits and to offer comfort and companionship in this difficult time. Through it all, deeper relationships are forming. What a blessing!
Weekly Masses in the OLV National Shrine & Basilica are filmed and posted online! Photo courtesy of Mark Mulville, The Buffalo News
with folks as Father Baker used to do so often, new ways of continuing to nurture spiritual connections are emerging…
If the loneliness and anxiety brought on by the pandemic are beginning to take its toll, and you’d like to reach out and speak with a friendly voice, do not hesitate to contact us at (716) 828-9648.
At OLV National Shrine & Basilica, Father David LiPuma (aided by our team of tech wizards) videotapes the Sunday Mass
Together, let us stay united in thought and prayer. And let us be signs of hope and peace to all!
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From Your Heart to
GOD’S EAR “ Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
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ave you ever wondered what happens to those Special Prayer Intentions you submit to us through a direct-mail reply form or via our website?
Each and every day, we receive dozens of prayer requests from members of the “OLV Family” throughout the world. And while they may come from a wide variety of people who have an even wider variety of needs, one thing binds them all: hope. Hope that the words written by St. Mark ring true: “Whatever you ask in prayer…it will be yours.”
Love technology? You can also send us Prayer Intentions at olvcharities.org
So, what exactly happens with your Intentions? Reply Forms Most of those we receive come through our direct-mail appeals and on reply forms. You may not be aware that every envelope that comes back to us is opened, sorted and reviewed by one of the dedicated members of our donor services team. If a reply form includes a Prayer Intention, it is set aside and the name of the person seeking a spiritual favor is typed up and included in a list. And, does that document ever live a busy life! First, it is distributed to staff members who take part in our Friday Prayer Service here at our administrative office. The group, led by Msgr. David LiPuma, prays specifically for those individuals and their intentions. From there, the list makes it way over to the OLV National Shrine & Basilica, where it is placed on the Main Altar. Msgr. LiPuma, and the other priests who serve here at OLV, remember those needs and names in their Masses.
Several times during the year, we hold Masses for special occasions. For many of those, the actual reply forms (with intentions) are placed in a basket directly on the Main Altar. Web & Phone Intentions Technology has changed everything and those Intentions we receive through our website, www.olvcharities.org, are handled a little differently. They are collected by our digital communications professional and immediately sent over to the Rectory where they are added to a larger list. This is the same process used with any requests received through phone calls. Doing so allows both groups to be similarly included in Masses at the Basilica.
Your Special Prayer Intentions can often be found on the Main Altar during Masses at the OLV National Shrine & Basilica
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Honoring your Prayer Intentions is something we take very seriously here at OLV. We welcome the connection we can help foster and encourage you to pass along any and all of your spiritual requests!
CHARITABLE
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS A tax-wise way to leave a legacy
Advantages of Beneficiary Designation Gifts • Revocable • Avoid Probate • Easy to Do • Tax Savings • Inexpensive
A BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION GIFT TO IMPACT OUR WORK Etta and her late husband, Luther, had been longtime supporters of OLV Charities. She had been thinking about how she could make a significant gift to support our work. She met with her attorney to explain her goals and describe her assets. Originally, she thought about leaving her IRA to her
kids and other assets to charity. Her attorney suggested a different strategy. He explained that if her children inherited the IRA, the estate would pay estate taxes, and her children would pay income taxes on the IRA. But, by giving the IRA to charity and other assets to her children, Etta could still provide a nice inheritance to her children while avoiding the income tax! Etta contacted her IRA custodian, who sent her an IRA beneficiary designation form. She completed the form, named our organization as the primary beneficiary of her IRA and mailed the form back. Etta was thrilled with the plan! Mission Advancement Tel: (716) 828-9610 Email: missionadvancement@olvcharities
Florida Friends Welcome Msgr. David LiPuma
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rior to the Coronavirus pandemic, which prohibited social gatherings, our close friends and benefactors from the Gulf Coast of Florida welcomed Msgr. David LiPuma on his first tour of the state as President of OLV Institutions. In addition to individual meetings with many donors, two loyal friends and benefactors hosted receptions in Sarasota and Marco Island to introduce Father David. Key conversations included our new branding as OLV Charities and OLV Human Services; the upcoming centennial celebration for OLV National Shrine & Basilica; and the announcement of the expansion of our vocational training program for our at-risk teens in a for-profit retail and wholesale bakery. David Kersten, CEO of OLV Charities, also shared our recently developed strategic plan initiatives. If you are interested in hosting a reception in your area, or learning about the OLV Ambassador program, please contact Eileen Hudson, Director of Mission Advancement, at (716) 828-9610 or ehudson@olvcharities.org.
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780 Entrance
DEDICATION
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n Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020, OLV Charities — along with family, friends, and loyal supporters — honored the organization’s former executive director, Rick Heist, at special ceremony in honor of the dedication of the Richard L. Heist Legacy Entranceway. All of our friends and visitors to the 780 Ridge Road building will be able to enjoy the new, wheelchair-accessible space. Rick gave more than 45 years of his life to OLV and Father Baker’s ministries and his impact will be felt for years to come. Congratulations to him for this well-deserved honor!
Photo Above (L to R): Tony Kubera, Board Chair; David Kersten, CEO; Rev. Msgr. David LiPuma, Pastor and Rector, OLV National Shrine & Basilica; and Mary and Rick Heist.
Friends of Father Baker
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ne of the year’s finest nights, our annual Friends of Father Baker Reception fundraiser is scheduled for October 29, 2020. The 2020 gala will feature a new location, Shea’s Seneca, located in South Buffalo. That night, we will be honoring several individuals who have made a positive impact on our community. Mark your calendars! Please call (716) 828-9289 for details.
Lives You've Touched... 2,027
646
Youngsters received support from our Early Education and Daycare programs
241
Children and teens were educated at one of our specialized schools
101
Individuals with developmental disabilities were cared for through our residential programs
The Voice of Our Lady of Victory is the official donor newsletter of OLV Charities. Please contact us with any questions or suggestions regarding its content.
Young people with mental and behavioral issues were helped through our on-campus residential programs
780 Ridge Road Lackawanna, N.Y. 14218 (716) 828-9648 www.olvcharities.org