“I just want to say thank you to everyone here.”
When she arrived, Elizabeth only opened her eyes by verbal command and was unable to move her arms or legs without assistance. She had a tracheostomy to assist with breathing, couldn’t speak and only received nutrition through a feeding tube. The hospital had given a very poor prognosis for any kind of recovery. Elizabeth’s family and TGS believed differently. Elizabeth came to The Good Shepherd on January 19, 2010. With extensive therapy and care, she began moving her left hand and arm 11 days later. Within the next week, she started speaking to staff and expressing her needs. She was also able to move around in bed, sit in a chair, brush her teeth and comb her hair. Elizabeth no longer needs oxygen and her tracheostomy was removed in early March. Today she can stand at the parallel bars with assistance and speak in sentences. She is no longer dependent on the feeding tube and is eating soft foods and drinking thickened liquids.
With the skilled nursing staff, therapy and support from her family, Elizabeth has progressed rapidly, both physically and cognitively. “She is our miracle,” said Vickie, Elizabeth’s mother, who credits her amazing rehabilitation to the care she received at TGS. The prayers of Elizabeth’s family, including her husband David and 5-year-old daughter Kayliegh, have been answered.
Please Use it for: The greatest need
Other ____________________ I am interested in making an estate gift Check here if you are a Thrivent member
Inside
$25
Method of Payment:
One Year and Still Going Strong pg. 3 Special Thanks pg. 3
Other______________ Check Visa Mastercard
Name on credit card (please print)___________________________________ Card number: _________/_________/_________/_________ Expiration Month:_________________Year_______________ Signature___________________________________________
Please make your check payable to Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio 750 E. Broad Street • Columbus, Ohio 43205 or donate online at Name _____________________________________________ www.lssco.org Address ____________________________________________ Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. City/State/Zip_______________________________________ You will receive a receipt. Phone ( )______________________ Email_____________________________
LDRmar10
Leader Newsletter 3-10.indd 1
Spring Quarter
Converting Your IRA Can Bring Benefits pg. 2
Creating a Better World by Serving People in Need. $50
How Outreach Ministries helped a family start over when they had nothing
The Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Healthcare Campus is located at 622 Center St. in Ashland. For more information about the facility, contact Lorie White, director of Admissions and Social Services, at 419-289-3523, ext. 5143.
I want to help those in need by giving to Lutheran Social Services, so it may continue to support the mission of $100
Demonstrating God’s Love
President’s Message pg. 2
Yes, I would like to help LSS and its programs $500
Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Newsletter
“It is through God that all of this has fallen into place. He has shown us many miracles, and I’m so thankful that The Good Shepherd staff is with Elizabeth,” Vickie said.
Tracing its roots to 1912, LSS is a nonprofit social service agency affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and recognized by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. LSS provides human services for all people according to their needs. These services include: food pantries, emergency shelters, affordable housing, retirement services, and outreach ministries.
Here’s my gift of: $1,000
LEADER
THE
The future was looking very bleak for Elizabeth. The 24-year-old wife and mother had suffered a massive stroke and was left with severe brain damage. She was on life support prior to coming to The Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Healthcare Campus (TGS), the only facility in the area capable of providing the skilled-nursing care Elizabeth needed.
2 010
A Miracle on Center Street
LSS Gains New VP of Development & Communications pg. 3 A Miracle on Center Street pg. 4
Bill came home one day to an empty house. Literally. He discovered that his wife of 15 years had left him and their two sons, and she had taken every piece of furniture, household items and the food from the cupboards. Bill had been unemployed for six months, as the local factory closed and put 700 people out of work. He lacked the means to replace what was taken. A local Lutheran pastor looking to help referred Bill to the LSS Distribution Center in Caldwell. “The house was empty, and the family had nothing. They were devastated,” said Mary Woodward, director of Outreach Ministries. “They lost everything, but we pooled our resources and gave them everything we could to help.” St. Paul Lutheran Church in Westerville had collected a number of items for Outreach Ministries, including furniture and appliances. Additional congregations also contributed new toys, school supplies, dental hygiene kits and monetary donations for special needs, and Bill was able to select what he needed from the donations. Archer’s Flowers, an area business, also made a financial contribution after learning of Bill’s plight. With assistance from the distribution center, Bill and his sons were able to furnish their home, restock their kitchen cupboards and celebrate Christmas with new toys, school supplies and other holiday items.
“The family said they were amazed at God’s love and were deeply touched and appreciative of the generosity displayed by the Lutheran congregations. They saved the family from a terrible situation,” Woodward said. Outreach Ministries serves 24 Appalachian counties in southeast Ohio. During the Christmas season, staff and volunteers delivered new toys and gifts to more than 4,000 children and adults with special needs through the support of the many caring Ohio congregations. “God’s love for his people is demonstrated in the acts of kindness performed by the LSS staff and volunteers everyday,” Woodward said. Donations of furniture, appliances and monetary gifts are needed to assist families in southeast Ohio. If you would like to help families like Bill’s, please contact Mary Woodward at 740-732-6700 or mwoodward@lssco.org.
Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio
Lutheran Social Services of Northern Ohio · Lutheran Social Services of Greater Columbus · Lutheran Social Services of Southern Ohio
Creating a Better World by Serving People in Need
1 3/9/10 11:47:17 AM
Mark Your Calendars! Volunteer Recognition April 18, 2010 Bridgewater Banquet Center 10561 Sawmill Parkway Powell, Ohio 43065 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Call 614-228-5200, ext. 1550 to RSVP.
Faith Mission Radio-thon on 104.9 The River May 13, 2010 Call 614-228-5200 to volunteer to answer phones.
LSS Day with the Clippers July 24, 2010 Huntington Park Call 614-228-5200 to become a sponsor. For more information on these and other events, please call (614) 228-5200 or go to www.lssco.org.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
President’s Message Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. — 1 Peter 1:3 Dear Friends, The Lenten season is one of my favorite times of the year, as it is a time to reflect on our relationship with the Lord. We can also look back on the periods when we felt lonely, hurt, rejected or unloved. With that overwhelming sadness, we can feel emotionally dead. But from this death we are resurrected into the bright and beautiful Easter morning. We are loved and understand we are not alone as we say, “He is risen!” Many of our clients live with that emotional void every day, unaware there is someone who cares. We are here to fill the void. We embrace them as we give them their first hot meal and a warm, safe bed. Our food pantries supply the food that is vital to their children’s health
and nourishment. Together, we are the hands and feet of Christ who welcome our clients home and walk with them on the journey of resurrection and hope. I pray you feel the love of the resurrected Christ this Easter season and I ask you to pray for those we serve. Let the spirit work through you and through your gift. Every gift is important. I am in joyful anticipation of continuing our partnership in Christ. Thank you for supporting our mission and helping us provide the resurrection hope. He is Risen,
Thomas J. Stofac CEO
Converting Your IRA Can Bring Benefits to You and LSS Did you know that the income limits for conversion of a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA are gone? Many people will make conversions in 2010 because of the benefits of a Roth IRA, including tax-free IRA growth of assets, future tax-free withdrawals and no required minimum distribution at age 70½. However, there will be
a tax cost to the conversion. If you are planning to convert your IRA to a Roth IRA in 2010, consider making a charitable gift to offset the tax on your conversion. For more information on charitable giving options, please contact Brad Draper, major gifts officer, at 614-228-5200 or bdraper@lssco.org.
For information on retirement living, please visit our website www.kensingtoncolumbus.com
2 Leader Newsletter 3-10.indd 2
The Leader is written, designed and produced by the Communications Department of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. Copyright © 2009, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. 750 East Broad St. • Columbus, Ohio 43205-1000 (614) 228-5200 • www.lssco.org
LSS Gains New VP of Development and Communications Rose Craig has joined LSS as the new vice president of development and communications. She will be responsible for overseeing the agency’s fund development as well as communications practices that support our mission of eliminating hunger and providing housing, healing and hope “I am very excited to join an organization with such a clear vision and purpose. I look forward to working with staff, volunteers and supporters, spreading awareness and bringing our services to people in need,” Rose said. Before joining LSS, Rose served as the director of development for the Jazz Arts Group in Columbus. She is also the principal
One Year and Still Going Strong One year ago the LSS Mobile Food Pantry drove into southeast Ohio with a mission to serve as many as people as possible in an area that lacked access to pantries of its own. The pantry began its service in Lawrence County before quickly adding Gallia County to its route. Recently, it began making routine visits to aid the residents of Meigs and Scioto counties. “We are providing food for hundreds of families that truly lack options,” said Mark McPherson, mobile food pantry manager. “They are being forced to make very difficult financial choice, and our goal is to take some of that strain off their budgets.” Numerous clients have expressed their gratitude for the desperately needed relief the pantry has provided.
consultant of RTCraig Group, which specializes in communications, fundraising and public relations. Prior to those positions, Rose was the director of development and marketing for Directions for Youth & Families and public affairs director for Just Born, Inc., a candy company in Pennsylvania. “Rose brings an extensive and diverse background in several aspects of fund development and communications,” said CEO Tom Stofac. “Her expertise, combined with a rich professional history, will be infinitely valuable to our organization.”
“I am on a widow’s pension, and things have been difficult. Sometimes, it is a choice between going to the doctor and paying for food,” Beverly, a client, said. “I truly appreciate the food ministry and all the workers who do such an amazing job.”
LSS is helping with the upcoming census and you can too. Your completed census form will help our community bring in much-needed federal dollars to help pay for community and social services. For every person not counted, Ohio could lose $12,000 over the 10-year census cycle. You’re important! Be Counted! Complete and mail back your census form.
Every month, Rachel is faced with her son’s many medical needs not covered by her insurance. She says getting food from the food pantry has made spending money on life-saving equipment and supplies possible. Roberta succinctly sums up a feeling that many people have shared.
Support for certain LSS programs is provided by:
“They have helped me with food to feed my family. I thank God for everything they have given me.”
For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website at www.lssco.org
Please use the enclosed gift card and envelope to make a donation to help LSS and its programs.
3 3/9/10 11:47:34 AM
Mark Your Calendars! Volunteer Recognition April 18, 2010 Bridgewater Banquet Center 10561 Sawmill Parkway Powell, Ohio 43065 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Call 614-228-5200, ext. 1550 to RSVP.
Faith Mission Radio-thon on 104.9 The River May 13, 2010 Call 614-228-5200 to volunteer to answer phones.
LSS Day with the Clippers July 24, 2010 Huntington Park Call 614-228-5200 to become a sponsor. For more information on these and other events, please call (614) 228-5200 or go to www.lssco.org.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
President’s Message Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. — 1 Peter 1:3 Dear Friends, The Lenten season is one of my favorite times of the year, as it is a time to reflect on our relationship with the Lord. We can also look back on the periods when we felt lonely, hurt, rejected or unloved. With that overwhelming sadness, we can feel emotionally dead. But from this death we are resurrected into the bright and beautiful Easter morning. We are loved and understand we are not alone as we say, “He is risen!” Many of our clients live with that emotional void every day, unaware there is someone who cares. We are here to fill the void. We embrace them as we give them their first hot meal and a warm, safe bed. Our food pantries supply the food that is vital to their children’s health
and nourishment. Together, we are the hands and feet of Christ who welcome our clients home and walk with them on the journey of resurrection and hope. I pray you feel the love of the resurrected Christ this Easter season and I ask you to pray for those we serve. Let the spirit work through you and through your gift. Every gift is important. I am in joyful anticipation of continuing our partnership in Christ. Thank you for supporting our mission and helping us provide the resurrection hope. He is Risen,
Thomas J. Stofac CEO
Converting Your IRA Can Bring Benefits to You and LSS Did you know that the income limits for conversion of a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA are gone? Many people will make conversions in 2010 because of the benefits of a Roth IRA, including tax-free IRA growth of assets, future tax-free withdrawals and no required minimum distribution at age 70½. However, there will be
a tax cost to the conversion. If you are planning to convert your IRA to a Roth IRA in 2010, consider making a charitable gift to offset the tax on your conversion. For more information on charitable giving options, please contact Brad Draper, major gifts officer, at 614-228-5200 or bdraper@lssco.org.
For information on retirement living, please visit our website www.kensingtoncolumbus.com
2 Leader Newsletter 3-10.indd 2
The Leader is written, designed and produced by the Communications Department of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. Copyright © 2009, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. 750 East Broad St. • Columbus, Ohio 43205-1000 (614) 228-5200 • www.lssco.org
LSS Gains New VP of Development and Communications Rose Craig has joined LSS as the new vice president of development and communications. She will be responsible for overseeing the agency’s fund development as well as communications practices that support our mission of eliminating hunger and providing housing, healing and hope “I am very excited to join an organization with such a clear vision and purpose. I look forward to working with staff, volunteers and supporters, spreading awareness and bringing our services to people in need,” Rose said. Before joining LSS, Rose served as the director of development for the Jazz Arts Group in Columbus. She is also the principal
One Year and Still Going Strong One year ago the LSS Mobile Food Pantry drove into southeast Ohio with a mission to serve as many as people as possible in an area that lacked access to pantries of its own. The pantry began its service in Lawrence County before quickly adding Gallia County to its route. Recently, it began making routine visits to aid the residents of Meigs and Scioto counties. “We are providing food for hundreds of families that truly lack options,” said Mark McPherson, mobile food pantry manager. “They are being forced to make very difficult financial choice, and our goal is to take some of that strain off their budgets.” Numerous clients have expressed their gratitude for the desperately needed relief the pantry has provided.
consultant of RTCraig Group, which specializes in communications, fundraising and public relations. Prior to those positions, Rose was the director of development and marketing for Directions for Youth & Families and public affairs director for Just Born, Inc., a candy company in Pennsylvania. “Rose brings an extensive and diverse background in several aspects of fund development and communications,” said CEO Tom Stofac. “Her expertise, combined with a rich professional history, will be infinitely valuable to our organization.”
“I am on a widow’s pension, and things have been difficult. Sometimes, it is a choice between going to the doctor and paying for food,” Beverly, a client, said. “I truly appreciate the food ministry and all the workers who do such an amazing job.”
LSS is helping with the upcoming census and you can too. Your completed census form will help our community bring in much-needed federal dollars to help pay for community and social services. For every person not counted, Ohio could lose $12,000 over the 10-year census cycle. You’re important! Be Counted! Complete and mail back your census form.
Every month, Rachel is faced with her son’s many medical needs not covered by her insurance. She says getting food from the food pantry has made spending money on life-saving equipment and supplies possible. Roberta succinctly sums up a feeling that many people have shared.
Support for certain LSS programs is provided by:
“They have helped me with food to feed my family. I thank God for everything they have given me.”
For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website at www.lssco.org
Please use the enclosed gift card and envelope to make a donation to help LSS and its programs.
3 3/9/10 11:47:34 AM
“I just want to say thank you to everyone here.”
When she arrived, Elizabeth only opened her eyes by verbal command and was unable to move her arms or legs without assistance. She had a tracheostomy to assist with breathing, couldn’t speak and only received nutrition through a feeding tube. The hospital had given a very poor prognosis for any kind of recovery. Elizabeth’s family and TGS believed differently. Elizabeth came to The Good Shepherd on January 19, 2010. With extensive therapy and care, she began moving her left hand and arm 11 days later. Within the next week, she started speaking to staff and expressing her needs. She was also able to move around in bed, sit in a chair, brush her teeth and comb her hair. Elizabeth no longer needs oxygen and her tracheostomy was removed in early March. Today she can stand at the parallel bars with assistance and speak in sentences. She is no longer dependent on the feeding tube and is eating soft foods and drinking thickened liquids.
With the skilled nursing staff, therapy and support from her family, Elizabeth has progressed rapidly, both physically and cognitively. “She is our miracle,” said Vickie, Elizabeth’s mother, who credits her amazing rehabilitation to the care she received at TGS. The prayers of Elizabeth’s family, including her husband David and 5-year-old daughter Kayliegh, have been answered.
Please Use it for: The greatest need
Other ____________________ I am interested in making an estate gift Check here if you are a Thrivent member
Inside
$25
Method of Payment:
One Year and Still Going Strong pg. 3 Special Thanks pg. 3
Other______________ Check Visa Mastercard
Name on credit card (please print)___________________________________ Card number: _________/_________/_________/_________ Expiration Month:_________________Year_______________ Signature___________________________________________
Please make your check payable to Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio 750 E. Broad Street • Columbus, Ohio 43205 or donate online at Name _____________________________________________ www.lssco.org Address ____________________________________________ Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. City/State/Zip_______________________________________ You will receive a receipt. Phone ( )______________________ Email_____________________________
LDRmar10
Leader Newsletter 3-10.indd 1
Spring Quarter
Converting Your IRA Can Bring Benefits pg. 2
Creating a Better World by Serving People in Need. $50
How Outreach Ministries helped a family start over when they had nothing
The Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Healthcare Campus is located at 622 Center St. in Ashland. For more information about the facility, contact Lorie White, director of Admissions and Social Services, at 419-289-3523, ext. 5143.
I want to help those in need by giving to Lutheran Social Services, so it may continue to support the mission of $100
Demonstrating God’s Love
President’s Message pg. 2
Yes, I would like to help LSS and its programs $500
Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Newsletter
“It is through God that all of this has fallen into place. He has shown us many miracles, and I’m so thankful that The Good Shepherd staff is with Elizabeth,” Vickie said.
Tracing its roots to 1912, LSS is a nonprofit social service agency affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and recognized by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. LSS provides human services for all people according to their needs. These services include: food pantries, emergency shelters, affordable housing, retirement services, and outreach ministries.
Here’s my gift of: $1,000
LEADER
THE
The future was looking very bleak for Elizabeth. The 24-year-old wife and mother had suffered a massive stroke and was left with severe brain damage. She was on life support prior to coming to The Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Healthcare Campus (TGS), the only facility in the area capable of providing the skilled-nursing care Elizabeth needed.
2 010
A Miracle on Center Street
LSS Gains New VP of Development & Communications pg. 3 A Miracle on Center Street pg. 4
Bill came home one day to an empty house. Literally. He discovered that his wife of 15 years had left him and their two sons, and she had taken every piece of furniture, household items and the food from the cupboards. Bill had been unemployed for six months, as the local factory closed and put 700 people out of work. He lacked the means to replace what was taken. A local Lutheran pastor looking to help referred Bill to the LSS Distribution Center in Caldwell. “The house was empty, and the family had nothing. They were devastated,” said Mary Woodward, director of Outreach Ministries. “They lost everything, but we pooled our resources and gave them everything we could to help.” St. Paul Lutheran Church in Westerville had collected a number of items for Outreach Ministries, including furniture and appliances. Additional congregations also contributed new toys, school supplies, dental hygiene kits and monetary donations for special needs, and Bill was able to select what he needed from the donations. Archer’s Flowers, an area business, also made a financial contribution after learning of Bill’s plight. With assistance from the distribution center, Bill and his sons were able to furnish their home, restock their kitchen cupboards and celebrate Christmas with new toys, school supplies and other holiday items.
“The family said they were amazed at God’s love and were deeply touched and appreciative of the generosity displayed by the Lutheran congregations. They saved the family from a terrible situation,” Woodward said. Outreach Ministries serves 24 Appalachian counties in southeast Ohio. During the Christmas season, staff and volunteers delivered new toys and gifts to more than 4,000 children and adults with special needs through the support of the many caring Ohio congregations. “God’s love for his people is demonstrated in the acts of kindness performed by the LSS staff and volunteers everyday,” Woodward said. Donations of furniture, appliances and monetary gifts are needed to assist families in southeast Ohio. If you would like to help families like Bill’s, please contact Mary Woodward at 740-732-6700 or mwoodward@lssco.org.
Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio
Lutheran Social Services of Northern Ohio · Lutheran Social Services of Greater Columbus · Lutheran Social Services of Southern Ohio
Creating a Better World by Serving People in Need
1 3/9/10 11:47:17 AM