Join us Saturday, July 24 for our 34th annual LSS Day with the Clippers. Park gates open at 6 p.m., and the Clippers will take on the Pawtucket Red Sox at 7:05. Come enjoy an evening of food, fellowship and baseball. We’ll have giant foam fingers to cheer on the team and temporary tattoos for the kids. A fireworks display will also light up the night sky after the game.
Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Newsletter
Links to a Future
By taking part in LSS Day, you will receive a discounted ticket price while helping others in need. All proceeds will support the many programs and services offered through Lutheran Social Services. Tickets are only $5 or you may purchase a family pack of six tickets for $26. Only tickets sold in advance will benefit LSS.
Summer Quarter
Inside
To buy tickets or for more information, contact Dianna Lathrop at 614-228-5200, ext 1219 or by e-mail at dlathrop@lssco.org. Please visit our website at www.lssco.org to find out about this and other events.
President’s Message pg. 2 Planned Giving Can Benefit You pg. 2
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.
Yes, I would like to help LSS and its programs
I want to help those in need by giving to Lutheran Social Services, so it may continue to support the mission of Here’s my gift of: $1,000 Please Use it for: The greatest need
Creating a Better World by Serving People in Need.
$500
Other ____________________ I am interested in making an estate gift Check here if you are a Thrivent member
$100
$50
$25
Method of Payment:
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_____________________________
LDRjune10
Leader Newsletter 6-10.indd 1
LEADER
THE
2 010
Step Up to the Plate with LSS
Special Thanks pg. 2 A Bucket Full of Blessings pg. 3 USO Honors Jake Brewer for Outstanding Achievements pg. 3 Step Up to the Plate with LSS pg. 4
With a 16 month old and another child on the way, Dustin and Marci were already a family. But they were a family without a home. The young couple, living in one of the only homeless shelters for families in Lancaster, had secured a deposit for an apartment as well as first month’s rent from a local organization that helps low-income individuals gain selfsufficiency. Marci and Dustin had contacted several landlords, but because the couple lacked stable employment or rental history, no one would rent to them. The family was unable to find housing until they were referred to the LSS Faith Housing of Fairfield County’s Family Transitional Housing program. Faith Housing case managers met with several landlords to discuss the family’s housing situation, and one landlord eventually decided to give the family a chance. “They had nothing except the need to make a better life for their children and themselves,” said Jenny Martillo, a Faith Housing case manager who worked with the family. “They have a long journey ahead of them until they achieve self-sufficiency, and we partnered with numerous agencies to help them on their way.” When the couple lacked the funds to cover the $300 deposit for utilities in the new apartment, Faith Housing referred them to Child Protective Services of Fairfield County, and that agency provided the funds. Marci had her second baby three days before the family could move into the new apartment, leaving them without housing for 72 hours. Faith Housing contacted St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, which paid for a motel room so the family would have a place to stay when they
left the hospital. In addition to offering case management services, Faith Housing provided baby items, including formula, diapers, clothes and a crib for the new baby girl. The family also received assistance from the LSS Fairfield County Food Pantry. Dustin and Marci were able to move into their new apartment and have achieved a sense of stability. Faith Housing case managers are still working intensively with the couple and are conducting home visits, providing parenting and budgeting classes, and helping them achieve their goals. Both parents are working on starting GED classes and finding employment. “Taking care of this family has been a true collaborative effort throughout our community. Without their support, we could not have been able to find housing for them as quickly or efficiently as we did,” Martillo said. “It was a group effort, but we weren’t just linking them to other agencies. We were providing the links and tools for a better future.” If you would like to help families like Dustin and Marci, please contact Faith Housing of Fairfield County at 740-653-2012.
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 5/26/10 2:54:35 PM
Special Thanks Thank you to the members of Cypress Wesleyan Church and the students at Cypress Christian Schools. Their second annual Feed My Sheep food drive nearly doubled last year’s effort, ultimately bringing in more than 31,000 food and personal care items for the LSS Mobile Food Pantry. Their generosity has made a significant impact in the fight against hunger in Appalachian Ohio.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
President’s Message
A Bucket Full of Blessings
Dear Friends,
After her divorce, Crystal and her 5-year-old daughter Michaela were left without basic needs such as food or a place to call home. Crystal had to rebuild their entire lives. Working only part-time with limited hours, she lacked money to sustain a monthly rent or mortgage payment. The only things they had were a list of places to call for help and the prayer that someone would answer.
I had the opportunity this past month to spend some time in the Southwest. The sights were incredible, but what I was most drawn to were the sunrises and sunsets. There is so much beauty in these transitions from day to night and back again. We live in a world of ups and downs and comings and goings, but the sunrise brings stillness before the day begins and promises a fresh start. The sunsets allow us to leave a day, good or bad, behind and rest before beginning anew. They also reveal the hidden beauty of the moon and stars that are always there but cannot be seen until the sunlight dissipates. The reality, of course, is the sun is always there and shines on all of us, and the moon’s brightness is a reflection of its light. This is also the reality for us as we live our lives in Christ. The Holy Spirit and His light live in us, and we reflect that light to the world through our actions. The journey we have been on together at Lutheran Social Services has been full of sunrises and sunsets. We have had our share of darkness, but we always manage to see the light of a new day. And our clients experience similar
situations. Before coming to LSS, their lives had been touched by darkness. Lost jobs made it difficult to pay rent or buy food, or a flood had damaged their homes. But we were able to show them light through your support. Not only do we give them the promise of a new day, but their successes are a reflection of our services and your generosity. It is through your prayerful donations that we can bring so much light to those who need it most.
Blessings,
Thomas J. Stofac CEO
Planned Giving Can Benefit You Visit www.lssplannedgift.org to see how making a planned gift can benefit you. Just click on “Create Your Plan,” select the gift you are interested in and fill out the form. A personalized slide show will share with you
how you can benefit while at the same time assisting LSS in fulfilling its mission. For more information, please contact Brad Draper, major gifts officer, at 614-228-5200, ext. 1400 or bdraper@lssco.org.
For information on retirement living, please visit our website www.kensingtoncolumbus.com
2 Leader Newsletter 6-10.indd 2
The Leader is written, designed and produced by the Communications Department of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. Copyright © 2010, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. 750 East Broad St. • Columbus, Ohio 43205-1000 (614) 228-5200 • www.lssco.org
Crystal contacted several resources, to no avail. Then she noticed a number that she hadn’t tried and dialed. Lutheran Social Services of Northern Ohio (LSSNO) answered. “From that day forward, life has been like a bucket full of blessings,” Crystal said. LSSNO’s transitional housing program provided Crystal and Michaela a place to live as well as assistance with signing up for food stamps and other benefits that they were eligible for through the Ohio Benefit Bank. The resource
Mark Your Calendars!
center provided assistance through resume building, job search programs and case management.
LSS Day with the Clippers July 24, 2010 Huntington Park Call 614-228-5200 for tickets.
Crystal’s hard work paid off, and she has found a full-time position and moved into permanent housing.
LSSNO Golf Outing
“The program has helped to make the transition so much easier on us and we wouldn’t have been able to do what we’ve done if it hadn’t been for the resources provided through LSSNO,” said Crystal.
August 20, 2010 Brookside Golf Course Call 1-877-741-3331 for more info.
Crystal is just one of many individuals in northern Ohio who need an ally in the fight against poverty. For information on how you can help, call 1-877-741-3331.
LSS Annual Meeting September 19, 2010 Peace Lutheran Church Special Guest: Dr. Richard Bimler
USO Honors Jake Brewer for Outstanding Achievements The next time you walk out of the Port Columbus Airport, take a look at the USO Lounge and you will see it has been renamed the Jake Brewer USO Lounge. So, who exactly is Jake Brewer? Jake Brewer is a Kensington Place resident who dedicated much of his life to the U.S. Army. Joining in 1942, he served in both World War II and the Korean War, ultimately earning the rank of command sergeant major. After leaving the military, Jake eventually became the executive director of the USO of Central Ohio and was instrumental in expanding the organization’s contributions and services to the area.
When he started in 1987, the USO had $6,000, seven council members and six volunteers. By the time he finished 22 years later, he raised more than $1 million and recruited 60 council members and more than 200 volunteers. He also established a USO lounge at the Columbus airport as well as in Dayton and Gahanna.
Support for certain LSS programs is provided by:
“The staff and residents at Kensington Place are so proud of Jake and we congratulate him on this honor. It is truly deserved,” said Resident Director Penny Smith. If you would like to volunteer at Kensington Place with residents like Jake, please contact Gisela Slayman at 614-252-5276.
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 5/26/10 2:54:52 PM
Special Thanks Thank you to the members of Cypress Wesleyan Church and the students at Cypress Christian Schools. Their second annual Feed My Sheep food drive nearly doubled last year’s effort, ultimately bringing in more than 31,000 food and personal care items for the LSS Mobile Food Pantry. Their generosity has made a significant impact in the fight against hunger in Appalachian Ohio.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
President’s Message
A Bucket Full of Blessings
Dear Friends,
After her divorce, Crystal and her 5-year-old daughter Michaela were left without basic needs such as food or a place to call home. Crystal had to rebuild their entire lives. Working only part-time with limited hours, she lacked money to sustain a monthly rent or mortgage payment. The only things they had were a list of places to call for help and the prayer that someone would answer.
I had the opportunity this past month to spend some time in the Southwest. The sights were incredible, but what I was most drawn to were the sunrises and sunsets. There is so much beauty in these transitions from day to night and back again. We live in a world of ups and downs and comings and goings, but the sunrise brings stillness before the day begins and promises a fresh start. The sunsets allow us to leave a day, good or bad, behind and rest before beginning anew. They also reveal the hidden beauty of the moon and stars that are always there but cannot be seen until the sunlight dissipates. The reality, of course, is the sun is always there and shines on all of us, and the moon’s brightness is a reflection of its light. This is also the reality for us as we live our lives in Christ. The Holy Spirit and His light live in us, and we reflect that light to the world through our actions. The journey we have been on together at Lutheran Social Services has been full of sunrises and sunsets. We have had our share of darkness, but we always manage to see the light of a new day. And our clients experience similar
situations. Before coming to LSS, their lives had been touched by darkness. Lost jobs made it difficult to pay rent or buy food, or a flood had damaged their homes. But we were able to show them light through your support. Not only do we give them the promise of a new day, but their successes are a reflection of our services and your generosity. It is through your prayerful donations that we can bring so much light to those who need it most.
Blessings,
Thomas J. Stofac CEO
Planned Giving Can Benefit You Visit www.lssplannedgift.org to see how making a planned gift can benefit you. Just click on “Create Your Plan,” select the gift you are interested in and fill out the form. A personalized slide show will share with you
how you can benefit while at the same time assisting LSS in fulfilling its mission. For more information, please contact Brad Draper, major gifts officer, at 614-228-5200, ext. 1400 or bdraper@lssco.org.
For information on retirement living, please visit our website www.kensingtoncolumbus.com
2 Leader Newsletter 6-10.indd 2
The Leader is written, designed and produced by the Communications Department of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. Copyright © 2010, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. 750 East Broad St. • Columbus, Ohio 43205-1000 (614) 228-5200 • www.lssco.org
Crystal contacted several resources, to no avail. Then she noticed a number that she hadn’t tried and dialed. Lutheran Social Services of Northern Ohio (LSSNO) answered. “From that day forward, life has been like a bucket full of blessings,” Crystal said. LSSNO’s transitional housing program provided Crystal and Michaela a place to live as well as assistance with signing up for food stamps and other benefits that they were eligible for through the Ohio Benefit Bank. The resource
Mark Your Calendars!
center provided assistance through resume building, job search programs and case management.
LSS Day with the Clippers July 24, 2010 Huntington Park Call 614-228-5200 for tickets.
Crystal’s hard work paid off, and she has found a full-time position and moved into permanent housing.
LSSNO Golf Outing
“The program has helped to make the transition so much easier on us and we wouldn’t have been able to do what we’ve done if it hadn’t been for the resources provided through LSSNO,” said Crystal.
August 20, 2010 Brookside Golf Course Call 1-877-741-3331 for more info.
Crystal is just one of many individuals in northern Ohio who need an ally in the fight against poverty. For information on how you can help, call 1-877-741-3331.
LSS Annual Meeting September 19, 2010 Peace Lutheran Church Special Guest: Dr. Richard Bimler
USO Honors Jake Brewer for Outstanding Achievements The next time you walk out of the Port Columbus Airport, take a look at the USO Lounge and you will see it has been renamed the Jake Brewer USO Lounge. So, who exactly is Jake Brewer? Jake Brewer is a Kensington Place resident who dedicated much of his life to the U.S. Army. Joining in 1942, he served in both World War II and the Korean War, ultimately earning the rank of command sergeant major. After leaving the military, Jake eventually became the executive director of the USO of Central Ohio and was instrumental in expanding the organization’s contributions and services to the area.
When he started in 1987, the USO had $6,000, seven council members and six volunteers. By the time he finished 22 years later, he raised more than $1 million and recruited 60 council members and more than 200 volunteers. He also established a USO lounge at the Columbus airport as well as in Dayton and Gahanna.
Support for certain LSS programs is provided by:
“The staff and residents at Kensington Place are so proud of Jake and we congratulate him on this honor. It is truly deserved,” said Resident Director Penny Smith. If you would like to volunteer at Kensington Place with residents like Jake, please contact Gisela Slayman at 614-252-5276.
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 5/26/10 2:54:52 PM
Join us Saturday, July 24 for our 34th annual LSS Day with the Clippers. Park gates open at 6 p.m., and the Clippers will take on the Pawtucket Red Sox at 7:05. Come enjoy an evening of food, fellowship and baseball. We’ll have giant foam fingers to cheer on the team and temporary tattoos for the kids. A fireworks display will also light up the night sky after the game.
Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Newsletter
Links to a Future
By taking part in LSS Day, you will receive a discounted ticket price while helping others in need. All proceeds will support the many programs and services offered through Lutheran Social Services. Tickets are only $5 or you may purchase a family pack of six tickets for $26. Only tickets sold in advance will benefit LSS.
Summer Quarter
Inside
To buy tickets or for more information, contact Dianna Lathrop at 614-228-5200, ext 1219 or by e-mail at dlathrop@lssco.org. Please visit our website at www.lssco.org to find out about this and other events.
President’s Message pg. 2 Planned Giving Can Benefit You pg. 2
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.
Yes, I would like to help LSS and its programs
I want to help those in need by giving to Lutheran Social Services, so it may continue to support the mission of Here’s my gift of: $1,000 Please Use it for: The greatest need
Creating a Better World by Serving People in Need.
$500
Other ____________________ I am interested in making an estate gift Check here if you are a Thrivent member
$100
$50
$25
Method of Payment:
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_____________________________
LDRjune10
Leader Newsletter 6-10.indd 1
LEADER
THE
2 010
Step Up to the Plate with LSS
Special Thanks pg. 2 A Bucket Full of Blessings pg. 3 USO Honors Jake Brewer for Outstanding Achievements pg. 3 Step Up to the Plate with LSS pg. 4
With a 16 month old and another child on the way, Dustin and Marci were already a family. But they were a family without a home. The young couple, living in one of the only homeless shelters for families in Lancaster, had secured a deposit for an apartment as well as first month’s rent from a local organization that helps low-income individuals gain selfsufficiency. Marci and Dustin had contacted several landlords, but because the couple lacked stable employment or rental history, no one would rent to them. The family was unable to find housing until they were referred to the LSS Faith Housing of Fairfield County’s Family Transitional Housing program. Faith Housing case managers met with several landlords to discuss the family’s housing situation, and one landlord eventually decided to give the family a chance. “They had nothing except the need to make a better life for their children and themselves,” said Jenny Martillo, a Faith Housing case manager who worked with the family. “They have a long journey ahead of them until they achieve self-sufficiency, and we partnered with numerous agencies to help them on their way.” When the couple lacked the funds to cover the $300 deposit for utilities in the new apartment, Faith Housing referred them to Child Protective Services of Fairfield County, and that agency provided the funds. Marci had her second baby three days before the family could move into the new apartment, leaving them without housing for 72 hours. Faith Housing contacted St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, which paid for a motel room so the family would have a place to stay when they
left the hospital. In addition to offering case management services, Faith Housing provided baby items, including formula, diapers, clothes and a crib for the new baby girl. The family also received assistance from the LSS Fairfield County Food Pantry. Dustin and Marci were able to move into their new apartment and have achieved a sense of stability. Faith Housing case managers are still working intensively with the couple and are conducting home visits, providing parenting and budgeting classes, and helping them achieve their goals. Both parents are working on starting GED classes and finding employment. “Taking care of this family has been a true collaborative effort throughout our community. Without their support, we could not have been able to find housing for them as quickly or efficiently as we did,” Martillo said. “It was a group effort, but we weren’t just linking them to other agencies. We were providing the links and tools for a better future.” If you would like to help families like Dustin and Marci, please contact Faith Housing of Fairfield County at 740-653-2012.
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 5/26/10 2:54:35 PM