LSS Leader Spring 2011

2 011

Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Newsletter

What started as an idea to utilize extra space and excess items located at the LSS Distribution Center in Caldwell has turned into something much more. “I started seeing how many people were donating antiques, collectibles and other high-end items to the distribution center,” said David Cater, assistant director for Outreach Ministries and Heavenly Treasures Gifts and Collectibles manager. “Most of the items were not what people needed; rather, they were items that most people wanted if they realized we had them. I really looked at this as a potential source of funding for Outreach Ministries, and that is when we came up with Heavenly Treasures.”

Since its opening in July, the shop, which is located in the distribution center, has seen an increase in revenue every month and continues to pride itself on being one of the most unique shops of its kind. Featuring home décor, furniture, antiques, glassware and hundreds of other items, proceeds from the shop go to support Outreach Ministries programming. “These items are essential on many levels to the services we provide,” added Cater. “We simply look at them as money not cashed in yet, and these donated items are leading directly back to programs that help so many people in our area.”

In conjunction with Heavenly Treasures, Outreach Ministries

Spring Quarter

Inside

2010 auction attendees check out the quilts will also be holding an auction on Friday, April 29 starting at 6 p.m. at the LSS Distribution Center located at 810 Main St. in Caldwell. Antiques, collectibles, quilts, glassware, furniture, home decor and other unique or high-end items are needed for the auction. If you have items you would like to donate, please contact David at 740-732-6700 or dcater@lssco.org.

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

LEADER

THE

“The Little Shop That Could” Heavenly Treasures Gifts and Collectibles Exceeding Expectations

Other______________

Method of Payment: Check Visa Mastercard AmEx Discover Name on credit card (please print)__________________________________________ Card number: ____________/____________/____________/____________ Expiration Month:______________________Year_______________ Signature_____________________________________________________________

Please make your check payable to Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio 500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Ste. 245 • Worthington, Ohio 43085 Name _____________________________________________ or donate online at: www.lssco.org Address ____________________________________________ Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.

City/State/Zip_______________________________________ You will receive a receipt.

Phone ( )______________________ Email_____________________________

LD1104

President’s Message pg. 2 Congratulations pg. 2 Serving Veterans Now and Into the Future pg. 3 LSS and the OBB Stimulate the Local Economy pg. 3 “The Little Shop That Could” pg. 4

The Rev. Larry A. Crowell Named President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio After an extensive six month nationwide search, the Lutheran Social Services Board of Directors unanimously selected The Rev. Larry A. Crowell as LSS’ President and CEO based on his strong CEO and strategic planning experience, commitment to our mission and shared vision of our agency. Crowell started in mid February 2011.

“Larry’s skill set encapsulates what the agency needs in a leader,” said Bob Slaven, chairman of the Board of Directors. “He has the unanimous endorsement of the Board, and we believe Larry will be a catalyst in expanding the vision and reach of the agency while staying true to our mission of serving the hungry, homeless and hurting.”

As President and CEO, Crowell will provide guidance and direction to LSS, central Ohio’s third largest non profit, as it effectively delivers programs and services to those in need in 50 counties in central, northeast and southeast Ohio. Additionally, Crowell will represent the agency in developing and nurturing relationships with congregations, community groups, social service agencies and governmental agencies partnering with LSS. Crowell has 28 years of service agency experience, including serving as the CEO of three different hospitals. In his roles as CEO, Crowell strengthened clinical offerings, improved brand image among key publics and led a merger of two hospitals before being named President/CEO of the newly formed health system.

Crowell helps load food into a client’s car at a mobile food pantry stop in Gallipolis.

After serving as a CEO for 14 years, Crowell felt called to ordained ministry.

Once completing his Master of Divinity, he was ordained an Episcopal priest, first serving on the diocesan staff of the Bishop of Pittsburgh. Most recently, Crowell has served as rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in a suburb of Richmond, Virginia, while assisting his local diocese with financial administration and planning.

Crowell is a mission-driven individual.

He knows the importance of LSS’ mission to our volunteers, congregational partners, staff, community members and, most importantly, to the people we serve. His breadth of administrative experience, leadership characteristics, knowledge of long-range planning and passion for our mission will be a great asset to LSS. “This agency is filled with so many talented and dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters of our mission that it will be a true joy to lead LSS in the years to come,” said Crowell. “Together, we will continue to focus on hunger, housing, healing and hope as we strive to create a better world by serving people in need.”

Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Lutheran Social Services of Northern Ohio · Lutheran Social Services of Southern Ohio

Creating a Better World by Serving People in Need

1

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the — Romans 15:13 Holy Spirit”.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Outreach Ministries, who received the Director’s Award from the Noble County Chamber of Commerce for its dedication to serving local people in need.

The LSS program was honored at a March 17 ceremony in Caldwell, Ohio.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Dear Friends, We may observe that the cold and gray of winter is slowly but most assuredly loosening its grip on nature as the early signs of spring begin to appear – in the sun and the warmth that is reawakening the earth, bringing forth a new birth of green grass and blossoming flowers of vibrant colors.

Yet as we marvel at this renewal of nature, we must not miss seeing within it a faint reflection of the very nature of God himself, as both Creator and, as Easter nears, the incarnate Re-Creator. For as we move from winter to spring as Christians following the church calendar, we also are moving from a self imposed Lenten season of penitential “gray” toward the approaching new light of Easter that brings with it the glorious offer of rebirth to all of humankind and not for a season, but for eternity through the merits of the Passion and Resurrection of the Re-Creator, Jesus, The Son of God. And so just as we look to spring with a renewed sense of hope for what lies ahead on this earthly plain, so too can we look to the Savior who is the author of a hope that is nothing less than personal and everlasting. And for all who by faith have been blessed in receiving this hope as their own, we know that we also are called, being empowered by the Holy Spirit, to take this blessed hope into the world, and especially to those who feel there is no hope.

It is in this spirit of the approaching Easter hope that I draw our collective attention to the clients of LSS who look to us for something of this hope, a hope that can be the start of an emerging new reality in their lives. A renewed

hope and a new start for those seeking the very basic of needs who walk through the doors of Faith Mission – by offering them a nutritious meal, a warm bed and pathway forward. A hope for those who have lost their jobs and are struggling financially and in turning to our food pantries – we can provide food for their table. And hope for those who can’t help themselves due to circumstance well beyond their control such as the recent devastating floods – by providing volunteers to help clean out their homes, and offer supplies, furniture and other basic necessities of life.

Yes, our clients’ individual situations and needs may be different and diverse, but at the heart of it all every one of them shares a common need – and that is: hope! A hope that may be greater than any one person or single organization can totally fulfill. Yet it is in our coming together in common mission of service to others that hope can be an ever increasing possibility in the lives of those who turn to LSS in their season of need.

And so as the sun breaks through the clouds and the Son breaks forth from the garden tomb, I ask you, our faithful donors and supporters, to join with LSS in providing hope.

Your immeasurable gifts of “time, talent and treasure,” along with your prayers will enable LSS to more effectively respond – that together we might help heal and make whole a broken world, one person, one family at a time. Thank you for keeping faith with us as we place our collective hope in a hope that is not for a day, nor a season, but for ever.

May God richly bless you,

The Rev. Larry A. Crowell President and CEO

For information on retirement living, please visit our website www.kensingtoncolumbus.com

2

The Leader is written, designed and produced by the Communications Department of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio.

Copyright © 2011, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio.

500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Ste. 245 • Worthington, Ohio 43085 (614) 228-5200 • www.lssco.org

Serving Veterans Now and Into the Future Margaret Ehrlich, a resident of The Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Healthcare Campus (TGS), was born in South Wales, Great Britain in 1918. During World War II, she enlisted in the ambulance service of the armed forces where she primarily assisted in caring for wounded soldiers.

At one point, Margaret drove an ambulance and would have to scour the streets searching for fallen and wounded soldiers. Margaret said she would pick up anyone who was wounded – it didn’t matter where they were from. Driving the ambulance was especially difficult during black outs, Margaret recalled. “You would just say your prayers, start driving and hope for the best.”

At LSS, we are very thankful for the sacrifices made by our veterans. Many LSS programs support veterans and their special needs. The Good Shepherd is a credentialed and contracted provider to the Veterans Administration (VA), meaning the care veterans receive at TGS is

Mark Your Calendars!

Renovated VA house located in Lancaster, OH

Outreach Ministries Auction

covered. Faith Housing of Fairfield County presently has one program for veterans and is in the process of starting another. The current program, started in April 2010, provides emergency shelter to homeless vets along with case management services and nutritious meals. Located in a house in Lancaster that was renovated for its use, the new program will provide transitional housing to eight veterans at a time. Veterans will participate in the program for two years while they receive case management services and learn life skills such as budgeting, how to interview for a job and others that promote self-sufficiency.

Friday, April 29, 2011 Caldwell Distribution Center 810 Main St., Caldwell Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Auction at 6:00 p.m.

LSS Day with the Clippers Saturday, July 16, 2011 Huntington Park Game at 7:05 p.m.

LSSNO Golf Outing

Margaret, who is very proud of her service, knows how important it is to support our veterans. “I am thankful I found TGS and that they partner with the VA. This is a good place to be.”

Friday, August 19, 2011 Brookside Golf Course 1399 Sandusky St. Ashland, OH 44805 11:00 a.m.

LSS and the OBB Stimulate the Local Economy Americans spend $27.7 billion a year preparing taxes, but at several LSS program locations low and moderate income families can file for free. Through the Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB), an internet-based income enhancement program, families can access public benefits and tax credits for which they qualify. By maximizing tax refunds and reducing household costs, the OBB can increase a family’s available cash on hand and strengthen the ability for people to move toward self-sufficiency and stability. So far this tax season, $628,750 in state and federal tax refunds have been identified for 298 families and individuals. That money is then invested in the local economy.

“This program provides a convenient and secure filing system for people who may not have the funds to pay for a company to file their taxes,” said Debera Diggs, LSS director of OBB.

Support for certain LSS programs is provided by:

The program also serves as a platform from which LSS and other social ministry organizations can address the issue of poverty and its solution. In addition to tax filing, the OBB assists clients in obtaining the following: food stamps, healthy start/healthy families, Title XX Child Care Subsidy, Ohio Works First, Medicare Savings Program, HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) and voter registration.

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

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the — Romans 15:13 Holy Spirit”.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Outreach Ministries, who received the Director’s Award from the Noble County Chamber of Commerce for its dedication to serving local people in need.

The LSS program was honored at a March 17 ceremony in Caldwell, Ohio.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Dear Friends, We may observe that the cold and gray of winter is slowly but most assuredly loosening its grip on nature as the early signs of spring begin to appear – in the sun and the warmth that is reawakening the earth, bringing forth a new birth of green grass and blossoming flowers of vibrant colors.

Yet as we marvel at this renewal of nature, we must not miss seeing within it a faint reflection of the very nature of God himself, as both Creator and, as Easter nears, the incarnate Re-Creator. For as we move from winter to spring as Christians following the church calendar, we also are moving from a self imposed Lenten season of penitential “gray” toward the approaching new light of Easter that brings with it the glorious offer of rebirth to all of humankind and not for a season, but for eternity through the merits of the Passion and Resurrection of the Re-Creator, Jesus, The Son of God. And so just as we look to spring with a renewed sense of hope for what lies ahead on this earthly plain, so too can we look to the Savior who is the author of a hope that is nothing less than personal and everlasting. And for all who by faith have been blessed in receiving this hope as their own, we know that we also are called, being empowered by the Holy Spirit, to take this blessed hope into the world, and especially to those who feel there is no hope.

It is in this spirit of the approaching Easter hope that I draw our collective attention to the clients of LSS who look to us for something of this hope, a hope that can be the start of an emerging new reality in their lives. A renewed

hope and a new start for those seeking the very basic of needs who walk through the doors of Faith Mission – by offering them a nutritious meal, a warm bed and pathway forward. A hope for those who have lost their jobs and are struggling financially and in turning to our food pantries – we can provide food for their table. And hope for those who can’t help themselves due to circumstance well beyond their control such as the recent devastating floods – by providing volunteers to help clean out their homes, and offer supplies, furniture and other basic necessities of life.

Yes, our clients’ individual situations and needs may be different and diverse, but at the heart of it all every one of them shares a common need – and that is: hope! A hope that may be greater than any one person or single organization can totally fulfill. Yet it is in our coming together in common mission of service to others that hope can be an ever increasing possibility in the lives of those who turn to LSS in their season of need.

And so as the sun breaks through the clouds and the Son breaks forth from the garden tomb, I ask you, our faithful donors and supporters, to join with LSS in providing hope.

Your immeasurable gifts of “time, talent and treasure,” along with your prayers will enable LSS to more effectively respond – that together we might help heal and make whole a broken world, one person, one family at a time. Thank you for keeping faith with us as we place our collective hope in a hope that is not for a day, nor a season, but for ever.

May God richly bless you,

The Rev. Larry A. Crowell President and CEO

For information on retirement living, please visit our website www.kensingtoncolumbus.com

2

The Leader is written, designed and produced by the Communications Department of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio.

Copyright © 2011, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio.

500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Ste. 245 • Worthington, Ohio 43085 (614) 228-5200 • www.lssco.org

Serving Veterans Now and Into the Future Margaret Ehrlich, a resident of The Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Healthcare Campus (TGS), was born in South Wales, Great Britain in 1918. During World War II, she enlisted in the ambulance service of the armed forces where she primarily assisted in caring for wounded soldiers.

At one point, Margaret drove an ambulance and would have to scour the streets searching for fallen and wounded soldiers. Margaret said she would pick up anyone who was wounded – it didn’t matter where they were from. Driving the ambulance was especially difficult during black outs, Margaret recalled. “You would just say your prayers, start driving and hope for the best.”

At LSS, we are very thankful for the sacrifices made by our veterans. Many LSS programs support veterans and their special needs. The Good Shepherd is a credentialed and contracted provider to the Veterans Administration (VA), meaning the care veterans receive at TGS is

Mark Your Calendars!

Renovated VA house located in Lancaster, OH

Outreach Ministries Auction

covered. Faith Housing of Fairfield County presently has one program for veterans and is in the process of starting another. The current program, started in April 2010, provides emergency shelter to homeless vets along with case management services and nutritious meals. Located in a house in Lancaster that was renovated for its use, the new program will provide transitional housing to eight veterans at a time. Veterans will participate in the program for two years while they receive case management services and learn life skills such as budgeting, how to interview for a job and others that promote self-sufficiency.

Friday, April 29, 2011 Caldwell Distribution Center 810 Main St., Caldwell Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Auction at 6:00 p.m.

LSS Day with the Clippers Saturday, July 16, 2011 Huntington Park Game at 7:05 p.m.

LSSNO Golf Outing

Margaret, who is very proud of her service, knows how important it is to support our veterans. “I am thankful I found TGS and that they partner with the VA. This is a good place to be.”

Friday, August 19, 2011 Brookside Golf Course 1399 Sandusky St. Ashland, OH 44805 11:00 a.m.

LSS and the OBB Stimulate the Local Economy Americans spend $27.7 billion a year preparing taxes, but at several LSS program locations low and moderate income families can file for free. Through the Ohio Benefit Bank (OBB), an internet-based income enhancement program, families can access public benefits and tax credits for which they qualify. By maximizing tax refunds and reducing household costs, the OBB can increase a family’s available cash on hand and strengthen the ability for people to move toward self-sufficiency and stability. So far this tax season, $628,750 in state and federal tax refunds have been identified for 298 families and individuals. That money is then invested in the local economy.

“This program provides a convenient and secure filing system for people who may not have the funds to pay for a company to file their taxes,” said Debera Diggs, LSS director of OBB.

Support for certain LSS programs is provided by:

The program also serves as a platform from which LSS and other social ministry organizations can address the issue of poverty and its solution. In addition to tax filing, the OBB assists clients in obtaining the following: food stamps, healthy start/healthy families, Title XX Child Care Subsidy, Ohio Works First, Medicare Savings Program, HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) and voter registration.

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

2 011

Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Newsletter

What started as an idea to utilize extra space and excess items located at the LSS Distribution Center in Caldwell has turned into something much more. “I started seeing how many people were donating antiques, collectibles and other high-end items to the distribution center,” said David Cater, assistant director for Outreach Ministries and Heavenly Treasures Gifts and Collectibles manager. “Most of the items were not what people needed; rather, they were items that most people wanted if they realized we had them. I really looked at this as a potential source of funding for Outreach Ministries, and that is when we came up with Heavenly Treasures.”

Since its opening in July, the shop, which is located in the distribution center, has seen an increase in revenue every month and continues to pride itself on being one of the most unique shops of its kind. Featuring home décor, furniture, antiques, glassware and hundreds of other items, proceeds from the shop go to support Outreach Ministries programming. “These items are essential on many levels to the services we provide,” added Cater. “We simply look at them as money not cashed in yet, and these donated items are leading directly back to programs that help so many people in our area.”

In conjunction with Heavenly Treasures, Outreach Ministries

Spring Quarter

Inside

2010 auction attendees check out the quilts will also be holding an auction on Friday, April 29 starting at 6 p.m. at the LSS Distribution Center located at 810 Main St. in Caldwell. Antiques, collectibles, quilts, glassware, furniture, home decor and other unique or high-end items are needed for the auction. If you have items you would like to donate, please contact David at 740-732-6700 or dcater@lssco.org.

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

LEADER

THE

“The Little Shop That Could” Heavenly Treasures Gifts and Collectibles Exceeding Expectations

Other______________

Method of Payment: Check Visa Mastercard AmEx Discover Name on credit card (please print)__________________________________________ Card number: ____________/____________/____________/____________ Expiration Month:______________________Year_______________ Signature_____________________________________________________________

Please make your check payable to Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio 500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Ste. 245 • Worthington, Ohio 43085 Name _____________________________________________ or donate online at: www.lssco.org Address ____________________________________________ Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.

City/State/Zip_______________________________________ You will receive a receipt.

Phone ( )______________________ Email_____________________________

LD1104

President’s Message pg. 2 Congratulations pg. 2 Serving Veterans Now and Into the Future pg. 3 LSS and the OBB Stimulate the Local Economy pg. 3 “The Little Shop That Could” pg. 4

The Rev. Larry A. Crowell Named President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio After an extensive six month nationwide search, the Lutheran Social Services Board of Directors unanimously selected The Rev. Larry A. Crowell as LSS’ President and CEO based on his strong CEO and strategic planning experience, commitment to our mission and shared vision of our agency. Crowell started in mid February 2011.

“Larry’s skill set encapsulates what the agency needs in a leader,” said Bob Slaven, chairman of the Board of Directors. “He has the unanimous endorsement of the Board, and we believe Larry will be a catalyst in expanding the vision and reach of the agency while staying true to our mission of serving the hungry, homeless and hurting.”

As President and CEO, Crowell will provide guidance and direction to LSS, central Ohio’s third largest non profit, as it effectively delivers programs and services to those in need in 50 counties in central, northeast and southeast Ohio. Additionally, Crowell will represent the agency in developing and nurturing relationships with congregations, community groups, social service agencies and governmental agencies partnering with LSS. Crowell has 28 years of service agency experience, including serving as the CEO of three different hospitals. In his roles as CEO, Crowell strengthened clinical offerings, improved brand image among key publics and led a merger of two hospitals before being named President/CEO of the newly formed health system.

Crowell helps load food into a client’s car at a mobile food pantry stop in Gallipolis.

After serving as a CEO for 14 years, Crowell felt called to ordained ministry.

Once completing his Master of Divinity, he was ordained an Episcopal priest, first serving on the diocesan staff of the Bishop of Pittsburgh. Most recently, Crowell has served as rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in a suburb of Richmond, Virginia, while assisting his local diocese with financial administration and planning.

Crowell is a mission-driven individual.

He knows the importance of LSS’ mission to our volunteers, congregational partners, staff, community members and, most importantly, to the people we serve. His breadth of administrative experience, leadership characteristics, knowledge of long-range planning and passion for our mission will be a great asset to LSS. “This agency is filled with so many talented and dedicated staff, volunteers and supporters of our mission that it will be a true joy to lead LSS in the years to come,” said Crowell. “Together, we will continue to focus on hunger, housing, healing and hope as we strive to create a better world by serving people in need.”

Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Lutheran Social Services of Northern Ohio · Lutheran Social Services of Southern Ohio

Creating a Better World by Serving People in Need

1