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 senior housing, retirement living, skilled nursing care and other services that strengthen communities.
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: Check
Other______________ Visa
Mastercard
AmEx
Discover
Name on credit card (please print)__________________________________________ Card number: ____________/____________/____________/____________ Expiration Month:______________________Year_______________
LEADER
THE
Freshbox Catering, one of LSS’ three social enterprises, officially moved into “brick and mortar” status with the opening of Freshbox Café. The new café, located in the heart of downtown Columbus at 125 E. Broad St. (in the lower level of Trinity Episcopal Church), opened for business with hungry customers anxiously awaiting the delicious sandwiches and salads they have come to know and love along with a rotating variety of soups, cold side dishes and desserts. “Most of our cafe customers are folks working in the downtown area as well as visitors to the statehouse,” said Freshbox General Manager Lauren Wilson. “We have a large number of offices and organizations downtown A delicious Freshbox roast beef sandwich. already supporting Freshbox Catering and our social mission, and we have gotten great feedback that they’re excited to be able to walk over and grab some of their favorite menu items outside of their usual meetings and catered events.” The unique social enterprise business, first started in 2009, has a dual mission of providing quality food while fighting poverty with workforce training, empowering employment opportunities, and education on professional and life skills. The new Freshbox Café will be open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., and food will be available for dine-in or carry-out.
2 014
Freshbox Catering Opens Café
Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Newsletter
In Need of a Safe Haven
Fall Quarter
Inside President’s Message pg. 2 Providing for the Future pg. 2 LSS Receives Prestigious Award pg. 3 New Delaware County Pantry Opens pg. 3 Freshbox Catering Opens Café pg. 4
Jamilla was pregnant with her second daughter and anxiously awaiting the birth. Then her worst fears were realized. She was rushed to the hospital and had to undergo an emergency C-section. Doctors told her stress had caused complications. Jamilla knew exactly where this stress was coming from. Jamilla and her boyfriend, her daughter’s father, had been together two years. It wasn’t long before the abuse started. But with four kids, her boyfriend provided stability, and she had nowhere else to turn. Her family wasn’t in Columbus, and she didn’t want to leave town and lose her job. It was her job, in fact, that first gave her the number to CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence. Jamilla didn’t want to leave, even after her boyfriend threw lighter fluid on her and threatened to set her on fire. Less than a month after the birth of her daughter, she decided enough was enough. Her boyfriend had beat her until her C-section incision reopened. “I don’t want my boys to grow up thinking it’s ok to hit a woman, and I don’t want my girls to grow up thinking it’s ok to take it,” Jamilla said. Scared and on maternity leave, Jamilla brought her children to the CHOICES shelter and ended up staying two months. Her CHOICES advocate really helped. “She
October is domestic violence awareness month.
helped me set goals. I wanted to leave so many times. The first week I cried every day uncontrollably, but I stuck it out.” Jamilla said the group meetings also helped a lot. They allowed her to reflect on her life and come to the conclusion that she felt she could fix people - people like her boyfriend – when in reality she couldn’t. The sense of family at the shelter also bolstered Jamilla’s spirit. Her oldest daughter’s homecoming took place while the family was at the shelter. Other residents and staff pitched in, making sure her daughter had a dress and that her hair and makeup were done. Their support ensured her daughter had a special night, despite her present circumstances. Jamilla’s been out of the shelter for about a year now, and is making the most of her new life without the daily threat of violence. “He still calls me, but I’m not going back. I got out, and I’m never going back.”
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_____________________________
LD1410
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
President’s Message Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. - Psalm 100:4
Sign up to Receive The Leader by Email In an effort to be better stewards of our resources - both monetary and natural - LSS is now offering The Leader newsletter in email format. If you would like to receive the quarterly Leader by email, please go to www.lssco.org/ leaderform-optin. asp. Thank you for your support! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Dear Friends, The spirit of Thanksgiving is upon us here at LSS! We are thankful to be able to serve as a beacon of light to those challenged with the loss of a job, a lack of shelter, food shortfalls, health care needs and much more. The continued support of faithful friends like you has made that possible. Day after day, I see how your generosity revives hope in people who are struggling to make ends meet. And more in our community are struggling this holiday season than ever before. That person or family in need could be your neighbor, a coworker or a member of your own family. Or even you. Help us provide the necessary resources
of food, shelter, safety and other supportive services to those hurting this fall. Those we serve urgently need your love and support. Lives are changing because you care…let us give thanks unto God! May He bless you richly for your concern for others who are less fortunate. With thanksgiving,
The Rev. Larry A. Crowell President and CEO
surprised at how much higher your income could be and your payment rate will never change. Contact Michele Cenci at 614-4295494 or mcenci@lssco.org today to learn more about receiving secure income from a charitable gift annuity!
For information on retirement living, please visit our website www.kensingtoncolumbus.com
2
LSS was recently awarded the Community Shelter Board’s Hero Award on behalf of Faith Mission’s winter overflow efforts and piloting the Navigator case management program as well as incorporating CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence into the LSS family. The award was presented at the Together Rebuilding Lives luncheon and is bestowed to those who have made significant contributions in assisting families and individuals in central Ohio to resolve their housing crises. “We are humbled by this recognition, especially in light of past recipients of the Hero Award,” said The Rev. Larry A. Crowell, LSS President and CEO, who accepted the award on behalf of LSS and spoke at the luncheon. “But I am certain we would all agree the real heroes are those we serve. Those who may have lost a little or everything, who come to us – not for us to do for them, but to help them, just a bit, do for themselves. These are the heroes we are privileged to serve, and it is them we hold dear to our hearts and honor today – and every day.”
Special thanks to the Robert Weiler Family Fund at the Delaware County Foundation for a $25,000 grant to help fund the new LSS Delaware County Food Pantry! Because of generous donors like these, this new pantry can feed hungry families!
New Delaware Pantry Opens
Providing for the Future Did you know there is a way to make a gift to LSS while creating security for you and your loved ones? It’s called a charitable gift annuity. What’s more, it’s as simple as transferring your low-performing investments such as CDs and stocks to us in exchange for fixed lifetime payments. You might be
LSS Receives Prestigious Award
The Leader is written, designed and produced by the Communications Department of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. Copyright © 2014, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. 500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Ste. 245 • Worthington, Ohio 43085 (614) 228-5200 • www.lssco.org
47 families. That’s how many came to seek food on the opening day of the new LSS Delaware County Food Pantry. And this was even a soft opening without advertising. During the month of August, 727 families visited the pantry. This number attests to the need for food in Delaware County. One such family was John’s. He heard from his mom that a new pantry in downtown Delaware was opening. Lacking transportation, the pantry’s location made it possible for John to get food for his family, which includes his wife and three children. John served in the Navy where he was injured. Now disabled, his wife is going to school to become a medical assistant and increase the family’s income. “There isn’t much downtown, and it
makes it difficult for us walkers,” John said. “Plus, the other places to get food have lines out the door. This pantry really helps.”
Support for certain LSS programs is provided by:
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
President’s Message Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. - Psalm 100:4
Sign up to Receive The Leader by Email In an effort to be better stewards of our resources - both monetary and natural - LSS is now offering The Leader newsletter in email format. If you would like to receive the quarterly Leader by email, please go to www.lssco.org/ leaderform-optin. asp. Thank you for your support! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Dear Friends, The spirit of Thanksgiving is upon us here at LSS! We are thankful to be able to serve as a beacon of light to those challenged with the loss of a job, a lack of shelter, food shortfalls, health care needs and much more. The continued support of faithful friends like you has made that possible. Day after day, I see how your generosity revives hope in people who are struggling to make ends meet. And more in our community are struggling this holiday season than ever before. That person or family in need could be your neighbor, a coworker or a member of your own family. Or even you. Help us provide the necessary resources
of food, shelter, safety and other supportive services to those hurting this fall. Those we serve urgently need your love and support. Lives are changing because you care…let us give thanks unto God! May He bless you richly for your concern for others who are less fortunate. With thanksgiving,
The Rev. Larry A. Crowell President and CEO
surprised at how much higher your income could be and your payment rate will never change. Contact Michele Cenci at 614-4295494 or mcenci@lssco.org today to learn more about receiving secure income from a charitable gift annuity!
For information on retirement living, please visit our website www.kensingtoncolumbus.com
2
LSS was recently awarded the Community Shelter Board’s Hero Award on behalf of Faith Mission’s winter overflow efforts and piloting the Navigator case management program as well as incorporating CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence into the LSS family. The award was presented at the Together Rebuilding Lives luncheon and is bestowed to those who have made significant contributions in assisting families and individuals in central Ohio to resolve their housing crises. “We are humbled by this recognition, especially in light of past recipients of the Hero Award,” said The Rev. Larry A. Crowell, LSS President and CEO, who accepted the award on behalf of LSS and spoke at the luncheon. “But I am certain we would all agree the real heroes are those we serve. Those who may have lost a little or everything, who come to us – not for us to do for them, but to help them, just a bit, do for themselves. These are the heroes we are privileged to serve, and it is them we hold dear to our hearts and honor today – and every day.”
Special thanks to the Robert Weiler Family Fund at the Delaware County Foundation for a $25,000 grant to help fund the new LSS Delaware County Food Pantry! Because of generous donors like these, this new pantry can feed hungry families!
New Delaware Pantry Opens
Providing for the Future Did you know there is a way to make a gift to LSS while creating security for you and your loved ones? It’s called a charitable gift annuity. What’s more, it’s as simple as transferring your low-performing investments such as CDs and stocks to us in exchange for fixed lifetime payments. You might be
LSS Receives Prestigious Award
The Leader is written, designed and produced by the Communications Department of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. Copyright © 2014, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. 500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Ste. 245 • Worthington, Ohio 43085 (614) 228-5200 • www.lssco.org
47 families. That’s how many came to seek food on the opening day of the new LSS Delaware County Food Pantry. And this was even a soft opening without advertising. During the month of August, 727 families visited the pantry. This number attests to the need for food in Delaware County. One such family was John’s. He heard from his mom that a new pantry in downtown Delaware was opening. Lacking transportation, the pantry’s location made it possible for John to get food for his family, which includes his wife and three children. John served in the Navy where he was injured. Now disabled, his wife is going to school to become a medical assistant and increase the family’s income. “There isn’t much downtown, and it
makes it difficult for us walkers,” John said. “Plus, the other places to get food have lines out the door. This pantry really helps.”
Support for certain LSS programs is provided by:
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
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 senior housing, retirement living, skilled nursing care and other services that strengthen communities.
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: Check
Other______________ Visa
Mastercard
AmEx
Discover
Name on credit card (please print)__________________________________________ Card number: ____________/____________/____________/____________ Expiration Month:______________________Year_______________
LEADER
THE
Freshbox Catering, one of LSS’ three social enterprises, officially moved into “brick and mortar” status with the opening of Freshbox Café. The new café, located in the heart of downtown Columbus at 125 E. Broad St. (in the lower level of Trinity Episcopal Church), opened for business with hungry customers anxiously awaiting the delicious sandwiches and salads they have come to know and love along with a rotating variety of soups, cold side dishes and desserts. “Most of our cafe customers are folks working in the downtown area as well as visitors to the statehouse,” said Freshbox General Manager Lauren Wilson. “We have a large number of offices and organizations downtown A delicious Freshbox roast beef sandwich. already supporting Freshbox Catering and our social mission, and we have gotten great feedback that they’re excited to be able to walk over and grab some of their favorite menu items outside of their usual meetings and catered events.” The unique social enterprise business, first started in 2009, has a dual mission of providing quality food while fighting poverty with workforce training, empowering employment opportunities, and education on professional and life skills. The new Freshbox Café will be open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., and food will be available for dine-in or carry-out.
2 014
Freshbox Catering Opens Café
Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Newsletter
In Need of a Safe Haven
Fall Quarter
Inside President’s Message pg. 2 Providing for the Future pg. 2 LSS Receives Prestigious Award pg. 3 New Delaware County Pantry Opens pg. 3 Freshbox Catering Opens Café pg. 4
Jamilla was pregnant with her second daughter and anxiously awaiting the birth. Then her worst fears were realized. She was rushed to the hospital and had to undergo an emergency C-section. Doctors told her stress had caused complications. Jamilla knew exactly where this stress was coming from. Jamilla and her boyfriend, her daughter’s father, had been together two years. It wasn’t long before the abuse started. But with four kids, her boyfriend provided stability, and she had nowhere else to turn. Her family wasn’t in Columbus, and she didn’t want to leave town and lose her job. It was her job, in fact, that first gave her the number to CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence. Jamilla didn’t want to leave, even after her boyfriend threw lighter fluid on her and threatened to set her on fire. Less than a month after the birth of her daughter, she decided enough was enough. Her boyfriend had beat her until her C-section incision reopened. “I don’t want my boys to grow up thinking it’s ok to hit a woman, and I don’t want my girls to grow up thinking it’s ok to take it,” Jamilla said. Scared and on maternity leave, Jamilla brought her children to the CHOICES shelter and ended up staying two months. Her CHOICES advocate really helped. “She
October is domestic violence awareness month.
helped me set goals. I wanted to leave so many times. The first week I cried every day uncontrollably, but I stuck it out.” Jamilla said the group meetings also helped a lot. They allowed her to reflect on her life and come to the conclusion that she felt she could fix people - people like her boyfriend – when in reality she couldn’t. The sense of family at the shelter also bolstered Jamilla’s spirit. Her oldest daughter’s homecoming took place while the family was at the shelter. Other residents and staff pitched in, making sure her daughter had a dress and that her hair and makeup were done. Their support ensured her daughter had a special night, despite her present circumstances. Jamilla’s been out of the shelter for about a year now, and is making the most of her new life without the daily threat of violence. “He still calls me, but I’m not going back. I got out, and I’m never going back.”
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_____________________________
LD1410
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