Did you know 27,000 of our Delaware County neighbors are will also be available on evenings and weekends to eligible for food pantry assistance? That’s 13% of the county’s ensure access to those neighbors who may be working residents. Although Delaware is often ranked as the most affluent but have difficulty making ends meet. county in Ohio, there is ample evidence of an unmet need for For more information or to support this initiative, food pantry services. In fact, according to the US Census, the please go to www.lssfoodpantries.org/delaware. number of people eligible for food pantry support in Delaware County increased by 55% from 2006 to 2012. With the support of the Delaware County Hunger Alliance, the LSS Food Pantries launched the Nourishing Our Neighbors Campaign in order to open and operate new storefront and mobile pantries to serve our neighbors in need. Mobile food pantry operations began in July 2013 and now serve residents of the Ashley and Sunbury areas monthly. Despite advertising that up to 40 families would be served at each event, 57 families were served during the third event in Ashley. This mobile outreach into rural areas of the county will continue after the storefront pantry opens. The storefront pantry will serve approximately 1,000 families per month, doubling the number of food pantry visits reported to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. Fresh produce will be offered, as A Delaware County neighbor receives food at an one goal of the Delaware Hunger Alliance is to LSS mobile food distribution. improve the health of our community. Services
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
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_______________
2 014
Feeding the Hungry in Delaware County
Here’s my gift of: $1,000
LEADER
THE
NOURISHING OUR NEIGHBORS
Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Newsletter
Domestic Violence Agency Added to LSS
Spring Quarter
Inside President’s Message pg. 2 Leaving a Legacy pg. 2 Filing Taxes for Free pg. 3 Not Just a Meal, a Healthy Meal pg. 3
In September 2013, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio (LSS) entered into an agreement with CHOICES, central Ohio’s primary direct service provider to families experiencing domestic violence, to manage its services. After several months of due diligence on the part of both the LSS and CHOICES boards, CHOICES officially became part of the LSS family on February 28. Besides offering a short-term housing facility for those seeking safety away from an abuser, CHOICES also provides a crisis hotline, counseling and support groups, legal support and advocacy, and community education. In 2013, 454 individuals received shelter and there were 2,649 calls to the hotline. Additionally, hundreds were assisted through counseling and support groups. One such person was Gail. After years of abuse at the hands of her husband, Gail used force to escape from him and was sent to prison. Upon her release, her husband began harassing and threatening her. Gail moved
into the CHOICES short-term housing facility for safety. With the help of staff, she was able to connect with Faith Mission’s Returning Home Ohio program and was assisted with obtaining safe, affordable housing where she will receive ongoing supportive services. Without this dedication to people and families in crisis, many wouldn’t find the support they need to make the important and life-changing decision to seek a safe haven away from an abuser. Domestic violence affects people in all stages and walks of life, and therefore, such services are necessary and imperative to our community as a whole. A continuing focus will be on serving others with dignity, respect and compassion, and there are no plans to discontinue any services. For more information, please go to www.choicescolumbus.org.
Hunger Pains Don’t Equal Summer Fun pg. 3 Nourishing Our Neighbors pg. 4
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_____________________________
LD1403
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
Not Just a Meal, a Healthy Meal
President’s Message
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!
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. – Matthew 11:28-29
Dear Friends, During this Lenten season of rebirth and fresh starts, I’m reminded of these words of Jesus. Such comforting and hope-filled words – you will find rest for your souls. When our Lord came to earth, not only did He offer hope for the world to come, He offered a reprieve from guilt and selfcondemnation right here and now. Those who wish to start anew, like the fresh start afforded by Easter, need not be encumbered by past offenses and behaviors. He can provide rest for your soul and confidence in a bright tomorrow. While this can apply to any one of us, it can be particularly relevant to many of the people seeking services from LSS. People weighed down by past mistakes, a rough family history or a bad situation in which
they find themselves. A fresh, new start is possible. At LSS, we attempt to come alongside those seeking to make changes in their lives and help them gain the confidence and will power to do so. With His help and yours, we strive to provide rest to the weary on their journey. Thank you for your continued support of LSS and the people we serve together. With Easter blessings,
The Rev. Larry A. Crowell President and CEO
Leaving a Legacy For some donors, the easiest way to leave a legacy to Lutheran Social Services is through a bequest included in their will. Other gifts, including charitable gift annuities, can also provide a legacy gift to LSS while generating tax benefits today. To learn more about bequests and other planned giving
options, please contact Michele Cenci, vice president of development, at 614-429-5494 or mcenci@lssco.org. If you have already included LSS in your estate plans, please let us know so we can recognize you as a member of the LSS Heritage Society.
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 © 2014, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. 500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Ste. 245 • Worthington, Ohio 43085 (614) 228-5200 • www.lssco.org
Filing Taxes for Free
Like most of us know, it can be hard to get and individuals. healthy foods on the dinner table. With the Faith Mission also received a Walmart State generous support of Walmart, the LSS Food Giving award for $50,000 for our Healthy Pantries and Faith Mission hope to be able to Hunger Relief project, which will help our alleviate this problem somewhat for our clients busy kitchens offer meals that are lower in by providing more healthy options. sodium, fat and sugar, and include more lean The LSS Food Pantries recently received a low-sodium protein foods and fresh fruits Walmart State Giving award for $100,000 to and vegetables. As part of the project, the provide additional healthy foods – especially Faith Mission cooks are learning to prepare those that are diabetic-friendly – to pantry meals that promote healthy eating, and clients in the ten Ohio counties we serve. nutrition education talks will be offered during Most food pantry clients are at high risk mealtimes on a regular basis to help clients of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other learn how to eat healthily on a small budget. nutrition-sensitive chronic conditions, and Special thanks to Walmart for making these they especially need healthy foods. Healthy projects possible as a result of its substantial foods are often more expensive than highly donations! processed foods, so this Walmart funding significantly affects the food we can provide. Also, 10% of the funds will support the LSS Ohio Benefit Bank, which offers free income tax return preparation and benefits enrollment for low and Walmart presents the LSS Food Pantries with a check. middle income families
Most households with an adjusted gross income of less than $90,000 or individuals with less than $65,000 can file federal and state income taxes for FREE with the Ohio Benefit Bank. As an Ohio Benefit Bank location, LSS has a self-serve link you and your family and friends can use to file your own taxes. Simply go to www.lssco.org and click on the file your taxes link.
Hunger Pains Don’t Equal Summer Fun While many of us are thinking of vacations, buying pool passes and other summer fun, some children and their parents are wondering if they will be able to eat lunch. When school is out of session, many low-income children no longer have access to meal programs. This summer, Lutheran Social Services will provide a free lunch for children and families Monday through Friday. The summer food service program will be offered in northern Richland County to children residing near Crestview Local Schools. County school liaisons report more than 50% of students qualify and participate in the free lunch
program during the school months, making the LSS lunch a blessing to many. When asked what she does when she’s unable to come to the free lunch, Kayla replied “I don’t get to eat lunch, but I really like the food here.” Volunteers, monetary gifts and donations of food such as oatmeal, cereal bars, peanut butter and jelly, bread, macaroni and cheese cups, fruit cups, cookies, baggies and other shelf stable, kid-friendly items are needed. For more information, please contact Brooke Simonson at bsimonson@lssco.org or 877-741-3331.
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
Not Just a Meal, a Healthy Meal
President’s Message
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!
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. – Matthew 11:28-29
Dear Friends, During this Lenten season of rebirth and fresh starts, I’m reminded of these words of Jesus. Such comforting and hope-filled words – you will find rest for your souls. When our Lord came to earth, not only did He offer hope for the world to come, He offered a reprieve from guilt and selfcondemnation right here and now. Those who wish to start anew, like the fresh start afforded by Easter, need not be encumbered by past offenses and behaviors. He can provide rest for your soul and confidence in a bright tomorrow. While this can apply to any one of us, it can be particularly relevant to many of the people seeking services from LSS. People weighed down by past mistakes, a rough family history or a bad situation in which
they find themselves. A fresh, new start is possible. At LSS, we attempt to come alongside those seeking to make changes in their lives and help them gain the confidence and will power to do so. With His help and yours, we strive to provide rest to the weary on their journey. Thank you for your continued support of LSS and the people we serve together. With Easter blessings,
The Rev. Larry A. Crowell President and CEO
Leaving a Legacy For some donors, the easiest way to leave a legacy to Lutheran Social Services is through a bequest included in their will. Other gifts, including charitable gift annuities, can also provide a legacy gift to LSS while generating tax benefits today. To learn more about bequests and other planned giving
options, please contact Michele Cenci, vice president of development, at 614-429-5494 or mcenci@lssco.org. If you have already included LSS in your estate plans, please let us know so we can recognize you as a member of the LSS Heritage Society.
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 © 2014, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. 500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Ste. 245 • Worthington, Ohio 43085 (614) 228-5200 • www.lssco.org
Filing Taxes for Free
Like most of us know, it can be hard to get and individuals. healthy foods on the dinner table. With the Faith Mission also received a Walmart State generous support of Walmart, the LSS Food Giving award for $50,000 for our Healthy Pantries and Faith Mission hope to be able to Hunger Relief project, which will help our alleviate this problem somewhat for our clients busy kitchens offer meals that are lower in by providing more healthy options. sodium, fat and sugar, and include more lean The LSS Food Pantries recently received a low-sodium protein foods and fresh fruits Walmart State Giving award for $100,000 to and vegetables. As part of the project, the provide additional healthy foods – especially Faith Mission cooks are learning to prepare those that are diabetic-friendly – to pantry meals that promote healthy eating, and clients in the ten Ohio counties we serve. nutrition education talks will be offered during Most food pantry clients are at high risk mealtimes on a regular basis to help clients of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other learn how to eat healthily on a small budget. nutrition-sensitive chronic conditions, and Special thanks to Walmart for making these they especially need healthy foods. Healthy projects possible as a result of its substantial foods are often more expensive than highly donations! processed foods, so this Walmart funding significantly affects the food we can provide. Also, 10% of the funds will support the LSS Ohio Benefit Bank, which offers free income tax return preparation and benefits enrollment for low and Walmart presents the LSS Food Pantries with a check. middle income families
Most households with an adjusted gross income of less than $90,000 or individuals with less than $65,000 can file federal and state income taxes for FREE with the Ohio Benefit Bank. As an Ohio Benefit Bank location, LSS has a self-serve link you and your family and friends can use to file your own taxes. Simply go to www.lssco.org and click on the file your taxes link.
Hunger Pains Don’t Equal Summer Fun While many of us are thinking of vacations, buying pool passes and other summer fun, some children and their parents are wondering if they will be able to eat lunch. When school is out of session, many low-income children no longer have access to meal programs. This summer, Lutheran Social Services will provide a free lunch for children and families Monday through Friday. The summer food service program will be offered in northern Richland County to children residing near Crestview Local Schools. County school liaisons report more than 50% of students qualify and participate in the free lunch
program during the school months, making the LSS lunch a blessing to many. When asked what she does when she’s unable to come to the free lunch, Kayla replied “I don’t get to eat lunch, but I really like the food here.” Volunteers, monetary gifts and donations of food such as oatmeal, cereal bars, peanut butter and jelly, bread, macaroni and cheese cups, fruit cups, cookies, baggies and other shelf stable, kid-friendly items are needed. For more information, please contact Brooke Simonson at bsimonson@lssco.org or 877-741-3331.
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
Did you know 27,000 of our Delaware County neighbors are will also be available on evenings and weekends to eligible for food pantry assistance? That’s 13% of the county’s ensure access to those neighbors who may be working residents. Although Delaware is often ranked as the most affluent but have difficulty making ends meet. county in Ohio, there is ample evidence of an unmet need for For more information or to support this initiative, food pantry services. In fact, according to the US Census, the please go to www.lssfoodpantries.org/delaware. number of people eligible for food pantry support in Delaware County increased by 55% from 2006 to 2012. With the support of the Delaware County Hunger Alliance, the LSS Food Pantries launched the Nourishing Our Neighbors Campaign in order to open and operate new storefront and mobile pantries to serve our neighbors in need. Mobile food pantry operations began in July 2013 and now serve residents of the Ashley and Sunbury areas monthly. Despite advertising that up to 40 families would be served at each event, 57 families were served during the third event in Ashley. This mobile outreach into rural areas of the county will continue after the storefront pantry opens. The storefront pantry will serve approximately 1,000 families per month, doubling the number of food pantry visits reported to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. Fresh produce will be offered, as A Delaware County neighbor receives food at an one goal of the Delaware Hunger Alliance is to LSS mobile food distribution. improve the health of our community. Services
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
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_______________
2 014
Feeding the Hungry in Delaware County
Here’s my gift of: $1,000
LEADER
THE
NOURISHING OUR NEIGHBORS
Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Newsletter
Domestic Violence Agency Added to LSS
Spring Quarter
Inside President’s Message pg. 2 Leaving a Legacy pg. 2 Filing Taxes for Free pg. 3 Not Just a Meal, a Healthy Meal pg. 3
In September 2013, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio (LSS) entered into an agreement with CHOICES, central Ohio’s primary direct service provider to families experiencing domestic violence, to manage its services. After several months of due diligence on the part of both the LSS and CHOICES boards, CHOICES officially became part of the LSS family on February 28. Besides offering a short-term housing facility for those seeking safety away from an abuser, CHOICES also provides a crisis hotline, counseling and support groups, legal support and advocacy, and community education. In 2013, 454 individuals received shelter and there were 2,649 calls to the hotline. Additionally, hundreds were assisted through counseling and support groups. One such person was Gail. After years of abuse at the hands of her husband, Gail used force to escape from him and was sent to prison. Upon her release, her husband began harassing and threatening her. Gail moved
into the CHOICES short-term housing facility for safety. With the help of staff, she was able to connect with Faith Mission’s Returning Home Ohio program and was assisted with obtaining safe, affordable housing where she will receive ongoing supportive services. Without this dedication to people and families in crisis, many wouldn’t find the support they need to make the important and life-changing decision to seek a safe haven away from an abuser. Domestic violence affects people in all stages and walks of life, and therefore, such services are necessary and imperative to our community as a whole. A continuing focus will be on serving others with dignity, respect and compassion, and there are no plans to discontinue any services. For more information, please go to www.choicescolumbus.org.
Hunger Pains Don’t Equal Summer Fun pg. 3 Nourishing Our Neighbors pg. 4
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_____________________________
LD1403
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