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.
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Feeding the Hungry in Delaware County
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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
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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_____________________________
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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
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