Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Newsletter
Volunteering Brings Healing and Hope
Summer Quarter Colleen and her thearpy dog Zephyr
Expanded Assistance with Health Care Needs Recently health care case managers have been added to the Faith Mission clinic. They provide case management services for people using the clinic who have ongoing medical or behavioral health needs. This is accomplished by identifying and accessing resources to maintain physical and mental health or housing stability, and to prevent or manage future episodes of illness. With medical issues being an obstacle for many of our clients, these case managers will help them with their specific issues and can lessen future reoccurrences of homelessness.
Summertime Produce pg. 2
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.
Other ______________________ I am interested in making an estate gift Check here if you are a Thrivent member
$100
$50
Inside President’s Message 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 senior housing, retirement living, skilled nursing care and other services that strengthen communities.
$500
2 015
One of CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence’s most popular volunteers has dark hair, soulful brown eyes… and four legs. Zephyr, or “Z” for short, is a six-year-old Great Dane/Lab mix who visits the shelter every week with his human companion Colleen Shockling Dent. Zephyr is a certified therapy dog, and Colleen is a MPH-VPH student at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, class of 2016. She is also a Zoetis Student Representative in the Education Alliance Program and an Albert Schweitzer Fellow. Colleen and Z love visiting CHOICES and interacting with the families who are staying in the shelter. They are helping to create a safe, nonjudgmental and peaceful environment that promotes healing. “Zephyr has a calming effect on the children as well as the adults,” Nina Lewis, director of operations, said. “He is a gentle giant!” We thank this very special duo for making a difference with their presence at CHOICES.
Here’s my gift of: $1,000
LEADER
THE
A Calming Presence
$25
Method of Payment: Check
Other______________ 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_____________________________
LD1506
Together We Move Forward pg. 3 A Calming Presence pg. 4 Expanded Assistance with Health Care Needs pg. 4
Carroll began visiting and volunteering at the LSS Delaware County Food Pantry shortly after it opened last August. A long-haul truck driver for years, Carroll had been dealt a series of health blows that left him unable to keep his job. A near-fatal heart attack resulted in open heart surgery, and shortly after that, doctors discovered a blood clot and a leg blockage. As if that weren’t enough, he was diagnosed with of two types of cancer within months of each other. These ailments, and the resulting treatments, literally knocked him off his feet— he was confined to bed for weeks at a time. Throughout it all, he tried to stay positive, but without steady income, his budget was stretched to the max. Family members stepped in to help, but times were still tough: he needed help to put nourishing food on the table for his wife and children, especially in light of his health. “We were surviving, but barely,” Carroll recalls. The first time he visited the pantry, he saw healthy, fresh foods to help feed his family. He also saw a sign that volunteers were needed, and immediately offered to help. Still recovering and taking 16 different medications, he began volunteering once a week. “I had some slow days, but it made me feel good to help other people,” he said. After a few weeks, he noticed that he felt better with the social interaction and exercise he was getting at the pantry, and started coming in twice a week. And, as many of the pantry’s staff and regular volunteers will tell you, the rest is history. Soon, Carroll was coming in five days a week and including his family. They volunteer together when their schedules permit.
The pantry gives Carroll purpose. This past February, Carroll and his family were shocked by the unexpected death of his eldest daughter. In his fragile physical and emotional state, he drew strength and nourishment from visiting the pantry, both as a client and as a volunteer. “The pantry helped me in many ways when things in my life were at their worst,” he says. “If sharing my story inspires someone else to donate, volunteer or visit the pantry if they are in need, it will be worth it.” Carroll recently got the news that he is cancer-free. He’s down to three medications, and has been cleared to go back to work— he’ll be back on the road this month. On his one free Saturday, he’ll be volunteering at the pantry. Your support is critical year-round, but especially in the summer months when school breakfasts and lunches aren’t available for most children. Nearly 40 percent of our food pantry requests are for kids, making summer our highest season of 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
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!
Dear Friends, Summertime - that carefree time of year when kids can play outside all day and people go on vacation and have backyard cookouts. Except if you have trouble meeting basic needs, like so many Ohioans. Then summer isn’t a time for hamburgers and popsicles or lazy afternoons by the pool. It’s a time of hunger, insecurity and fear. Many in our communities don’t know from where their next meal will come, and
during the summer months when school is out thousands of children don’t have access to school feeding programs. And the summer can be just as dangerous as the winter for people who are experiencing homelessness and out on the street. Fortunately, because of you, there’s hope. Your support allows us to provide nourishing food and safe, cool shelter to people in need, which is essential during the summer months. Together we are able to change what would have been a summer of fear to a summer of hope for many families in Ohio. With gratitude,
The Rev. Larry A. Crowell President and CEO
Stand down is a military term used during the Vietnam War to describe a safe retreat for units returning from combat where they could get medical care, personal hygiene items, a warm meal and clean uniforms. At the Fairfield County Stand Down on May 22, cohosted by LSS and Fairfield County Veterans Service Commission, veterans and others who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness were invited to attend the event and receive medical screenings, legal aid, haircuts, clothing, hot lunch, access to local social service agencies and more. The LSS Fairfield County Food Pantry also had a produce distribution with onions, potatoes, milk, oranges and more. “This is great,” said Michael, a Vietnam vet. “It takes me back to my time in the
military when you had to put everything you own in a bag just like this. I’m so appreciative of all these services here and the support. It means a lot.” LSS offers transitional and emergency housing for veterans in Fairfield County. Veterans and their families who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness can also receive assistance through our Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, which serves Fairfield, Hocking, Perry, Ross, Fayette, Pickaway, Highland, Adams and Brown counties. For more info, please go to lssco.org.
Now through September 30 all profits from Double Comfort Restaurant will benefit the LSS Food Pantries. Dine in or carry out and know you are helping to feed hungry families. Visit www.lssfoodpantries.org for more information.
Summertime Produce Summer is here and that means lots of fresh produce. The LSS Food Pantries are gearing up for another busy season of mobile produce distributions all over Ohio. The pantry truck will visit locations in Ashland, Franklin, Marion, Union, Noble and Guernsey counties every month. Fresh produce and baked goods will be available for anyone who needs help in feeding their Nina is appreciative family. All are of the fresh produce. welcome, and
no appointment is needed. At a recent produce distribution in Waldo, families received grapes, avocados, cabbage, oranges and potatoes. There were also loaves of bread, cookies, muffins and cupcakes to choose from. One lucky little girl even found a Barbie cake! “I love to cook,” said Nina, who attended the Waldo distribution. “I’m going to use some of the fresh vegetables I get today to can some homemade vegetable soup. That will last us a good long time.” The LSS Food Pantries will also test new locations in Pickaway and Coshocton counties this summer. A complete list of produce distributions is available at www.lssfoodpantries.org.
For information on retirement living, please visit our website www.kensingtoncolumbus.com
2
Together We Move Forward
The Leader is written, designed and produced by the Communications Department of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. Copyright © 2015, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. 500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Ste. 245 • Worthington, Ohio 43085 (614) 228-5200 • www.lssco.org
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
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, Summertime - that carefree time of year when kids can play outside all day and people go on vacation and have backyard cookouts. Except if you have trouble meeting basic needs, like so many Ohioans. Then summer isn’t a time for hamburgers and popsicles or lazy afternoons by the pool. It’s a time of hunger, insecurity and fear. Many in our communities don’t know from where their next meal will come, and
during the summer months when school is out thousands of children don’t have access to school feeding programs. And the summer can be just as dangerous as the winter for people who are experiencing homelessness and out on the street. Fortunately, because of you, there’s hope. Your support allows us to provide nourishing food and safe, cool shelter to people in need, which is essential during the summer months. Together we are able to change what would have been a summer of fear to a summer of hope for many families in Ohio. With gratitude,
The Rev. Larry A. Crowell President and CEO
Stand down is a military term used during the Vietnam War to describe a safe retreat for units returning from combat where they could get medical care, personal hygiene items, a warm meal and clean uniforms. At the Fairfield County Stand Down on May 22, cohosted by LSS and Fairfield County Veterans Service Commission, veterans and others who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness were invited to attend the event and receive medical screenings, legal aid, haircuts, clothing, hot lunch, access to local social service agencies and more. The LSS Fairfield County Food Pantry also had a produce distribution with onions, potatoes, milk, oranges and more. “This is great,” said Michael, a Vietnam vet. “It takes me back to my time in the
military when you had to put everything you own in a bag just like this. I’m so appreciative of all these services here and the support. It means a lot.” LSS offers transitional and emergency housing for veterans in Fairfield County. Veterans and their families who are homeless or on the verge of homelessness can also receive assistance through our Supportive Services for Veteran Families program, which serves Fairfield, Hocking, Perry, Ross, Fayette, Pickaway, Highland, Adams and Brown counties. For more info, please go to lssco.org.
Now through September 30 all profits from Double Comfort Restaurant will benefit the LSS Food Pantries. Dine in or carry out and know you are helping to feed hungry families. Visit www.lssfoodpantries.org for more information.
Summertime Produce Summer is here and that means lots of fresh produce. The LSS Food Pantries are gearing up for another busy season of mobile produce distributions all over Ohio. The pantry truck will visit locations in Ashland, Franklin, Marion, Union, Noble and Guernsey counties every month. Fresh produce and baked goods will be available for anyone who needs help in feeding their Nina is appreciative family. All are of the fresh produce. welcome, and
no appointment is needed. At a recent produce distribution in Waldo, families received grapes, avocados, cabbage, oranges and potatoes. There were also loaves of bread, cookies, muffins and cupcakes to choose from. One lucky little girl even found a Barbie cake! “I love to cook,” said Nina, who attended the Waldo distribution. “I’m going to use some of the fresh vegetables I get today to can some homemade vegetable soup. That will last us a good long time.” The LSS Food Pantries will also test new locations in Pickaway and Coshocton counties this summer. A complete list of produce distributions is available at www.lssfoodpantries.org.
For information on retirement living, please visit our website www.kensingtoncolumbus.com
2
Together We Move Forward
The Leader is written, designed and produced by the Communications Department of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. Copyright © 2015, Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. 500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Ste. 245 • Worthington, Ohio 43085 (614) 228-5200 • www.lssco.org
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
Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio Newsletter
Volunteering Brings Healing and Hope
Summer Quarter Colleen and her thearpy dog Zephyr
Expanded Assistance with Health Care Needs Recently health care case managers have been added to the Faith Mission clinic. They provide case management services for people using the clinic who have ongoing medical or behavioral health needs. This is accomplished by identifying and accessing resources to maintain physical and mental health or housing stability, and to prevent or manage future episodes of illness. With medical issues being an obstacle for many of our clients, these case managers will help them with their specific issues and can lessen future reoccurrences of homelessness.
Summertime Produce pg. 2
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.
Other ______________________ I am interested in making an estate gift Check here if you are a Thrivent member
$100
$50
Inside President’s Message 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 senior housing, retirement living, skilled nursing care and other services that strengthen communities.
$500
2 015
One of CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence’s most popular volunteers has dark hair, soulful brown eyes… and four legs. Zephyr, or “Z” for short, is a six-year-old Great Dane/Lab mix who visits the shelter every week with his human companion Colleen Shockling Dent. Zephyr is a certified therapy dog, and Colleen is a MPH-VPH student at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, class of 2016. She is also a Zoetis Student Representative in the Education Alliance Program and an Albert Schweitzer Fellow. Colleen and Z love visiting CHOICES and interacting with the families who are staying in the shelter. They are helping to create a safe, nonjudgmental and peaceful environment that promotes healing. “Zephyr has a calming effect on the children as well as the adults,” Nina Lewis, director of operations, said. “He is a gentle giant!” We thank this very special duo for making a difference with their presence at CHOICES.
Here’s my gift of: $1,000
LEADER
THE
A Calming Presence
$25
Method of Payment: Check
Other______________ 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_____________________________
LD1506
Together We Move Forward pg. 3 A Calming Presence pg. 4 Expanded Assistance with Health Care Needs pg. 4
Carroll began visiting and volunteering at the LSS Delaware County Food Pantry shortly after it opened last August. A long-haul truck driver for years, Carroll had been dealt a series of health blows that left him unable to keep his job. A near-fatal heart attack resulted in open heart surgery, and shortly after that, doctors discovered a blood clot and a leg blockage. As if that weren’t enough, he was diagnosed with of two types of cancer within months of each other. These ailments, and the resulting treatments, literally knocked him off his feet— he was confined to bed for weeks at a time. Throughout it all, he tried to stay positive, but without steady income, his budget was stretched to the max. Family members stepped in to help, but times were still tough: he needed help to put nourishing food on the table for his wife and children, especially in light of his health. “We were surviving, but barely,” Carroll recalls. The first time he visited the pantry, he saw healthy, fresh foods to help feed his family. He also saw a sign that volunteers were needed, and immediately offered to help. Still recovering and taking 16 different medications, he began volunteering once a week. “I had some slow days, but it made me feel good to help other people,” he said. After a few weeks, he noticed that he felt better with the social interaction and exercise he was getting at the pantry, and started coming in twice a week. And, as many of the pantry’s staff and regular volunteers will tell you, the rest is history. Soon, Carroll was coming in five days a week and including his family. They volunteer together when their schedules permit.
The pantry gives Carroll purpose. This past February, Carroll and his family were shocked by the unexpected death of his eldest daughter. In his fragile physical and emotional state, he drew strength and nourishment from visiting the pantry, both as a client and as a volunteer. “The pantry helped me in many ways when things in my life were at their worst,” he says. “If sharing my story inspires someone else to donate, volunteer or visit the pantry if they are in need, it will be worth it.” Carroll recently got the news that he is cancer-free. He’s down to three medications, and has been cleared to go back to work— he’ll be back on the road this month. On his one free Saturday, he’ll be volunteering at the pantry. Your support is critical year-round, but especially in the summer months when school breakfasts and lunches aren’t available for most children. Nearly 40 percent of our food pantry requests are for kids, making summer our highest season of 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