Where do we turn, when our

Transcription

1 Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio Where do we turn, when our burdens become too great to bear? At times when God seems far away and we ask ourselves, How can things get any worse? we CAN do more than suffer in silence. p.3 A Lutheran Ministries of Mercy Affiliate Lutheran Ministries of Mercy Sharing Resources Enhancing Lives Hope Strength Peace Summer 2017

2 What s Next For Medicaid? Over the last several months news reports have been filled with coverage of the federal legislative actions aimed at repealing and/or replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). While currently unsuccessful, efforts to repeal and/or replace e the ACA have included provisions to drastically cut funding for our country s Medicaid system. While we might agree that Medicaid reform is necessary for long-term sustainability, the effect of proposed federal legislation estimates a cut of almost ½ of current spending Nationally Medicaid provides insurance coverage to more than 70 million people, including coverage of mental health and substance abuse services. This not only includes services to approx. 10 million people with disabilities but also provide health and long-term supports to 2/3 of seniors in nursing homes, and 39% of our children. In Ohio alone, Medicaid would be cut by 13.1 billion dollars in less than 10 years, leaving these vulnerable populations at risk. Proposed legislation also converts Medicaid-a guaranteed benefit-meaning you receive benefits if you qualify-to a per capita or block grant-meaning states receive a fixed pot on money regardless of need. Simply being eligible for benefits would not guarantee that you would receive them. Faith-based organizations like ours are called to care for those in need. And we do. For over a century LSS has been caring for neighbors, sons, daughters and loved ones. Currently, we rely on Medicaid funding for approx. 74% of our billable revenue. If Medicaid is drastically cut-or capped-our ability to serve will be severely limited. Even with legislative defeats recently behind us, the coming months are sure to bring more news on the changing topic of Medicaid. We urge you to lend your voice in helping to make positive change to this system. Please be in touch with your legislators-oppose Medicaid cuts and caps- and let them know that our most vulnerable citizens need their support. In Ohio please visit usa.gov/electedofficials for a listing of legislative s and phone numbers. Terri Rodriguez LMM President and C.E.O. Lucy Wayton, has retired from LSS on July 13th. Lucy has been a valued member of the staff for almost 17 years, serving this special ministry in various roles, most recently as Vice President. Lucy s hard work, dedication and commitment to service have been the hallmarks of her years with LSS. In reminiscing with Lucy, many client accomplishments come to mind, caring co- Retirement workers, all those times when things just didn t go as planned. Each day was not always easy, but Lucy has been a steady force never wavering in service to others. It is with heartfelt appreciation that we thank her for the goodness she has brought to the LSS ministry the big things, the many little things, and all those efforts that may seem to have gone unnoticed but were nonetheless important and appreciated in making LSS just a little better. Even as Lucy retires from her Vice President s role, she will continue to be a part of the LSS family. Lucy s plans include remaining in a part-time counseling position in the Toledo office. 2

3 Support for the Weary How can things get any worse? We may have said this to ourselves or to some one else, and the question enters our minds after we have experienced a series of intense struggles, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Many of us are forced to live every day with chronic pain, emotional issues and spiritual burdens with no end in sight takes a toll on everyone, the person who suffers as well as the people in their lives who care about them. It is not helpful to be told by others simply that they need to try harder and then it will all get better. The idea that will power alone can fix everything is far from the truth. We are all human beings with physical, emotional and spiritual needs and trying harder is not enough. It takes appropriate medication, a positive attitude and an enduring faith to cope with what would otherwise be an unbearable burden. At times when God seems far away and we ask ourselves, How can things get any worse? we can do more than suffer in silence. Thank God there is a better way as outlined in verses of sacred text that remind us, Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8: The mission statement of LSS of Northwestern Ohio begins with this kind of hope, In response to God s love for all persons LSS provides human services that will strengthen the mental, moral, physical, social and spiritual well-being of those who seek this agency s services. With the proper medication, behavior health therapy and resources of faith things will not get any worse but will be made better by God at work through faith-based, accredited services that are rooted in a God who loved us and makes us more than conquerors. Just take a look at how LSS is making life better in response to the love of God for all of us! FINANCIAL COACHING SUCCESS -Kierra Morehead Ms. Gray has been receiving financial and housing coaching at Lutheran Social Services since November, 2016, with ultimate goals of obtaining permanent housing, securing stable employment, and increasing household income. Ms. Gray was approved for a 3-bedroom home. She signed her lease, received her keys, and moved out of the housing shelter and into her new residency on March 1, Ms. Gray has worked with her current restaurant employer for one year as a crew member, assistant manager, and recently accepted the position as General Manager. She has increased her overall household monthly net income, decreased her expenses, and established a savings account creating a financial safety net for emergencies. Ms. Gray is now focused on maintaining and sustaining housing, continuing to increase her income and savings, and advancing in employment opportunities. 3

4 LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF NORTHWESTERN OHIO GENACROSS LUTHERAN SERVICES LUTHER HOME OF MERCY FILLING HOMES Thank You for the Support of Our Ministy Churches, Businesses and Organizations Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Pemberville Christ Ev. Lutheran Church, Bowling Green Church Women United In Fremont, Fremont Concordia Lutheran Church, Toledo Elca Foundation, Chicago Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, Toledo First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Findlay First Lutheran Church, Galion First Lutheran Church, Stryker German Lutheran Heritage Society, Maumee Glenwood Lutheran Church, Toledo Good Hope Lutheran Church, Bucyrus Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Toledo Grace Lutheran Church, Fremont GTI Ohio, LLC, Chicago Immanuel Lutheran Church, Toledo Lutheran Church Of The Master, Perrysburg Lutheran Women Missionary League, Napoleon Marathon Petroleum Co, LLC, Findlay Messiah Lutheran Church, Toledo Network For Good, Washington Olivet Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sylvania Salem Grace United ELCA Inc, Luckey Solomon Lutheran, Woodville St James Lutheran Church, Bradner St John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Oak Harbor St John Lutheran Church, Celina St John Lutheran Church, Deshler St John Lutheran Church, Montpelier St John Lutheran Church WNALC, Celina St John s Lutheran Church, Stony Ridge St Lukes Lutheran Church, Temperance St Mark Lutheran Church, Fremont St Martins Lutheran Church, Archbold St Michael Lutheran Church, Ottawa Lake St Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Norwalk St Peter Lutheran Church, Martin The Exchange Club Of Fremont Ohio Inc Toledo Community Foundation, Toledo Trinity Lutheran Church, Delta Trinity Lutheran Church, Findlay Trinity Lutheran Church, Wauseon Women of the ELCA St Martin Lutheran Church, Archbold Zion Lutheran Church, Gibsonburg Zion Lutheran Church, Huron Zion Lutheran Church, Luckey Zion Lutheran Church, Montpelier Zoar Lutheran Church, Perrysburg Memorials In Memory of James Bahnsen Ms Donna Schuessler In Memory of Doris Rothert Ms Lois Camper In Memory of Bob Behnfeldt Mr Larry Behnfeldt In Memory of Robert Shryock Mr & Mrs John Macphail In Memory of Charles Ide Mrs June Ide In Memory of Donald Biehler Mrs Marjorie Biehler In Memory of Sue Sommerfield Mrs Ruth Moeller In Memory of William Piel Mrs. Annaline Piel In Memory of Fred And Nelda Kroos Ms. Julia L Kroos In Memory of Cindy Heckel Women Of The Elca St. Martin Lutheran Church Honors In Honor of My Loved Ones Ms Jean Oberkiser In Honor of Von & Jane Graffin Rev & Mrs Chuck Campbell In Honor of Mr &Mrs. Frank Ellis 65th Wedding Anniversary St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church In Honor of Mr&Mrs Elwood Johns 55th Wedding Anniversary St John Evangelical Lutheran Church In Honor of Staff Terri Rodriguez Inkind All Saints Lutheran Church All Saints Lutheran Church Concordia Lutheran Church Concordia Lutheran Church Concordia Lutheran Church Concordia Lutheran Church Corpus Christi University Parish First Evangelical Lutheran Church First Evangelical Lutheran Church First Evangelical Lutheran Church Mr & Mrs Kevin Gibbs Temperance, MI Mr Rodney Hochstetler Mrs. Maybelle Osburn St. Peter Lutheran Church Martin, OH St. Peter Lutheran Church Martin, OH St. Stephen Lutheran Church Trinity Lutheran Church United States Postal Services Mr & Mrs Gerald Willier Mr & Mrs Gerald Willier The Four Agency Golf Outing For only the second time in its 21- year history, the weather started out being pretty awful, and umbrellas were plentiful. When 16 of the original 20 teams finally teed off a little late on June 24 at Stone Ridge Golf Club in Bowling Green, it was still raining, but soon the sun was out, and it turned into a beautiful day. Due to the inclement weather, there was no putting contest. Twenty-eight beautiful and creative baskets were raffled off with the grand prize basket being a one-night stay at Maumee Bay Lodge, golf for two and Sunday brunch or breakfast for two. Congratulations to first and second place winners of the day: OPEN: 1st: Don Weiss, Dan Weiss, Chris Monroe, Brook Bowerman 2nd: Mark Evans, Steve Serchuk, Jack Taylor, Mike Pawlecki MIXED: 1st: Carol Slight, Sue Funchion, Todd Slight, Tom Bergstedt 2nd: Don Wukotich, Linda Francis, Leslie Straka, Vikkie Mixon SENIOR: 1st: Chuck Campbell, Bob Brossia, Bon Sander, Sherrill Petzoldt 2nd: Gregory Sparks, James Kleist, Layne Gobrogge, Steve Firlik Our thanks to all sponsors and players for their support of this ministry and the ministries of all four of the Lutheran agencies (Filling Memorial Home, Genacross Lutheran Services, Luther Home of Mercy and Lutheran Social Services). The LSS Emergency Food Pantry is the recipient of the LSS portion of funds raised from the outing. 4

5 Many Giving Valleys Lillian Kept a List We are often encouraged by stories of our Founders and those who powered our Ministries of Mercy through the early years. Like those Fremont Local Pastors who, in 1911, called Rev. Harry Long from a congregation in Illinois to a new ministry an Inner Mission in the City of Toledo. Those same Pastors, in 1928, encouraged Pastor Max Schleicher s dream of a Home of Mercy in Williston. In turn, Pastor Max encouraged Carrie Filling Vajen and Pastor Moser s vision of Home of Mercy in Napoleon. As we approach the task of budget planning for important ministries in the year ahead, we can t help but wonder if these folks ever worried over the cost of buildings and utilities, program materials and supplies? Almost in answer to this question, Pastor John Schleicher and his wife, Phyllis stopped by for a special purpose visit. They had found a collection of photos and records from the early years of Luther Home of Mercy. The collection included hand-written entries from Pastor John s Grandmother, Lillian Schleicher. Here, in neatly lettered script, Lillian itemized all expenses associated with keeping the doors of ministry open: Oil, Coal, Electricity, Groceries, Bread, Milk, Household and Farm Supplies, Insurance, Telephone, Construction, Maintenance and Repairs, Printing, Postage, Transportation, Funeral Expenses, Loans, and a number of other items all important, all necessary. Understanding that Lillian s List was written long before the existence of government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, we have to marvel at the faith and courage of those who first looked at the numbers; and trusted that such expenses could somehow be paid. To better understand such faith, Lillian provides another List a list of letters and calls, visits and gifts of encouragement from Our Giving Valleys. To highlight just a few of these entries: Rev. and Mrs. Mauer, Lillie Gerwin and Mrs. Brinker brought greetings from nearby Gibsonburg. Rev. and Mrs. Price visited from Fremont together with Art Berry and Mr. Keel from radio station WFRO. Vicar Gerald Labuhn visited from St. Mark of Toledo, Rev. and Mrs. Nesper brought gifts from Woodville. Pastors Moser and Heuter visited with their wives from Napoleon. Greetings from farther away were delivered from Valley City (Rev. and Mrs. Gunkelman) and Youngstown (Rev. J. G. Mittermaier), Milwaukee (Sr. Anna Pohlman) and Saginaw (Rev. T. Brueckner). Rev. Ernest Henkelman and Mr. J. Koehler brought canned goods and a brass band from Pigeon, Michigan. Rev. and Mrs. Emil Mengering visited from Saskatchewan; Tatianna Dauksza from Latvia. Pastors Walkenhaure and Dietze together with Drs. Oberdick and Kehr visited from Germany. Missionaries brought greetings from South America (Mr. and Mrs. William Bowman), Africa (Rev. Rupp), and New Guinea (Ella Walborn, Dr. J. Kuder, Rev. and Mrs. M. Heist). Lillian s List carefully documents the importance of such encouragement to the existence of our Lutheran Ministries, as Many Giving Valleys bear witness to how wide and long, how high and deep is the love of Christ. -Pastor Don Wukotich Clockwise from left: Reverend Harry Long, Reverend Emil Moser, Mrs Carrie Filling Vajen, and Reverend Max and Lillian Schleicher 5

6 Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart. -Elizabeth Andrew Cornerstone Church Lends a Helping Hand to the Advent Lutheran Center team of volunteers from Cornerstone Church A served to enhance and greatly improve the landscape at the Advent Lutheran Center on Tuesday, July 19! It was a warm and sunny day as weeds were pulled, bushes trimmed, leaves raked and the relt was a wonderful transformation. Thank You for Your Support Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Alexander Miamisburg, OH Ms. Carol Asmus Bowling Green, OH Mr. & Mrs. Ben Bassett Lakewood, OH Mr. & Mrs. David Beakas Waterville, OH Mr. and Mrs. George Beery, Jr. Bellevue, OH Mr. and Mrs. Arlyn J. Bensch Oak Harbor, OH Mr. Jeff D Bischoff Rev. and Mrs. James V. Bosse Dayton, OH Mr. & Mrs. Terry Cohrs Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Craze Sterling Heights, MI Mr. and Mrs. Kent A. Delventhal Genoa, OH Mr. and Mrs. John E. Flick North Ridgeville, OH Mrs. Sharyn Fry Norwalk, OH Genoa Bank Genoa, OH Rev. and Mrs. Ray G. Gottschling Maumee, OH Mr. and Mrs. Jan D. Graves Norwalk, OH Ms. Charlotte Haberaecker Annandale, VA Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Harding Hicksville, OH Mrs. Grace Johnson Williston, OH Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Kapp Curtice, OH Mrs. Lillian Lagger Oregon, OH Mr. & Mrs. Marcus C. Lohrman Luther Home of Mercy Auxiliary Williston, OH Mr. & Mrs. W. Richard Marshall Mr. Norman Merkel Mrs. Janet Meyer Rev. and Mrs. Nelson C. Meyer Columbus, OH Mr. and Mrs. Walter P. Nelson Perrysburg, OH Mr. T. Mark O Reilly Traverse City, MI Mr. and Mrs. Richard Phillips Curtice, OH Mr. & Mrs. Dennis L. Price Mr. and Mrs. David I. Roberts Holland, OH Pictured Left to Right: Phil Ryburn, Director of Engagement, Cornerstone Church, Chris Leary, Jade Reynolds, Joetta Kynard Lutheran Ministries of Mercy Sharing Resources Mr. and Mrs. Larry Schanke Graytown, OH Mr. and Mrs. James V. Schimming Oregon, OH Rev. and Mrs. John D. Schleicher Grand Ledge, MI Mrs. Carol Schroeder New Bavaria, OH Mr. and Mrs. Lyle M. Schulte Genoa, OH Mr. & Mrs. Todd A. Slight Mrs. Jody Strickling Lakeside, OH Dr. & Mrs. John F. Sundermeyer Mrs. Sue Tate Ms. Lucille M. Wayton Mrs. Deborah K. Wehner Genoa, OH Mrs. Jean Witt Martin, OH Mr. Kevin Yarnell Enhancing Lives How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. ~ Anne Frank 6

7 From Our Western Region... Welcome Jeri Lynn Riegsecker new LSS Archbold Office Coordinator. Jeri joined the Archbold office following the retirement of Brenda Shibler. Brenda had served as the office manager for five years prior to her retirement. We thank Brenda for her years of service to LSS Archbold. An Opportunity to Help Those in Need LSS of NW Ohio Employees are giving back to the community in Bowling Green! We are participating in an Ingathering of Socks for People in Need which includes all new socks in all sizes of men, women and children for Project Connect, Bowling Green. LSS Bowling Green office is located at St Mark Lutheran Church along with the Project Connect outreach and our goal is to provide 300 pair of socks for those who are truly in need as the cold winds of autumn and winter are fast approaching. VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED On June 8, LSS held its annual volunteer recognition at Grace Lutheran Church in Toledo. Over 70 volunteers listened as our speaker for the afternoon, President & CEO Terri Rodriguez, shared how the three Lutheran agencies, (LSS, Luther Home and Filling Homes), are benefitting from joining together under the umbrella of Lutheran Ministries of Mercy. Ruth Moeller was honored as 2016 Volunteer of the Year. Over the last 27 years Ruth has never wavered in her support of LSS and its ministries. Initially hired in 1985 as Volunteer Coordinator, Ruth s contacts in the community were instrumental in growing the volunteer program at LSS. Ruth moved to part time, and when the position was eliminated due to financial cuts, she didn t let that stop her from continuing to give of herself. She continued to actively recruit her friends, neighbors and church acquaintances for a variety of volunteer opportunities at LSS. Some were ongoing, and others were special one-time projects. Ruth Moeller was honored at the recent Volunteer Recognition Celebration. Ruth is pictured here with Mark Hill, vice president of development and advancement for LSSNWO. Thanks to Ruth for her many hours of volunteerism, not only to LSS but throughout the Toledo area. She was one of the first to organize Walk to Defeat ALS which has developed into a significant event supporting research for a cure and giving assistance to those who suffer from Lou Gerhig s Disease. 7

8 Collingwood Blvd, Phone Fax TDD/TTY Collingwood Blvd, Phone Fax TDD/TTY Spirit Body Mind Spirit Body Mind Balance NON PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID TOLEDO OH PERMIT NO 285 Balance Branch Offices: Branch ArchboldOffices: Archbold T-793 St Rte T-793 St Rte 66 Findlay Findlay 1701 Tiffin Ave St (on John the Lutheran campus of Church St John Lutheran Church) 1701 Tiffin Ave Fremont 512 East State St Fremont 512 East State St Lima Lima 658 Market St, Suite 201A Market St, Suite 201A Perrysburg Perrysburg 1001 Sandusky, Suite F 1001 Sandusky, Suite F Specialized Services: Bowling Bowling Green St Mark s Lutheran Green Church 315 St Mark s S College Lutheran Dr Church, 315 S College Dr Bryan (Counseling Site) First Lutheran Church, 210 Cherry St 210 Cherry St Crossroads Family Resource Center Crossroads 4543 Douglas Family Rd, Toledo Resource Center 4543 Douglas Rd, Toledo Defiance Defiance (Counseling (Counseling Site) Site) St St Paul s Paul s Lutheran Church Church, 671 Clinton Ave 671 Clinton Ave Delta Delta 410 Taylor St 410 Taylor St Fostoria (Counseling Site) Fostoria 125 S Main (Counseling St, Suite 301B Site) 125 S Main St, Suite 301B Galion Galion (Counseling (Counseling Site) Site) First First Lutheran Church Church, 127 Columbus St 127 Columbus St Moulton/Wapok (Counseling Site) Moulton/Wapok Trinity Lutheran Church (Counseling Site) Trinity Lutheran Moulton-New Church Knoxville Rd, Wapakoneta Moulton-New Knoxville Rd Wapakoneta Sylvania Sylvania Ave Sylvania 6735 Sylvania Ave Tiffin T 668 i ffi n Miami St Miami St