Genacross Lutheran Services will hold its 159th Annual Meeting of Member Congregations on Thursday, April 11, 2019, at Hope Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio.

The evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with hearty hors d’oeuvres and fellowship in Hope’s Larson Hall. Attendees are invited to dine, mingle, and visit the

ministry displays. The worship service and annual meeting will follow at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary.

Genacross Lutheran Services is excited to announce that the evening will feature entertainment by Kerry Patrick Clark, a musical Norman Rockwell well known in the area for

CEO Column, page 2 Napoleon Campus, page 3 Youth Services, page 4 Toledo Campus, page 4

Foundation, page 5 Wolf Creek Campus, page 5 Donations, pages 6-7in this issue

VOLUME CV No. 1 WINTER 2019GENACROSS LUTHERAN SERVICES

Connect with Genacross Lutheran Services on social media. We are now on Facebook and LinkedIn, providing new ways you can learn about, share, and comment on the latest Genacross news and events.

Genacross holds first Leadership Development Institute

159th Annual Meeting of Member Congregations

thursday event to feature kerry patrick clark

Kerry Patrick Clark

his inspiring and heartwarming music that encompasses many genres. His palette is a simple 12-note scale, a six-string guitar and one voice that seeks to sing hope into the human experience.

Mr. Clark is a singer, songwriter, storyteller, therapist, comedian, word painter, and master entertainer. He also is a former member of the folk group, The New Christy Minstrels, and had the #1 Roots Music Reports Holiday Album of 2016 and 2017 (“The Heart of Christmas”).

Please join Genacross Lutheran Services and Kerry Patrick Clark for an inspiring evening of fellowship, worship, music, and an update on Genacross’ mission and ministry.

To make a reservation, call Bev at 419.861.4954 or email BApel@Genacross.org. Reservations should be received by Thursday, April 4, 2019.

The nearly 80 leaders who attended the first Leadership Development Institute (LDI) on December 3, 2018, now understand that they will play a significant role in a transformational culture shift at Genacross Lutheran Services. The LDI is designed to help leaders learn how they can be catalysts for positive change.

The day-long LDI, which was held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Perrysburg, introduced leaders to the Genacross

Promise, an initiative to ensure that the Genacross Core Values permeate the organization. President/CEO Rick Marshall explains the Genacross Promise in his column on page 2 of this issue.

“The LDI is designed to provide training to ensure consistent practices throughout the organization in how we engage with our customers and one another,” Mr. Marshall explained. “Our leaders will model these

continued on page 3

GenacrossLutheranServices.org

Genacross PromiseAt Genacross Lutheran Services, we are guided by a set of Core Values: Faithfulness to Christ, Equality and Justice, Wholeness of Life, Integrity, Quality of Service, and Stewardship of Resources. Recently, Genacross launched an initiative to ensure that these values are permeating everything we do as we carry out our Mission. We call our connection to our Core Values the Genacross Promise.

The Genacross Promise is about creating a culture that promotes the highest levels of employee engagement and customer satisfaction. By tying everything we do to our Core Values, we maintain a focus on why we do the work to which God has called us: embracing individuals and families with compassionate care and services.

A foundational component of the Genacross Promise is investing in our employees. In December 2018 Genacross held its first Leadership Development Institute (LDI), bringing together leaders from across all Genacross ministries (see front page for more details).

Also inherent in the Genacross Promise is clear communication of how much we value our employees. Employees feel valued when they have a voice and can see how their work impacts those in our care. This connectivity increases employee engagement, reduces turnover, and leads to a higher quality of service. Through consistently seeking the input of all of our team members, we place a greater emphasis on those who are most directly connected to our residents, patients, and clients.

Enhanced customer service and improved satisfaction grow when principles are hardwired throughout an organization. Through training each of our employees in consistent practices, we can create a culture of excellence.

At Genacross, our “Promise” extends to all of our constituents. Beyond our employees and residents/patients, we serve our member congregations and the communities where we provide services. It is our promise to bring the highest quality services as an outreach of the church – grounded in our history as a ministry.

The world around us is continually changing. The needs of our communities are evolving, and our employees are facing new challenges. By renewing the focus on our Core Values, Genacross will be poised to meet the needs of generations to come. That is our Promise!

Blessings,

OUR MISSIONInspired by the Christian faith, we

embrace individuals and families

with compassionate care and

services throughout life’s journey.

OUR VISIONThrough our faith and work, we

strive to be a forward-thinking,

compassionate organization that

improves the lives of current and

future generations.

OUR VALUESFaithfulness to Christ

Equality and Justice

Wholeness of Life

Integrity

Quality of Service

Stewardship of Resources

OUR MINISTRIESGenacross Lutheran Services Napoleon Campus

Genacross Lutheran Services Toledo Campus

Genacross Lutheran Services Wolf Creek Campus

Genacross Housing &

Community Services

Genacross Adult Day Center

Genacross at Home

Genacross Family &

Youth Services

Genacross Lutheran Services

Foundation

A note from

Rick MarshallPresident and CEO

Connect on Social Media:

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Leadership development - continued from front page

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napoleon campus wall honors veterans

(Left to right) Four County Career Center instructor Tim Armitage, students Konner Maurer and Abi Baker, Activities Director Brooklyn Pedroza and Assistant Director of Nursing Ashley Bowman display the plaques given to the Napoleon Campus for its Veterans’ Wall, shown below.

The Genacross Lutheran Services-Napoleon Campus has created a Veterans’ Wall to honor residents who

have served in the U.S. armed forces. Since November when it was unveiled, the wall has become a popular spot on the Napoleon Campus, where visitors, family

members, and residents can stop and admire pictures of the veterans who reside there.

Staff, however, felt the wall needed something more to add impact. The result of the search for “something more” was a mutually beneficial partnership with Four County Career Center in Archbold, Ohio, which offers junior and senior high school students the opportunity to participate in career and technical programs.

Students from the Specialized Mechatronics & Robotics Technologies program gained experience by creating five emblems to represent the five military branches – the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy. These sturdy, metal emblems were programmed and produced on a plasma cutter and then presented as a gift to the Napoleon Campus.

“The students created exactly what the Veterans’ Wall needed, and we are thrilled!” said Activities Director Brooklyn Pedroza. “Now, the wall has gained even more spectators because of these special additions.”

practices throughout the organization as we empower all of our employees to live the Genacross Promise.”

Genacross has engaged the Studer Group to help facilitate change. Attendees at the LDI heard Coach Darren Moorehead from the Studer Group describe Evidence-Based Leadership, as well as Leader Rounding on Employees, a tactic designed to facilitate better communication among employees and their supervisors.

Attendees also listened to a presentation by Ingrid Cheslek, Chief Nursing Officer at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She described how that organization has implemented a culture for success that has resulted in excellence in many key areas, including employee engagement, patient satisfaction, and financial stability.

To end the day, Genacross leadership presented a series of skits to illustrate the five behaviors that all employees should use daily for increased engagement and customer satisfaction. These include: Start with Wins; the 10/5 Rule; See it, Own it; Walk, Don’t Point; and Appropriate Cell Phone Use. Leaders were to begin modeling and sharing these behaviors with their employees immediately.

Leadership presented short skits to demonstrate the five behaviors Genacross employees should use every day.

GenacrossLutheranServices.org

Duane Shively (left), Chair of the Family & Youth Services Ministry Board, stands with Mike Bowden, Director of Operations at the Maumee Youth Center, in front of the donated playground equipment.

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donation funds two school playgrounds

The Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Program at the Genacross Lutheran Services-Toledo Campus is growing steadily, and patients at the Toledo Campus are benefitting from the program’s goal of providing cardiac care, education, and the tools to manage chronic CHF for the long term.

The CHF program is led by Dr. Osama Al-Bawab, a cardiologist with The Toledo Clinic who has been practicing medicine for more the 18 years. The program takes a multi-disciplinary approach that includes: a primary care physician, cardiac specialists, nursing staff, physical therapy and rehabilitation, dietary services, education, and case management.

CHF program at Toledo Campus gaining traction

Genacross Family & Youth Services has received a generous donation of playground equipment for two

locations where the ministry provides educational services for youth. The gift is from Duane Shively, current Chair of the Family & Youth Services Ministry Board and a long-time supporter of the ministry.

The playground systems were installed in late fall at the Liberty Education Center on the Genacross Maumee Youth Center campus in Liberty Center, Ohio, as well as at the Blackmon Alternate Learning Center in Oregon, Ohio. The two large playsets were purchased locally, and are made from recycled materials and surrounded by shredded rubber material for safety. Each contains multiple swings, several slides, a climbing wall, and a tire swing.

Mr. Shively, who has been actively involved with the Family & Youth ministry since 1996, had approached Katie Zawisza, Executive Director of Family & Youth Services, for ideas of what the youth would enjoy and have fun using on a regular basis.

“I wanted to use the blessings I have received and do something for all the young people who are cared for every day through the Family & Youth ministry,” Mr. Shively stated. When presented with several ideas from the youth

services team, Mr. Shively was immediately drawn to the idea of installing playground equipment.

“This is a wonderful gift, and all the children at both schools have been spending time playing, smiling, and laughing as they enjoy the blessing that Duane was able to give to them,” Mrs. Zawisza said.

“This program provides a huge benefit to residents coming into our skilled unit,” said Casandra Comer, Director of Nursing. “The convenience of having the cardiologist come to our facility to visit patients and manage their care, rather than having to send them out for multiple appointments, has proven to be a great addition

to our clinical offerings.”

The Toledo Campus care team is with patients every step of the way – making sure that their needs are met and they are ready to return home. For more information on the CHF Program, contact the Toledo Campus at 419.724.1841.

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Charles and Margaret Robins needed two incomes to maintain their household and to take care of her mother, Catherine Williamson. At age 82, Ms. Williamson required assistance with many tasks throughout the day.

As an alternative to paying for a home health aide, Mr. and Mrs. Robins received a referral from the Area Office on Aging of Northwestern Ohio to the Genacross Adult Day Center, located on Indiana Avenue near downtown Toledo. The Center offers health services and nutritious meals, along with social and therapeutic activities to keep seniors active, healthy, and engaged.

Genacross staff and health professionals designed a program that addressed Ms. Williamson’s particular needs. The Center’s hours of operation, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, alleviated the couple’s daily stress of coordinating at-home supervision for her mother.

While private pay, Medicaid, and MyCare Ohio insurance providers cover much of the program’s cost for participants, there are still areas of need. For example, contributions make additional programming and special events that help to enrich the participants’ lives possible.

The Center has received positive reviews, and as one senior said: “This program makes me look forward to every day. The people here have become my friends. Thank you.” Mr. and Mrs. Robins are also appreciative

and have become regular donors to Genacross Lutheran Services, stating, “How can we not support a program that has helped us and mom in so many ways? This was a godsend.”

For more information on how to donate to the Adult Day Center, contact the Genacross Lutheran Services Foundation at 419.861.4965.

adult day center provides essential supportTHE FRIEND

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donation funds two school playgrounds

Four Lutheran Agencies sign Covenant PartnershipThe biennial signing of a Ministry Partnership Covenant signifies the ongoing commitment of the Four Lutheran Agencies of Northwestern Ohio, the Northwestern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and the Ohio District of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) to work collaboratively in social ministry throughout the region. On December 12, 2018, the following representatives signed the partnership agreement at Genacross Lutheran Services: (from left to right) Megan O’Brien, Luther Home of Mercy; Terri Rodriguez, Lutheran Ministries of Mercy; Bishop Daniel Beaudoin, Northwestern Ohio Synod ELCA; Rick Marshall, Genacross; President Kevin Wilson, Ohio District LCMS; Traci Jaksetic, Lutheran Social Services of NW Ohio; and Carol Slight, Filling Homes.

Wolf Creek Campus expands automated dispensing

Automated dispensing of medications is now available for assisted living residents at the Genacross Lutheran Services-Wolf Creek Campus through an ongoing partnership with AlixaRx. “We are excited to partner with the Wolf Creek

assisted living facility, in their pioneering and successful petition to the Board of Pharmacy, to make it possible for other assisted living facilities to use automated dispensing units for their residents’ medications needs,” said Sandy Curtis, AlixaRx Pharmacy Services Technician. The use of an automated dispensing unit (ADU) provides immediate access to prescription and over-the-counter medications. It also promotes efficiency, saves money, and encourages continuity of care. Clinical Manager Amy Hopkins (right) distributes medication from the ADU to assisted living resident Dennis Smithers.

Catherine Williamson

GenacrossLutheranServices.org

IN MEMORY OF Oct.1 - Dec. 31, 2018

If we have failed to list your name or have listed it incorrectly, please accept

our apologies and contact Anne at 419.861.4965 to correct our records.

ORGANIZATIONAL DONATIONSOct.1 - Dec. 31, 2018

THE FRIEND

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George & Gladys Ardner by Carol Ardner

Dean Asmus by Jim & Judy Hill

Norm Avers by Doris Avers

Arnold & Elsie Baden by Joann McCally

John & Amelia Beins by Michael & Sandra Lininger

Kenneth & Louise Beins by Michael & Sandra Lininger

Carl Bensch by Phyllis Bensch

Gerald Blausey by Don & Donna Genzman

JoAnn Boyd by Miriam & Ted Benner, Mary Ann Cervantes, Carol DeGroff, Jack & Vicky Kwiatkowski, Emma & George Oravecz, Carol & Larry Queenan, Mike & Kathy Schnapp, Robert & Terry Wagoner, Elizabeth & Scott Wilson

Faye Cassidy by William Cassidy

Dorothy Clark by Paul Clark Sr.

Russell Cook by Bob & Linda Knight

My husband, Walden “Bud” Damschroder, by Mary Damschroder

Dale & Kaye Dean by Rev. Jerry & Mrs. Sheryl Rayl

L.E. & Esther Dierker by Eloise Dierker

Clarence & Edna Dierksheide by Harry & Rose Mary Schroeder

Paul & Lois Dierksheide by Diane Bostdorff

Hilda Drewes by Patty Michaelis

William Dunbar by Lois Manion

Jane Ellis by St. Paul WELCA, Clyde

Francis & Marguerite Falkenberg by June Ide

Parents Virginia & Kenneth Favro, by Sharon Libke

Kenneth & Audrey Figy by Norman & Donna Figy

Judith Fisher by Jason & Cheryl Fisher

The Gist Family by John & Doris Gist

Diane Greenblatt by Jeanette Holers

Parents, Lawrence & Edna Haack, by Myra Zaenger

Vince, Verna & Roger Haas by Bill & Barb Hundt

Deborah Hammersmith by Gary & Darlene Carstensen

Ann Hill by Jim & Judy Hill

My mother, Tedia Jarocki, by Joyce Douglas

Parents, Julius & Emma Kahrs, by Lillian Keller

Joseph Kidder by Jim & Louise Sommers

Clarissa & Al Knape by Doris Avers

Charles & Lucile Knight by Bob & Linda Knight

Gerald Labuhn by Harry & Karen Blackmon

Maxine LaFountaine by Rev. Lori Strang

Elmer & Beatrice Lanzer by Vivian Lanzer

Rayner Lark by Patricia Lark

Timothy Leitner by Anonymous

Lois Lenz by St. Paul Sarah Circle, Oak Harbor

Son, Christopher Kent Libke, by Sharon Libke

Parents, Hilda & Richard Lipstraw, by Andrew & Helen Nowak

Barbara Loga by Paul Loga

Loved ones by Donald & Ruth Avers, Irene Glore, Melvin Schumann

Esther Mauer by Sue Fisher, Keith & Peg Mauer, Ken & Pat Mauer, Jan & Ron Walton

Martha Methvin by Lynn & John Warren

Ed & Anna Miller by Esther Speck

Alma Mueller by Lynn & Joyce Olman

My wife, Mary, by Weldon Mueller

Susie Noller by Jean Winkelman

Kandi Nungester by Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Nungester

The orphanage children by Mr. & Mrs. James Barton

Our loved one by Garey & Donna Sherer

Our parents by Ruthann & David House

Our parents & siblings by Roland & Marilyn Henderson

Forest & Elizabeth Paulsen by Judy Paulsen

Bert Poth by Paul & Karen Groll, Jerry & Marilyn Hershberger, Roger & Teresa Miller, Donna Poth & Family, Cassie Rex, Doug & Jayme Westhoven

Robert & Sue Richard by Elaine Gladieux

James & Evelyn Richason Sr. by Barbara Bamm

James Richason Jr. by Barbara Bamm

Christine Rohrs by Findlay Implement Co., Robert & Darlene Leiendecker, Jane McGill, Larry & Cynthia Underwood, Robert & Michelle Underwood, George & Elaine Wells

Florence Rude by Marie Bowers

Bernice Runner by Bob & Linda Knight

Gibson Runner by Bob & Linda Knight

Mr & Mrs George Saffran by Jim & Connie Saffran

Clyde Sandrock by Mary Schimming

Lawrence & Mildred Sandwisch by Ivadel Nehls

Milton Schimming by Mary Schimming

The Schoeler Family by John & Doris Gist

Fred & A. Mary Schroeder by Harry & Rose Mary Schroeder

The Schwarzes by Friedel & Ursula Helms

Mark Shepard by Gary & Darlene Carstensen

Mary Shurts by Dave & Pam Roberts

Barbara Snyder by Jean Winkelman

Louis Snyder by Jean Snyder

Frances Sonnenberg by Anonymous, Delores Atkinson, Kim & Luke Baker, Tom & Joan Baughman, Wylodene Baughman, Rev. & Mrs. Dana Bjorlin, Cheryl & Gary Daman, Randy Germann, Terry & Sue Germann, Phil & Peggy Johnson, Margaret Meyer, Wilbur Miller & Family, Penrod & George, Charlotte Price, Gilbert & Dona Sonnenberg, Gary & Cheryl Storch, Gail Tresnak, George & Elaine Wells

Leo & Lillian Sonnenberg by Joanne Sonnenberg

Wayne Speck by Esther Speck

Hank Spring by Margene Spring

Harvey Sterling Jr. by Helen Sterling

Husband, Leroy Strausbaugh, by Mary Strausbaugh

Our son, David Strausbaugh, by Mary Strausbaugh

Susan Vanscoder by Gene & Joyce Zimmerman

Pat VonDeylen by Sharlene Bunke

The Wards by Robert Ward, Sr.

Harry & Laura Warnke by Michael & Sandra Lininger

Otto & Marie Warnke by Jean DeWitt

Richard & Ruth Warnke by Michael & Sandra Lininger

Una Mae Webster by Gilbert & Dona Sonnenberg

Lowell & Ruth Welling by Bill Welling

Paul Winover by Cheryl & Gary Daman

My friend, Anna Yunker, by Mary Jane Joehlin

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IN HONOR OFOct.1 - Dec. 31, 2018

INDIVIDUAL DONATIONSOct.1 - Dec. 31, 2018

NON-CASHOct.1 - Dec. 31, 2018

CONGREGATIONAL DONATIONSOct.1 - Dec. 31, 2018

THE FRIENDTHE FRIEND

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Nondiscrimination and Accessibility Requirements NoticeGenacross Lutheran Services complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

English: ATTENTION: If you speak [insert language], language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-888-546-7745 (TTY: 1-888-546-7745).Spanish: ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-888-546-7745 (TTY: 1-888-546-7745).Chinese: 注意: 如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-888-546-7745 (TTY:1-888-546-7745）

Baby Jesus by Joyce Douglas The birth of our Savior by Nancy HardinRolland Fickel by Donna FickelGod by Mrs. Thomas MoonJesus, who died for us sinners so that we may be saved, by John WeislmeierMr. & Mrs. Ronald Lieske’s 65th wedding anniversary by St. John’s WELCA, Oak HarborMilitary veterans by Glenn GeldienMy grandchildren by Nancy HardinThe orphanage children by Mr. & Mrs. James BartonOur 70th wedding anniversary by Blair & Anita MillerOur Heavenly Father in Heaven by John WeislmeierEdmund Peper by AnonymousJim & Louise Sommers by Rick & Jackie MetzThe staff at Wolf Creek Assisted Living by Ken & Pat MauerLynn Warren by John WarrenJan Winover by Cheryl & Gary DamanMr. & Mrs. Robert Wolf’s 60th wedding anniversary by St. John’s WELCA, Oak Harbor

Eunice AckerAnonymousBeverly ApelRev. Dr. & Mrs. Gerald BauerJames BeardsleyMiriam & Ted BennerJason BeyerAnne BielPatricia BlankenshipHilde BoesMichael & Karen BogdanStephen & Deborah BowsherLee & Natalie BredbeckLanette BrileyKari BucherMarilyn BuksarChristina BurnetteRev. Charles & Mrs. Jeri CampbellElizabeth CannonVicky ChambersAngela ClayDiane ClineBill & Carol CookJames CordySandra CoxSusan CramerMolly & James CressJenny & Matt DarrTamara Dawson-KynardCarl & Barbara DierksheideFred & Linda DoeringAlan & Mary Ann DravesDr. Jim & Dawn DumkeJennifer FehnrichRev. John & Mrs. Sherry FerneDonna FickelBruce FloryMarlene FordDoris ForryRon & Mary Lou Gabel

George GibsonJohn & Doris GistJack & Gretchen GrigsbyRay & Jane GrobElaine GruetterBernadine GuyerRobert HaafNorma Jean HallVictoria & Demetrius HarrisBruce HaywoodRicki HeishmanJohn & Lois HiltnerMichael & Ireatha HollieDave & Vicki HuberPastor Keith & Sue HunsingerMr. Leslie JohnsonJim & Joan KeelerJim & Sandy KerstenJohn & Mary KrampDan & Julie KunosKathleen LemmerbrockRev. & Mrs. Steve LutzBeverly MackeyRuth MarquardtRick & Janet MarshallEd & Nancy MauntlerDennis McGheeCarol MeuserCallie & Charles Minier Jr.Melanie MooreFancy MorelandPaul NelsonJean OberkiserRobert & Marie ObrockGary & Julie PaulsenBob & Sue PfefferleRev. Dr. Tim & Mrs. Kate PhilabaumJudi PittawayDiane PojedynskiJeff & Sharon Przysiecki

Rev. Richard & Suzanne RentnerDean RiggsRay & Judy RobaszkiewiczDave & Pam RobertsJon RussellJoan SachsDeborah SalazMary SatterfieldRev. & Mrs. Dale SchaeferJeff & Lorinda SchalkKaren SchepmanAmanda SchroederTom & Judy SchultJeff & Paige SchulteSharon SchwankeJane SharpJoan SlebosScott SleeJim & Louise SommersWilliam & Penny SpanfellnerRichard SpoeringDr. & Mrs. Ernest SpohnRobert & Janis SteinMeg & Dennis StieberMr. & Mrs. David StoughRev. Lori StrangAlfred StudtmannCarol TaylorDorothy TebbeSophia TheodorouDora TitgemeyerDeloris TolhurstSandra VanceWyatt VaughnTodd WaldenLinda WeaverFrances WilsonWinona WohlgamuthLee & Paula WunschelJoyce Yard

St. Martin, Archbold Good Hope, Arlington St. Paul, Blissfield, MI Christ, Bowling Green Bethlehem, Defiance St. Mark, Defiance St. John WELCA, Deshler Zion, Edgerton Grace, Elmore Hope, Fostoria Grace, Fremont Grace Women of the Church, Fremont St. Mark, Fremont Zion WELCA, Gibsonburg Hope, Hamler St. John, Holgate St. Paul WELCA, Lakeside Marblehead First, Leipsic St. Matthew, Lima Zion, Luckey Zion, Montpelier St. John, New Washington St. Peter, Norwalk St. John, Oak Harbor St. John’s WELCA, Oak Harbor

St. Michael, Ottawa Lake, MI Bethlehem Women of the Church, Pemberville Church of the Master, Perrysburg Shepherd of the Valley, Perrysburg Zoar, Perrysburg Zion, Petersburg, MI St. John, Rocky Ridge St. Peter’s, Saint Clair, MI St. John’s, Stony Ridge St. Paul, Sulphur Springs Olivet, Sylvania All Saints, Toledo First St. John Church Women, Toledo First St. John, Toledo Grace Ruth Circle, Toledo Messiah, Toledo St. Paul’s Lutheran Women Toledo Zion Lutheran Women, Valley City St. Luke, Wauseon Trinity, Wauseon Trinity, Willard Solomon, Woodville

Harry & Karen BlackmonJacquelyn CokerRachelle JohnsonKathleen Lemmerbrock

Angela & Jeff PackJeff & Lorinda SchalkJeff & Paige SchulteLinda & John Seitz

Lorie SmithErma SuchoraDebbie Witt

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The Friendis published quarterly byGenacross Lutheran Services

Kari Bucher, EditorBev Apel, Graphics

Please send address changes to:

The FRIEND

2021 N. McCord Rd.

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P: 419.861.4990

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genacross to hold orphanage celebrationGenacross Lutheran Services is holding an Open House and Reunion at its former Lutheran Orphans’ Home on Sunday, April 28, 2019. This event celebrates a century since the orphanage building, still located at 2411 Seaman Street in Toledo, was dedicated in April 1919.

The public is invited to join in the celebration and share the history of the orphanage, where more than 1,200 children were cared for from 1860 to 1964. In conjunction with the public open house, former residents have been invited to return to their childhood home to celebrate this special event.

Visitors can see the schoolrooms and dormitories that have been kept as they were when the building was filled with children and hear stories from former residents of the orphanage. The Genacross Lutheran Services Foundation is sponsoring the event.

“People have such an emotional reaction when they walk through the building,” said Kathleen Lemmerbrock, Executive Director of the Genacross Lutheran Services Foundation. “They imagine what the lives of the children were like, with daily chores, schoolwork, many activities, and generous support from the community.”

The celebration will begin with a worship service at 10:15 a.m. at First St. John Lutheran Church, 2471 Seaman St. in Toledo. The church served as the home congregation for the orphanage residents and staff.

Tours of the orphanage building and grounds will be offered from 12-5 p.m.

For more information, contact Archivist/Museum Curator Bob Haar at 419.724.1878 or email RHaar@Genacross.org.