Inside

1

President’s Message pg. 2

L E A D E RTH

E

L u t h e r a n S o c i a l S e r v i c e s o f C e n t r a l O h i o N e w s l e t t e r

Yes, I would like to help LSS and its programsI want to help those in need by giving to Lutheran Social Services, so it may continue to support the mission of

Creating a Better World by Serving People in Need.Here’s my gift of:

$1,000 $500 $100 $50 $25 Other______________

Please make your check payable to Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Ste. 245 • Worthington, Ohio 43085

or donate online at: www.lssco.orgYour gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.

You will receive a receipt.

Method of Payment: Check Visa Mastercard AmEx DiscoverName on credit card (please print)__________________________________________Card number: ____________/____________/____________/____________Expiration Month:______________________Year_______________

Signature_____________________________________________________________

Name _____________________________________________Address ____________________________________________City/State/Zip_______________________________________Phone ( )______________________ Email_____________________________

Please Use it for: The greatest need Other ____________________ I am interested in making an estate gift Check here if you are a Thrivent member

Tracing its roots to 1912, LSS is a nonprofit social service agency affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and recognizedby 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.

LD1403

Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio

Creating a Better World by Serving People in NeedLutheran Social Services of Northern Ohio · Lutheran Social Services of Southern Ohio

Spring Quarter

20

14

Leaving a Legacypg. 2

Not Just a Meal, a Healthy Meal

pg. 3

Filing Taxes for Freepg. 3

Hunger Pains Don’t Equal Summer Fun

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

Domestic Violence AgencyAdded to LSS

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.

NOURISHING OUR NEIGHBORS

Did you know 27,000 of our Delaware County neighbors are eligible for food pantry assistance? That’s 13% of the county’s residents. Although Delaware is often ranked as the most affluent county in Ohio, there is ample evidence of an unmet need for food pantry services. In fact, according to the US Census, the 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 one goal of the Delaware Hunger Alliance is to improve the health of our community. Services

will also be available on evenings and weekends to ensure access to those neighbors who may be working but have difficulty making ends meet. For more information or to support this initiative, please go to www.lssfoodpantries.org/delaware.

A Delaware County neighbor receives food at anLSS mobile food distribution.

Feeding the Hungry in Delaware County

Nourishing OurNeighbors

pg. 4

2 3 Please use the enclosed gift card and envelope to make a donation to help LSS and its programs.

Fil ing Taxesfor Free

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

For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website at www.lssco.orgFor information on retirement living, please visit our website www.kensingtoncolumbus.com

Follow us onFacebook and

Twitter!

Support for certain LSSprograms is provided by:

Sign up to Receive

The Leaderby 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!

President’s Message

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.

Hunger Pains Don’t Equal Summer Fun

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 self-condemnation 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. CrowellPresident and CEO

Not Just a Meal, a Healthy Meal Like most of us know, it can be hard to get healthy foods on the dinner table. With the generous support of Walmart, the LSS Food Pantries and Faith Mission hope to be able to alleviate this problem somewhat for our clients by providing more healthy options. The LSS Food Pantries recently received a Walmart State Giving award for $100,000 to provide additional healthy foods – especially those that are diabetic-friendly – to pantry clients in the ten Ohio counties we serve. Most food pantry clients are at high risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other nutrition-sensitive chronic conditions, and they especially need healthy foods. Healthy foods are often more expensive than highly 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 middle income families

and individuals. Faith Mission also received a Walmart State Giving award for $50,000 for our Healthy Hunger Relief project, which will help our busy kitchens offer meals that are lower in sodium, fat and sugar, and include more lean low-sodium protein foods and fresh fruits and vegetables. As part of the project, the Faith Mission cooks are learning to prepare meals that promote healthy eating, and nutrition education talks will be offered during mealtimes on a regular basis to help clients learn how to eat healthily on a small budget. Special thanks to Walmart for making these projects possible as a result of its substantial donations!

Leaving a LegacyFor 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.

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 towww.lssco.org and click

on the file yourtaxes link.

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

Walmart presents the LSS Food Pantries with a check.

2 3 Please use the enclosed gift card and envelope to make a donation to help LSS and its programs.

Fil ing Taxesfor Free

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

For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website at www.lssco.orgFor information on retirement living, please visit our website www.kensingtoncolumbus.com

Follow us onFacebook and

Twitter!

Support for certain LSSprograms is provided by:

Sign up to Receive

The Leaderby 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!

President’s Message

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.

Hunger Pains Don’t Equal Summer Fun

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 self-condemnation 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. CrowellPresident and CEO

Not Just a Meal, a Healthy Meal Like most of us know, it can be hard to get healthy foods on the dinner table. With the generous support of Walmart, the LSS Food Pantries and Faith Mission hope to be able to alleviate this problem somewhat for our clients by providing more healthy options. The LSS Food Pantries recently received a Walmart State Giving award for $100,000 to provide additional healthy foods – especially those that are diabetic-friendly – to pantry clients in the ten Ohio counties we serve. Most food pantry clients are at high risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and other nutrition-sensitive chronic conditions, and they especially need healthy foods. Healthy foods are often more expensive than highly 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 middle income families

and individuals. Faith Mission also received a Walmart State Giving award for $50,000 for our Healthy Hunger Relief project, which will help our busy kitchens offer meals that are lower in sodium, fat and sugar, and include more lean low-sodium protein foods and fresh fruits and vegetables. As part of the project, the Faith Mission cooks are learning to prepare meals that promote healthy eating, and nutrition education talks will be offered during mealtimes on a regular basis to help clients learn how to eat healthily on a small budget. Special thanks to Walmart for making these projects possible as a result of its substantial donations!

Leaving a LegacyFor 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.

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 towww.lssco.org and click

on the file yourtaxes link.

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

Walmart presents the LSS Food Pantries with a check.

Inside

1

President’s Message pg. 2

L E A D E RTH

E

L u t h e r a n S o c i a l S e r v i c e s o f C e n t r a l O h i o N e w s l e t t e r

Yes, I would like to help LSS and its programsI want to help those in need by giving to Lutheran Social Services, so it may continue to support the mission of

Creating a Better World by Serving People in Need.Here’s my gift of:

$1,000 $500 $100 $50 $25 Other______________

Please make your check payable to Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio500 W. Wilson Bridge Rd., Ste. 245 • Worthington, Ohio 43085

or donate online at: www.lssco.orgYour gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.

You will receive a receipt.

Method of Payment: Check Visa Mastercard AmEx DiscoverName on credit card (please print)__________________________________________Card number: ____________/____________/____________/____________Expiration Month:______________________Year_______________

Signature_____________________________________________________________

Name _____________________________________________Address ____________________________________________City/State/Zip_______________________________________Phone ( )______________________ Email_____________________________

Please Use it for: The greatest need Other ____________________ I am interested in making an estate gift Check here if you are a Thrivent member

Tracing its roots to 1912, LSS is a nonprofit social service agency affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and recognizedby 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.

LD1403

Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio

Creating a Better World by Serving People in NeedLutheran Social Services of Northern Ohio · Lutheran Social Services of Southern Ohio

Spring Quarter

20

14

Leaving a Legacypg. 2

Not Just a Meal, a Healthy Meal

pg. 3

Filing Taxes for Freepg. 3

Hunger Pains Don’t Equal Summer Fun

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

Domestic Violence AgencyAdded to LSS

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.

NOURISHING OUR NEIGHBORS

Did you know 27,000 of our Delaware County neighbors are eligible for food pantry assistance? That’s 13% of the county’s residents. Although Delaware is often ranked as the most affluent county in Ohio, there is ample evidence of an unmet need for food pantry services. In fact, according to the US Census, the 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 one goal of the Delaware Hunger Alliance is to improve the health of our community. Services

will also be available on evenings and weekends to ensure access to those neighbors who may be working but have difficulty making ends meet. For more information or to support this initiative, please go to www.lssfoodpantries.org/delaware.

A Delaware County neighbor receives food at anLSS mobile food distribution.

Feeding the Hungry in Delaware County

Nourishing OurNeighbors

pg. 4