Strengthening People in THE Body, Mind and Spirit

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An Affi liate of

Lutheran Ministries of Mercy Sharing Resources Enhancing Lives

HOPE STRENGTH PEACE AUTUMN 2017 With Trust In the Lord, The Work Continues…

ll Saints Lutheran Church in Worthington is a favorite meeting place for social ministry staff from across the Astate. Centrally located and within a fair driving distance for all, we often come together here to share the news of our agencies workings, meet on special issues and attend educational conferences. It was at All Saints, sever al years ago that agency staff and Board members, while on a break from the day’s teachings, gathered for a cup of coffee and began an impromptu discussion how we could better work together. Some of the forces driving this conversation included shared experiences with the increasing cost of administrative services, rising employee benefi t costs and lack of qualifi ed staff…all working to impede our ability to grow services to those in need. Filling Home and Luther Home of Mercy advanced these conversations and took the bold step in 2013 be become formally affi liated through the creation of Lutheran Ministries of Mercy. In 2015 the Board of Directors of Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio voted to become the third member of this fl edgling group. The charge was clear… to embrace the benefi ts of working together. Today, as formal partners in ministry, our efforts are advancing and outcomes are promising.

Leadership and staff have spent time in encouraging collaborative thinking within our agencies, learning from one another, sharing expertise and discovering best practices. Among accomplishments to date have been the centralization of Information Technology Services, shared administrative and technical staff, consolidation of insurance and audit costs, joint marketing and fund raising efforts, alignment of Fiscal Services and shared service locations. Administrative costs have been reduced and programs are evolving and expanding. Working toward a common vision, Lutheran Ministries of Mercy affi liates have begun to experience the benefi t of administrative and programmatic collaboration.

With trust in the Lord, 2018 will provide continued opportunities for this important collaboration. We appreciate and are thankful for those who support this work and are blessed by your gifts, prayers and continued commitment to ministry.

From everyone here at Lutheran Ministries of Mercy, we wish you and your family a joyous holiday season.

~Terri Rodriguez, CEO Our Giving Valleys – Cloud Gifts Here at LSS of NW Ohio, that great cloud of witnesses would include Rev. Harry Long and those Fremont Local Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about Pastors who, led by the Holy Spirit, called Pastor Long to with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, establish an “Inner-Mission” in the City of Toledo. Within and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run that cloud, there would also be Pastors C. F. Schaffnit and with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Otto H. Dagefoerde, together with Fannie Kahler and Jesus the author and perfector of our faith. Florence Leech. Pastors Edward Price, Otto Tressel, and -Hebrews, 12:1 Karl Mix would be there along with Nelda Anstead, Lois Buettner and Helen Peters. here may be heavy burdens in need of lifting, Tmountain barriers that stand in our way, valleys of The names and faces, voices and ways of many others darkness where despair attempts to extinguish the light come to mind. Having run their race and kept the faith, of hope. But then, there is Jesus, who leads us to a place they now encompass us about, providing encouragement where faith wins. in the race that is set before us. Cloud gifts, looking unto Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith. In the above passage from Hebrews, our scriptures remind us – once again – that we are not alone. On the -Pastor Don Wukotich contrary, “we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses.”

2 † Autumn 2017 TOLEDO JEEP AND UNITED WAY OF GREATER TOLEDO TEAM UP e have all heard about the new Wrangler going into Wproduction soon. The Toledo Assembly Complex (Jeep) will be launching the new Wrangler this fall. Over the course of six weeks, about 3,000 Jeep employees are being coordinated through United Way of Greater Toledo to volunteer at 35+ agencies as part of their orientation/ emersion. In addition to volunteering, they have three days of training at the and also get to do some off-roading at the complex. They will return to work gradually through the month of October after being off since April. LSS has been very fortunate, to date having 25 men and women donate approximately 120 hours to spruce up our administrative building. They have painted hallways, offices, and the board room; took old wallpaper off restroom walls and painted three restrooms; scraped, sanded and painted our outdoor railings and began on the outside windows frames. This gift of time is immeasurable in terms of dollars. Our sincere thanks go out to the men and women of Toledo Jeep and the United Way.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse utheran Social Services (LSS) has been a leader in providing mental Lhealth and substance abuse treatment services throughout for over 100 years. We recognize the devastating impact of the opiate and heroin addiction epidemic in our communities, and offer Medically-Assisted Recovery services which began in April, 2017. Our staff know that addiction touches every area of life including work, family and finances, and that recovery happens through personalized and comprehensive care provided in a warm, caring, and friendly environment. LSS offers this type of quality care for people seeking assistance in their recovery.

Dr. Anyse Storey is joining the LSS family of clinicians to offer Medically-Assisted Recovery in addition to our Adult Intensive Outpatient Group, Adult Non-Intensive Outpatient Group, Individual Alcohol/Drug Counseling, Smoking Cessation Group and other programming, to support and enhance recovery for people struggling with addiction and substance abuse. All services are provided by certified chemical dependency counselors.

LSS also offers an array of support and other services including but not limited to: Adult & Youth Mental Health Counseling, Dual Diagnosis Treatment, Trauma-Focused Treatment, Adult Anger Management Group, Batterers Intervention Group, Adult Psychiatry (Lima), Crossroads Financial Opportunity Center, and an Emergency Food Pantry.

For more information contact Jeremy Johnson at 419.243.9178 or [email protected]. Dr. Storey’s services will be provided at LSS, 2149 Collingwood Blvd, Toledo, OH 43620.

Anthony Lompis Rev. Charles & Jeri Campbell Supporting the Northwood, OH Toledo, OH St. Paul Lutheran Church Helen DeVantier Bowling Green, OH Ministries of Warren, MI We are Filling Homes Stronger Together Luther Home of Mercy Lutheran Social Services NWO Thank You

Autumn 2017 † 3 Lutheran Social Services of Fremont Twentieth Annual Nighswander Open Recipient he Nighswander Family has sponsored a four-person scramble Tgolf outing for 20 years. They have donated the proceeds from the event to one community service organization that helps to make the community a better place in which to live.

Out of the generosity of their hearts, they have spread the light of hope to countless individuals over the years. The 2017 Nighswander Open took place on July 29 at Nature Trails Golf Course near Bettsville, Ohio. Pictured is Traci Jaksetic, director of business operations, accepting the $4,200 check for LSS from Mike and Charlene Nighswander and daughters.

Trunk or Treat at Scott High School HUB

cott High School Community HUB sponsored Sthe annual Trunk or Treat on October 26 welcoming children and families to participate in a safe and fun environment for Halloween. The Scott High School Cheerleaders offered a Haunted House experience, LSS offered tasty treats handed out by Brady Mertens, MA LPC, Clinician at the Toledo Offi ce and the HUB.

r Terry Bossert is a friend of LSS of Northwestern survived the Bluffton Baseball team accident of 2007 that MOhio and has been for many years. Terry recently claimed the lives of six people, the bus driver, and the retired from ProMedica but has turned his energies driver’s wife. Tim Berta is now a coach for the catchers towards helping others in some very special ways. His on the Lourdes Baseball team. Back when the accident charitable giving plans refl ect his heart as Terry works with happened however, LSS therapists from the Lima offi ce the ELCA Foundation to support important ministries, were of the fi rst to respond to the emotional and spiritual including LSS. It is not surprising to learn that Terry was needs of the students at Bluffton University at the time recognized by Lourdes University in the “At Lourdes of the accident. What a blessing that Terry Bossert has Magazine” as a philanthropist who is committed to chosen to support LSS with a Charitable Gift Annuity making a difference in the lives of Lourdes students. that will provide mental health services to communities He does this by making provisions in his will for 14 throughout northwest Ohio! We are grateful for Terry’s scholarships. Terry also supports the Tim Berta baseball generosity and commitment to the mission of LSS. scholarship named after the inspirational player who At Lourdes Magazine, Fall 2015

4 † Autumn 2017 LSS Choice Food Macaroni and Cheese Soup Pantry Needs Canned or Packaged Toilet Tissue Paper Towels Peanut Butter Facial Tissue Tuna Fish Paper Napkins Canned Fruits Dish Detergent Canned Vegetables Bar Soap Pork and Beans Toothpaste Saltines Clothes Detergent Elbow Macaroni Cleaning Supplies Dry Spaghetti Paper Plates

TOLEDO PANTRY BLESSINGS n September several members of St. Peter, Blackberry, or [email protected] to support the Toledo pantry by Iand St. Luke’s, Yondota, came to the Toledo pantry on having a Thrivent Community Action project? I guarantee God’s Work Our Hands Sunday. They came ready to work this involves minimal time on your end and costs nothing. and for two hours they sorted and shelved donated food. As a result of this, the pantry has a new volunteer! God It may seem like $1,000 is a lot of money, and it is, but does work to fulfill our need and we did need another consider that the Toledo pantry serves between 500 volunteer. and 900 individuals monthly. In 2016 that meant at least 80,082 meals were provided to those in need. Several people who have Thrivent savings or insurance instruments have stepped up to apply for a Community To serve so many individuals through our choice pantry, Action Team event to benefit the pantry. These events, over 30 volunteers are regularly involved each month. which are very easy to set up, gives the Thrivent member Funding for the Toledo pantry comes in the form of a credit card for $250, which is then used to purchase donations, grants, two fundraisers, a monthly USDA needed food for the pantry. To date we have been allocation and in-kind gifts. Through the generosity of blessed with five events. If you are a Thrivent member, many we have been able to keep the cost per meal at 31 will you consider contacting Joyce Willier, 419-243-9178 cents.

Our Meals Need Wheels t LSS we are thankful to be able Food Bank for USDA food and Ato provide more than 114,660 Toledo Northwest Ohio Food meals annually to residents of the Bank for case lots. In Findlay, Toledo area and Hancock County. the West Ohio Food Bank in Our agency food pantries, operating Lima supplies USDA food as in Toledo and Findlay, are stretched well as bulk food for purchase. to capacity as we work side by side Additionally, we are thankful with program participants in an effort to donors and grant sources to create wholesome and nutritious who contribute funds so that family meals. Integrated into the we may purchase fresh dairy, Jerry Willier, Choice Pantry Food Pickup Volunteer fiber of the neighborhoods, we offer fruits, vegetables and meats for trusty servant moves to retirement we welcoming and supportive sites that distribution. are in need of a replacement van. If affirm the dignity of each individual. But “wheels” are needed to pick you have a used passenger or cargo Donations of food are welcomed into up these donations and deliver van in good condition that could be these food pantries from a variety items to our food pantry in Toledo. donated for this purpose or would be of sources. Individuals, churches LSS currently has a well-traveled interested in funding new “wheels” and groups contribute thousands passenger van for this purpose. for our meals please contact Mark of items each year. We also receive We’ve taken out the back seats, Hill, Vice President of Advancement food distributions from our large patched the holes in the floor with and Development, at mhill@lssnwo. community collection sites. In plywood, and driven over 160,000 org or 419-243-9178. Toledo there are two, Toledo Seagate miles in our beloved vehicle. As this

Autumn 2017 † 5 St Peter Lutheran Church, Thank You for the Support of Our Ministy Martin, Oh St Stephen Lutheran Church, Churches, Businesses and Organizations St. Peter Lutheran Church Sylvania, Oh Martin, OH Mr & Mrs Gerald Willier, Augsburg Lutheran Church The Nighswander Open Toledo, Oh Toledo, OH Elmore, OH Memorials Bethlehem Lutheran Church Trinity Lutheran Church Pemberville Bryan, OH In Memory of Ted & Frieda Deno Bethlehem Lutheran Church Trinity Lutheran Church Mr & Mrs Blair Miller of Okolona Delta, OH In Memory of Paul W Johnson Defiance, OH Trinity Lutheran Church Mr & Mrs Wendell Johnson Christ Ev. Lutheran Church (Dowling) Elmore, OH In Memory of Bowling Green, OH Trinity Lutheran Church Lawrence & Anna Avers Clearwater Council Of Governments Findlay, OH Mr Dale Avers Oak Harbor, OH Women Of E L C A Central Conference In Memory of Bob Behnfeldt Elca Foundation Kenton, OH Mr Larry Behnfeldt Chicago, IL Zion Ev Lutheran Church In Memory of Martha Johnson First Evangelical Lutheran Edgerton, OH Mr Melvin Johnson Church Zion Lutheran Church In Memory of Betty Bockbrader Findlay, OH Huron, OH Our 62 Wedding Anniversary First Lutheran Church Zion Lutheran Church Mr. Richard Bockbrader Galion, OH Montpelier, OH In Memory of Genacross Lutheran Services Zion Lutheran Church Margaret Manteuffel Toledo, OH St. Marys, OH Mr. Richard Manteuffel German Lutheran Heritage Society Zoar Lutheran Church In Memory of Robert Shryock Maumee, OH Perrysburg, OH Mr. Robert Fowler Good Hope Lutheran Church Honors In Memory of Dorothy Estes Bucyrus, OH Mrs Evelyn Erdman Good Shepherd Lutheran Church In Honor of Jesus In Memory of Russell Erdman Toledo, OH Mr Jerome Plewa Mrs Evelyn Erdman Grace Lutheran Church In Honor of Naomi Libbe In Memory of James Lee Fremont, OH Mr John Libbe Mrs Marilyn Lee Hope Lutheran Church In Honor of Lucy Wayton In Memory of Matthew Murray Ottawa Hills, OH Mr John Hammon Mrs Rosann Murray Lutheran Church Of The Master In Honor of Everett Tank In Memory of Perrysburg, OH Mrs Frances A Wilson Loved Ones Memorial Lutheran Church In Honor of Pastor Jim Vanbrussel Mrs. Gladys Kroos Toledo, OH Rev & Mrs Chuck Campbell In Memory of Messiah Lutheran Church Inkind Robert & Ethel Robinson Toledo, OH Mrs. Margaret Robitski Olivet Evangelical Lutheran Church Diane Adler, In Memory of Sylvania, OH Arcadia, Oh June & Ernie Duffield Solomon Lutheran All Saints Lutheran Church, Ms Barbara Connors Woodville, OH Toledo, Oh In Memory of St Luke’s Lutheran Church Concordia Lutheran Church, Pastor Gerald Labuhn Temperance, MI Findlay, Oh Ms Cynthia Herrera St. John’s Lutheran Church Concordia Lutheran Church, In Memory of Emil & Augusta Zech Stony Ridge, OH Toledo, Oh Ms Jeannette Kubitz St. Mark Lutheran Church First Evangelical Lutheran Church, In Memory of Bernie Imbrock Bowling Green, OH Findlay, Oh Rev Norm Imbrock St. Mark Lutheran Church Mrs. Joyce Frazier, In Memory of Robert Shryock Fremont, OH Toledo, Oh Shirley Brodbeck St. Martins Lutheran Church Mr & Mrs Kevin Gibbs, In Memory of John Maines Archbold, OH Temperance, Mi St. Paul Lutheran Church St. Michael Lutheran Church Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, In Memory of William Jones Ottawa Lake, OH Toledo, Oh St. Paul Lutheran Church St. Paul Ev. Lutheran Church Mr Rodney Hochstetler, Blissfield, MI Sylvania, Oh St. Paul Lutheran Church Hope Lutheran Church, Clyde, OH Ottawa Hills, Oh We Rise St. Paul Lutheran Church Emily Langstaff, Mcclure, OH Findlay, Oh by Lifting St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church St Joseph Parish, Norwalk, OH Sylvania, Oh St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church Others Monroeville, OH

6 † Autumn 2017 LSS Archbold od’s Work Our Hands involved hard working volunteers from Trinity GLutheran Church, Bryan, Ohio, as the building and grounds were refreshed and renewed. This was the Fourth Annual God’s Work Our Hands Sunday held September 10, 2017. Members of Trinity gathered at 9 am at the Gazebo on the Square for a brief time of Worship and Consecration. Then they departed for various places to serve our sisters and brothers in Christ including LSS as an affi liated ministry of the ELCA. They washed windows, cleaned gutters and weeded the landscape. They also painted scripture boards for the Bed Brigade, a ministry of Trinity that takes lack of sleep seriously. The congregation welcomes gifts of clean sheets, pillows, blankets, quilts and beds for children who are in great need of a cozy and healthy bed.

LSS Staff have also been working diligently at the Archbold offi ce to market the new Delta Counseling services at Trinity Lutheran Church 410 Taylor Street, Delta, OH 43515, LSS Archbold, Ohio, has served communities in the area with behavioral health services including professional counseling for adults and children, marriage and family resources, substance abuse recovery from alcohol and drug addiction and serious and persistent mental illness. LSS seeks to enhance the mental, moral, physical, social and spiritual well-being of all persons, regardless of racial or economic background. Julia Rossow, LSW, will be available to answer questions and discuss the process of setting up an appointment. LSS accepts Medicaid, Buckeye, Molina, Care Source, Paramount Advantage, United Health Care, private insurances and has a sliding scale for services provided. Call (419) 267 – 5528 for additional information or email [email protected].

#GivingTuesdayNWO is our way of committing to one of the core services Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio provides to the community. Throughout the region we provide the highest quality, compassionate and evidence-based counseling that is proven to strengthen and change lives. We experience a season of the year that presents the agency with the greatest needs of people—to be able to come “home” for the holidays. Far from the iconic picture of a family gathered around the table to feast and celebrate the joy of the season, many individuals and families need help to cope with grief and loss, behavioral health issues and emotional as well as fi nancial stability. Please consider an online gift to NOVEMBER help everyone come “home” for the holidays. Go to www.lssnwo.org and click on 28 “Give to LSS” and help some one come home during the last days of 2017.

inancial Education Workshops include understanding Fcredit reports and building or repairing credit. Participants also learn about establishing S.M.A.R.T. goals for short and long term fi nancial goals and why they are important for remaining stable. Finally, those who participate get a close look at how to keep their fi nances safe—how to guard against identity theft and manage risk Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio by using insurance for an unexpected death or disability. Call 419-475-3258 and talk to Megan about how to get registered for the next Crossroads Financial Opportunity Center workshop.

The IRS estimates the average taxpayer spends $200 on tax preparation services each year. In an effort to help people save more of what they earn, United Way has been helping low-tomoderate income families in our community by preparing their state and federal returns for free through its Free Tax Preparation Program. Watch for details on the LSS website www.lssnwo.org

Autumn 2017 † 7 ✞ LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF NORTHWESTERN OHIO

✞ GENACROSS LUTHERAN SERVICES

✞ LUTHER HOME OF MERCY

✞ FILLING HOMES

Collingwood Blvd, Toledo, OH 43620 Phone 419-243-9178 Fax 419-243-4450 TDD/TTY 800-577-8629 lssnwo.org Archbold T-793 St Rte 66 419-267-5530 Findlay 1701 Ti n Ave 419-422-7917 (on the campus of St John Lutheran Church) Fremont 512 East State St 419-334-3431 Lima 658 Market St, Suite 201A 419-879-6029 Perrysburg 1001 Sandusky, Suite F 419-872-9111

Bowling Green St Mark’s Lutheran Church, 315 S College Dr 419-352-0702 Bryan (Counseling Site) First Lutheran Church, 210 Cherry St 419-267-5528 Crossroads Family Resource Center 4543 Douglas Rd, Toledo 418-475-3258 De ance (Counseling Site) St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 671 Clinton Ave 419-267-5530 Delta 410 Taylor St 419-267-5528 Galion (Counseling Site) First Lutheran Church, 127 Columbus St 877-343-2187 Moulton/Wapok (Counseling Site) Trinity Lutheran Church 14127 Moulton-New Knoxville Rd, Wapakoneta 877-343-2187 Sylvania 6735 Sylvania Ave 419-517-7553 T i  n 668 Miami St 567-220-6495

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