SUMMMER 2020
A Quarterly Publication of Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio
The Rent Is Still Due Many families remain at risk of eviction and homelessness when the state’s eviction moratorium expires. The Messenger is published quarterly by the Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio. Established 1911
LMM BOARD OF DIRECTORS Eric Benington Jan Bratton Rev. Charles Campbell Michelle Dean Christina Fletcher Poster by The Blue Ribbon Bulldogs 4-H Group Lillian Lagger Denise LaLonde LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT Rev. Stephen Lutz Barbara Moellman Christine Palmer Tim Roth Michael Scheiding Let Your Light Shine Edward J. Schulte Tim Schumm AS OUR AGENCIES begin to emerge Charles Winters from the turbulence of the past Nathan Zechman few months, we are blessed with the light of all those on our front CEO AND PRESIDENT lines who continue to battle the Terri Rodriguez
overwhelming effects-on so many DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS levels-of COVID-19. Many of Traci Jaksetic those served by our agencies are among the most vulnerable, with SENIOR CLINICAL/PROGRAM MANAGER the pandemic threatening both Jeffrey Bischoff their mental and physical health MISSION ADVANCEMENT COORDINATOR as well as their economic security. Jennifer Ziolkowski Yet when threatened by dark- ness we seek the light. Coming REGIONAL OFFICES together as never before in recent ARCHBOLD 419-267-5528 history, we see regulatory agen- TERRI RODRIGUEZ, BOWLING GREEN 419-352-0702 cies, families, volunteers, donors President & CEO FINDLAY 419-422-7917 and staff joining together in swift FREMONT 419-334-3431 response to become great agents of change. New safety guide- lines were formulated…and reformulated as new information has GALION 1-877-343-2187 been discovered. Many programs have been quickly and efficiently SYLVANIA 419-517-7553 converted to virtual services. Donors have graciously reached out LIMA 419-879-6029 to fill the gaps as funding was reduced and expenses skyrocketed. TIFFIN 567-220-6495 Families and volunteers are there with acts of kindness and support TOLEDO 419-243-9178 when needed most. It’s in this mission moment that we embrace WAPAKONETA 1-877-343-2187 hope and our collective action determines our future. A future where all we serve can find improved health and quality of life, and Administrative Office live with dignity and purpose. Now, more than ever before, our com- 2149 Collingwood Blvd. Toledo, Ohio 43620 munity needs the vital services of our Lutheran ministries. In these unprecedented times we are thankful for the many ways you have joined in this shared mission and “let your light shine!”
Terri Rodriguez President and C.E.O. @LSSNWO Lutheran Ministries of Mercy @LSSNWO
@Lutheran Social Services
2 | The Messenger - Summer 2020 SERVICE SPOTLIGHT A Different Kind of Graduation Jesup W. Scott High School held a graduation ceremony at the Stranahan Theater on June 3rd complete with diplomas, flowers and congratulations from family and school staff. But that’s where the similarity to traditional school ceremonies ended. EACH FAMILY WAS allowed one car for the drive thru graduation with no more than six people, including the graduate. Only the graduate was allowed to get out of the vehicle and be congratulated by Dr. Romules Durant, CEO & Superintendent of Toledo Public Schools, and the opportunity for a photo as they turned their tassel. A virtual ceremony also streamed on YouTube along with speeches from Principal Dr. Carnell Smith, Dr. Durant and Wakeso Peterson, Valedictorian for the Class of 2020. The school lawn was adorned with seniors’ portraits. Along driveways around town, yard signs also highlighted the students’ names. These are some of the ways Scott High School celebrated its graduates in a time when it could not have been done in person. “The three tier graduation was an amazing experience for our community, staff, and most importantly our students. In a time of uncertainty, each graduate was provided a sense of normalcy and closure to the school year.” said Joe Peterson, Hub Director. This chapter all came to close on a year that began with an announcement from Philanthropist Pete Kadens saying he would pay tuition, room and board, books and fees for the seniors to go to college. He also offered to pay for their (Counter clockwise) Dr. Romules Durant presented diplomas to the Scott High School parents to go to college or trade school. Mr. Kadens also graduates. Photo Credit: JP Dynasty Photos, Valedictorian Wakeso Peterson receives lawn spoke at the virtual graduation wishing the students well sign at his home to commemorate his graduation, The front lawn of the schools featured all and hoping they utilize his generous gift to them. the graduates photos in celebration of their commencement. Photo Credit: Amy E. Voigt.
THIS THREE AGENCY REFLECTIONS ON GIVING appeal for Filling Homes, Luther Home of Mercy and Lutheran Social Services is our invi- tation for you to join us in our combined efforts as we de- velop programs and continue offering signature services that make a difference for those in our care. LMM Annual While each of our affiliates is unique in how services are delivered, we know there is so much more that we can do together, because of our commitment to share Appeal resources and enhance lives. Special events and smaller Lutheran Ministries of campaigns will continue to take place throughout the year. However, our goal is to have this campaign serve as Mercy will kick-off the 2020 the foundation of our combined efforts. Together Toward Tomorrow A special appeal letter and envelope will be arriving to your home, or you are Annual Campaign welcome to visit our website at www.lssnwo.org and make a secure gift online. If you would like to talk with us or set an in-person meeting, please call Jeanette, our cam- paign director at 419-972-4373. Thank you in advance for your continued prayers and support for our ministries. Contact: Jeanette Hrovatich, Director of Planned Giving, 419-972-4373 | [email protected]
The Messenger - Summer 2020 | 3 (Counter clockwise) Technical Sergeant Edwards, of the 180th Fighter Wing Ohio National Guard, checks in a car at the LSS drive thru food distribution, 2nd Lieutenant King places bags of food in the vehicle of a client, Senior Airman Snyder and Senior Airman Espino distributed food to those arriving without a vehicle, like Michael a long time client of the food pantry.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Ohio National Guard Answers The Call For Help For nearly three months, about 500 Ohio National Guard members have been deployed to various food banks across the state to help with food packaging and delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic. ONCE AGAIN, hundreds of people from Toledo lined the parking find their resources limited by economic setbacks amid lot to pick up food boxes prepared by Lutheran Social Services. the social slowdown designed to reduce the spread of the Since March 20, the food pantry has been operating a no touch coronavirus. drive thru model to keep the community safe. The 180th Fighter “We have eggs, milk, cheese, some frozen meats and shelf- Wing (Air Force) and the 148th Infantry Regiment (Army) of stable items: things like peanut butter, canned meat and soup,” the Ohio National Guard Willier said. “We try to have a good variety in the boxes.” In have been helping to assist addition, many companies have donated items such as personal with food distribution due needs products, socks, cookies and bread that are placed in the to a decrease in volunteer boxes as an added bonus. assistance. The food pantry and the guardsmen have established an “Food is one of the things efficient system over the past 90 days, since Ohio’s governor I can’t imagine not having.” deployed a group to help the agency. They keep the line moving Joyce Willier, Food Pan- so the wait is minimal and they place the boxes in the client’s try Coordinator said. “We vehicle to maintain social distancing. are happy to be able to fill “We couldn’t have done this without them,” Willier said. that need, especially to a “We’re hoping they stay with us another month.” Joyce did lot of folks who might be receive confirmation that the guardsmen would assist through furloughed or out of work August. Plans are in place to open the choice food pantry because of the state of emer- located inside the Lutheran Social Services building to the gency we’re in.” public after their assignment is completed. Precautions will be The increase in pantry taken to maintain social distancing, masks will be required and clients comes as families a limited numbers of clients will be allowed in at a time.
4 | The Messenger - Summer 2020 SERVICE SPOTLIGHT Financial Relief Available For Renters Toledo residents who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic can apply for rental assistance. LSSNWO was awarded $1 million dollars for emergency relief from the City of Toledo.
ON MAY 28, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz announced “COVID-19 has caused unprecedented job loss and income re- the creation of the City of Toledo COVID-19 Emergency Renter duction to low- and moderate-income families in Toledo,” Mayor Assistance Fund (ERAF) during a virtual news conference. The Kapszukiewicz said. “Inability to pay rent threatens housing city has partnered with Lutheran Social Services of Northwest stability for all tenants and the continued financial viability of Ohio and NeighborWorks to operate the program. Toledo’s affordable housing. To address this challenge, the city is The CARES Act provides for a 120-day eviction moratorium dedicating $1 million from the COVID-19 Community Devel- for tenants. After the 120 day period has ended landlords must opment Block Grant funding and another $1 million from the issue a 30 day notice to the tenant, to vacate for non payment of COVID-19 Emergency Solutions Grant funding to establish the rent. This notice cannot be issued until July 25, 2020 meaning City of Toledo COVID-19 Emergency Renter Assistance Fund. that evictions from covered properties cannot occur until Au- (ERAF)” gust 24, 2020. Tenant advocates and landlords fear renters will The ERAF will assist approximately 700 income-eligible be challenged once federal unemployment benefits expire in households with three months maximum of emergency rental July and federal stimulus checks have been distributed. Renters assistance (up to $2,500), which will take the form of payments will still need to pay their back-owed rent eventually, and for directly to landlords. LSS will aid approximately 340 of those some, that amount is starting to add up. People who haven’t been clients with rental assistance. The payments may cover rent, able to afford rent during the pandemic, which has prompted past due rent, late fees, new renter fees, security deposits, utility historically high levels of unemployment in Ohio, may face deposits, and moving costs. Beneficiaries will be encouraged potential eviction soon. The rental assistance will help provide to meet with a financial opportunity center coach for financial stable housing for the most vulnerable Toledo families during management in the future. this crisis. For more information on the program visit www.lssnwo.org
(Counter clockwise) (left) Many apartment owners cannot bear the burden of delinquent rental payments and begin the eviction process.,Evictions and housing instability leads many times to homelessness for families.
The Messenger - Summer 2020 | 5 COMMUNITY CORNER Grants Ministries in Action THE TOLEDO EMERGENCY FOOD Pantry has been awarded several In times like these, how you respond will have a lasting impact grants to help support their opera- tions. The Greater Toledo Communi- on others. We have risen to the occasion and adapted to ty Foundation COVID-19 Response continue to serve those in need. We will continue to work to Fund and the United Way of Greater provide relevant resources and services to those who turn to us. Toledo Emergency Response Fund awarded the food pantry a combined $10,000 for food and personal 1 needs items. The Imagining Renewal Micro- grant from the Northwestern Ohio 1) GROWING STEWARDSHIP Synod, ECLA, helped fund the The Trust Company Family Offices purchase of customized facial tissue organized a personal needs drive boxes that highlight all the services amongst their employees. The result was a van full of hygiene products that of LSS while connecting food pantry will distributed at the Emergency Food clients with much needed services. Pantry in Toledo. Pictured: Maria Bailitz The City of Toledo Community and Ann McCauley, CEO of the Trust Development Block Grant awarded 2 Company Family Offices. over $22,000 to the food pantry to hire a part time employee to assist 2) MANUFACTURING TRAINING with operations and reporting. The fourth class of the Bridges to The Federal Emergency Food & Career Opportunities (BCO) Manufac- Shelter Program Phase 37 award- turing Class resumed training after ed $6,630 as well as an additional a suspended break. The program is funded by CitiBank and Local Initiatives $6,630 to combat the effects of Support Corporation (LISC) and offers COVID-19 under the recently passed a free eight week training to earn a CARES Act. The funds can only be Certification Production Technician used toward food and can be utilized (CPT) certificate. through May 2021.
DONOR RECOGNITION - MARCH 18-JUNE 19, 2020 Thank you for your Generous Support Individual Donors EDWARD CLINKER MARTHA GREGORY JUNE IDE (Bryan) (Toledo) (Treasure Island) AMY ALBERT JAMES COLDREN DANIEL GUSTAFSON JOHN & TRACIA JAKSETIC (Swanton) (Toledo) (Sylvania) (Toledo) LARRY BECK WILLIAM COX ROBERT HAAF LESLIE JOHNSON (Fremont) (Sylvania) (Toledo) (Sylvania) ARLYN & CANDACE BENSCH LUANN CROY MR. & MRS.RICHARD HABRECHT LOIS KINSEL (Oak Harbor) (Perrysburg) (Toledo) (Oregon) JEFFREY BISCHOFF FREDERICK DOERING REV. CHRIS HANLEY BARBARA M.KOCSIS (Toledo) (Waterville) (Toledo) (Fremont) BERNIE & LOLA BOEHM ALAN DRAVES SHARON HARASTA DIANA LINDHORST-ROBERTS (Toledo) (Cridesville) (Temperance) (Toledo) JAMES BOLDT MARLENE DUGAN DOROTHY HARRIS STEPHEN LUTZ (Toledo) (Easley) (Toledo) (Elmore) LINDSAY BOULBOULLE JAMES FISCHER JOHN HEMINGER BEVERLY MACKEY (Fostoria) (Whitehouse) (Genoa) (Port Clinton) TAMMY JO BROSHIOUS HAROLD FRANKLIN TERRY HETRICK MARIE FAY (Fremont) (Toledo) (Oak Harbor) (Toledo) MR. & MRS.CHUCK CAMPBELL DAVID GAJEWSKI RODNEY HOCHSTETLER DAVID MATTHEWS (Toledo) (Erie) (Sylvania) (Waterville) RICHARD CHASE KENNETH GOLIVER DONALD HOMES VINCE MAURO (Sylvania) (Temperance) (Oregon) (Whitehouse) KURT MEYERS BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH ST. JOHN LUTHERAN IN MEMORY OF CAROLYN DASO (Toledo) (Pemberville) CHURCH WOMEN (Frederick Heintz, Michael Scheiding) RUTH MOELLER BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN CHURCH (Celina) IN MEMORY OF SHARON MERRITT (Sylvania) (Defiance) ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH (Larry Honsberger) NEIL NEUKAM CHRIST EVANG. LUTHERAN (Stony Ridge) IN MEMORY OF NORMAN KROOS (Toledo) CHURCH ST. JOHN’S WELCA (Gladys Kroos) SUSAN NOFZINGER (Bowling Green) (Oak Harbor) IN MEMORY OF FRED (Whitehouse) CHRISTOPHER ENDOWMENT FUND ST. MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH & NELDA KROOS JEAN OBERKISER (Chicago) (Fremont) (Julia Kroos) (Oregon) COLUMBIA GAS OF OHIO ST. MARTIN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH IN MEMORY OF CHARLES JACK PUFFENBERGER (College Station) (Archbold) & ANNA KUBITZ (Toledo) CONCORDIA LUTHERAN CHURCH ST. MICHAEL LUTHERAN CHURCH (Jeannette Kubitz) MR. & MRS. JERALD RAYL (Toledo) (Ottawa Lake) IN MEMORY OF AL & BETTY HERINGHAUSER (Wauseon) FIRST EVANG. LUTHERAN ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH (Lillian Lagger) REED REAMSNYDER CHURCH (Clyde) (Curtice) (Findlay) ST. PETER EVANG. LUTHERAN IN MEMORY OF LOVED ONES (Craig Lewis) BOB RIECK FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH CHURCH (Sylvania) (Galion) (Norwalk) IN MEMORY OF MRS. CHARLES FANSLER DAVE ROBERTS FIRST ST. JOHN LUTHERAN ST. PETER LUTHERAN CHURCH (John Ludwig) (Holland) CHURCH (Martin) IN MEMORY OF EMMA, LOU, DEAN ROBERTS (Toledo) ST. STEPHEN LUTHERAN CHURCH GILBERT MELNEK-COMTE (Holland) FRONTSTREAM (Sylvania) (Rhonda Ottney) RON ROOT (Reston) SYLVANIA UNITED IN MEMORY OF FAMILY IN HEAVEN (Fremont) GLENWOOD LUTHERAN CHURCH CHURCH OF CHRIST (Sylvania) (Terry Potter) TIM ROTH (Toledo) IN MEMORY OF REV. ROYAL (Waterville) GOOD HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH TAYLOR HYUNDAI ERVIN WALTHER JR. (Bucyrus) (Perrysburg) REV. A. LEE RUPERT (Virginia Walther) GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN THRIVENT (Napoleon) IN MEMORY OF PARENTS CHURCH (Indianapolis) SARAH SANCHEZ (Jane Westerhaus) (Toledo) TOLEDO WALLEYE (Perrysburg) GREATER TOLEDO COMMUNITY (Toledo) MICHAEL SCHEIDING In-Kind Gifts FOUNDATION ZION EVANG. LUTHERAN CHURCH (Whitehouse) RICHARD ARNOLD (Toledo) (Gibsonburg) (Toledo) LARRY SCHOCK HALL OF FRAMERS UNITED WAY OF GREATER TOLEDO (Findlay) CITY OF TOLEDO (Waterville) (Toledo) (Toledo) MR.& MRS.PERRY SNYDER HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH ZION EVANG. LUTHERAN CHURCH (Waterville) (Toledo) (Gibsonburg) CORPUS CHRISTI UNIVERSITY JOAN STAIB PARISH KROGER ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH (Bowling Green) (Toledo) (Cincinnati) (Huron) LINDA STEMEN FIRST ST. JOHN LUTHERAN LUTHERAN CHURCH ZOAR LUTHERAN CHURCH (Sylvania) CHURCH OF THE MASTER (Perrysburg) (Toledo) MICHELLE SHIPMAN-STOLAR (Perrysburg) (Luckey) Honor Gifts GIRL SCOUTS OF WESTERN OHIO LUTHERAN WOMEN (Toledo) ROBERT STORER MISSIONARY LEAGUE IN HONOR OF PAULETTE GOOD SHEPHERD (Holland) (Napoleon) BRESLER’S BIRTHDAY LUTHERAN CHURCH WINFRIED STRIETER (Robin Cook) MERCY HEALTH (Toledo) (Maumee) (Cincinnati) IN HONOR OF GOV. MIKE DEWINE HANNAH’S SOCKS CONNIE THOMAS (William Freitag) MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH (Perrysburg) (Toledo) (Toledo) IN HONOR OF MY MOM’S HOLLYWOOD CASINO JEFF THOMPSON BIRTHDAY MILDRED SWANSON FUND (Toledo) (Willard) (Toledo) (Neil Neukam) CLARISSA HOOVER JANICE WAGNER IN HONOR OF ADOPTED MITCHELL FAMILY FOUNDATION (Toledo) (Findlay) (Toledo) DAUGHTERS BARBARA WARE (Carol Norton) AMY JAKSETIC MLM CHARITABLE FOUNDATION (Oregon) (Marblehead) (Maumee) IN HONOR OF LILLIAN LAGGER LUCY WAYTON (Karen Wright, Debra Lagger) KLOSTERMAN BAKERY MOLINA HEALTHCARE (Toledo) (Toledo) (Dayton) IN HONOR OF JOYCE WILLIER (Robert Zellers) PEACEMAKERS OF CAROL WIEMKEN NETWORK FOR GOOD (Whitehouse) GRACE LUTHERAN (Southfield) (Elmore) MR. & MRS. GERALD WILLIER Memorial Gifts (Toledo) NORTHWESTERN OHIO IN MEMORY OF DOLORES SCHULT ST. STEPHEN LUTHERAN CHURCH SYNOD-ELCA (Dale Avers) (Sylvania) CHARLES WINTERS (Findlay) (Sylvania) IN MEMORY OF BOB BEHNFELDT TRUST COMPANY FAMILY OFFICES OLIVET EVANG. LUTHERAN (Larry Behnfeldt) (Holland) NANCY YUNKER CHURCH (Swanton) IN MEMORY OF DOUG TYSON FOODS (Sylvania) (Springdale) JENNIFER ZIOLKOWSKI & BOB MUNGER PILGRIM CHURCH (Kay Burdo) (Toledo) (Toledo) LMM Gifts IN MEMORY OF LARRY CROY Congregations, Businesses SOLOMON LUTHERAN (Luann Croy) TIMOTHY ROBINSON (Woodville) (Adrian) & Organizations IN MEMORY OF LES JOHNSON ST.JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH (Lavonne Curtiss) KENNETH SIEVING AMAZON SMILE (Montpelier) (Pemberville) (Seattle) IN MEMORY OF DONALD GENZMAN ST. JOHN EVANG. (Mrs. Donna Genzman) ANCHOR CHURCH OF TOLEDO LUTHERAN CHURCH (Sylvania) (Oak Harbor) The Messenger - Summer 2020 | 7 LSS Administrative Office 2149 Collingwood Blvd. Toledo, Ohio 43620
A Quarterly Publication of Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio
About LSS Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio is here to provide Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Addiction Counseling with an array of other services. Assisting people within a 24 county area, LSS provides hope and compassion. With multiple service sites throughout Northwest Ohio, we serve all ages, faiths, races and economic status with professional and confidential services.