Life After Prison Reentry services help offenders successfully transition from prison to a productive life in the community despite the pandemic ...
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WINTER 2021
A Quarterly Publication of Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio
Life After Prison
Reentry services help offenders successfully transition from
prison to a productive life in the community despite the pandemic.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
A Time to Preserve The Messenger is published quarterly
Protect and Provide by the Lutheran Social Services of
Northwestern Ohio.
Established 1911
AS WE USHER in the New Year many of us, those we serve, and LMM BOARD OF DIRECTORS
those who serve, have suffered great loss during the past months Eric Benington
whether it be financial, the absence of what we know to be the norm Bob Bethel
Jan Bratton
in our daily lives; even the loss of those so dear to us. Through these
Rev. Charles Campbell
struggles- what seems like never-ending vigilance and at times
Michelle Dean
heartbreaking and difficult choices-staff members, donors, families Christina Fletcher
and volunteers have joined together to preserve the work of our Lillian Lagger
essential LMM ministries. Countless untold acts of generosity, hard Denise LaLonde
work and compassion have enabled us to remain persistent in our Rev. Stephen Lutz
Jeff Mires
work to bring hope and healing. Work that is needed now more than
Barbara Moellman
ever before in our histories. Christine Palmer
Day to day and every day, these ministries wrap their loving arms Tim Roth
around those who come to us; tirelessly working to care and protect Michael Scheiding
those who seek our help. We work too, to protect those who toil Edward J. Schulte
beside us, seeking ways to support and uplift our co-workers and Tim Schumm
Charles Winters
their families through this uncharted ground.
Nathan Zechman
Yet amid the turmoil of the past year there has always been hope.
With the dawn of a new year we are called to provide for the future CEO AND PRESIDENT
Terri Rodriguez
of our ministries. Endurance and innovation, the hallmarks of our
ministries, guide our opportunity for a new path forward. The hope VICE PRESIDENT
that shines out of the darkness leads us to a better future. Traci Jaksetic
Wishing you health, happiness and a bright New Year! SENIOR CLINICAL/PROGRAM MANAGER
Jeffrey Bischoff
MISSION ADVANCEMENT COORDINATOR
Terri Rodriguez Jennifer Ziolkowski
President and C.E.O.
REGIONAL OFFICES
ARCHBOLD 419-267-5528
BOWLING GREEN 419-352-0702
FINDLAY 419-422-7917
FREMONT 419-334-3431
GALION 1-877-343-2187
SYLVANIA 419-517-7553
LIMA 419-879-6029
TIFFIN 567-220-6495
TOLEDO 419-243-9178
WAPAKONETA 1-877-343-2187
LMM Annual Meeting Administrative Office
“Preserve Protect & Provide” 2149 Collingwood Blvd.
Toledo, Ohio 43620
March 8th
Lutheran Ministries of Mercy and our affiliates Filling
Homes, Luther Home of Mercy and Lutheran Social Services
of Northwestern Ohio invite you to participate in our Virtual
Annual Meeting on Zoom at 6:30p.m. @LSSNWO
We are honored to have Reverend Dr. Kevin Wilson, President
of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Ohio District, as our @LSSNWO
guest speaker. RSVP by February 12, 2021, to Karen at:
kshaffe@lutherhome.org or 419-972-4394. @Lutheran Social Services
Toledo@lssnwo.org
COVER BY: FREEPIK/ FOR PRIVACY PURPOSES, A STOCK PHOTO WAS USED FOR REPRESENTATION.
2 | The Messenger - Winter 2021
LETTER FROM THE V.P.
ENDING THE YEAR WITH GRATITUDE,
WE ENTER 2021 WITH OPTIMISM
I am excited to begin this year as the Vice President of LSS. In planning for future
programming, I reflect on what we as an agency have accomplished thus far.
AS WE COMPLETE the 109th year of individuals recently. We’ve adapted to telephonic and teletherapy
LSSNWO, we have a great deal to be services and many clinicians are doing so both in the office and
thankful for. We have been blessed remotely.
with 109 years of successful program We’ve adapted our food pantry program multiple times to serve
services supported by generous clients in the safest way possible given the current status of the
donors and congregations. In the pandemic.
past year we have been able to adapt The future is clearly in front of us as we continue on the path
programming needs to meet current of serving individuals and families with current and relevant
community concerns. programming. We will continue to be cognizant of current issues
With the addition of COVID-19 to insure the effectiveness of services provided and stay close
Rental Assistance grants, we have to the churches and donors who faithfully support us. We are
TRACIA JAKSETIC, been able to keep hundreds of constantly forging new collaborations and working relationships
Vice President of LSS families housed. We are making an with other agencies and businesses in the communities we serve.
impact on the financial stability of Thank you to all who have been such a wonderful part of this
those clients receiving the rental assistance funding. ministry. Looking forward to seeing the possibilities as we work
Providing mental health services continues to be a program for together for this agency in the coming year.
LSS and there has been an even greater need of this service for
2020 Annual Review At A Glance
298 404
9,495 Individuals served
at LSS Food Pantries Clients who received
Rental Assistance
Clients who received
financial counseling
9,447 13,996 434
Hours of individual and People served through Clients served through
group counseling Scott HS Hub Reentry Transitional Services
The Messenger - Winter 2021 | 3
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT
Lisa assists those coming of out incarceration and helps them on
a path to a successful life. There are many barriers that prevent the
individuals from entering society. In 2020, she helped 484 clients
obtain a birth certificate, acquire an Ohio ID, pay fees, receive
transportation, obtain legal aid, set up child support, apply for a job
and obtain housing. By providing a case worker to navigate the path
with them, it lowers the chances of their return to jail. "What if you
have nobody once you get out? Then what do you do? Who do you
talk to? How do you get help? Sometimes they go back because they
don’t have anybody out there," said Garry-Wilson.
Little attention has been paid to the challenges of successfully
reintegrating into civilian life during a public health crisis. "With
the coronavirus and the way things are, it’s kind of like being
released from one prison and put in another," said Tim. Life on the
outside was shaping up to look a lot like the one he left in prison.
Life After Prison Lisa aided Tim in applying for and obtaining a job in janitorial
maintenance. Unfortunately, Tim was laid off from his job when
COVID-19 started to affect businesses. He received unemployment
Has Many Challenges and stayed at a shelter to save for a new apartment with the help
of Neighborhood Property Incorporated (NPI). NPI is a unique
service provider in northwestern Ohio by housing the homeless
Tim sits outside of Cherry Street Mission. He is with mental health and/or addiction disorders. Tim seeks therapy
waiting on a call. A call that will let him know if he for his mental illness and is on medication.
can move into an apartment after living in shelters Today, Tim is stilling waiting for the call. As homelessness
for the past two years. rises in Toledo, the need for housing has escalated. The Toledo
Lucas County Homelessness Board reported in January, 640
HE FOUND HIMSELF in an Illinois prison for victimizing and people in Lucas County are living in shelters and 22 people living
assaulting women. Upon release he made the decision to move on the streets.
to Toledo and be closer to his sister. Lisa Garry-Wilson, the The agency is seeking donations to support the expenses
Reentry Case Worker for Lutheran Social Services met Tim of identification documents, transportation, and other items
at Ohio Means Jobs where Tim was seeking assistance with for reentry clients. Donations can be made online at
connecting to resources. www.lssnwo.org.
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT
Homeless Mom Gets Second Chance
BECKY BEGAN TO have heart issues a year ago. The medical bills ployment. Once the paperwork
began to pile up. In addition, she fell behind on her rent pay- was completed and approved,
ments. She found herself homeless with a 16-year old son. To not Becky and her son moved to an
put her son through more pain, she thought having him stay with apartment within the Wash-
his father was better than a homeless shelter. She sought help ington Local School district. LSS Financial Coach Megan and her client Becky.
and shelter at the Sparrow’s Nest. While trying to get her health In June, she obtained a full-
and finances under control, she received a call from her son. He time job as a medical assistant
wanted to live back with her. Since the shelter doesn't accommo- at a local treatment center for
date children, Sparrow’s Nest reached out to the Family House substance abuse. Since the Rapid
Shelter and transferred her case to them. Rehousing program pays her rent each month, she was able to
During this time, COVID-19 was closing down schools and save up for a dependable car. With the help of the LSS Financial
businesses. Looking for a job became even harder. She came to Opportunity Center, she has learned ways to budget and save
Lutheran Social Services at the end of April to seek Rapid Re- her money.
housing. Rapid Rehousing services enable homeless families and In less than a year, Becky has taken her unfortunate life events
individuals to rapidly obtain safe, affordable housing to sustain and turned them into challenges that she took on one by one. She
long-term housing independently. By connecting people with a has advice for those struggling with homelessness or unemploy-
home, they are in a better position to address other challenges ment, "Be strong. Be Positive. You have to do it for yourself." She
that may have led to their homelessness, such as obtaining em- definitely did just that.
4 | The Messenger - Winter 2021
SERVICE SPOTLIGHT
True Success Lies
in the Imagination
of the Individual
Each month, on the first day of food distribution,
you will find Michael waiting on the steps of
Lutheran Social Services. He has a luggage roller
bag for the long walk back home.
FOR MANY OF the clients, the pantry has been more than a food When talking with Michael, you quickly learn he has a gift of
site. For Michael, it is a monthly trip to visit friends, share person- inspiring others. His anecdotes can be heard every time he visits.
al stories and the opportunity to share his famous inspirational He credits inspirational books in helping him through difficult
rhymes. Michael has come to the LSS Emergency Food Pantry times in his life. He realized he could help others by sharing his
for over ten years. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a written works. Just prior to the pandemic, Michael was working
mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that with local agencies to publish a book of his quotes and inspiration-
include emotional highs and lows. His grandparents adopted him al beliefs. Even though he was facing obstacles once the pandemic
at a young age and gave him the support he needed to live a full struck, Michael forged on to make his dream come true.
life. He was taught not to seek pity but to go after your dreams no His first book, Pursuing Goals with Vision From Quotes Within,
matter what your circumstances may be. was published independently. As Michael walked into the food
As a single man in his 50’s, Michael has sought building a pantry recently, he was the one giving out gifts--copies of his book
strong body and mind by daily weight training and meditat- to the staff. To no surprise for anyone who knows Michael, he is
ing.Physical fitness has helped him to discipline his mind by working on his second book. He is hoping to have it available at
enabling him to focus and create goals for himself. He eats a local libraries and schools to let children know their current situ-
healthy diet and enjoys the variety of foods offered at the pantry. ation does not define who they are to become. He certainly is an
"I really enjoy coming here to the LSS Pantry because they have inspiration to those who know him.
meat, grains, eggs and oil. They enjoy seeing me all the time," said Copies of Michael’s book can be found on Amazon.com and
Michael. BarnesandNoble.com.
Eljay was a weekly winner for the most steps and received a gym bag and shirt.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Virtual P.E. Class Gets Students Moving At Home
THE GREATER TOLEDO COMMUNITY FOUNDATION and the Toledo at the beginning of the semester and at food distributions weekly.
Mud Hens Helping Hens Fund created a grant to keep children For those that had a watch or phone that calculated steps, they
engaged in physical activities. LSS was awarded $4,000 to imple- were allowed to use their own devices. Students submitted their
ment the Step It Up program at Scott High School. step counts weekly that allowed teachers to see the
Many teachers had to rewrite lesson students workouts and progress over time.
plans and create new ideas to engage the Weekly winners were awarded prizes such as
students that were remotely learning from t-shirts, gift cards and gym bags. The overall male
home. With over 170 students enrolled in and female high steppers received Fitbit fitness
physical education for the first semester, trackers. A second challenge occurred at the end
the department faced a challenge: how to of the semester with participation and step counts
track a student’s physical activity. The Step increasing over the challenge period.
It Up program consisted of a three-week Peterson commented, “I’m really hoping that
challenge to accumulate steps with a goal of this gives some students something positive and
10,000 steps a day. The biggest obstacle was can help with their overall health and mental
to distribute the pedometers, water bottles wellness. It’s going to be so important to make
and journals that were purchased. Scott Hub sure we have a well-balanced physical education
Director Joe Peterson distributed materials program so kids can stay motivated for when
when students picked up their Chromebooks school starts back up in person.”
The Messenger - Winter 2021 | 5
TOGETHER TOWARD TOMORROW
WE ARE BLESSED by our partners who generously contribute to our work, sharing gifts of time, talents
and resources. Individuals, families, churches, businesses and corporations make our work possible. It is
their dedication that helps to sustain the life-changing work of our ministries at Filling Homes, Luther
Home of Mercy and Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio. Your gifts are already at work and
are reflected in the program stories in this newsletter.
We gratefully acknowledge those donors who joined us with gifts to our combined, 2020
Together Toward Tomorrow annual appeal.
Individual Gifts MR. & MRS. TERRY COHRS
(Napoleon, OH)
MRS. JEANNETTE HAY
(Bellevue, OH)
MRS. ARLENE M. OBERHOUSE
(Luckey, OH)
ANONYMOUS
MR. JAMES R. COLDREN MS. SUSANNA HERMAN MRS. JEAN OBERKISER
(unknown) (Toledo, OH) (Bowling Green, OH) (Oregon, OH)
MRS. RUTH ARNOT
MR. AND MRS. ROBERT J. CRAZE MRS. RUTH HILL REV. & MRS. SHAWN O’BRIEN
(Toledo, OH) (Sterling Heights, MI) (Van Wert, OH) (Williston, OH)
MR. AND MRS. LEONARD BACON
MR. AND MRS. DENZEL CROSS MR. MICHAEL HOUSE MS. CHRISTINE PALMER
(Toledo, Oh (Bowling Green, OH) (Perrysburg, OH) (Defiance, OH)
MR. EDWARD BADEN
MRS. LUANN CROY MS. JEANETTE HROVATICH MRS. PHYLLIS J. PARKS
(Gomer, OH) (Perrysburg, OH) (Port Clinton, OH) Northwood, OH)
MR. AND MRS. BRUCE BAIR
MS. MARY DARR MR. AND MRS. JOHN HROVATICH MS. JENNIFER PERDEW
(Martin, OH) (Napoleon, OH) (Port Clinton, OH) (Napoleon, OH)
MR. & MRS. STEPHEN P. BARTUS, JR.
MR. AND MRS. TIMOTHY DEWITT MR. AND MRS. JOHN JAKSETIC MR. AND MRS. BURDELL PETERSEN
(Toledo,OH) (Sylvania, OH) (Toledo, OH) (Hamler, OH)
MR. & MRS. DAVID BEAKAS
MR. EUGENE DIERKSHEIDE MR. AND MRS. THOMAS P. JEDELE MRS. GRACE PETERSON
(Waterville, OH) (Fremont, OH) (Oro Valley, AZ) (Toledo, OH)
MR. AND MRS. MICHAEL BENECKE
MRS. CAROL L. ECKERMANN MS. PHYLLIS KNAPE MR. AND MRS. LOREN L.
(Napoleon, OH) (Millbury, OH) (Defiance, OH) PFAFFENBERGER
MR. ERIC BENINGTON (Toledo, OH)
MR. AND MRS. LOWELL W. EVARTS MR. AND MRS. TOM KROSKE
(Perrysburg, OH) (New Washington, OH) (Arlington, OH) MR. & MRS. DENNIS L. PRICE
MR. AND MRS. ALFRED BILLOW (Napoleon, OH)
MR. AND MRS. ROBERT FAHLE MRS. LILLIAN LAGGER
(Toledo, OH) (Perrysburg, OH) (Oregon, OH) REV. DAVID D. PROCTOR
MRS. AUDREY K. BLANK (Bryan, OH)
MRS. CECELIA FISHER MRS. MARILYN J. LECHMAN
(Cheyenne, WY) (Perrysburg, OH) (Maumee, OH) MRS. PHYLLIS RASMUSSEN
MR. AND MRS. RICHARD H. BOSSE (Fraser, MI)
MR. ROBERT GIBSON MS. BEVERLY MACKEY
(Millbury, OH) (Lima, OH) (Port Clinton, OH) MR. TIMOTHY ROBINSON
MR. AND MRS. ROBERT BRANDT (AdrianMI)
MR. BRENT GNAGEY MRS. HELEN M. MARTAUS
(Pemberville, OH) (Archbold, OH) (Toledo, OH) MR. AND MRS. ARNIE RODRIGUEZ
MR. AND MRS. DICK BURDO (Sylvania, OH)
REV. AND MRS. RAY G. GOTTSCHLING MR. AND MRS. DAVID MATTHEWS
(Waterville, OH) (Maumee, OH) (Waterville, OH) MRS. WILMA M. ROLF
MR. AND MRS. CLIFF BURY (Pemberville, OH)
MR. DAVID I. GOULD MR. AND MRS. TIMOTHY MENNITT
(Oregon, OH) (Toledo, OH) (Perrysburg, OH) REV. AND MRS. JOHN RUTZ
REV. AND MRS. CHARLES CAMPBELL (Perrysburg, OH)
MR. ROBERT HAAF MR. TED MEYERS
(Toledo, OH) (Toledo, OH) (Perrysburg, OH) MRS. MARGARET SAN GREGORY
MR. AND MRS. RICHARD A. CHASE (Bellevue, OH)
MR. AND MRS. ERNIE HAASER MRS. ROSANN MURRAY
(Sylvania, OH) (Holland, OH) (Oregon, OH) MR. AND MRS. JOHN SATTERFIELD
MS. JANE CLAUSSEN (Woodville, OH)
MRS. MAXINE L. HAGEMEYER NETWORK FOR GOOD
(Defiance, OH) (Wayne, OH) (Washington, DC) MR. AND MRS.
CLEAN WATER SERVICE MICHAEL SCHEIDING
MR. AND MRS. LARSON HAINES MR. AND MRS. THOMAS NEWBY
(Bowling Green, OH) (Holland, OH) (Bowling Green, OH) (Whitehouse, OH)
This list acknowledges gifts from May 27, 2019 through December 16, 2020. Gifts received after December 16 will be recognized
in the next edition of our newsletter. If you have additional questions regarding this campaign or our combined program and
fundraising efforts, please call our Director of Planned Giving, Jeanette Hrovatich, at 419-972-4373.
6 | The Messenger - Winter 2021
MRS. DONNA M. SCHELL MS. JACQUELINE WILLIAMS IN HONOR OF FRANCES LEMKE IN MEMORY OF CATHERINE BRIGGLE
(Genoa, OH) (Wapakoneta, OH) (Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Wyse) (Mr. & Mrs. Randy S. Miller)
MS. WANDA SCHLACHTER MR. AND MRS. DAVID WOLBER IN MEMORY OF EARL AND
(Defiance, OH) (Forest, OH) Memorial Gifts EVELYN GERKENSMEYER
MRS. CAROL SCHROEDER REV. AND MRS. IN MEMORY OF THOMAS J.F. ORDON (Mr. and Mrs. Calvin C. Nelson)
(New Bavaria, OH) DONALD L. WUKOTICH (Mr. and Mrs. Fred Anson) IN MEMORY OF WALTER NELSON
MR. AND MRS. THOMAS H. SCHULT (Woodville, OH) IN MEMORY OF REV. JAMES (Mrs. Lola Nelson)
(Perrysburg, OH) MR. JAROL YACKEE VAN BRUSSEL IN MEMORY OF DORIS OBROCK
(Wauseon, OH) (Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Bihn) (Mr. And Mrs. Robert W. Obrock)
MR. EDWARD SCHULTE
(Toledo, OH) MR. MRS. KEVIN YARNELL IN MEMORY OF CASSIE BILOW IN MEMORY OF CHRISTINE O’REILLY
(Napoleon, OH) (Ms. Patricia Bilow) (Mr. T. Mark O’Reilly)
MR. LAWRENCE N. SCHULTZ
(Toledo, OH) MS. VERNA YOUNG IN MEMORY OF KEVIN CAMPBELL IN MEMORY OF MICHAEL PARKS
(Fremont, OH) (Mrs. Jackie Campbell) (Ms. Dorothy Parks)
MR. AND MRS. TIM SCHUMM
(Napoleon, OH) ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH IN MEMORY OF LOVED ONES IN MEMORY OF CHRISTOPHER JAYE
(Perrysburg, OH) (Mrs. Doris J. Dahlke) (Mrs. Alnita Paterson)
MR. DUANE G. SHIVELY
(Bowling Green, OH) IN MEMORY OF WALDEN “BUD” IN MEMORY OF WALTER
Honor Gifts DAMSCHRODE AND ISABELLE PASCHE
MR. MICHAEL SHORT
IN HONOR OF STAFF (Mrs. Mary A. Damschroder) (Ms. Suzanne Payne)
(Archbold, OH)
AND VOLUNTEERS IN MEMORY OF MR. AND MRS. IN MEMORY OF MR. AND MRS.
MR. AND MRS. STEVEN SICLAIR
(Dr. and Mrs. Charles F. Austerberry) WAYNE SCHULTE EDWIN GRIBBLE
(Napoleon, OH)
IN THANKSGIVING OF 70TH (Mr. & Mrs. Guy Elston) (Mr. and Mrs. Milton R. Pommeranz)
MR. AND MRS. KENNETH SIEVING
ANNIVERSARY OF GLORIA IN MEMORY OF DONALD AND IN MEMORY OF MR. AND MRS.
(Pemberville, OH)
DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH MARY TIMINEY MILTON G. POMMERANZ
MR. & MRS. TODD A. SLIGHT (Gloria Dei Lutheran Church & Pastor (Mrs. Elizabeth Ganshow) (Mr. And Mrs. Milton R. Pommeranz)
(Napoleon, OH) Richard Habzrecht) IN MEMORY OF RICHARD PATCHING IN MEMORY OF JOSEPH RYBARCZYK
MR. AND MRS. IN HONOR OF ARIELLE SEMER (Mrs. Marjorie Gask) (Mr. And Mrs. James Rybarczyk)
LEONARD L. SONNENBERG (Mrs. Ruth Hill) IN MEMORY OF DELORES KLEINE IN MEMORY OF LOIS POLLAUF
(Napoleon, OH)
IN HONOR OF KIM KIESWETHER (Mr. Steve Graf) (Ms. Virginia Seeman)
ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH (Mr. and Mrs. Frank Kieswether) IN MEMORY OF DELORES KLEINE IN MEMORY OF MARVIN WILHELM
(Bowling Green, OH)
IN HONOR OF BRIAN BEERY (Mr. And Mrs. Ronald Hagemeyer) (Mr. And Mrs. Thomas E. Sevits)
ST. PETER LUTHERAN CHURCH (Mr. and Mrs. Jack Lapata) IN MEMORY OF DONALD GOEDERT IN MEMORY OF LINDA DUDA
(Napoleon, OH)
IN HONOR OF MIRIAM FANSLER (Mrs. Lorene M. Halsey) (Ms. Sandee Sledd)
ST. PETER LUTHERAN CHURCH (Mr. John Ludwig) IN MEMORY OF NORM AND IN MEMORY OF LOUIS SNYDER
(Norwalk, OH)
IN HONOR OF GEORGE LUCILE ATKINSON (Mrs. Jean Snyder)
MR. AND MRS. ROBERT F. STEIN AND BARB BEERY (Ms. Yvonne Hammer)
(Perrysburg, OH) IN MEMORY OF HENRY AND ROSA
(Mr. and Mrs. G. Thomas Moore) IN MEMORY OF REV. JAMES SONNENBERG
MR. AND MRS. JEFF STRAKA IN HONOR OF RACHEL NELSON’S VAN BRUSSEL (Miss Jeanne M. Sonnenberg)
(Genoa, OH) GRADUATION FROM COLLEGE (Mr. and Mrs. Lowell L. Hartman)
IN MEMORY OF JOHN SPOERL
MS. CONNIE THOMAS (Mr. and Mrs. William Nelson) IN MEMORY OF DORIS HOESMAN (Mrs. Luann Spoerl)
(Toledo, OH) IN HONOR OF (Mr. Kermit L. Hoesman)
IN MEMORY OF DIANNE CLEARY
MS. PATRICIA TOMAZIC MARY K. ROBERTS IN MEMORY OF (Mr. Jeff Cleary Sr.)
(Huron, OH) (Mr. S. Dean Roberts) LESTER HARNER
IN MEMORY OF REV. R.F. STABER
MR. AND MRS. IN HONOR OF GERI ALEXANDER (Mr. George J. Keeter)
(Ms. Lois Staber)
GLENN VANHORN (Ms. Cindy Schubart) IN MEMORY OF HERB KOPPENHOFER
(Genoa, OH) IN MEMORY OF REGINA TIMINEY
IN HONOR OF JERRY POLLAUF (Mrs. Ramona Koppenhofer)
(Mrs. Maureen Switala)
MR. VERNON VEEDER (Ms. Virginia Seeman) IN MEMORY OF EMIL AND
(Waterville, OH) IN MEMORY OF CARL TITGEMEYER
IN HONOR OF REBECCA EDDINGTON AUGUSTA ZECH
(Mrs. Doris Titgemeyer)
MR. AND MRS. WAGNER (Ms. Audrey Sutton) (Ms. Jeannette E. Kubitz)
(Fremont, OH) IN MEMORY OF LOVED ONES
IN HONOR OF BASIC GRACE IN MEMORY OF PAUL MARTAUS
(Ms. Sharon Ann Wheeler)
MS. MARY WARREN (THE BAND) (Ms. Cecilia Martaus)
(Lakewood, OH) (Pastor Al Swartz) IN MEMORY OF
IN MEMORY OF H.JOHN, RUSSELL
DECEASED MEMBERS OF
MS. SALLY WEAVER IN HONOR OF BETH WOTT AND NORMAN MEITZ
BURNARD AND ZAFIRAU FAMILES
(Genoa, OH) (Mr. Paul F. Wott) (Ms. Penelope J. Meitz)
(Dr. And Mrs. S. James Zafirau)
This list acknowledges gifts from May 27, 2019 through December 16, 2020. Gifts received after December 16 will be recognized
in the next edition of our newsletter. If you have additional questions regarding this campaign or our combined program and
fundraising efforts, please call our Director of Planned Giving, Jeanette Hrovatich, at 419-972-4373.
The Messenger - Winter 2021 | 7
REFLECTIONS ON GIVING
Developing Generosity
In Children
AS A MOM OF FOUR , it just made my heart swell when the kids came up with the idea to use their
own money that they had saved from their Grandfather to help others. They were so excited to
get a list of what was truly needed and head to the store! Watching their faces light up as we found
each item and having a store trip without any fighting or arguing between them about had me
in tears! I hope they continue to always desire to pitch in and help out when they are able to! My
14-year-old daughter said, "Honestly, I’m so glad that I was able to help. It makes me really happy
to know that my donations made a difference and were helpful to those who needed it."
The children purchased personal care
items for the LSS food pantry with their - Jill (Mother to Ella, Noah, Lexi and Chase.)
saved allowance.
DONOR RECOGNITION OCTOBER 1 -DECEMBER 31, 2020
Thank you for your Generous Support
Thanks to you, we raised $11,775 for the LSS Emegency Food
Pantries. Thank you to all the generous donors who made this
day of giving possible.
#GivingTuesday Gifts MS. CHRISTINA FLETCHER
(Toledo)
MRS. ROSANN MURRAY
(In Memory of Husband Lowell and
MS. KAREN WRIGHT
(In Honor of Lillian Lagger)
THE ANDERSONS
HABITEC Grandson Matthew) REV. AND MRS. DONALD WUKOTICH
(Maumee) (Toledo) MR. NEIL NEUKAM (Woodville)
MRS. MARJORIE BIEHLER
MR. AND MRS. JOHN JAKSETIC (In Memory of Otis and Jane Neukam) MR. AND MRS. LESLIE WYSE
(In Memory of Mr. Don Biehler)
(Toledo) MS. CHRSTINE PALMER (In Memory of Frances Lemke)
MR. TERRY BOSSERT
MR. AND MRS. JOHN JEMMOTT (Defiance) MS. JENNIFER ZIOLKOWSKI
(Maumee)
(Pettisville) MRS. TERRI RODRIGUEZ (Toledo)
MS. TAMMY JO BROSHIOUS
HANNAH AND KALLIYAN LAGGER (Sylvania)
(Fremont)
(In Honor of Lillian Lagger) MR. AND MRS. LARRY SCHANKE Individuals
BUCKEYE BROADBAND
(Northwood) MRS. LILLIAN LAGGER (Graytown) Donations
(Oregon) MR. MICHAEL SCHEIDING ANONYMOUS
MS. JOYCE CALMES
MR. AND MRS. MIKE LISK (Whitehouse) (Toledo)
(Lambertville, MI)
(Toledo) MR. TIM SMITH MS. DIANE ADLER
REV. AND MRS. CHUCK CAMPBELL
MARCO’S PIZZA (Toledo) (Arcadia)
(Toledo)
(Toledo) STARFISH FOUNDATION MR. JOSEPH AGAN
MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM COOK
MR. AND MRS. VINCE MAURO (Boston, MA) (Toledo)
(Sylvania)
(Whitehouse) MS. SUSAN STEVES REV. AND MRS.
MRS. LUANN CROY
MR. AND MRS. NORMAN MERKEL (Ottawa Hills) JAMES BARKENQUAST
(In Memory of Larry Croy)
(Toledo) MS. CONNIE THOMAS (Bucyrus)
MS. SAMANTHA DAVIS
MR. AND MRS. KEN MEYER (Toledo) DR. AND MRS. DENNIS BAUER
(Columbus)
(Napoleon) MR. AND MRS. DONALD UNDERWOOD (Bellevue)
MR. AND MRS. CARL DIERKSHEIDE
REV. AND MRS. KURT MEYERS (In Memory of Lavonne Underwood) REV. AND MRS. JEFFREY BISCHOF
(Bradner)
(Toledo) MS. AUDREY WAGAMAN (Toledo)
MR. FREDERICK DOERING
REV. AND MRS. (Indianapolis, IN) MR. LAWRENCE BOESEL
(Waterville
MELVIN MICHAM WALMART (Toledo)
MRS. DANENE DURANT
(Berkey) (Bentonville, AR) MR. AND MRS. JAMES BORK
(Bascom)
MRS. RUTH MOELLER MRS. CAROL WIEMKEN (Maumee)
MRS. MARIE FAY
(Sylvania) (Whitehouse)
(Toledo)
8 | The Messenger - Winter 2021
DONOR RECOGNITION OCTOBER 1 -DECEMBER 31, 2020
MR. TERRY BOSSERT REV. AND MRS. DALE KERN MS. KAREN SCHEPMAN MS. JENNIFER ZIOLKOWSKI
(Maumee) (Archobold) (Woodville) (Toledo)
MS. DIANE BOSTDORFF MR. AND MRS. KARL KESSLER MR. LARRY SCHOCK
(Perrysburg) (Cincinnati) (Findlay) Congregations,
MR. AND MRS. RICHARD BRADFORD MS. LOIS KINSEL MR. RON SCHULZ Businesses &
(Fremont) (Oregon) (Rossford) Organizations
MR. AND MRS. LEE BREDBECK MR. AND MRS. ROBERT KRUEGER MR. AND MRS. TIMOTHY SCHUMM AMAZON SMILE
(Port Clinton) (Toledo) (Napoleon) (Seattle, WA)
MR. AND MRS. ROBERT BROSSIA MS. SANDRA LAAS MR. JOHN SCHWANKE BETHLEHEM LUTHERAN
(Perrysburg) (Toledo) (Westfield Center) CHURCH OF OKOLONA
MS. BARBARA BRUGGEMAN MR. AND MRS. WILLIIAM LENNIG MS. SHARON SCHWANKE (Defiance)
(Fayette) (Findlay) (Perrysburg) BUCKEYE BROADBAND
REV. AND MRS. CHUCK CAMPBELL MR. AND MRS. MIKE LISK MR. AND MRS. GARRETT SCOTT (Northwood)
(Toledo) (Toledo) (Toledo) CARE SOURCE
MR. JAMES COLDREN REV. AND MRS. STEPHEN LUTZ MR. TIM SMITH (Dayton)
(Toledo) (Elmore) (Toledo) CHRIST EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH
MR. AND MRS. GARY COLLINS MS. BEVERLY MACKEY MR. WILLIAM SMITH (Bowling Green)
(Toledo) (Port Clinton) (Deshler) CHRIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
MR. WILLIAM CURTIS MR. AND MRS. ERNEST MANGOLD MR. & MRS. WILLIAM SPANFELLNER (Toledo)
(Glencoe, MN) (Norwalk) (Berea) CHRISTOPHER ENDOWMEND FUND
MS. SAMANTHA DAVIS MS. BONNIE MARCIS MRS. BARBARA ST. ARNAUD (Chicago, IL)
(Columbus) (Perrysburg) (Holland) COLUMBIA GAS OF OHIO
MS. MARY DIAMOND MS. SANDRA MATHER MS. JOAN STAIB (College Station, TX)
(Toledo) (Toledo) (Bowling Green) FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
MR. FREDERICK DOERING MR. AND MRS. VINCE MAURO MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM STAIB (Fremont)
(Waterville) (Whitehouse) (Walbridge) FIRST EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH
MR. ALAN DRAVES MS. REBECCA MCCANN MR. AND MRS. DARRELL STAUP (Findlay)
(Cridersville) (Maumee) (Toledo) FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
MRS. DANENE DURANT MR. AND MRS. NORMAN MERKEL MR. AND MRS. ROBERT STEIN (Galion)
(Bascom) (Toledo) (Perrysburg) FIRST ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH
REV. AND MRS. JOHN FERNE MR. AND MRS. KEN MEYER MRS. MARGARET STELLHORN (Toledo)
(Marblehead) (Napoleon) (Marblehead) FIRST ST. JOHN
MS. CHRISTINA FLETCHER MR. AND MRS. BLAIR MILLER MS. SUSAN STEVES LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN
(Toledo) (Elmore) (Ottawa Hills) (Toledo)
REV. AND MRS. DONALD FLETCHER MS. CALLIE MINIER MR. ALBERT STOKES GOOD HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH
(Bluffton) (Clyde) (Fremont) (Bucyrus)
MR. HAROLD FRANKLIN MR. AND MRS. ANDREW MLYNARCZY MRS. MARY JANESTOREHOLDER GOOD SHEPHERD
(Toledo) (Richland, IN) (Swanton) LUTHERAN CHURCH
MRS. RUTH MOELLER MR. ROBERT STORER
(Toledo)
MR. & MRS. DAVID GAJEWSKI
(Erie, MI) (Sylvania) (Holland) GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
MR. JAMES MORGAN MS. NATALIE SWONGER
(Fremont)
MR. AND MRS. DAVID GOGEL
(Perrysburg) (Toledo) (Perrysburg) GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN
MR. JOHN HEMINGER MRS. NANCY TAYLOR
(Fremont)
MR. RAY GOTTSCHLING
(Maumee) (Genoa) (Toledo) GREATER TOLEDO
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
MR. GARY HARDER MR. AND MRS. ROBERT NAFZIGER MS. ANN VREELAND
(Wauseon) (Marco Island, FL) (Toledo)
(Oak Harbor)
HOPE LUTHERAN CHURCH
DR. AND MRS. ROBERT HARTWIG MR. NEIL NEUKAM MS. AUDREY WAGAMAN
(Toledo) (Indianapolis, IN) (Ottawa Hills)
(Sylvania)
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
MR. ROBERT HILL MS. ELIZABETH NIXON MR. SCOTT WALSH
(Temperance, MI) (Maumee) (Deshler)
(Oregon)
KROGER
MR. ROD HOCHSTETLER MR. AND MRS. ROBERT OBROCK MR. AND MRS. DOUGLAS WARE
(Perrysburg) (Lakeside Marblehead) (Cincinnati)
(Sylvania)
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE MASTER
REV. AND MRS. WAYNE HOEDT MR. AND MRS. ROGER OVERHOLT MS. LUCY WAYTON
(Van Wert) (Toledo) (Perrysburg)
(Columbus)
MESSIAH LUTHERAN
MRS. WILMA HOERMANN MR. AND MRS. GARY PAULSEN MS. SHEILA WESTRICK
CHURCH ELCA
(Medina) (Maumee) (Celina)
(Toledo)
MS. KAREN JACOBS MR. ROGER PHILLIPS MRS. CAROL WIEMKEN
MLM CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
(Oakwood) (Wapakoneta) (Whitehouse)
(Maumee)
MR. AND MRS. JOHN JAKSETIC MR. AND MRS. BOB RIECK MR. AND MRS. GERALD WILLIER
NETWORK FOR GOOD
(Toledo) (Sylvania) (Toledo)
(Southfield, MI)
MR. & MRS.JAMES JOHNSON MR. AND MRS. DAVE ROBERTS MS. PAMELA YOUNG
NORTHWESTERN OHIO
(Sandusky) (Holland) (Toledo)
SYNOD-ELCA
MR. AND MRS. WESLEY JUSTI MR. AND MRS. TIM ROTH MS. NANCY YUNKER (Findlay)
(Monroeville) (Waterville) (Swanton)
OLIVET EVAN. LUTHERAN CHURCH
MR. AND MRS. MELVIN KARNS MR. PHILLIP SAFFORD MR. AND MRS. ROBERT ZELLERS (Sylvania)
(Pemberville) (Toledo) (Findlay)
The Messenger - Winter 2021 | 9
DONOR RECOGNITION OCTOBER 1 -DECEMBER 31, 2020
Thank you for your Generous Support
PILGRIM CHURCH THE UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO IN MEMORY OF DONALD GENZMAN IN MEMORY OF REV. R.
(Toledo) (Toledo) (Mrs. Donna Genzman) ERVIN WALTHER
ZION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN IN MEMORY OF ANNA BELLE AVERS (Mrs. Virginia Walther)
SOLOMON LUTHERAN CHURCH
(Woodville) CHURCH (Ms. Ruth Gerber) IN MEMORY OF VERN WITTENBERG
(Gibsonburg) IN MEMORY OF LAWRENCE GRUETTER (Mrs. Carole Wittenberg)
ST. JOHN EVAN.
LUTHERAN CHURCH ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH (Mrs. Elaine Gruetter) IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM
(Toledo) (Huron) IN MEMORY OF NEYSA SEED & IRENE HELBERT, ARTHUR,
ZOAR LUTHERAN CHURCH (Ms. Donna Hess) JULIA HELBERG, CLAUDE
ST. JOHN EVAN. & RUTH WAGONER
LUTHERAN CHURCH (Perrysburg) IN MEMORY OF SANDRA HOTMER (Ms. Sharon Zuchowski)
(Oak Harbor) Honor Gifts (Mr. Paul Hotmer)
ST. JOHN'S IN HONOR OF DAUGHTERS IN MEMORY OF VINCE, In-Kind Gifts
LUTHERAN CHURCH CHERI, CATHY, CHRIS VERNA AND ROGER HAAS
MS. DIANE ADLER
(Stony Ridge) AND FAMILIES (Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hundt)
(Arcadia)
ST. JOHN'S (Ms. Darla Culberson) IN MEMORY OF LOVED ONES
MR. ALBERT BEY
LUTHERAN CHURCH IN HONOR OF CAROL WINCE (Mr. and Mrs. Robert Knight)
(Toledo)
(Montpelier) (Ms. Sharon Fleming) IN MEMORY OF LOVED ONES
MRS. CAROLE BURGESS
ST. JOHN'S IN HONOR OF BLAIR & ANITA MILLER (Mrs. Gladys Kroos)
(Perrysburg)
LUTHERAN CHURCH (Mr. and Mrs. Larry Honsberger) IN MEMORY OF JAMES LANG
(New Washington) CENTRAL TRAIL GIRL SCOUTS
IN HONOR OF MY GRANDCHILDREN (Ms. Freda Lang)
(Sylvania)
ST. MARK'S EVAN. LUTHERAN (Mr. and Mrs. Rajendra Joshi) IN MEMORY OF JOHN W. LIPTOK
CHURCH WELCA CONCORDIA LUTHERAN CHURCH
IN HONOR OF ALL LSS VOLUNTEERS (Mrs. Viola Liptok)
(Van Wert) (Findlay)
(Ms. Lillian Keller) IN MEMORY OF MRS.
ST. MICHAEL LUTHERAN CHURCH MRS. MARIE FAY
IN HONOR OF SONS: CHARLES FANSLER
(Ottawa Lake) (Toledo)
KEN, DAVE TIM & (Mr. John Ludwig)
ST. PAUL TODD RUSWINKLE FIRST EVANGELICAL
IN MEMORY OF NORMAN
LUTHERAN CHURCH WELCA (Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Ruswinkle) LUTHERAN CHURCH
AND HELEN ABKE
(Lakeside Marblehead) (Findlay)
IN HONOR OF MR. NORM MERKEL (Mr. and Mrs. Janet and Samuel
ST. PAULS (Mr. Phillip Safford) Miller) MS. KRISTINE GOLDSTEIN
LUTHERAN CHURCH (Oregon)
IN HONOR OF MR. AND IN MEMORY OFANNA BELLE AVERS
(Maybee, MI) (Mr. and Mrs. Gene Nehls) HANNAH'S SOCKS
MRS. ROGER GOETZ 55TH
ST. PAULS WEDDING ANN. (Perrysburg)
IN MEMORY OF MR.
LUTHERAN CHURCH (St. John's WELCA) AND MRS. CARL NELSON MRS. JILL IBSEN
(McClure) (Mr. & Mrs. William Nelson) (Perrysburg)
ST. PAUL'S Memorial Gifts IN MEMORY OF CHARLES MS. AMY JAKSETIC
LUTHERAN CHURCH IN MEMORY OF SANDRA S. BAUMANN AND MIRIAM FANSLER (Oregon)
(Napoleon) (Rev. A Otto Baumann) (Mr. and Mrs. David Raszka) LUCAS COUNTY EOP
ST. PETER EVAN. IN MEMORY OF BOB BEHNFELDT IN MEMORY OF (Toledo)
LUTHERAN CHURCH (Mr. Larry Behnfeldt) MR. GENE ZIMMERMAN MARINE CORPS LEAGUE
(Norwalk) (Mr. and Mrs. David Raszka)
IN MEMORY OF PAUL (Toledo)
ST. PETER EVAN. AND LOIS DIERKSHEIDE IN MEMORY OF EMMA WESTRAND MFA GIFTS
LUTHERAN CHURCH (Ms. Diane Bostdorff) (Mr. and Mrs. Donald Samuelson) (Toledo)
(Monroeville)
IN MEMORY OF CHUCK BRANT IN MEMORY OF JIM SHILEY MR. NEIL NEUKAM
ST. STEPHEN (Ms. Diane Brant) (Ms. Barbara Schlatter) (Toledo)
LUTHERAN CHURCH
(Sylvania) IN MEMORY OF IN MEMORY OF DARLENE PONZI PALMER ENERGY
GEORGENE BURDO (Mrs. Selinda Schultz) (Toledo)
SYLVANIA UNITED (Mr. and Mrs. Richard Burdo)
CHURCH OF CHRIST IN MEMORY OF LOVED ONES MR. RON SCHULZ
(Sylvania) IN MEMORY OF RUTH (Mr. Melvin Schumann) (Rossford)
AND STANLEY CANTWELL IN MEMORY OF JERRY DICK
TERRA COLLEGE FOUNDATION SSOE GROUP
(Ms. Beverly Sue Cantwell) (Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Smith)
(Fremont) (Toledo)
IN MEMORY OF ERNIE IN MEMORY OF LOUIS SNYDER
THE PETE & CRISTI SCHWANKE ST. STEPHEN
AND JUNE DUFFIELD (Mrs. Jean Snyder)
FAMILY CHARITABLE GIFT FUND LUTHERAN CHURCH
(Ms. Barbara Connors)
(Perrysburg) IN MEMORY OF LARRY (Sylvania)
IN MEMORY OF DINAN AND EUNICE BEHM
THE TRUST COMPANY MR. PAUL SWEET
PATRICIA DELVENTHAL (St. Paul's Lutheran Church Women)
(Holland) (Sylvania)
(Mr. Kent Delventhal)
THRIVENT IN MEMORY OF MARK ALAN MR. NICK WESTON
IN MEMORY OF JUDY DESANA STRAUSBAUGH
(Minneapolis, MN) (Toledo)
(Mr. William Desana) (Mrs. Mary Strausbaugh)
TRINITY EV. LUTHERAN MS. JENNIFER ZIOLKOWSKI
IN MEMORY OF NEYSA SEED IN MEMORY OF LAVONE UNDERWOOD
LADIES AID SOCIETY (Toledo)
(Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Falcone) (Mr. and Mrs. Donald Underwood)
(Elmore)
IN MEMORY OF ROLLAND FICKEL IN MEMORY OF INFANT SON,
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH (Mrs. Donna Fickel) If you have remembered us
(Willard) STEVIE HAGELE in your estate or will, please
IN MEMORY OF BOB & (Ms. Carol Waddington) call our office so we can
TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH BETH HEPP AND WILLIAM FORRY IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM WAGNER recognize you now.
(Elmore) (Ms. Doris Forry) (Ms. Janice Wagner)
10 | The Messenger - Winter 2021Grants
COMMUNITY CORNER
The Greater Toledo Community
Foundation awarded $14,030 to
purchase laptop computers for
Ministeries In Action
clinicians to administer Telehealth 1
along with additional upgrades
to the group room to allow tele-
conferencing. The Community
Resilience Fund was designed to help 2
nonprofits in the Greater Toledo area
restructure their service based on
lessons learned from the coronavirus
pandemic.
Rotary Club of Toledo Foundation
awarded $3,113 to purchase an iPad
for the Food Pantry along with
additional upgrades to accommodate
clients in a safe environment.
3
(1) COLLECTIONS
FOR THE FOOD PANTRY
The holiday season brought many
in-kind donations to the food pantry.
Palmer Energy Group collected hygiene
and food items among their office.
(2) HOLIDAY DRIVE
The Findlay office held a Denim for
Donations drive to raise funds for St.
John's Lutheran Church to purchase
The Ohio Department of Mental gifts for two adopted families at
Health and Addiction Services Christmas. Groceries from the food
awarded $16,000 through the pantry were also donated to the families.
Community Education & Outreach
(3) IN THE BAG
initiative to decrease the stigma
of mental health and connect Columbia Gas of Ohio made a gift to the 4
Ohioans to support to support during LSS food pantries and provided both
locations with reusable grocery bags
COVID-19. The funding was used
that were used to pre-bag groceries for
to secure 16 outdoor billboards in clients.
nine cities in Ohio. Co-branded
brochures, rack cards and posters (4) TRADITIONS CONTINUE
were also purchased promoting the Ruth Moeller (L) of St. Stephen Lutheran
Ohio CareLine and Text Line where Church came to visit Joyce Willier (R),
behavioral health professionals staff Food Pantry Coordinator, and to bring
calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. donations gathered by the congregation.
Events
The Marathon Classic Presented by Dana is one of the longest running events
on the LPGA Tour. The Marathon Classic was founded in 1984 and takes place
in Sylvania, Ohio. LSS was chosen as one of the thirty recipients of the charitable
funds for the 2021 tournament. The tournament has donated over $12 million to
190 charities assisting children in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. The
Marathon Classic will be held July 5 to 11 at Highland Meadows. More information
to follow on the Charity Ticket Program that will benefit Lutheran Social Services.
The Messenger - Winter 2021 | 11LSS Administrative Office
2149 Collingwood Blvd.
Toledo, Ohio 43620
WINTER 2021
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.You can also read
