ConnectionsNews for friends of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan

ISSUE 2 2009

Inside:The Joy of HarambeePrison Ministries Parenting ProgramWhat’s NewsVital Congregational PartnersMeet Our LSS CelebritySpirit of Givingand more...

From the President’s DeskI have been pleased by the number of people who ask me and other staff at LSS, “How areyou doing in this tough economy?” The answer is two-fold: First, we have the strongestmission in the world and even during this difficult fiscal environment are effectivelydelivering service still to over 100,000 people each year. Second, undergirding and enablingthis strong mission is a structure that includes stellar business practices that have enabled usto manage to budget and be excellent stewards of dollars coming in.

LSS is well, thank you, and your support has made that happen! Gifts, prayers and volunteersdrive the mission and make it possible. Our 2,000 plus staff appreciate and are energizedby your interest and help. People who are most in need of help have been aidedby your assistance and attention. You provide critical help 24-hours per day,365-days a year.

How does that translate? Members of your community and congregation haveturned to LSS for counseling, adoption, birth-to-three programs and assistancewith family or friends who have a disability. Runaway youth — where do theygo? Many times into the waiting and safe arms of LSS services. Other numerousLSS services are providing help with your assistance to those you knowand thousands more that you don’t know. In pages that follow you willhave a chance to read more about these programs.

How are we doing? Just fine, thank you! But, we could not do it withoutyou. You have come through on behalf of your neighbors and friends whohave found themselves in a tough situation. When you see or experiencethe hurt of this world, please know that LSS is well and stands ready to bea part of the healing and help.

My warmest thanks!In Christ,

How are we doing?

Just fine, thank you!

But, we could not

do it without

you.

LSS Connections is a publication of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Please direct questions and commentsto: Briena Jacob, Director of Marketing & Communications, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, 647 W.

Virginia St., Suite 300, Milwaukee, WI 53204-1535, (414) 325-3192, bjacob@lsswis.org.

Main OfficesMilwaukee: (800) 488-5181Appleton: (920) 730-1326Eau Claire: (877) 967-5577Waukesha: (800) 216-3437

Hub OfficesBeaver Dam: (920) 887-3172Homme - Wittenberg: (715) 253-2116 Homme - Neillsville: (715) 743-8050Janesville: (608) 752-7660La Crosse: (608) 788-5090 Madison: (608) 277-0610Marquette, MI: (800) 677-7410Superior: (715) 394-4173Wausau: (715) 842-5577

LSS Senior ManagementW. Paul Brinkman Executive Vice President & CAOTerrence Egan Vice President of Major GiftsRev. Gary Grindeland Vice President of Church

and Community RelationsMeg Groves Vice President of Program ServicesMichael Guns Vice President of Finance, CFOTed Hakala Vice President of Program ServicesRon Hauser Vice President of Program ServicesKari Humphrey Vice President of Human Capital Rev. David Larson President and CEORev. Larry Lutey Executive Vice President & COOJay Peterson Vice President of Ministry SupportDenise Pilz Vice President of PQIRobin Pitts Executive Support ManagerSandra Potts Vice President of Gift PlanningStaci Wellentin Vice President of IT, CIO

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On the cover: A young participant discovers the joy of Harambee and much more at LSS’ Keefe FamilyResource Center. See story on page 4.Pastor David Larson

LSS’ Prison Ministries offers a six-week parentingprogram to inmates at the Eau Claire County jail.The program consists of one three-hour sessionevery other week for six weeks. The first half ofthe session is spent on the men’s side and the‘second half is spent on the women’s side teachingthe topic of the week. At times, there are up toeight inmates in the group. The program is notjust for parents, but is for any inmate in the jailinterested in learning about parenting and children.

The jail program is facilitated by LSS staff whoprovide a wide range of parenting topics that are specific to incarcerated individuals and arehelpful for when inmates return home to theirfamilies. Topics include positive discipline, settingappropriate rules and routines at home, alternativesto spanking, love and logic, the effects of incarceration on a child, the effects of domesticabuse on children and their families, and others.Inmates have 24 topics to choose from and choosethe topics to cover over the course of the program.Rules are also established to ensure that everyoneis courteous and respectful of one another during the sessions, and so that participantslearn appropriate boundaries. During the final

week of the session, clients participatein the “Building Bridges” portion

of the program.

“Building Bridges” is a literacy program to help provide a positive relation-

ship between a parent and child or childrenwhile the inmate is

incarcerated. “BuildingBridges” gives an inmatethe opportunity to stay connected to their child

by sending them a video ofthemselves reading a book to theirchild or children.

The Kohl’s Department Store in Eau Claire hasprovided brand new books from “Kohl’s Cares forKids” to LSS to be used for “Building Bridges.”The staff provides the inmate a sweatshirt towear during the videotaping so that the orangejumpsuit is not visible and the inmate is notdevalued to the child. Other inmates, who do nothave children of their own, send the video andbook to their nieces, nephews, or grandchildren.The video recordings allow the children to seeand hear the voice of their loved one wheneverthey need to.

“Building Bridges” recognizes that reading is avery important part of a child’s development andis a way the inmate can help the child even withoutbeing physically there with them. The “BuildingBridges” program lets these children know thattheir parent is thinking about them and havemade an effort to do something special for them.

The program started in 2004, and the inmateshave gained a lot, identifying this program asbeing helpful and useful to them. Theparenting program and “BuildingBridges” are made possiblewith LSS Foundation dollars and our generous donors.

Through the“Building Bridges”portion of the LSSPrison Ministriesprogram, inmatesrecord videos ofthemselves readingfor their childrento watch at home.The program promotes both parenting and literacy.

Prison Ministries offers

Parenting Program

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The streets are quiet on a weekday morning outsidethe LSS Keefe Family Resource Center, located onKeefe Avenue on Milwaukee’s north side. A shortwalk up the flight of stairs into Incarnation LutheranChurch, and the stillness melts away with thesounds of chatter. Each summer the Keefe Centerhosts a summer program, giving the neighborhoodkids a place to go during the day — keeping themoff the streets. Most kids in the program are livingin poverty and without a supportive, structuredhome environment.

It is clear that the program manager, JosephFranklin, is a role model for these kids — whorange anywhere from six to 13 years in age. As thekids filter in, Joseph calls their attention and theyquickly shuffle to their seats. It’s time for cheersand chants —Harambee!

While the summer programprovides the kids with arange of activities, itis Joseph’s use ofHarambee thatadds a uniqueflavor to theday. Harambeemeans “let’s allpull together”in Swahili.Joseph usesHarambee in aseries of cheers andchants, a pep rally tostart the day. The scholars, asJoseph calls them, have learned around 20 chants.

The of HARAMBEEBy Natascha Malkemes, LSS communications specialist

Photos: (above and far right)Neighborhood children, ranging inage from six to 13years, look forwardto each day’s activities at the LSSKeefe FamilyResource Center.

(Near right) Joseph Franklin,program manager, is a role model for thekids who participate.

Joy

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The scholars rise to their feet and Joseph begins,“This is the way we start the day!” The kids chantback, “Hey!”

This is just the warm up. Led by Joseph, the students start chanting, “Rock the Keefe Center,Rock the Keefe Center.”

The cheers and chants of Harambee are motivational,positive reinforcements aimed to promote a strongself-esteem and respect. The kids know the cheersby heart, adding in clapping and dancing.

“[The Keefe Center] makes us feel safe and confident,” says Coree, 10. “Nobody feels left out.We help each other out.”

“We come here to learn and have fun,” saysO’shai, 13. “The Keefe Center helps you grow upto be a respectful, honorable, intelligent person.”

Perhaps Joseph is one of the best role models thesekids could have; he knows what it’s like to be onthe streets because he’s been there. Joseph wasthree years old when he was taken away from hismother and put into the foster care system. For tenyears, he lived in an LSS group home.

“I always felt appreciated, and like I could achievesomething,” says Joseph. “I didn’t feel alone.”

Joseph told himself that he wanted to representthe good that came from his time with LSS, andthought he’d like to give back by working for LSSsomeday. However, when Joseph aged out of thesystem, he was on his own again and becameinvolved in gang life.

Then, on a fateful day, Joseph’s life turnedaround. He jokingly attended church.After church, the pastor told Joseph aboutthe Keefe Center and encouraged him tovolunteer. Joseph was especially intriguedwhen he learned that the Center is a program of LSS. Soon after, he startedworking as a volunteer for the Center.After nearly three years as a volunteer,Joseph was hired on as an employee. He has been with the agency for nearlyseven years now, helping with the summerprogram and working with the agency’sfoster parent training program.

The Keefe Family Resource Center, locatedat 1510 W. Keefe Ave. in Milwaukee, is aprogram of LSS that is supported by UnitedWay funding. During the school year, theCenter provides afterschool programming

for children five to 13years old. Staff areinvolved in the kids’lives, monitoring howthey do at school andhelping the kids in problem areas. The Centerprovides homework help,a food and clothing bank,and temporary shelter.Kids have access to a variety of activities including arts and crafts,talent shows, birthday parties, field trips, sports, acomputer lab and more.

The services of the KeefeFamily Resource Center aredesigned to strengthen families and eliminate childabuse and neglect. TheCenter promotes a nurturingenvironment to reach familiesearly in their lives. The staffwork to encourage positivefamily growth and healthychild development throughcomprehensive wrap-aroundand family-centered program-ming. Strong families lead to positive changes in a community. The Keefe FamilyResource Center strives to makethe surrounding neighborhood abetter place to live and raise a family.

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TThe average family spends nearly $400 on back-to-school items, including$200 on clothing and accessories, nearly $100 on shoes and about $80on school supplies. This is a large sum of money, especially now whenfamily budgets are tighter than ever. Where can families turn to stretchtheir dollars and find the support they need? LSS’ Urban Threadsclothing distribution!

As the back-to-school season approached, both locations were steady inproviding assistance to those in need. Over 500 individuals and familieshave been helped in a few short months after a second Urban Threadsclothing distribution center opened in Appleton, Wis. This location is anexpansion of the clothing distribution program in Milwaukee that hasoperated for over five years. Urban Threads offers new, name brandclothing to those in need through a partnership with CorpCare, a non-profit that receives clothing from Kohl's, Gap, Land's End and otherstores and distributes them to organizations in Wisconsin.

“We have seen a variety of individuals coming through our doors forclothing,” state Connie Raether, program coordinator for the Appletonlocation. “Families who have children starting school and individualsseeking jobs, both with nowhere to turn for clothes, but our doors areopen for them. And the smiles on their faces as they walk out the doorare so rewarding.”

Recently, a young woman living at a local shelter came to LSS after herclothing was stolen by a former roommate. She is trying really hard to getback on track after recovering from drug and alcohol problems, and wasthrilled with her new interview attire from Urban Threads. Grateful for thehelp, this young woman also pitched in to volunteer several times since.

Through Urban Threads, LSS is helping hundreds of individuals and families accessclothing to feel good about themselves atschool and work. The program offers new,name brand clothing to those in need througha partnership with CorpCare, a non-profitthat receives clothing from Kohl's, Gap,Land's End and other stores and distributesthem to organizations in Wisconsin.

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Urban ThreadsExpands Reach

The stories of the people helped through LSS’Urban Threads are heartbreaking yet heartwarming.Those who are walking through the doors are peoplewith pride, with persistence and a real will to makeit. Thankfully, LSS is there to provide, but not with-out the help of numerous volunteers and supporters.

In the Appleton area, Zion Lutheran generouslydonated space for this ministry in their ParishHouse adjacent to the church. Additionally, theAppleton Conference awarded a $2,500 grant to helpcover start-up costs for the new clothing distribution.Scheels Sports and Kohl’s Department Store havegenerously donated new clothing, clothing racks,supplies, volunteers and monetary donations.These donations have been essential in the start upfor the Appleton area and will allow many peoplein the area to get new clothing.

The Milwaukee Urban Threads location is nostranger to amazing volunteers and organizationalsupport either. Recently at the annual Back-to-School event, volunteers poured in from localchurches, including Cross of Life and St. Johns inBrookfield. Kohl’s was equally as supportive in theMilwaukee area by providing over 100 volunteers.In addition, Assurant Healthcare, and MarquetteUniversity also helped re-design the shoppingspace, sorted clothing before the event and assisted

families during their shopping experience. With allof this support, over 280 families were served. Atthe event families were treated to a cookout lunch,school supplies, new fall clothing, free haircutsand other giveaways to help prepare foster childrenfor a new school year.

Recently, both locations also benefitted from agenerous donation of clothing from ColumbiaSportswear worth approximately $50,000. Thisdonation will provide 120 boxes of outerwear formen, women and children.

“It’s really a community effort to work togetherto assist families in need,” stated Carla Schultz,program coordinator for the Milwaukee location.“LSS is very fortunate to have so many great partnersand volunteers who come together to reach moreand more families in need…we are truly blessed.”

For more information on how you can help LSS’Urban Threads, call Carla Schultz at 414-380-9067or Connie Raether at 920-460-0004 or 920-730-1343.

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The average family spends nearly $400 on

back-to-school items, including $200 on

clothing and accessories, nearly $100 on

shoes and about $80 on school supplies.

Skate, Bike & Skoot to Raise AwarenessProject Youth, a program of LSS and a partner agency of the Sheboygan AreaUnited Way, held its third annual bike, skate and scooter competition. Over 30participants gave great performances to a crowd of over 75 friends, family andcommunity members. Each participant was judged on his or her skills andshowmanship. Thanks to numerous local businesses, participants were givengreat prizes and awards. The goal of the event was to raise awareness of thepositive things youth in the community are involved in.

Project Youth is a part of LSS’ Runaway and Family Treatment services. Thisprogram serves youth ages 11-17 and their families through crisis intervention,short term counseling, street/community outreach and education, a 24-hourhotline, and temporary shelter. The program, also includes independent livingprograms for older youth and transitional living services.

A Day of Fellowship with Northern Great Lakes SynodThis summer, staff from LSS and Northern Great Lakes Synod enjoyed anafternoon of fellowship at Presque Isle in Marquette. The day was arranged byBishop Skrenes and his staff, and everyone brought a dish and idea to share.LSS is thankful for all our partnerships with churches throughout the two-statearea. In Upper Michigan, the Northern Great Lakes Synod shares office spacewith LSS, in addition to a valuable amount of support to programming in UrbanMinistries, Adoption, Foster Care, Counseling and Housing.

“The afternoon brought about great conversationsabout our common goals for the people in needin our communities and explored ideas for thefuture,” state Becky Soderna, program manager.

Human RaceLSS persons with disabilities staff and clients took part in the Human Race, a5k walk in Oshkosh and Appleton, Wis. The team raised over $4,000 and wasable to bring in $3,200 for persons with disabilities programs. Todd Grubofski andJackie Ranes, both program supervisors at LSS, organized the walk and directsupport staff fundraised and participated in the walk. The money raised fromthe walk was donated to LSS Create, a committee dedicated to promoting andproviding stimulating activities for clients to enjoy — encouraging socialization,stimulation, and the opportunity to express themselves in an artistic, non-judgmental atmosphere. The LSS Create committee has also organized events for clients such as Halloween dances, Christmas parties, zoo trips,movie nights, and more. The committee is completely financed through charitable donations.

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WHAT’S NEWS?

Halcyon House DedicationMay 22, 2009 was a special day for HalcyonHouse, a 4-bed adult family home in BlackRiver Falls, Wis. as there was a dedicationcelebration of the house by Dr. and Mrs.Lahmayer. In 1996, Dr. and Mrs. Lahmayerwere looking for a place for their son, Mark,to call home. Their hopes and dreams led towhat we now know as Halcyon House. TheLahmayers worked with city officials andcommunity members to find a location forthe home. A local architect donated his timeto design the home.

Today, Halcyon House is a place called homefor the four individuals who reside there.Each client has their own one bedroomapartment within the home which affordsthem their independence and space. Thehome also features a very large living room,family room and kitchen for the clients toenjoy time together. LSS provides staff toassist the clients in developing skills thathelp them live as independently as possible.

Dr. and Mrs. Laymayer have said theycouldn’t be happier for their son. Mrs.Laymayer told Patsy Deno, LSS programsupervisor, “As soon as Mark goes on afamily visit, it isn’t long after leavingHalcyon that he is asking when he’ll get togo back home!”

At the close of the dedication ceremony, Dr. Laymayer said that he wanted this dedication to recognize the efforts of themany people who assisted in donating time,land, materials and support in buildingHalcyon House. Dr. and Mrs. Laymayer alsopresented a plaque which now hangs insidethe front door of the house and reads: “Builtwith love to support independent living.”

Choir Reaches CommunityThe Eau Claire-area LSS choir performed at Phoenix Park Amphitheater indowntown Eau Claire for family and friends. Under the direction of Judy Wibeland assistant Sara Winter, patriotic songs were sung to honor those who haveserved our country.

The LSS choir performed twice this past year, at Christmas and Memorial Day.The number of choir members has increased to nearly 50. The LSS choirincludes both clients and staff. The choir provides a great way for clients andstaff to share their love of music and build camaraderie.

A special thanks to Peace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, Wis. for allowing useof their facility for the choir practices. Special thanks you the Eau Claire areadirect support professionals, managers and supervisors for making choir a priorityand for realizing the benefits this activity provides for our clients. LSS is alsoappreciative of the tremendous support from family, friends and the public.

Women’s Way Program Wins AwardWomen’s Way, a program of Lutheran LSS located in Eau Claire, was recentlyawarded the Eau Claire County Criminal Justice CollaboratingCouncil Volunteer Award. This award recognizes LSS’ workand support of the Eau Claire County Treatment Courts.Tiana Glenna from Criminal Justice Collaborating Councilstated, “It would be so much more difficult to institute andoperate our treatment courts without people like you. Yourecognize a need in the community and you take action tohelp persons who face specific and long-term challenges….You are performing a valuable service for citizens ofEau Claire County.”

Women's Way offers comprehensive case management services to women with AODAissues, utilizing a wraparound philosophy as theframework for service provision. The programprovides services to families in Barron,Chippewa, Eau Claire, and TrempeleauCounties, with priority given to women whoare pregnant. Services assist women in gainingsustained and rewarding recovery, greater self-sufficiency, successful parenting skills, and healthy relationships with other women whohave chosen an alcohol and drug-free lifestyle.

LSS persons with disabilities staff and clients at the Human Race. 9

Heavy rains in 2007 and 2008 caused serious flash floods across the La Crosse Area, GreaterMilwaukee and the South Central Synods. The resulting damage included evacuated communities andwashed out roads across a 30-county area. The devastation did not stop there; over the followingweeks, record rainfall continued to worsen the situation. The homes of many victims were deemeduninhabitable, and condemned. And now, two years later, many of those survivors continue to strugglewith long-term recovery.

LSS aided victims in the recovery process by offering spiritual and emotional support, hardship grants,volunteer coordination, respite care for clergy, and case management. Two years into this recoveryprocess the needs are still great. Through LSS’ Project Recovery program hundreds of people arebeing helped to bring a “new normal” to their everyday lives.

LSS is able to provide assistance thanks to many partners and congregations. Two congregationsspecifically were recently recognized for going above and beyond — Good Shepherd Lutheran Church inViroqua and St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Reedsburg. Both of these churches assistedProject Recovery outreach staff in numerous ways. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church provided freemeeting and office space to the Project Recovery outreach team for over two years. The church provided an office for our team leader, and office support in the form of copying and printing capacity.In addition, Pastor Lindsay Jordan and assistant Brenda Wright made conference room space availableto the team for weekly team meetings.

Pastors David Glesne and Marsha Swenson opened their door at St. John's to give our outreach staffin the Sauk and Columbia region meeting space on a weekly basis at no charge. They were alsoinstrumental in organizing a picnic for flood survivors in Reedsburg.

These two congregations and their spiritual leaders are to be thanked and commended for their willingness to partner with Lutheran Social Services in support of long-term recovery activities inresponse to the floods of 2007 and 2008.

“This is a truly great example of partnerships between LSS and the congregation, and the workingrelationship between church and state.” stated Pastor Gary Grindeland, Vice President of Church &Community Relations. “Both of these congregations are vital to LSS and those we serve.”

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Vital Congregational PARTNERS

LSS employee Jane Bloss presentsa plaque to PastorGlesne to thank St. John's for thecongregation’s kindness to ProjectRecovery staff.

As part of the United Way campaign, Walter’sstory appeared in television commercials, print adsand a video. He was also invited to throw out thefirst pitch at a Milwaukee Brewers game. It was agreat day for Walter. Being the athlete that he is,Walter refused to throw the ball from the half-waypoint, and insisted upon throwing it from thepitcher’s mound!

Walter’s parents were especially proud that day,not because he threw the first pitch or got to berecognize, it was much more than that. Walter gotthe opportunity to represent himself and others likehim with developmental disabilities who are a vitalpart of communities across the two-state area.

LSS serves more than 4,000 persons with disabilities,ranging from “round-the-clock” residential supportto supervision within more independent living situations. Developmental disabilities are defined bya person’s cognitive ability, seizures, Cerebral Palsy,Autism and those who have sustained head injuries.

LSS is thankful for our partnership with the UnitedWay. This partnership allows us to serve morepeople in a variety of ways. This year more than425,000 people will benefit from over 160 UnitedWay programs at 80 plus agencies.

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MEET OUR LSS CELEBRITY

WALTER The 2009 United Way Campaign is underway allover Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. United Waybrings thousands of people together for a commongoal: a healthy, safe, thriving community. Thisyear in the Milwaukee area one of Lutheran SocialServices’ (LSS) clients, Walter of Shephard House,was highlighted in their campaign.

Walter is one of many success stories the UnitedWay and LSS are proud to share. Over 18 yearsago Walter became a resident at one of LSS’ grouphomes. As a child, Walter was diagnosed withmild mental retardation, but as years progressedhis true diagnosis of Autism was later revealed.

Today Walter is 35, and while much more isunderstood about Autism now, little was knownduring his childhood. Still, with his parents behindhim and the support of LSS and programs throughthe United Way, Walter was able to graduate whenhe was 21.

Since then, Walter worked primarily as a custodianfor a local university, and continues to live atLSS’ Shephard House. With the help of anotherUnited Way partner, Walter continues to developacademically and socially.

Walter with his parents at Miller Park and with Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett.

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SPIRIT of GIVINGHHow often have you encountered someone who truly captures

the spirit of giving? Weekly? Yearly? Once in a lifetime? Lutheran Social Services

(LSS) is fortunate to have so many donors who have the spirit of giving. One in particular

was recently recognized for her commitment to LSS, her community and the Lutheran Church.

Jeanne Metzig has captured the spirit of giving at LSS.

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Far left: Kevin Keller, president of the WisconsinChapter of ALDE, congratulates Jeanne Metzig forher years of service to LSS. She has served on theLSS Board of Directors and various committees;hosted fundraisers for LSS; advocated for LSS’

Nexus House and a Day Center for Older Adults;and much more. She even regularly shares

vegetables from her garden and bakeryfrom her kitchen with

LSS clients.

TThis past October, the Wisconsin Chapter ofAssociation of Lutheran Development Executives(ALDE) awarded Jeanne with the Spirit of GivingAward at a celebration luncheon. The Spirit ofGiving Award recognizes an individual or familywho exemplifies generous contribution of service,time, and support that inspires others to greatercommitment and involvement. Any individual orfamily involved with an ALDE organization orwith any other nonprofit is eligible for nominationfor this award.

Jeanne and her husband Quintin Metzig are majorsupporters of LSS, who lead in service and inspireothers. Jeanne has been active with LSS for manydecades advocating for those less blessed. She wasthe first woman president of the Board of Directors.During this time she also served as an LSS representative on the Council of Voluntary Familyand Children’s Agencies. Jeanne’s leadership skillswere utilized when she served as chairperson ofthe Prevention Committee.

Since then her involvement with LSS has continued.Several times in the past two decades she has hostedreceptions for LSS in her home. The groups, whichconsisted of 20 or more people, heard presentationson social issues as well as giving vehicles. One ofthose focused on the needs of teen girls who hadbeen sexually abused.

Jeanne has also been an advocate for LSS’ Nexusprogram, a halfway house for men who have beeninvolved with the criminal justice system and havealcohol and drug abuse issues. Though not a populargroup of people for which to advocate, Jeanne wasquick to help with an open heart. She arranged tobring a group from her church to the house to learnabout the program and those served. Forseveral years the group has brought atleast one meal a month to Nexus.She and her husband often dropoff vegetables from their gardenand bakery from her kitchen — amuch welcomed treat for a programthat has a very limited budget.When the program moved toa new location, she wasscouring the community forfurniture, pictures andother items to fill thenew, larger home.

A couple of years ago when LSS was planning aDay Center for Older Adults, Jeanne was there, yetagain, ready to serve on the advisory board. Whenthe open house was held she not only assisted withorganizing it, but also brought a group of friendsin for the event. She wanted them to see this wonderful new service in their Oshkosh community.

Jeanne has not only enlisted herself as an advocatefor Lutheran Social Services, but she has alsoinspired her children and their spouses to supportthe agency. Her son-in-law’s influence resulted inLSS receiving a grant twice the amount that thelocal community foundation had decided would bethe limit for the year.

While LSS has benefited greatly from Jeanne’sgenerosity and commitment to service, it is not theonly one. Jeanne is a good friend of the OshkoshCommunity Foundation, an active member ofPeace Lutheran Church, and has been involvedwith Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh, and countlessother causes and agencies.

It has been a pleasure and an honor for LSS tohave a partner who is so giving and community-minded, so willing to speak up for those who areoften overlooked, and who lives the Gospel on adaily basis. Jeanne Metzig truly is a joyful giver ofher time, talent and treasures, and has definitelycaptured the spirit of giving!

In October 2008, congress passed legislation that extended the IRA Rollover provision through2009. This important giving opportunity, for a segment of LSS donors, allows a gift to be madedirectly from a traditional or Roth IRA.

In 2008, LSS received a number of IRA Rollover gifts, which made an enormous impact on theministry of LSS. We are hopeful that friends will recognize the unique opportunity provided andhelp improve the quality of the lives of those served by LSS by making an IRA Rollover gift in 2009.

You may take advantage of this opportunity:• if you are age 70-1/2 or older • for gifts up to $100,000 each year • if you make the gift on or before December 31, 2009

• if you transfer funds directly from a traditional or Roth IRA

It is important to note that a distribution from an IRA to benefit the ministryof LSS must be an outright gift distributed directly from the IRA trusteeor administrator. Distributions from retirement accounts other than traditional or Roth IRAs are not eligible under the legislation.

To learn more about making a gift: Please call Jay Peterson, vicepresident of Ministry Support, at 800-488-5181, ext. 3073 or e-mail

him at jay.peterson@lsswis.org. Jay will be happyto discuss this opportunity and can provide

you with a sample letter to be used toinstruct your IRA administrator.

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An Extraordinary

OPPORTUNITY

Would you be surprised to learn of a charitable gift, whichwould help others and help you by providing a predictableincome stream to you? A Charitable Gift Annuity through LSS provides interest income to the donor at a rate higher thancommercially available returns. And, donors have the knowledgethat their gift will some day serve LSS clients — those seeking toadopt, adults with developmental disabilities, those strugglingwith alcohol and other drug addictions, runaway children andthose in need of counseling to name a few.

Charitable Gift Annuities may be established to cover one life, ortwo lives, in the case of a husband and wife, for example. Interestrates vary with age. Here are samplings of rates for specific ages:

An individual – age 70 = 5.7%An individual – age 75 = 6.3%An individual – age 80 = 7.1%A husband and wife – age 70 and 72 = 5.3%A husband and wife – age 80 and 78 = 6.0%

If you would like to know more about a Charitable Gift Annuity,or the specific interest rates applicable at your age, please callJay Peterson, vice president of Ministry Support, at 800-488-5181,ext. 3073 or e-mail him at jay.peterson@lsswis.org. He will bepleased to answer any questions and forward an illustration witha specific rate of return for your age(s), and a summary of the taxbenefits. Care for yourself and for those less fortunate with aCharitable Gift Annuity with LSS.

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Care for yourself and for thoseless fortunate

Care for yourself and for thoseless fortunate

Do youhave a passion to serve?

LSS is looking for those with a passion to serve to join our team. Weoffer services for people of all ages to meet the challenges that face our communities and are always looking for caring, responsible individualsto assist us in our mission. We offer employment opportunities in allfacets of human services, including careers as youth care workers,community living specialists, program managers, certified social workersand many other positions.

If you share our passion to serve, please call 1-800-488-5181, or visit our website at www.lsswis.org for more information.

LSS offers competitive wages and benefits such as health/dental insurance,flexible schedules, paid vacation, sick pay and a generous retirement plan, along with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

LSS is an AA/ Equal Opportunity Employer

NON PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #2484

MILWAUKEE, WI647 W. Virginia Street, Suite 300, Milwaukee, WI 53204