Bethany Place Adds Assisted Living Apartments

New Home Health Agency Exceeds Projections

The FRIEND1914 2014

Celebrating 100 Years of Publication

Lutheran Homes Society Newsletter

Vol. CIV No. 2Spring/Summer 2014

Mission Statement

In This IssuePresident/CEO ........pg 2 Toledo ......................pg 3Wolf Creek ...............pg 4Sandusky ..................pg 5Napoleon ................pg 5Annual Meeting . pgs 6-7Friend 100 Year .. pgs 8-9Community Svcs ....pg10Board Openings ...pg 10Family & Youth ......pg 11Foundation ............pg 12Donations ....... pgs 12-14Golf Outing ............pg 15Advocacy ........back pg

As followers of Christ, we are called to do what lies within

our power to share burdens that weigh

upon the young and the old and to

alleviate sorrow and misery in His Name.

Our ValuesFaithfulness to ChristEquality and Justice

Wholeness of LifeIntegrity

Quality of ServiceStewardship of Resources

We will be a network of dedicated, gifted, and

caring people, providing exceptional services

and facilities.

Our Vision

®

Northwest Ohio Home Care Partners, the joint venture between Lutheran Homes Society and Alternate Solutions HealthCare, began treating patients in their homes on March 3, 2014. The newly formed home health agency provides skilled nursing and therapy services in the northwest Ohio region.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to offer these services to our residents and the community,” stated Steve Dumke, LHS Senior Vice President for Youth, Housing & Community Services, who is responsible for overseeing the new home health addition to the LHS service line. “In our first two months of operation, we have

(continued on page 4)

Physical Therapist Christina Seiple meets with Al Revesz, the first home health

patient for LHS.

Assisted living resident Margie Wasserman receives nursing care

from Unique Powell, LPN.

Bethany Place senior community in Fremont, Ohio, is now offering 12 assisted living apartments in addition to its 33 independent living apartments. This conversion of existing apartments extends the continuum of care that Lutheran Homes Society (LHS) offers at its Fremont location, allowing residents to receive access to around-the-clock nursing care and help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, eating, and dressing.

Recently, a dozen Bethany Place apartments were licensed by the Ohio Department of Health as a residential care facility to provide assisted living services. Bethany Place’s assisted living is being staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by nurses and aides from the Visiting Nurse Association of Mid-Ohio. (continued on page 3)

His Command without Limits: His Commission without Boundaries

David Roberts,President/CEO

Page 2

At our recent Annual Meeting of the Corporate Member Congregations, I was honored to be the presenting speaker for the evening, and I selected the Great Commission of Matthew 28 as my text:

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the

Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely

I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

At Lutheran Homes Society, we believe our ministry to “orphans and widows” fits perfectly with the Great Commission by not limiting God to geography and suggesting that “all nations” consist of every place and every opportunity to share the Gospel.

Clearly, LHS is called to care for widows and orphans in their distress and alleviate their sorrow in the name of Jesus, a claim that is embodied in our Mission Statement. Given this special calling to care for widows and orphans, we also have a special opportunity to live out the great commission – to make disciples by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who may well be in desperate need of redemption, having never heard of God’s grace and mercy.

At Lutheran Homes Society, we are especially blessed to offer spiritual care led by our chaplains at our Toledo, Napoleon, Wolf Creek and Sandusky campuses; Chaplain Clyde Singh, Chaplain Lee Genter, Chaplain Ron Atkins, and Chaplain Kathy Shuck, respectively. In 2013, 6,754 chaplain visits were made, not including 2,175 services conducted. Spiritual care was supplemented in all of our ministries by a cadre of pastors and lay persons – a total of 85 “Missionaries for the Gospel” – sent by 82 congregations and parishes. In our youth ministries, spiritual care was provided through the efforts of staff facilitating church attendance; we are thanking God that three youth were baptized recently, having accepted Jesus into their lives!

In addition, under the leadership of Dr. Jim Dumke, our Vice President for Mission Integration, the Lord has also called three Associate Directors for Mission Integration to coordinate the mission work of congregations with the spiritual and physical care needs of our residents. Those directors are Pastor Jerry Bauer, Pastor Dale Kern, and Pastor Katherine Kolodziejczyk, and we give thanks and praise for their leadership in this endeavor.

Consider this, folks: Remember the thief on the cross–in the last moment of his life he professed Jesus as Lord and Savior, and he received eternal life. Now, think of the aged, the elder, the senior – whatever term you want to use – in our nursing

home, their body worn out, often with some terminal disease. In the last days and hours of their life, they hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and profess in their hearts or by their lips that Jesus is their Lord and Savior. Think of the senior in our housing ministry, many of whom have never heard of what Jesus did for them on the cross. Think of the severely behaviorally or emotionally disturbed youth; often abused physically, sexually, and mentally – yet, as they experience the love and compassion of Jesus through the witness and support of staff (by the work of the Holy Spirit), they too hear the Gospel and are baptized!

This, dear reader, is what separates LHS, LSS, Luther Home of Mercy, Filling Home, and all LSA agencies from

the other secular service providers. It is sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with every “widow and orphan” we can reach through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is following His Command without Limits and His Commission without Boundaries.

(continued on page 7)

Page 3

Every April, Lutheran Home at Toledo volunteers are invited to a special luncheon to show appreciation for their dedication and assistance throughout the year. The 2014 Volunteer Recognition Luncheon was held on April 29, and nearly 50 volunteers attended the event.

At the event, volunteers ate lunch, had their portraits taken by photographer Michael Loughman, listened to entertainment by singer/music therapist David Putano, and received a special thank you gift from Diane Cline, Director of Activities/Volunteer Services, and her staff. Volunteers also had the opportunity to hear about Lutheran Homes Society’s new home health care services.

Without these volunteers, residents would enjoy less varied activities, Diane explained. Volunteers and Guild members work in the gift shop, do crafts, assist with games, drive the bus, help with outings and special events, provide computer services, and visit with residents.

This year, volunteer Bob Strack received The President’s Call to Service Award, presented by the Corporation for National and Community Service. A letter thanking Bob for his devotion to service, signed by U.S. President Barack Obama, accompanied the award.

“Bob’s loyalty and dedication reflect a generous spirit, willingly giving of his time and talents to benefit others,” Diane said. Bob has volunteered at the Toledo Home since 2002, doing craft projects with the residents, taking care of the pond and courtyard, accompanying residents on outings, and helping with special events. Bob

Annual Luncheon Celebrates Toledo Volunteers also brings his dogs, Buddy and Goldie, to visit with residents.

“Lutheran Home at Toledo is grateful for the generous spirit of

all our volunteers, whose efforts, ideas and enthusiasm improve the lives of residents,” Diane stated. “We are blessed with talented and loyal volunteers.”

Volunteer Bob Strack (left)displays the President's Call to Service Award

he received, along with a letter from President

Obama, held by Director of Activities/Volunteer

Services Diane Cline. They are joined by Bob's dogs, Goldie and Buddy, which

Bob brings with him to visit residents.

Bethany Place - continued from front page

“Considering Bethany Place is congregate care and already provides dietary, laundry and housekeeping services, LHS concluded that it made sense to renovate existing units and get them licensed for assisted living.”

Currently, residents have already moved into eight of the assisted living apartments. Of those eight apartments, six are occupied by existing Bethany Place residents who opted to switch apartments in order to receive additional care services. For more information on the independent or assisted living options at Bethany Place, contact Brenda Peiffer, Manager, at 419-334-5500.

According to Amanda Schroeder, Executive Director for Home & Community Based Services, LHS has experienced vacancy issues at Bethany Place for the past several years. “When LHS management started reviewing the reasons residents were moving out, the majority had growing medical needs and needed the services of an assisted living facility and the reassurance of staff available 24/7,” she added.

“LHS also noted the growing median age of the current Bethany Place residents and wanted to enable them to age in place in the environment where they were already comfortable,” Mrs. Schroeder said.

Page 4

SilverSneakers Exercise Classes Now Available to Wolf Creek Residents

Personal Fitness Trainer Bryan Miller (left) leads an exercise class in the assisted living activity room.

Lutheran Village at Wolf Creek is excited to announce the addition of SilverSneakers® exercise classes to its weekly activity offerings. Wolf Creek has teamed up with American Mobile Fitness, which is working with Healthways SilverSneakers FLEX Fitness Program, to bring group fitness classes to the Wolf Creek campus.

These classes are designed to help seniors live longer, healthier lives. They offer an opportunity for seniors to increase balance, flexibility, and strength in a social environment. American Mobile Fitness will be providing certified personal fitness trainers and certified group fitness instructors to lead these classes. The goal for each class is to make it challenging, but cater to all ability levels through exercise modifications.

Seniors have the ability to increase muscle up to 100 years

of age. With increased muscle, balance and flexibility also increase. This overall increase in fitness can help seniors feel better about themselves, decrease the possibility of falls, and increase their independence for day-to-day living.

A wide variety of class times are available to assisted living

and nursing care residents. Classes are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in nursing care and assisted living. Classes are also offered on weekends in the Chapel. As with all resident activities, visiting family members are always welcome to join their loved ones.

Home Health - continued from front page

at Toledo campus, has benefitted from the services of the new home health agency. Neither he nor his wife, Carol, were able to drive, so when he was discharged with a wound vac on his foot, having a home health agency was their only viable option to meet his medical needs.

When he was discharged, Al became the first patient for Northwest Ohio Home Care Partners. Initially, he received

nursing care and physical therapy services three times a week, but he has since met his therapy goals and now has a nurse stop in only once a week to check on his foot.

Al and Carol both agree that the nurses and therapists coming into their home have been great. “I have been very impressed with the professionalism and friendliness of the nurses and therapists,” Al commented. “We could not be happier with the services I have received.”

For more information on the home health care services available, call 419-690-0044.

exceeded caseload projections and provided needed services to patients leaving our rehabilitation facilities.”

Focused primarily on the geriatric populations in Fulton, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa and Wood counties, Northwest Ohio Home Care Partners’ dedication to providing quality services, coordination of care, and health coaching, as well as allowing residents to age in place, has created immediate benefits for the agency’s clients.

Al Revesz, who returned to his East Toledo home after a 23-day stay in The Labuhn Center on the Lutheran Home

Page 5

On Valentine’s Day, Lutheran Memorial Home hosted a spaghetti dinner fundraiser that was open to the community. Residents and their families,

Sandusky Campus Holds Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

Alpine Village Crowns King and Queen of Hearts

board members, staff, and community members attended the dinner.

During the evening, 100 meals were served. The meals included spaghetti, salad, dessert and a beverage. The event raised $500 and that amount is being matched by the Thrivent Financial – Erie /Huron County Chapter.

The Rev. Gerald Bauer, LHS Associate Director for Mission Integration-Eastern Region, was very involved in the coordination of the first-time event. He and a few members of Zion and Trinity Lutheran churches volunteered the night of the spaghetti dinner. Volunteers helped set up the dining area and collected payments.

“The fundraiser was enjoyable and successful,” commented Director of Nursing Sunshine Holzmiller, RN, who organized the event. Proceeds will be used to provide equipment needed by the residents, including towel warmers and lift chairs.

Residents and their families were among the 100 people who attended the spaghetti dinner fundraiser.

Residents Wilfred “Willie “Hesterman and Delores “Dee” Atkinson were crowned King and Queen of Hearts at Alpine Village’s Valentine’s Day party held on February 14. They were elected by popular vote by their peers and the staff at Alpine Village assisted living on the campus of Lutheran Home at Napoleon.

“These two residents are positive individuals who are welcoming to everyone they meet,” according to Activity Director Regina Gallardo. The announcement was made at the party, so neither resident had any idea he or she had been chosen as King and Queen. Both were completely surprised and pleased when they found out they had received such an honor from their peers.

Willie’s hometown is Napoleon, where he worked as the Deputy Register at the License Bureau and sold livestock. He has two sons and has lived at Alpine Village for one year. Willie enjoys playing cards, bingo, and Wii bowling. Meanwhile, Dee’s hometown is Liberty Center, and she worked in quality control at Campbell’s Soup Company in Napoleon for 32 years. Dee has three sons and one daughter. She has lived at Alpine Village for seven months and enjoys calling bingo and watching television.

Residents attending the Valentine’s Day Party were treated to heart-shaped cookies, which they had

decorated for the occasion, and punch. They were also challenged by trivia questions.

“Having residents participate in the planning of the party by decorating cookies and voting on the King and Queen builds self-esteem, gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment, and encourages them to participate in the event,” Regina explained. Planning, decorating the facility, and preparing refreshments for events give Alpine Village residents the opportunity to entertain as they may have done in their own homes.

As part of its Valentine’s Day party, Alpine Village residents and staff royally honored

Dee Atkinson and Willie Hesterman.

Frank Paine, St. Luke’s, Temperance, Michigan; and Rose Thomson, All Saints, Toledo. There was no new business to be voted on at this year’s annual meeting.

LHS also recognized several retiring directors for their service on LHS boards. The individuals recognized were Bruce Joseph, Grace, Fremont; the Rev. Lindsay Shaner, Hope, Hamler; and Lynn Olman, St. Paul’s, Maumee, who retired as Chair of the LHS Board of Directors.

In addition, eleven new Covenant Partner congregations were recognized at the annual meeting. The following Lutheran congregations received framed certificates:

Christ, Bowling Green; St. Paul, Defiance; Zion, Gibsonburg; St. Peter, Martin; Resurrection, Port Clinton; Zion, Ridgeville Corners; St. Paul, Sandusky; Zion, Sandusky; Concordia, Toledo; Good Shepherd, Vickery; and Trinity, Wauseon. These churches have pledged to be active partners in the ministry of LHS.

Page 6

154th Annual Meeting Features Dave Roberts’ Final Report as President/CEO

More than 160 people attended Lutheran Homes Society’s 154th Annual Meeting of Member Congregations held April 7 at Providence Lutheran Church in Holland, Ohio. At the annual meeting, 48 member congregations were represented, and 75 congregational delegates elected new LHS board members.

The scripture verse for the annual meeting was “In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry on to completion.…” (Philippians1:4-6 NIV) From this verse came the theme, “Partners in the Gospel,” which emphasizes the organization’s resolve to serve with churches and other community organizations to impact positively the lives of youth and older adults in need.

Business MeetingThe brief worship service in the sanctuary was

followed by the business meeting. Congregational delegates elected members to the LHS Board of Directors and LHS Nominating Committee. Elected to the Board of Directors were: Michael Bogdan, Community of Christ, Whitehouse; the Rev. Richard Habrecht, Gloria Dei, Toledo; the Rev. Keith Hunsinger, St. Paul, Defiance; and Natalie Jackson, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox, Toledo. These newly elected directors were also installed during the meeting.

Delegates also elected four individuals to the Nominating Committee: Michael Hollie, St. Philip, Toledo; Philip Meuser, Hope, Toledo; the Rev. Dr.

The Rev. Dr. James Dumke (far left), Vice President for Mission Integration, recognized the new Covenant

Partner congregations that had delegates attending the annual meeting.

The Rev. Dr. Frank Paine (far right), LHS Nominating Committee Chair, installed the new LHS board members.

President/CEO David Roberts (left) recognized the service of retiring LHS Board of Directors'

Chair Lynn Olman.

Page 7

Annual Report/Keynote SpeakerIn addition to presenting the annual report

of LHS, President/CEO David Roberts was also the keynote speaker for the evening. This was Mr. Roberts’ final LHS annual report, as he has announced his retirement for January 2015. After introducing several special guests and his family, he gave his report, which emphasized “the partnership in the Gospel with our congregations, and with you individuals, that enabled the work of Lutheran Homes Society ministries that was accomplished in 2013.”

LHS was able to serve 3,685 residents, patients, and clients in 2013, reflecting more than a 40% increase from the year before. Additionally, 719 volunteers provided 27,454 hours of service. Mr. Roberts stressed how volunteer support is mission critical to the care of LHS residents.

He also shared the organization’s social accountability numbers. LHS opened its facilities

over 1,400 times for use by community groups, and LHS leaders provided over 2,000 hours of community service. Once again, LHS provided more than $4 million in charitable care and community benefit – money that covers the cost of care when government, insurance and private funding fall short.

Mr. Roberts went on to explain the organization’s financial position, sharing that expenses slightly exceeded revenues. “Sequestration and Medicare cuts hit us hard, with approximately $750,000 in lost revenue,” he stated. Mr. Roberts then had several executive directors and board members demonstrate how LHS stewards donations. He asked for a dollar donation and showed what happens when a donation is made to a specific ministry and when a donation is given to the “Where Most Needed” fund. In all instances, 100% of every dollar donated to LHS goes directly to the donors’ designated ministry or fund.

Following his annual report, Mr. Roberts presented the keynote address, titled “His Command without Limits: His Commission without Boundaries,” based on the words of Matthew 28:18-20. He suggested “this command means make every opportunity to share the Gospel.” For a recap of his speech, refer to the President/CEO column on page 2.

Mr. Roberts concluded his speech by looking at passages from the Book of Joshua that give courage reminders: “God keeps his promises,” “Be faithful in His work and we will be successful,” and “God is with you wherever you go.” He then shared the story of Joshua meeting the Lord on the way to Jericho. He urged attendees to share with him a prayer of commitment “to be part of the Lord’s army for Lutheran Homes Society, an Army commissioned by God himself, to care for widows and orphans, and share with those widows and orphans the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

The evening concluded with a dessert reception in Providence’s Family Life Center. Attendees had the opportunity to view LHS ministry displays, mingle with

colleagues, and win themed gift baskets.

President/CEO Column - continued from page 2

Dr. Jim Dumke reminds us that the brokenness and turmoil of our world (and, for us, the burdens that weigh on the young and the old) begs the question, “What is our God (loving and all powerful) doing about them?” The skeptical may say, “Absolutely nothing,” but the congregations, staff, and volunteers of Lutheran Homes Society say, “In Christ Jesus, God is calling us and showing us what the love of God for our whole world means in real life, concrete ways.” In this way, God gives our

work direction, purpose, and meaning, by joining us to His Son…assuring us, in him, that “…there is absolutely nothing in all of creation that can separate us from His love.”

What a privilege, honor and blessing to care for “widows and orphans” while intentionally sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ by following His Command without Limits and His Commission without Boundaries!

All Thanks and Praise to God!

Page 8

Celebrating 100 Years of Publication of The Friend Newsletter

The first issue was printed in November 1914 in German with the title “Lutherischer Waisen Freund” or “Lutheran Orphans Friend.” Recently, this first issue was translated* and some of the contents we share now with our readers. The issue began with a preface:

“A new publication makes hereby its first appearance. It is published by the above mentioned Lutheran Orphans and Old Folks Society. That such a newsletter is needed is not in doubt. It is important that our institution stay in touch with the community. Our community should be reminded that there are resources that provide services to those in need. This publication will provide that reminder. Also, dear readers, when you receive this newsletter do not throw it away. Read it completely and do so today. This is your source of information regarding our Orphans and Old Folks homes. We want you to stay informed about what is happening in our homes, and to remind you about our services and the responsibilities you have to us.

“This newsletter will appear monthly. It will alternate between German and English versions. Subscriptions will cost 25 cents a year.

“So, come together, dear Orphans friends. The Lord will open your hearts and homes, and give you the grace you will

receive as His friend, and will make you many new friends, in the name of God.”

The first issue also contained a report titled “From Our Institutions in Toledo” by the Rev. Frederick Schmeltz, who was the Society’s Director. His words paint a picture of the more agricultural life of the times:

“…What keeps us busiest

at this time is the gathering of articles relating to the autumn time. ‘How did the harvest go?’ is the often asked question. The answer is ‘Good, in some respects very good.’ Straw, hay, and oats harvests have been outstanding. The barn is almost full. Those were hot and busy days. It didn’t hurt that we had His help. And with the help of our orphan boys and their determined effort, we harvested our blessings. No one was seriously hurt by the hard work.

“The wheat harvest was good despite it being

delayed. We had planned to plant more than usual. But we were kept from planting all the wheat we had planned to plant. So we planted a crop of buckwheat instead. This assured we would still have a good harvest. We mowed it, and just when we started the gathering and threshing the rain started. This halted the remaining work. I was afraid that because of the moisture and the heat we would loose the rest of the harvest.

“The potatoes did much better than we expected. We have about 100 bushels in the root cellar. We still have another half acre to bring in. Our older members helped us diligently with the potatoes and the wheat. Mr. Ackhof was a particularly hard worker, in spite of his advanced age and infirmities. His help came in very handy, and we are very grateful.

“Our vegetable garden was extra successful. Because of the rain we had to re-prepare the soil and reseed. We were very lucky

The 100th anniversary of The Friend newsletter is being commemorated in 2014. Throughout the year, LHS will devote space within The Friend to celebrate 100 years of publication. Today’s editorial team will provide you with a glimpse of the past, as recorded within the newsletter’s earliest pages. Photographs did not appear in the newsletter for many years, so archival photos have been added to the article for our modern day readers.

Older boys from the orphanage were expected to help with the autumn harvest.

This later photo illustrates how even the younger children participated in the work.

Page 9

in August. He was 50 years old, but since he was unmarried he lived in the Old Folks home. We are hoping you find a person to take over his job, and serve the community in the same faithful manner Jakob did. Can someone help find someone to replace him?

“We would also like to remind our readers that the Christmas time will be here soon. The Christmas season is the time we try to raise funds to support our orphans. What is going to happen this Christmas time? I can’t help but worry. With my busy schedule and without a suitable person to represent me while away, [these reasons] tend to keep me from being away from home. Hopefully the institution will not be hurt if I have less time getting donations and support for our orphans and seniors.

“Don’t let the good harvest lull us into thinking we do not need to be financially supported. Think about the bills for clothing, shoes, bread, meat, groceries, insurance, heat, repairs to our real property, and needed new construction. We are dependent upon the generous gifts from all the good people in

and we are also very happy with the results: asparagus, salad, peas, beans, cucumbers, red and yellow beets, and cabbage in great amounts. Our apple harvest was a failure. This hurts because our children will miss them. The power sprayer we bought last year was used often, and with good effect. Our fruit trees were thoroughly sprayed to prevent San Jose Scale. But the sprayer cannot make blooms and fruit appear. It seems to have saved the trees from dying. We figured that with good care we wouldn’t have to do without them.

“Our institution family at this time includes 62 persons, 31 children and 24 old folks. Also we have house parents, one teacher, and each department has two aides each. Everybody is healthy and happy. It is amazing even our seniors have very few complaints. All of them seem to be hale and hardy. Konrad Boelter, our oldest resident, died in August. He was over 95 years old.

“Also Jakob Stuempfle, our past farm helping hand, has been suffering for a long time with a heart ailment. He was unable to work, and also passed away

the community. Our Lord will open your hearts and hands for Him to help our less fortunate.

With friendly greetings,

F. Schmeltz, Orphanmaster”

The “old folks” gathered on the porch to enjoy a summer breeze.

For many years, local churches made sure that each child had a

special present for Christmas.

Pastor and Mrs. Schmeltz

It was also common for early issues of The Friend to contain anecdotes and interesting historical facts for the readers. “What Does a Man Eat?” was included in the first issue:

“A statistician figured out that a human being of middle stature, normal appetite, and a good stomach, who reaches their 70th birthday, will consume the following: 25 tons of bread, 18 tons of meat, 40 tons of veggies and fruit, and 3,000-4,000 dozen eggs. This person will also drink 5,000 quarts of liquid.”

While these figures may not hold true today, it is interesting to see the amount of eggs this statistician said were consumed by people in 1914.

*Special thanks to John Kern for his translation of the German text.

Page 10

LHS Ministries Coordinate Services for Community ClientDawn's LHS story involves

several ministries and numerous individuals who worked hard to make her life better. Last fall, she was admitted to an LHS long-term care facility for rehabilitation services. Dawn, who had multiple medical complications, was 55 years of age and lived at home with her husband.

After a couple of months of rehab, she was discharged from the facility, needing home health and therapy services. LHS Care Transitions staff followed up with Dawn and her husband once she was home and found it to be extremely cluttered. In fact, home health and therapy workers could not provide services due to the amount of clutter in each room of the house. Care Transitions staff soon realized they were dealing with an extreme hoarding case.

As staff assessed Dawn, they found that she wanted

her home life to change, but could not manage the change on her own. She had suffered with mental health issues in the past and, at times, could not maintain her home. Her husband refused to meet with staff because of his embarrassment over the home’s condition.

The community client’s living room before (left) and

after it was cleaned so home health

staff could provide needed services.

Board Candidates RequestedLutheran Homes

Society (LHS), serving youth and elderly since 1860, has openings on its Board of Directors. In 2013, LHS served 3,685 residents, patients, and clients, with over 1,000 staff members and 719 volunteers. LHS has over $32 million in net assets and an annual budget of nearly $60 million.

The LHS Board of Directors is a high-performance, high-functioning governance board, as recognized recently by the national organization, BoardSource. The LHS Nominating Committee is looking for candidates to

Care Transitions staff referred Dawn to the LHS Family & Youth ministry for mental health counseling and services. The two LHS ministries collaborated to develop a negotiated agreement with the couple to help clean one room of their home to ensure that therapy and home health services could be delivered to Dawn.

In return, Dawn and her husband would participate in mental health counseling, as recommended by Family & Youth Services, and they would continue to clean the remaining rooms on their own. A company that specialized in working with extreme hoarders was hired to clean the living room with Dawn and her husband. Dawn continues with counseling, and together they continue to clean the house little by little. Both are grateful for the services LHS has provided and have commented that LHS has given them a new lease on life.

serve on the board who possess business acumen and a heart for social ministry.

If you are interested or know of a good board candidate, please contact:

LHS Nominating Committeec/o Nancy WellmanVice President for Governance and Administration2021 N. McCord RoadToledo, OH 43615 or NWellman@LHSOH.org

Page 11

At LHS Family & Youth Services, the school year is coming to an end. Six youth in care will graduate from high school in June; several other youth will be reunited with family this summer.

At Anthony Wayne Home, Jason participated in the Partners in Treatment Family Weekend program, where he visited with his mother and enjoyed playing games with her. Adam was able to transition from the LHS Maumee Youth Center to the Anthony Wayne Home and is doing well in the more home-like setting. Many of the youth have enjoyed playing outdoors in the warmer weather, while Monica has learned to follow directions in a better way and enjoys saying grace before meals.

At Wynn Treatment Facility, several residents have been going to local parks to pick up litter as an expression of their appreciation and commitment to their community. Sharon submitted a poster to the Mental Health & Recovery Services Board of Lucas County for a contest, as part of the May Mental Health Awareness Campaign. Tamara and Amy have both submitted their letters of commitment to be baptized in the very near future. Linda and Jeff have spent several hours doing work study activities at their horse therapy site, which will earn them credits toward graduation. Jeff recently went to an orientation for Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, formally known as the Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation, and signed up to become eligible for services. This will enable him to get a job with supportive training and a job coach.

At the Maumee Youth Center, Aaron, Bill and Luke picked up litter at a Toledo area park. Bob has been learning to bake as a life skill, and he has been baking desserts for his group. He hopes to be a baker one day. George has been improving his behaviors. He is now able to travel an hour away on visits to see his biological brother. Annette has been studying for her final exams and is preparing to graduate from high school and be discharged from care. Now that the weather is warmer, Douglas has been preparing flower beds for planting.

At Oregon Treatment Facility, Stephanie, Amanda and Kathy all had the opportunity to volunteer at the Toledo Humane Society for a day.

They spent a few hours assisting with daily care of the animals, as well as lending a hand with cleaning the living areas. Jeanette, a new youth in care, has

shown great interest in cleaning and has been helping staff and peers with this chore. Heather was officially accepted to the University of Toledo. Because she maintained over a 3.0 grade point average in high school and scored a 21 on her ACT test, Heather was offered a scholarship through the university. Family and Youth staff is helping her navigate the college admission and financial aid process.

The consistency and structure provided by LHS Family &Youth staff do not end when summer begins. Continued coordination of effective school programming for the next school year, client-centered individual and group therapy, case management with meticulous attention to detail,

and careful activity planning all help create a caring atmosphere conducive to healing and personal growth throughout the year.

Family & Youth Services - Around Home

Orphanage Tours Available

LHS Archivist/Museum Curator Thomas Hartford (center) recently led freshman students from Whitmer High School on a guided tour of the former Lutheran

Orphans’ Home at 2411 Seaman Street in East Toledo. As an orphan who grew up there in the 1950s, he can share from first-hand experience what it was like to live in the orphanage. To arrange for a personal or group

tour, contact him at 419-724-1878 or 419-221-1472.

Annually, during the months of February and March, the LHS Foundation highlights the opportunity for Lutheran Homes Society employees to participate in the charitable payroll deduction program. The most recent appeal, “Making a Difference,” thanked all LHS employees for their endless work with residents and patients and requested staff members to consider payroll deduction as a way to support the ministry work of LHS.

The program makes it easy for employees to contribute by making an ongoing donation that is taken directly from their paycheck. The deduction can be designated for a specific period of time or to be ongoing. Employees are under no obligation to participate; they are asked to consider contributing in this manner.

Each dollar given goes directly to the ministry the employee designates. Since the program’s inception in 2011, over $8,000 has been donated to LHS ministries. Currently, 14% of LHS staff members are contributing to LHS ministries directly through their paychecks.

As a way to thank charitable payroll deduction participants for their generosity, the LHS Foundation provided an opportunity for both new and existing enrollees to win a $150 gift card. Donations made to the Foundation for this purpose provided the funds needed for the gift cards.

This year’s winner of a $150 Walmart gift card for a new payroll deduction participant was Tasheia Strauder, an employee of Lutheran Memorial Home in Sandusky. William Witte, a Lutheran Home at Napoleon employee, won the $150 Walmart gift card for a current staff participant.

Employee enrollment is open at any time. Visit the LHS Foundation section of the LHS website at www.LHSOH.org or by scanning the code below. The charitable deduction enrollment form can be accessed on the front page of the Foundation section. Lutheran Homes Society is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that depends on donations to help cover the costs of care and services for more than 3,600 care recipients.

“Thank you to all employees for their service,” stated LHS Foundation Executive Director Kathy Lemmerbrock, “ and a particular thanks to all LHS staff members who donate to LHS ministries.”

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"Each dollar given goes directly to the ministry the

employee designates."

ContributionsJan. 1 - March 31, 2014St. Martin, ArchboldGood Hope, ArlingtonBethlehem, AtticaSt. Paul, Blissfield, MISt. Paul, Bowling Green St. Paul’s, Casco, MIBethlehem, DefianceSt. Paul, DefianceTrinity, ElmoreGrace, FremontSt. Mark, FremontZion, GibsonburgSt. John, HolgateZion, HuronZion, LafayetteFirst, LeipsicZion, LuckeySt. Peter, MartinSt. Paul, MaumeeZion, MontpelierSt. Peter, NorwalkSt. John, Oak HarborBethlehem, PembervilleChurch of the Master, PerrysburgZoar, PerrysburgZion, Petersburg, MIResurrection, Port ClintonSt. John, Port ClintonSt. Peter, Ridgeville CornersTrinity, SanduskySt. John’s, Stony RidgeSt. John, StrykerSt. Paul, Sulphur SpringsOlivet, SylvaniaSt. Luke’s, Temperance, MIAll Saints, ToledoAugsburg, ToledoFaith, ToledoFirst St. John, ToledoMessiah, ToledoSt. John, ToledoSt. Mark, ToledoSt. Petri, ToledoTrinity, ToledoZion, Valley CitySt. Luke, WauseonCommunity of Christ, WhitehouseSolomon, Woodville

Charitable Payroll Deduction Appeal Targets Employee Giving

Scan this code to visit the Foundation section of the LHS website at:

www.LHSOH.org

Sign Up Now for the Four Lutheran Agency Gold Outing!See form on page 15.

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Lutheran Homes Society accepts all donations solely to glorify God through the advancement of our ministries.

In Memory of...Jan. 1 - March 31, 2014

Dorothy Aschemeier by Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Abbey, Anonymous, BGSU Office of Reg. and Records, Timothy & Becky Buchhop, Ron & Janis Dachenhaus, Doug & Elaine Hines, Jane & Joseph Meyer, Almeda Panning, Byrl & Clara Short, Russell & Sandra Wyse

Lawrence & Anna Avers by Dale Avers

Iona Baker by Jane MerrittBill Behrmann by Sharon &

Stephen BischoffLarry (“Moe”) Brubaker by

Lucille MeyerMary Ann Collier by

Anonymous, Annabelle Isaacs, Greg Sink, Catherine & Sam Taylor, Toledo Clinic

Lydia Coressel by Harlan & Lois Billow, Sandra Boehly, Susan Christofel-Meyer & Gary Meyer, Neil & Susan Raymond, Bob & Susan Tilse

Irene Cuzynski by Rev. Dr. Frank & Diane Paine

Leona De La Ronde by Hubert & Shirley Herzberg

Marilyn Deppen by Dave & Pam Roberts, Jeff & Nancy Wellman

Lawrence & Esther Dierker by Eloise Dierker

Wallace Dierker by Eloise Dierker

Paul & Lois Dierksheide by Diane Bostdorff

Norma Dietrich by Anonymous, Mrs. John Bechtol, Mr. & Mrs. Gary Gilliland, Louis & Rita Mahlman, Jane & Joseph Meyer, Denny & Billye Miller, Tiffany Small, Russell & Sandra Wyse

Emery Dorfmeyer by John & Joanne Brinkman

Edward Erdman by Esther Hinsey

In loving memory of parents, Francis & Marguerite Falkenberg, by Beverly Rowell & Family

Judith Fisher by Jason & Cheryl Fisher

Donald Freeman by Fulton County Job & Family Services

Helen Gasparovic by Myra Zaenger

Kenneth Geiger Jr. by Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Geiger

Lydia Geiger by Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Geiger

Gertrude & Leland Gill by Barbara Velarde

Joyce Gilliland by Carol DilleHazel Gillmore by

Don & Bonnie MeierThe Gist and Schoeler

Families at Augsburg, Toledo, by John & Doris Gist

Norma Goodrich by Bob & Sandy Stow

Deo Grose by Janet GroseHelen Heacock by

Dennis & Jo HageyIn loving memory of our

brother, Robert Hebner, by Barbara Hebner, Irene Vanness

Arthur Helbert by Irene GloreEmery, Meta & Sanford

Herman by Jane MerrittHelen Herzberg by

Hubert & Shirley HerzbergRuth Hyrne by

Joyce & Merritt MetzgerLia Jelinger by

Ron & Susan Lang, Mark & Penny Minick, Sharon Nusbaum, Debra & Dennis Oberhauser, Jerry & Denise Pollock

Ann Jones by Bruce & Judy Jones, Michael & Marcia Resnick

James Jones by Beverly Jones

John Kastor, Zion, Huron Custodian by Mr. & Mrs. Michael Amstutz

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kimpel by Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Nowak

Bonnie Kinschner by Margaret & Frederick Bretzloff

Bonnie Rae Kinschner by Rev. Dr. Peter & Mrs. Susan Martyn

Father, Norbert Koppenhofer, by Rev. & Mrs. Keith Koppenhofer

Marie Kuhlman by Frank Kuhlmann

Helen Lazur by Rosanna Pantaleo

Loved ones by Gene & Joyce Zimmerman

Grandson, Christopher McKay, by Nancy Hardin

Fred Miller by Kathy & Joseph Schenkel

Joan Miller by Anonymous, Brooke & Peter Henry, David & Sue McColley, Delores McColley, Bill & Darlene Myers

Victor Miller by Delores McColley

My wife, Mary, by Weldon Mueller

Esther Myrice by Thomas Neill W.R.C. #275, Gary & Nancy Weilnau

Rupert Norris by Evelyn Bockbrader

Dale & Aleen Norton by Marilyn Doyle

Donald & Dolores Norton by Marilyn Doyle

James Nungester by Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Nungester

Parents by Vivian HartzellEva Jean Petersen by Lorna

Eberly, Cora QuimbyGlenn Pocock by

Molly PocockDolores Rinker by

Julie DelventhalTodd Ritterbach’s birthday

by Jeff & Nancy WellmanCathy Roberts by

Dave & Pam RobertsEllis Harris Roberts by

Dave & Pam RobertsHelen Louise Roberts by

Dave & Pam RobertsMr. & Mrs. R.A. Rossi Sr. by

Robert RossiRobert A. Rossi Jr. by

Robert RossiIn loving memory of my

husband, William Rowell, by Beverly Rowell

Emma Shank by Anonymous, Kimberly Dickmann, Patricia Wenner

Our loved ones by Garey & Donna Sherer

Minnie Shick by Jeannette Kubitz

Robert Nelson Smith, M.D. by Julie Delventhal

Robert & Evelyn Sobditch by Rev. & Mrs. Keith Koppenhofer

Josephine Vaughn by Diane Vaughn

Frank VonSeggern by Evelyn Benecke, Weldon & Paulajean Drewes, James & Hazel Figy, Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Geiger, Mr. & Mrs. Billy Johnson, Meyer Insurance, Napoleon, Rodenberger Funeral Home, Napoleon, Norma Tiffany

Donald Vorwerk by Thomas & Catherine Vorwerk

Bert Wachtman by Anonymous, Cindy Clark, Cheryl & Gary Daman, Marian Hurst

Ethel Weidinger (Meier) by Frederick Weidinger

Ken Wellman’s birthday by Jeff & Nancy Wellman

Alma Young by Melanie Young

Lillian & Glenn Young by Melanie Young

Frank Zaenger by Myra Zaenger

Non-Cash DonationsJan. 1 - March 31, 2014Richard Ammerman Sr.Karen AndrewsJames BertschAnn CostainRobert HecklingerMr. & Mrs. Paul Limmer Jr.Sharon ParmeleeJudy PaulsenLuAnn Willinger

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Lutheran Homes Society accepts all donations solely to glorify God through the advancement of our ministries.

DonationsJan. 1 - March 31, 2014

In Honor of...Jan. 1 - March 31, 2014Andersen Blair’s birthday by

Dave & Pam RobertsCharlotte Blair's birthday by

Dave & Pam RobertsRosemarie Fisher by

Kenneth FisherGeraldine Haase, my

mother, by Patricia Shoemaker

Kathy Harrison’s birthday by Dave & Pam Roberts

Kevin Harrison’s birthday by Jeff & Nancy Wellman

Mother, Dottie Koppenhofer, by Rev. & Mrs. Keith Koppenhofer

Rev. Dr. Peter Martyn by Molly Pocock

Our Heavenly Father, creator of heaven & earth by John Weislmeier

The residents & staff of Lutheran Memorial Home by James Bertsch

Dave & Pam Roberts’ wedding anniversary by Jeff & Nancy Wellman

In deep gratitude to David Roberts for his consecrated service to LHS as President/CEO by Rev. Dr. Peter & Mrs. Susan Martyn

In honor of Dave Roberts’ retirement by Wendy Steusloff

Nelson Roberts’ birthday by Dave & Pam Roberts

Pam Roberts’ birthday by Dave Roberts

Amanda Schroeder’s birthday by Dave & Pam Roberts

Nancy Wellman’s birthday by Dave & Pam Roberts

100th birthday of Virginia Westrup by Myra Zaenger

AnonymousBeverly ApelRev. & Mrs. Ronald AtkinsJery & Elaine BartonRev. Dr. & Mrs. Gerald BauerJames BeardsleyJasmine BellJames BertschBethany Place ResidentsAnne BielMr. & Mrs. Alfred BillowAmber BirukowDiane BischoffMr. & Mrs. Louis BoehkLavina BoeslingRick BowmanStephen & Deborah BowsherSue BoyneShanesha BraceyKari & Roger BucherRobin & Robert BurkettChristina BurnetteCindy CarrRob ChambersVictoria Chambers

Violet HernerScott HiltTonya HobsonMr. & Mrs. Robert HoffmanHolland Springfield Rotary ClubMr. & Mrs. Michael HollieSunshine HolzmillerRev & Mrs Keith HunsingerITW FoundationSharon JacksonHarry JenkinsRev. & Mrs. Monty KaufmanJessica KeelerSusan KinselKiwanis Club of E. Toledo/OregonMary KohnMr. & Mrs. Kenny KonstRobert KrawetzkiKrogerDan & Julie KunosRon & Michele LearKathleen LemmerbrockBrenda LivingstonDewayne & Bernice LohmannMr. & Mrs. Larry LottierBurton & Mary Ann LuringLutheran Home at Napoleon AuxiliaryLutheran Village at Wolf Creek AuxiliaryRev. & Mrs. Stephen LutzBeverly MackeyRuth MarquardtRev. Anita MarshallRev. Dr. Peter & Mrs. Susan MartynTeresa MawerGregory McCartyJulie & John McKitrickRev. Adrianne & Mr. Matt MeierPhil & Carol MeuserLewis & Betty MillerSusan MinchDenise MonaghanMelanie MoorePaul & Joyce NelsonBob & Marie ObrockLee & Jan OdegaardHoward & Dolores OestreichMr. & Mrs. Lynn OlmanMia OrtegaClaren & Phyllis Osmun

Thomas & Teresa ClaytonDiane ClineCommercial Painting, ToledoPaul & Janet CothrelLois CoyDavid & Ruth CufrMr. & Mrs. Garry DeLauterRobert DennieJean DeWaltDr. & Mrs. James DumkeStephen & Jessica DumkeGayle & Sandra DutyElizabeth Emmert & John HenzlerMr. & Mrs. Richard FeusseBernadine FlorioBruce FloryMonica FloryKaren FreyVictoria FurrBarbara GarrettRev. & Mrs. Lee GenterBernice GibsonNicole GiesigeLinda HahnMr. & Mrs. Kevin HarrisonRichard & Marjorie HarroldJohn & Linda Henry

Rachel PacerRobert & Sue PfefferleSteve & Cynthia PlottnerDavid & Linda PolzinMr. & Mrs. Christopher PowellJeffrey PrzysieckiMary RadcliffeJody ReuterDave & Pam RobertsAngela RuetzBrenda & Mark RuseJon RussellJeannette SampsellMary SatterfieldRev. & Mrs. Dale SchaeferJeffrey & Lorinda SchalkAmanda SchroederJeff & Paige SchulteTimothy & Kimberly SchummJane SharpPatricia ShererMr. & Mrs. Scott SleeTamara SmithJames & Louise SommersWendy SteusloffMargaret StieberPhyliss SwartzJessica TalbertDorothy TebbeThayer ToyotaRose ThomsonThrivent Financial United Way of Greater ToledoSharlene VincentDaniel & Jasmine WakemanRobert WaltersWarren WealleansRev. Richard WeaverJeff & Nancy WellmanRachel WellsPaul WiedenheftLuAnn WillingerWilliam WitteTina WyseMr. & Mrs. Kenneth ZeckMarjorie Zunk

If we have failed to list your name or listed it incorrectly, please

accept our apologies and contact Anne at

419-861-4965 so we may correct our records.

Page 15

Lutheran Homes SocietyServing Christ through Community2021 North McCord RoadToledo, OH 43615-3030

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDToledo, Ohio

Permit No. 387

The FRIEND(USPS 574-040)

Published quarterly by Lutheran Homes Society, Inc.

A Lutheran Services in America Agency

Affiliated withEvangelical Lutheran

Church in America and Recognized by

The Lutheran Church –Missouri Synod

Design, Layout and Editing

by Church and Public Relations Department

Some names and photos in The FRIEND are

representational.

®

LHS Advocates Meet New LegislatorsRepresentatives from

Lutheran Homes Society attended this spring’s Ohio Chamber of Commerce legislative event in Columbus, and had the opportunity to “connect” with state legislators. They introduced the ministry of Lutheran Homes Society to those new to the legislature and engaged in dialog with legislative members familiar with the needs of older adults and youth.

According to the LHS Public Policy Advocacy plan, “LHS takes a non-partisan view with regard to political agendas. We advocate with ‘both sides of the aisle’ with regard to legislation that may affect our current residents, patients, and clients, as well as on behalf of all who may ‘have no voice’ but who may be affected by such legislation.”

As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, LHS must be non-partisan in its advocacy and therefore lobbies both political parties for the needs of the youth and elders it is called to serve.

Mr. Roberts and Director of Public Policy Advocacy Nancy Wellman shown with Ohio Sen.

Edna Brown (center) at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce

event in Columbus.

(above) LHS President/CEO David Roberts spoke with Ohio Sen.

Randy Gardner (left) about issues affecting youth and seniors.

Scan this code to visit our website:www.LHSOH.org