2005-06 LSS Annual Report

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2005-06 ANNUAL REPORT/NEWSLETTERW I N T E R 2 0 0 7 V O L U M E 1 7 I S S U E 1

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A G E N C Y N E W S

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I am pleased to report a significant shift in focus by Lutheran Social Services. We

have built a cohesive senior staff of expe-rienced professionals who are outwardly focused on making a positive impact on the community. This senior staff is both a result of our renewed focus on mission and the instrument of change for putting our mission into action. Finding the resources to serve and care for people in need is becoming more challenging financially for nonprofit agen-cies, and LSS is not an exception. We have been increasing our activities to raise private funds to replace and supplement public funds, which have been decreasing in recent years. Individuals, foundations, and the corporate community have responded generously to our direct mail campaigns, annual pledge campaign, grant requests, and special events, in addition to the many unsolicited gifts we received throughout the year. Donations and volunteer hours have increased this year as well, and are crucial in our ability to stretch limited dollars. We have also increased and strength-ened our community partnerships. United Way of Northeast Florida, the City of Jacksonville, civic organizations, local Lu-theran churches, and regional and national Lutheran organizations have enabled us to not only increase our usual services but respond to additional and emergency needs. For example, last year we responded to help Hurricane Katrina victims who evacu-ated to Jacksonville, thanks to our local and national partnerships. Their funding allowed our AIDS Care and Education Program staff to offer case management to a completely different set of clients from those they usu-ally serve. The staff’s flexible and creative attitude enabled LSS to mobilize quickly and effectively to help disaster victims long before federal programs could provide them relief. The board’s and staff’s openness to new ways of serving people in need portends a new vision of social ministry for our faith-based agency. We invite you to join us in our work.

A Message from the President/CEO

Following Hurricane Katrina, Lutheran Social Services

volunteered to work with the City of Jacksonville and United Way of Northeast Florida and its 2-1-1 program as a first phone call to make for help. United Way designated Lutheran Social Services, which provides case management services in both its Refugee and Immigration Services and AIDS Care and Education (ACE) programs, as one of five lead agencies to disperse funds given to United Way specifically to provide direct aid to hurricane evacuees through the end of 2005. Through both local and national partnerships, LSS had received a total of about $250,000 by the end of 2005 to help hurricane evacuees. In addition to funds given by United Way of Northeast Florida, Capital Partners made a gift of $25,000 to the LSS Second Harvest Food Bank to assist in providing food for evacuees. Harry’s Seafood gave over $10,000 for hunger relief and a Cookin’ for Katrina special event in early October raised $15,225 for LSS to help evacuees. Local Lutheran churches raised money as well. In addition, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, Wis., and Lutheran Disaster Response, Chicago, Ill., had awarded LSS a total of $88,849.30 to assist in relief efforts to hurricane victims and evacuees. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans,

LSS provides aid and relief for Hurricane Katrina victims

A thankful family from Mississippi (pictured left) received aid and donations from LSS to help start a new life.

ONLINE AUCTION GIVES NEW, ADDED MEANING TO “RE-GIFTING”“To re-gift or not to re-gift” is the question. Grace gifting to Lutheran Social Services is the answer.

Lutheran Social Services is participating in Lutheran Services in America’s (LSA) second annual online auction called Trading Graces™. The auction’s proceeds will benefit LSS and other Lutheran health and human service organizations nationwide.

Now you can give meaning to those well-intentioned but not-quite-what-you-wanted gifts and feel good about re-gifting. “Grace gifting,” a phrase coined by LSA, means to freely give to benefit someone else. LSS is in search of gifts that you do not wish to keep, as well as other salable items valued at $50 or more such as antiques, art, books, clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, pottery, electronics, sports memorabilia, dolls and bears to be sold during the auction.

“Grace gifting gives us all the opportunity to put some of the gifts we receive to use in raising funds to help people in need in our community,” said Wayne Rieley, LSS president and CEO. “We all receive a few gifts during the holidays that don’t suit our tastes. Now these gifts can help others rather than be put at the back of our closets.”

The Trading Graces™ auction will occur on eBay from Feb. 25 through March 25 and is hosted by MissionFish, which is eBay’s charity support division.

If you would like to donate a grace gift or any other item of value, please contact Rachel Jackson, Lutheran Social Services, 904.730.8284. R. Wayne Rieley


A G E N C Y N E W S

Lutheran Social Services has provided transportation services since 1990

through contractual relationships with MV Transportation and Choice Ride/Ride Request. In partnership with Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) and Work Source, Ride Request provided resources to attain economic, social, and cultural self-sufficiency for those in need. Accessing public transportation is an integral part of job access, assisting those who seek initial employment or better jobs, particularly in areas of industrial growth that are outside the services of regular bus routes. LSS has a long history with JTA that dates back to the early 1990s through the provision of community transportation through the Comsis Program. The LSS/Comsis partnership offered timely pick-up and delivery, fiscal integrity, and compliance with safety regulations. In August 2003, the Choice Ride/Ride Request Program was successfully transitioned to LSS from first Coast Workforce Development/Work Source. The initial operations staff members (one dispatcher and one driver) were part of the service since its inception, with other members added after the transition to LSS. All members of the operational staff successfully underwent changes in the scope of service provided as well as service area changes. The Transportation Program,

Final year for Transportation department

which included LSS client transportation and the paratransit contract with MV and Ride Request service operations, provided over 150 safe passenger trips per day without interruption. The Ride Request drivers/operators logged over 150,000 miles since August 2003, with no passenger injury claims and no major incidents, accidents, or disruption of services of any kind. The program’s goals were excellent customer service, client assistance, responsiveness, and dedication. LSS staff members were experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated to helping each rider achieve the most “hassle-free” trip as possible. The program successfully operated the Highlands Square/Jacksonville International Airport/Avenues Mall shuttle and the new San Jose Ride Request shuttles since its inception. Unfortunately, LSS was pitted against a large multi-state, for-profit corporate entity this past year when it was time to bid again for the Ride Request contract, and was severely underbid at a rate that would not cover the program’s cost to operate. On July 31, 2006, LSS lost the contract for further Ride Request services. After this setback, the Transportation staff in conjunction with LSS administration tirelessly attempted to boost the ridership in MV Transportation. However, without further referrals from the funder, and having to rely solely on eligible clients already enrolled in other LSS programs (which were also working with fewer and fewer eligible clients due, in large part, to low refugee arrival numbers and more stringent requirements for ACE participants), it became more and more difficult to keep LSS Transportation viable as a program. As the agency entered the 2006-07 fiscal year, it realized it could not carry the program’s deficit any longer without negatively affecting the other programs. The Board of Directors reluctantly voted to discontinue the service, effective Nov. 10, 2006. LSS thanks the Transportation staff – John Hurley, Maxine Frazier, and Yonn Kim – for their hard work and service to the agency. We wish them the best in their new endeavors.

through its Care in Regions program, granted LSS $74,500 for direct assistance to evacuees needing help. Lutheran Disaster Response granted $14,349.30 to fund personnel expenses that LSS was incurring in providing hurricane relief aid. The ACE Program hired a part-time disaster relief/emergency housing specialist to work with evacuees. By July 31, 2006, when the program closed to participants, it had served 145 families, consisting of 358 adults and children. The program worked in conjunction with already established referral organizations, namely United Way 2-1-1, Project Hope, Work Source, Social Security Administration, Department of Children and Families, the Red Cross, and the existing Northeast Florida Social Services System available to assist any eligible person in the five-county area. Special populations such as the chronically mentally ill, people with HIV, people with disabilities, the elderly and individuals with minor children were given priority so that anyone who was in crisis and behind in rent, mortgage, and/or utilities could receive services. The specialist based the amount of assistance by assessing each participant’s financial resources and housing situation, while also addressing issues such as homelessness, and psychological, social, and medical needs. She provided support, encouragement, and information on how to link to medical, social, educational, and employment services to help each participant maintain permanent housing and become an independent and responsible member of the community. The specialist scheduled confidential intake/assessment appointments and collected verifiable documentation of the need for assistance. She required participants to provide documentation of their income and/or evidence to support lack of income. Participants were informed of confidentiality statutes and signed confidentiality/release of information forms. The specialist also notified landlords, mortgage holders, and utility companies of the pending payment of funds via LSS. In emergency cases, she faxed a voucher to the vendor to avoid eviction/termination of utilities and other services. She developed a case file for each participant, and completed, signed, and forwarded check

request forms to the LSS Finance Office for processing. The participant and the specialist worked together to develop individualized goal plans. They addressed issues regarding budgeting, and referrals were made as needed for other eligible services that could improve both the financial security and quality of life for the participant. The specialist kept documentation of services in the client files along with intake/assessment forms, referrals, monthly reports, and client satisfaction surveys.


The month of October saw empty shelves at the Lutheran Social Services

Second Harvest Food Bank. Food dona-tions to local charities had fallen behind, as well as those from regional and national organizations. As a result, the harsh effects of hunger were being felt throughout the Jacksonville area. The LSS Second Harvest Food Bank, as the only food bank in Northeast Florida, currently distributes over 7 million pounds of food to 17 counties. During the fall months, the Food Bank had become increasingly reliant on local supporters to help feed the needy in our communities. According to Food Bank Director Patrick Colley, local organizations were stepping up to the plate and hosting food drives, but it still was not enough to provide the neces-sary 25,000 pounds of food per day to the 380 agencies, soup kitchens, shelters, pan-tries, daycares and after-school programs the Food Bank serves. Consequently, the shelves were emptier than they had been in years. The dire situation prompted the Food Bank to issue a call for help to the citi-zens, businesses and various organizations of Northeast Florida. The “emergency” campaign began on Oct. 13, with local media outlets running stories on their evening news broadcasts, as well as post-ing the Food Bank’s need for goods on their Web sites. By the end of November, the community’s response was apparent. Over 72 different organizations sponsored

a food drive. The 22nd Empty Bowls Lun-cheon™ broke all previous records. The 12th Annual Jaguars Food Drive brought in an astounding 96,000 pounds of food. The 12th Annual Jacksonville Jaguars Food Drive was kicked off on Oct. 30 by Winn-Dixie Stores, which graciously donated 60,000 pounds of product to the cause. Jacksonville Jaguars Owner Wayne Weaver, Winn-Dixie CEO/President Peter Lynch and LSS Second Harvest Food Bank Director Patrick Colley spoke on the importance of giving back to the com-munity at the official kick-off ceremony. Jaguar players and the ROAR cheerleaders signed autographs and posed for photos. Delicious hamburgers were hot off the grill, compliments of Bubba Burger. The Disney Channel was also there entertain-ing guests with games, prizes and dancing. In the end, the Jacksonville Jaguars Food Drive, which culminated at the Nov. 12 home game against the Houston Tex-ans, brought in more food than ever before. Over 96,000 pounds of food was col-lected, which equates to 64,000 meals for the hungry in our community. Additionally, monetary donations made by fans during the game helped purchase an-other 75,000 pounds of food. And because of its partnership with America’s Second Harvest, for every dollar donated the Food Bank can distribute over $8 worth of food. To further aid the Food Bank, the 22nd Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon™ held at the Prime Osborn Convention Center on Nov. 14 was a huge success, surpassing all previous net revenue earnings with over $38,000 raised in the fight against hunger. This equates to over 205,000 pounds of food, which will provide close to 140,000 meals for those less fortunate.

To end such an uplifting week, the 4th Annual Jacksonville Jaguars Taste of the NFL Dinner took place on Nov. 16 at the Crown Royal Touchdown Club West. Hosted by Wayne and Delores Weaver, the evening brought in nearly $112,000 in net revenue to benefit the LSS Second Harvest Food Bank. This translates to more than 620,000 pounds of food, which equates to 415,000 meals. With the outcomes they produced, these events could not have come at a better time. The support continued throughout the fall months with many individuals and organizations hosting food drives and donating funds for the Food Bank. By the end of November, the once barren warehouse at the Food Bank was filling with much-needed product for its

member agencies. And while these food items are leaving the shelves as quickly as they come in, more days than not have seen the necessary 25,000 pounds of food leave the

Food Bank’s shelves for distribution to the 17-county area it serves.

Lutheran Social Services and its Second Harvest Food Bank would like to thank all of those who hosted a food drive, partici-pated or volunteered at our special events, or donated their time, money, food and caring spirits in the effort to fill the Food Bank’s shelves and provide a happier holiday season for those in need. The quick, compassionate response from the citizens and businesses of the First Coast was not only a blessing for the Food Bank, but it served also as an answered prayer for many families across Northeast Florida.

F O O D B A N K

The empty shelves at the LSS Second Harvest Food Bank were an all-too familiar sight in October 2006.

One of the many organizations that hosted a food drive, Rock 105 collected 6,800 pounds of food and $2,240 for the LSS Second Harvest Food Bank.


F O O D B A N K

o6CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

During the Food Bank’s time of need this past fall, LSS relied heavily

on the support of individual donors. To further provide aid, two philanthropic corporations stepped up to the plate in a big way to help the LSS Second Harvest Food Bank assist the hungry during the holiday season. In addition to hosting the official Jaguars Food Drive kick-off ceremony on Oct. 30, Winn-Dixie stores got the food drive started with a generous donation of over 60,000 pounds of product. Furthermore, Winn-Dixie President and CEO Peter Lynch made a special challenge to the Jaguars Players. Lynch promised to donate another truckload of food if the Jaguars won their Monday night game against the New York Giants. The Jaguars won 26-10, and Lynch proved to be a man of his word. He wrote a personal check to the LSS Second Harvest Food Bank for $17,000, the cash equivalent of a semi-trailer full of canned goods. “That’s a bet I didn’t mind losing,”Lynch said. With Lynch’s donation, over 213,000 pounds of food was donated to the Food Bank, which will provide meals for over 100,000 people. Another business that found ways to assist the Food Bank was Panera Bread, who hosted a local fundraising party on Nov. 14, 2006 at River City Marketplace. Each person who made a donation of $5 or more at the door received $10 in Panera “Dough” to use towards the purchase of delicious menu items from the bakery or café menus. The event raised over $725 which will provide 2,684 meals to local families. Panera Bread also supports the LSS Food Bank annually through the Operation Dough-Nation Program, which ensure that purchases made at Panera Bread feed back into the community. Cash donations made in bakery-cafés are matched by Panera with freshly baked bread or cash and distributed to non-profit organizations like LSS.

o5 2005-06 donors of at least 50,000 pounds of food to the LSS Second Harvest Food Bank:Beaver Street FisheriesB.J.’s Wholesale ClubCoca-Cola Bottling Co.ConAgra, Inc.CVS/REVCOFlowers BakeryFood Lion Stores

Kellogg’sKraftMinute Maid (Leesburg)Nestle BeveragePanera Bread CompanyProcter & GamblePublix Stores

SyscoTropicana Products, Inc.Tyson ChickenU.S. Post Office (NALC)Wal-Mart StoresWinn-Dixie Stores

In the 2005-06 fiscal year, the Lutheran Social Services Second

Harvest Food Bank distributed 7,025,251 pounds of food. From this total, 170,241 pounds were distributed via Mobile Pantries throughout the year. The following organizations hosted a Mobile Pantry between Oct. 1, 2005 and Sept. 30, 2006:

Oct. 26, 2005 - Gerdau Ameristeel

March 4, 2006 - Thrivent Financial for Lutherans (largest Mobile Pantry to date; equivalent to three regular Mobile Pantries)

July 22, 2006 - Gateway of Deliverance Tabernacle

KIDS CAFE The Kids Cafe program had 86 operating sites. 371,438 snacks were served by the Kids Cafe Snack Program, an increase of 35,882 over last year’s 335,556. Kids Cafe also served 133,940 meals, an increase of 41,221 over last year’s 92,719. Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday meals were served at 12 Kids Cafe sites. Seventy bags of toys were given out at three sites, and individual help was given to the families of three children who attend Kids Cafe. In all, over 700 children were affected. During the 2006 Kids Cafe Summer Lunch Program, a waiver was obtained from the Department of Education, allowing up to 50 sites to be operated. Breakfast, instead of a snack, was served at all sites. For the first time, Summer Lunch paid a portion of the support service fees. Furthermore, the 2005-06 Snack Program received a grant to start a nutrition and physical education

program to begin in Sept. 2006. A partnership was also reformed with the Jacksonville Department of Parks and Recreation to service 16 of their sites through the Kids Cafe Snack Program. Lastly, the part-time monitor position was eliminated and a new warehouse/driver was hired with the added duty of performing site monitoring (formerly the part-time position duties).

SPECIAL EVENTS The 11th Annual Jacksonville Jaguars Food Drive took place on Nov. 13, 2005, at the Jaguars home game against the Baltimore Ravens. Over 5,895 pounds of food was collected.

On Nov. 15, 2005, the 21st Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon™ raised $26,411.22 in net revenue, which equates to 146,729 pounds of food.

The 3rd Annual Jacksonville Jaguars Taste of the NFL dinner was held on Nov. 17, 2005 and raised $112,126.34 in net proceeds. This is the equivalent of 622,924 pounds of food.

Canstruction, an annual design/ build competition, brought in 9,066 pounds of food in March 2006.

2006 marked a record year for the National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive held on May 13, 2006, with 314,916 pounds of food collected from the First Coast.

On June 8, 2006, the 16th Annual Jacksonville Food Fight brought in the most funds ever with a net revenue of $46,956.18, an increase of $9948.91 over 2005’s net revenue of $37,007.27.

Winn-Dixie and Panera Bread find ways to support the Food Bank


F O O D B A N K

SPRING EVENTS: A REVIEW AND PREVIEW

The start of spring will bring about a busy and exciting time for the

Lutheran Social Services Second Harvest Food Bank. Several special events are just around the corner to get the new year off to a great start.

In March, Jacksonville citizens can look forward to a unique event called Canstruction™, which is a Foundation of the Society for Design Administra-tion project. Canstruction™ is an annual design/build competition that creates one-of-a-kind structures out of nonperish-able food items, mainly canned goods. The area’s best and brightest from the construction, design and engineering com-munities will come together to prove “One Can” can truly be a catalyst for change. The event will be held at the Main Library in the heart of downtown Jackson-ville. These super-sized masterpieces are judged in a variety of categories and will be on display for the public to see March 2-12. The public is encouraged to come and cast a vote for its favorite structure. At the conclusion of the competition, all of the food items will be donated to the Lutheran Social Services Second Harvest Food Bank. Last year, Canstruction™ was able to provide 9,066 pounds of food to the Food Bank, which equates to 6,044 meals for people in need. Next, May 12 will feature the 15th Annual National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Food Drive. On the Saturday before Mother’s Day, postal carriers across the nation will collect food donations along their routes to “Stamp Out Hunger” in support of the drive. Last year, the fourteenth anniversary

of the NALC Food Drive proved to be a record year for the City of Jacksonville and surrounding communities. On May 13, 2006, over 314,916 pounds of food were collected and delivered to the LSS Second Harvest Food Bank. These donations were distributed to 380 community food programs in a 17-county area and equated to 200,325 meals for individuals and families coping with hunger. On the national scale, over 70 million pounds of food were collected. Be sure to mark your calendars for May 12 to make this NALC Food Drive the best yet.

The month of June offers two great events. June 5 is recognized as National Hunger Awareness Day (NHAD), a grassroots movement to raise awareness about the solvable problem of hunger in America. Several events and volunteer opportunities will be available in Jacksonville as we approach the 5th Annual NHAD. For more information, call 904.739.7074. Shortly thereafter, the 17th Annual Jacksonville Food Fight® sponsored by EverBank will be held at the Crown Royal Touchdown Club at Alltel Stadium on Thursday, June 7, 2006. More than 40 of Jacksonville’s restaurants and beverage wholesalers will serve their best foods to raise funds and awareness to help Lutheran Social Services Second Harvest Food Bank combat hunger in our community. In addition to the great food and spirits, live entertainment and a silent auction featuring an array of exciting items

such as Jaguar memorabilia, fine wines, weekend getaways, golf packages, jewelry, Jacksonville Symphony orchestra tickets, dining certificates and fabulous artwork are offered. Over 900 patrons come out to sample entrees and beverages prepared or provided by dozens of Florida’s most popular restaurants. The following restaurants and vendors are some of those who participated in the 2006 Jacksonville Food Fight™: The Augustine Grille, Bistro AIX, Café Carmon, Campeche Bay Cantina, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Champion Brands,

China Mist Iced Tea, Coastal Wine and Spirits, Dave & Busters, FCCJ Culinary Arts, Future Brands,The Grape, The Grotto, GOS Wines, Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille, The Homestead, Hooters Regency, JJ’s Bistro de Paris, Layla’s of San Marco, The Loop Restaurants, Mossfire Grille, Mark Davidson Wines, National

Distributing, Peterbrooke Chocolatier, Pizza Palace, Premier Beverage, Ragtime Tavern, River City Brewing Company, Rollin’ Rita’s, Safe Harbor Marina Restaurant,

Seven Bridges, Shay T’s, Southern Wine & Spirits, Sticky Fingers, Sun Dog Diner and Twisted Martini. The Food Fight is one of the best of its kind. There are many “tasting” events held throughout the year, but this event is put on by a volunteer committee of Lutheran Social Services representing the restaurant and beverage community, and there is a friendly competition between all of the participants showcasing their signature items. All of the proceeds benefit the Lutheran Social Services Second Harvest Food Bank, which provides assistance to nearly 400 non-profit agencies feeding hungry people throughout Northeast Florida. The event raised nearly $46,000 in 2006. This money will provide more than 148,000 meals to local families coping with hunger. Please call 904.739.7074 for more information about these exciting events and ones to follow.

A vast array of culinary delights are displayed for tasting at the 2006 Jacksonville Food Fight®.


R E P R E S E N T A T I V E P A Y E E

o5 o6The mission of the Lutheran

Social Services Representative Payee Program is to provide clients with prudent financial management and counseling from our qualified coordinators. The LSS Representative Payee program is the only agency in Northeast Florida that manages Social Security checks for people not capable of spending their money appropriately. Consisting of eight full-time staff members, Representative Payee had 1,000 clients enrolled in the program in 2006 that were served each month. Of those, 85 resided in assisted living facilities (ALFs). The program serves and works with all age groups, from less than four years old to over 60. All of the people served last year are considered low income, according to the Federal Poverty Guideline. The Representative Payee Program works in partnership with over 85 ALFs, the Mental Health Resource Center, Mental Health Center of Jacksonville, River Region Human Services, Northwest Behavioral Services, Clay County Behavior Services, St. Johns County Mental Health Department, Nassau County Mental Health Services, North Florida AIDS Network, the LSS ACE program and Gateway Community Services. These partnerships help staff members follow the whereabouts of the people they serve, understand their total financial obligations and work together to make sure that these people are able to access the services they need. The people whom this program serves are especially susceptible to making bad spending decisions and are often easily manipulated by others. Before they were required to have a Representative Payee, these people would often spend most or all of their Social Security checks on alcohol, drugs or non-essential items without regard to shelter, food and other basic needs. They were then forced to turn to other community resources as well as federal monies to survive the rest of the month, using the resources of

other community services to house, feed, or otherwise care for themselves after their money was gone. Government funding for the Representative Payee program came from the State of Florida Department of Children and Families and from the City of Jacksonville Public Service Grant. The program also received fees from clients who were not covered under these two grants. These clients pay $33 per month and the amount is deducted from their account each month. The cost to cover program expenses for each client is actually about $50 per month. The eight staff members in the program worked to meet a series of objectives designed to keep the people with whom they worked off the streets and ensure that their basic needs were met. Staff members met the following objectives last year:

Met face-to-face with 85 percent of the people for whom they provided fiscal management services;

Ensured that new clients in the program had housing within 60 days of beginning Representative Payee Services;

Paid all monthly fixed bills for the people with whom they worked and helped them live within their established budgets;

Prevented homelessness for all of the persons living with HIV/AIDS;

Referred all of the people who needed referral to substance abuse treatment or mental health treatment;

Ensured that 90 percent of the clients with whom they worked did not experience incarcerations;

Provided fiscal management for 60 persons receiving Social Security benefits and living with HIV/AIDS.

Abdul finds his happy ending

“There was a time when I could hardly write my name,” said Abdul,

a client of the Lutheran Social Services Representative Payee program. After he underwent a brain sugery to remove a cyst, Abdul lost his memory for seven months. As a result, Abdul was not able to perform basic tasks. He was unable to write, much less attend to his budgeting needs. His doctor referred him to the LSS Representative Payee Program so his financ-es could be properly managed. Many of those served through the Representative Payee Program are sent to LSS by a doctor’s referral. They cannot become their own payee again until the doctor recommends it based upon a revised examination of the patient. After almost two and a half years in the Representative Payee Program, Abdul enthusiastically welcomed back a normal life when he became his own payee, upon the recommendation of his doctor, in late December 2006. Abdul was quick to show his apprecia-tion and gratitude to the staff members of the Rep Payee program. “These people were extremely fantastic,” Abdul said. “If I asked anything, they were always very helpful and always very positive.” Born in Iran, Abdul can speak four languages - Turkish, Persian, English and Spanish. He enjoys reading and loves learn-ing new things. To this day, he keeps a daily budget of all his expenses, right down to the penny. Abdul said he is excited to start a new chapter in his life, and he is looking forward to owning a computer again as well as learning to speak Chinese. It is always a blessing to see people become their own payees and take control of their lives once again. Whether it’s a mother being able to provide a safe home for her children, a homeless man being able to put a roof over his head, or a man like Abdul overcoming three brain surgeries and memory loss, it is little miracles like these that put life into perspective.


A I D S C A R E & E D U C A T I O N

2006 marked a year of change for a special ACE Jail LINC client“Dayle,Thank you for a year I’ll never regret because it has been quite successful for me. I know that with my mom and dad’s love and support, it had made staying sober easier. However without you, I don’t believe it would have been possible. You see, when I failed the first time around and went to jail, I knew that I had hurt and disappointed you. When I got out of jail, it was initially that which made me so determined to get it right and do it right. I promised myself I would never do what I had done before to you again. Not an option! I am a success story, and I am one you should be proud to say is yours. See, sometimes what you do does have its rewards, and just as well for me because I had a whole year of you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The above letter of thanks was written by a Jail LINC (Linking Inmates Needing Care) client of Dayle Kelloway, a case manger for the LSS AIDS Care and Education (ACE) Jail LINC Program. Since 1998, Jail LINC has provided intensive case management services for HIV-positive individuals incarcerated in Duval County. The program provides inmates with drug treatment and educational resources, screenings for HIV, STDs and TB, as well as counseling to correct abusive or dangerous behaviors. Upon release, caseworkers continue working with the individual for at least nine months to ensure the interventions made a positive impact. Caseworkers assist the individual in applying for Food Stamps, Social Security Disability and Medicaid, as well as getting referrals for mental health treatment, primary care, job assistance services and transportation. Simply put, Dayle guides the people with who she works along every step of the way in their long and difficult journey to recovery. Dayle has been a case manager for the ACE Jail LINC program since 2000. She says the woman who wrote the above letter was one of her “tough ones,” having been

rearrested in January 2006. The individual had a history of substance abuse, mental illness and anger issues. Dayle remembers staying in the emergency room with her till 3 a.m. and then returning to work the next morning. Still, Dayle’s patience and trustworthiness never wavered, and she formed a bond with her that was similar to that of a mother and daughter. After being released from jail last April and graduating from nine months of intensive case management with Dayle, the client has chosen the road to success. She now lives with her parents, keeps all her medical appointments and undergoes liver treatment. Her mental health problems and seizures have stabilized, and she has even talked about going back to school for computer training. As often happens with drug and alcohol abusers, there is always the threat of relapse. However, Dayle asked her what the difference was this time around, and the woman responded with a simple answer: No one gave up on her. Careers in intensive case management, especially with the population of clients from Jail LINC, is a fast-paced, all-consuming environment where only the strong survive. Dayle has proven to not only be a survivor, but a success story herself. To this day, she remains in contact with several of those she has helped in the past who now live in various parts of the country. Often times, they call her just to say they are doing OK. “It’s got to be in your heart to do it,” Dayle said. “When my clients do well, that’s what keeps me going.”

Canstruction™A Foundation of the Society for Design AdministrationMarch 5-12, 2007Main Jacksonville Public LibraryFree & open to the public

17th Annual Jacksonville Food Fight®June 7, 2007Crown Royal Touchdown Club$50 per person

For more information or to order tickets, please call 904.739.7074 or visit www.lssjax.org.

SAVE THE DATE

Upon completing a six month review of an AIDS Care and Education client, case manager Nathaniel Hendley knew this was a family in need. Despite dealing with the hardships associated with HIV/AIDS, the family was unable to buy a Christmas tree, much less gifts to put underneath it.

In early December, Interline Brands of Jacksonville approached Lutheran Social Services with the desire to help a needy family make it through the holiday season. Nathaniel immediately knew of the special family that could use a helping hand.

Thus on Dec. 19 at 1 p.m., staff members from Interline Brands

held true to their word and visited the family where they lived on Detroit Street, bringing with them brand new bicycles for each child, toys, games, clothes for the entire family, and food, as well as a Christmas tree to put the gifts under. Interline Brands also presented the mother, who was filled with tears of a joy, with an additional $40 gift card.

“This was truly a blessing for a very needy family,” Nathaniel said. “I left there with tears in my eyes as I drove away, knowing that there is a God looking after us all.”

Family receives a “Miracle on Detroit Street”


A I D S C A R E & E D U C A T I O N

o5 o6The AIDS Care and Education (ACE)

Program works with various people from all walks of life. The ACE program, consisting of 13 staff members, assisted 885 people in 2006 who were HIV positive. Of these, 379 were new clients to the ACE program. The ACE Program encompasses several service categories; Ryan White case management, housing, mental health, Project AIDS CARE Waiver case management and the nationally recognized Jail LINC (Linking Inmates Needing Care) program. ACE also has a food pantry available to those meeting the federal poverty guidelines. The ACE staff reached out and served people living in rural areas, women, men, racial/ethnic minorities and communities of color, homeless people, gay, lesbian and bisexual adults, incarcerated persons, people in need of mental health counseling, injection drug users and other drug users. Of the 885 people served in the program last year, 302 were 24-44 years old and another 15 people were 18-24 years old. In addition, 219 were 45-64 years old, and 14 people were 65 or older. In the terms of race and ethnicity of those in case management, 159 were white or Caucasian, 365 were black or African-American, 21 were Hispanic or Latino and one was Asian. Of the total number of people in the program, a majority were diagnosed with HIV (not AIDS) and 161 had a CDC defined diagnosis of AIDS. In terms of income, 371 had household incomes at, or lower than, the federal poverty line of $9,800. To stretch their income, 161 people accessed the program’s food pantry. The ACE Program provided 555 people with specific case management services and referrals for health care and supportive services, i.e. dental care, substance and domestic abuse counseling, Social Security Disability, food stamps and legal and utility assistance. In addition, 54 people received mental health services from ACE’s mental health counselor and 110 people were assisted through H.O.W. (Housing Opportunities for Women and Children). Another 69 families received supportive services only such as food, information and/or referrals, counseling, household items and follow-up services. The ACE staff assisted people with all aspects relating to their medical well-being such as finding appropriate medical treatment

sites, keeping clients’ appointments, moving them into homes and apartments, finding households and obtaining personal care items. The staff served as advocates to landlords, lawyers and the Department of Children and Families. They taught people how to be more self-reliant by teaching them to budget their income, live independently and to be more responsible for their daily existence. Additionally, through the ACE Jail LINC program, staff worked with HIV-positive people incarcerated in the Duval County Detention Center to ensure they were receiving medical care while incarcerated. Upon release, the ACE staff continued to work with these people in order to break the cycle of behaviors that led to their arrest in the first place. ACE also ensured their enrollment in medical care once they were released. The majority of the services that the ACE Program offered last year were funded by the following government contracts: Ryan White Case Management - Ryan White Title II [via Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS), which is the Lead Agency contracted by HIV/ AIDS Program Office of the Florida DOH]; Jail LINC Case Management - Ryan White Title II (also via JFCS) and Ryan White Title I (via City of Jacksonville Department of Mental Health & Welfare, which receives the funds as an Emerging Metropolitan Area from the State of Florida); Ryan White and Mental Health - Ryan White Title II (via JFCS except for some administration cost) and Ryan White Title I (via City of Jacksonville, Mental Health & Welfare for a portion of administration cost); Housing Opportunities for Women and Children, Shared Housing, and Transitional Resources & Assistance for Inmates needing services - Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (via the federal government to the City of Jacksonville); Project AIDS Care Waiver Case Management - State of Florida Medicaid (a certification of the agency and individual case managers to provide the service).

World AIDS Day makes its mark

Every year, Dec. 1 is recognized as World AIDS

Day. It is a chance for people across the globe to unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The day promotes awareness, education, stopping the spread of HIV and ending prejudice. This year, a luncheon was held at the Prime Osborn Convention Center from 11:30 – 1:30 p.m. in honor of World AIDS Day. The Tony and Grammy award winning entertainer Jennifer Holliday was the guest speaker. An HIV/AIDS advocate, Holliday has spoken and performed at several HIV/AIDS fundraising and awareness events across the country. The AIDS Day luncheon also featured the AIDS Memorial Quilt, which is in constant display around the world throughout the year. Additionally, a Special Communion Service was held at Avondale United Methodist Church at 6 p.m., followed by a Candlelight Walk from 6:30 – 7 p.m. The evening concluded with an Interfaith Service and Reception at Avondale United Methodist Church.

How people can support World AIDS Day everyday: Wear a red ribbon and ask your friends and co-workers to do the same;

Help raise awareness of HIV/ AIDS in your area;

Protect yourself and your partners – this is the best way to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS;

Get tested and encourage others to do so as well.

L S S H E A R T B E A T S W I N T E R 2 0 0 7 - P A G E 1 0

R E F U G E E & I M M I G R A N T S E R V I C E S

o5 o6Peace Slam 2006 inspires refugee youth

The Jacksonville Peace Slam 2006 - Pep Rally for Peace was an exciting,

educational event for local teenagers ages 14-18. Held on Nov. 11, 2006 at Jackson-ville Indoor Sports, this unique celebration served as a kick off to combat crime and build a stronger community.

About 40 teenagers from the Lutheran Social Services Refugee Youth and Family Services program attended Peace Slam 2006, which was the first pep rally for many of the students. “We like to expose the refugee youth to different events in the Jacksonville com-munity,” said Gina Federico, LSS Refugee and Immigrant Services Youth and Family Services coordinator. “This event was a positive experience for them, to see other youth who want to work towards peace. Many of the refugees have not always lived in peaceful environments, so this was a good event to take them to.” Peace Slam 2006 - Pep Rally for Peace featured one of Jacksonville’s most popular disc jockeys, Dr. Doom, who set the atmosphere with upbeat music. Rahman Johnson, a Jacksonville native and former host of a Nickelodeon game show, along with Philip Green of television station CW 17 served as the emcee hype guys. Teens also had the opportunity to join Peace Jam, an international program that inspires new generations of peacemakers who can transform their local communi-ties, themselves and the world.

Huma Jan (left) and

Zakia (right) attended Peace

Slam 2006along with

several other refugee teens

resettled by LSS.

Last year, the Refugee and Immi-grant Services (RIS) Program

resettled 139 people from other coun-tries including Africa, the Western Hemisphere, the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe and Asia. Our newest group of refugees are Burmese people who have been living in Thailand. These people had been granted the status of refugee, asylee, or entrant by our country’s State Department because they were escaping persecution due to political wars or religious beliefs. They came to LSS via Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) and Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM). The 27 RIS staff members speak a total of 17 languages and come from 14 countries in the world. They work to pave the way for refugees in learning about the American culture, government requirements, banking and employment processes. Their goal is to promote long-term economic self-sufficiency and effective resettlement for refugees, entrants and asylees. Through Resettlement Services, the RIS staff works to introduce newly-arrived refugees to their new community. Staff members help refugees secure safe housing, food, cash assistance, public health screenings, health care, and Social Security cards. Through Employment Services, RIS staff assists all eligible refugees (up to 60 months in country) in achieving economic self-sufficiency and effective resettlement in as short of a time period as possible by helping them find gainful employment. Staff members help refugees search for jobs, write resumes, and learn how to complete job applications. RIS has longstanding relationships with a number of employers in Jacksonville who are eager to hire refugees. The top five employers last year were Ranstadt, Gates Concrete, Cintas, ATS Staffing and the Omni Hotel. They hired refugees mainly from Bosnia, Cuba, Haiti, Liberia and Sudan. Last year, the RIS Employment pro-gram placed 379 refugees in jobs though-out Jacksonville. 176 of these remained after 180 days.

In Career Laddering, staff members help each refugee develop an individual career track based on agreed-upon career goals. Refugees are encouraged to target specific jobs and identify professional growth objectives, including further edu-cation needed, skills training, and creden-tialing necessary before moving to the next step on the career ladder. Last year, Career Laddering staff helped 31 refugees find and participate in further training to advance their careers. Of these 31 people, 28 found job place-ment in the Jacksonville area. The Refugee Youth and Family Services Program provides services to assist all eligible refugee youth and their families in achieving family stability and integration into the Jacksonville com-munity. School liaisons work within the schools to help refugee youth with all aspects of the public school educational system, such as development of good study habits and tutoring if necessary. Last year, the program worked with 156 youth – 79 girls and 77 boys. They came from 24 countries, including Afghanistan, Angola, Azerbaijan, Burundi, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, Congo, Croatia, Cuba, Ethiopia, Gambia, Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Myanmar, Russia, Sudan, Uzbekistan, Yugoslavia, Maurita-nia, Sierra Leanne and the Ukraine. As part of the Healthy Marriages/ Family Nurturing Services, staff members provide eligible refugee youth and their families with hands-on assistance and guidance in the areas of family violence or psychosocial issues that may impede their progress toward self-sufficiency. Last year, these services helped 13 women and nine men from eight countries. Contracts from the State of Florida Department of Children and Families al-low LSS to provide Employment services, including Career Laddering, and Refu-gee Youth and Family Services program services, including Healthy Marriages/Family Nurturing Services. A cooperative agreement by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration with LIRS and EMM provides reception and placement services.

W W W . L S S J A X . O R G / 9 0 4 . 4 4 8 . 5 9 9 5 - P A G E 1 1

R E F U G E E & I M M I G R A N T S E R V I C E S

1st Annual Tin Man Competition benefits refugees

One rapidly growing congregation on the Southside has expanded

its passion for welcoming the stranger beyond increasing its own church membership to helping meet the needs

of newly-arrived refugees into the Jacksonville community. Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church and School hosted the First Annual Tin Man Competition benefiting refugees who have been sent to Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida for help in resettling themselves in the United States. Currently, LSS is resettling refugees from Burma, Turkey, Russia, Cuba, Kenya, Senegal, Africa and Uzbekistan. The event, which was a take-off on an iron man competition, was held on Sunday, Nov. 12, from 2 – 3 p.m. on the church’s Lakeshore property, 6595 Columbia Park Drive, off SR-9A and Philips Highway. Participants paid $20 to compete in one or all of three events – swimming, running, and/or biking. Competitions were held by age groups 12-18, 19-35, 36-50 and 50 plus. After the competition, the church also hosted a picnic for everyone – participants and spectators – from 3 – 5 p.m. Additionally, First Student donated a bus and driver to pick up refugee families so that they could enjoy the afternoon’s activities as well. “The Tin Man event was the physical expression of Shepherd of the Woods’ willingness to see the need of God’s

people, share their resources and give of themselves,” said Barbara Carr, LSS Refugee and Immigrant Services Program director. “All of the funds raised will be used to assist vulnerable refugees. Thank

you to Pastor Johnson and the whole church family.” With over $1,500 raised, the monies will be used in a variety of ways such as buying

food and clothing, paying medical bills or buying a bicycle for transportation to work. The congregation’s Thrivent Financial for Lutherans service team matched the event’s proceeds to further benefit refugees. The day was a great success, and Shepherd of the Woods is planning to make the Tin Man Competition an annual event. In addition, the church regularly sponsors events and drives to help LSS refugees. Food drives, household goods drives and a World Refugee Day celebration are recent examples. The congregation has offered its Lakeshore property as the site for Summertime Express 2007 camps, which LSS runs for refugee youth. Two camps, one for refugee children in elementary school and one for youth in middle and high schools, will be held in two, two-week sessions with the goals of helping the youth learn

about cultures other than their own and teaching them English, math, and science to prepare them for entering the public school system in the fall.

WHY REFUGEES NEED HELP Refugees are groups of people who have been forced to leave their homeland due to “a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion” as well as many who have fled war, famine or lack of protection in their home countries. In short, a refugee is a person who is afraid to go home. Once refugees cross into a

neighboring country, they are interviewed by U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees staff to determine their status. Those who meet the criteria are documented as refugees and allowed to remain in that country, usually in a refugee camp. Then they wait for many months or even years. Harsh conditions, overcrowding, lack of privacy, and inadequate food, water, sanitation and medical care are common in camps. Women are especially vulnerable. Everyone faces the grinding tedium of passing time without sufficient income-generating activities for the adults or

educational opportunities for the children. Each year, the President of the United States, in consultation with Congress, sets the number of refugees who may be resettled in our country. Refugees who want to come here must register with a U.S. State Department representative and be interviewed by U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service staff. Those approved for admission are allocated among the 10 U.S. resettlement agencies, which in turn send the refugees to affiliates such as Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida. These affiliates rely on the support of individuals such as Shepherd of the Woods church members to help resettle the approximately 150-350 refugees sent to the agency each year.

(Left) Refugee children play games and enjoy the outdoors at the 1st Annual Tin Man Competition.(Below) Members of the Shepherd of the Woods Tin Man Committee hosted a picnic and awards ceremony at the conclusion of the competition.


o5 o6ANNUAL DONORS PROVIDING SOLUTIONS FROM THE HEART

BALANCE SHEET FOR YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2006

ASSETS

Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $653,427 Cash and cash equivalents - restricted $851,705 Accounts receivable - service fees $50,070 Accounts receivable - funding sources $393,538 Pledges receivable - short-term portion $1,598 Available from endowment fund - current portion $27,896 Food Bank inventory $23,046 Investments $414,011 Prepaid expenses $10,204

Total current assets $2,425,495

Property and equipment, net $2,851,752

Other assets Pledges receivable - long-term portion $1,852 Available from endowment fund - long-term portion $83,687

Total other assets $85,539

TOTAL ASSETS $5,362,786

LIABILITIES

Current Liabilities Accounts payable $46,174 Accrued retirement expense $25,291 Accrued compensated absences $81,576 Deferred revenues $38,141 Deposits held for others $853,972 Other accrued expenses $59,731 Notes payable - current portion of long-term debt $85,103

Total current liabilities $1,189,988

Long-term liabilities Notes payable $321,574

TOTAL LIABILITIES $1,511,562

Net assets Unrestricted net assets $3,242,755 Temporarily restricted net assets $608,469 Total net assets $3,851,224

TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $5,362,786

Fed/State/local grants 69.2%

AGENCY REVENUE BY SOURCE

Fees for Services14.4%

Miscellaneous.2%

Investments.6%

Foundations & Private Grants

7%

Churches.6%

Special Events4.1%

CorporateDonations

1.6%Individual Donations.6%

Administration11.06%

AGENCY EXPENSES BY PROGRAM

Administration11.06%

Food Bank30.89%

Refugee Services30.18%

Disaster Relief3.73%

Rep-Payee6.23%

ACE13.14%

Development4.75%

Investments.1%


Platinum Heart Club Leadership Level(Gifts $1,000 and above)

Acosta Sales and Marketing CompanyAdvent Lutheran ChurchAmerica’s Second Harvest National Food BankAmSouth BankMr. & Mrs. Tracey I. Arpen Jr.*Mr. & Mrs. Roger ArrowsmithBank of America United Way CampaignBethlehem Lutheran ChurchBlue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc.Bono’s of North Florida, Inc.brAIDSBrooks Health FoundationMs. Dianne BrutMs. Ima Angeles BujakChampion Brands, Inc.Mr. Gary R. ChartrandChartrand Family TrustCitistreetClay Chapter of Thrivent Financial for LutheransCMC Rebar FloridaMr. & Mrs. Jack G. Coale*Coordinated Benefits Group, Inc.

Mr. Terry CousinCross+Road Lutheran ChurchCrowley Maritime Corp.CSX TransportationCYGNET Financial CorporationMr. Peter J. DelmaresMs. Lorraine DrummondDuBow Family FoundationMr. & Mrs. Kenneth C. Dufford*Mr. & Mrs. Leonard ErmoldEvangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaEverBankFlorida-Bahamas Synod, ELCAFlorida-Georgia District-Lutheran Church-Missouri SynodFreebird LiveMs. Marie Friedsam*Gateway of Deliverance Tabernacle, Inc.General Mills FoundationMr. & Mrs. Charles P. GoodyearMs. Doris GregoryHarry’s of America, L.L.C. DBA Harry’s Seafood Bar & GrilleHartford & AssociatesMs. E. Virginia HeinMr. & Mrs. Lawrence R. Huser*IBM Employee Services CenterJacksonville Children’s Commission

Jacksonville-First Coast Chapter of Thrivent FinancialKobrin Builders Supply of Jacksonville, Inc.Kraft Foods Global, Inc.Dr. Fred H. Lambrou Jr.Lifeway Christian ResourcesMandarin Lutheran ChurchMs. Kathryn MarvinMr. John MayerMayo ClinicMr. & Mrs. Daniel A. McMoranMetris FoundationMs. Roslyn Mixon-Phillips*New Life Christian Fellowship of JacksonvilleOceanside BankPanera Bread FoundationMr. & Mrs. Jack Parker*Mr. & Mrs. Tom PetwayPGA Tour, Inc.Progressive Power Products, Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Drew W. PrusieckiMr. & Mrs. R. Wayne Rieley+Mr. & Mrs. Marshall W. RowlandMr. David T. RuschMr. & Mrs. Jose R. SanchezMs. Winifred L. SchenckSodexho, Inc. and AffiliatesSt. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

Mr. Scott StarksMr. & Mrs. Robert SteffenMr. GJ Rod SullivanMr. Chris SwanMr. David E. SwanSwisher International, Inc.The Comcast FoundationThe Gooding-Bell Endowment FundThe J.P. Morgan Chase FoundationThe Loop Restaurant Group, Inc.The Lucy Gooding Charitable Foundation TrustThe Pampered ChefThe Paul E. & Klare N. Reinhold Foundation, Inc.The St. Joe CompanyThrivent Financial for LutheransTNT Logistics North America Inc.Dr. & Mrs. John E. Trainer Jr.Trinity Lutheran ChurchUnited Way of Northeast Florida, Inc.Ms. Lisa Strange WeatherbyMr. & Mrs. Wayne WeaverWeaver Family FoundationMr. & Mrs. Bryan WeberMr. & Mrs. Charles A. WehdeWinn Dixie Stores, Inc.Women’s Giving AllianceMr. & Mrs. Joseph J. Zelenka

2 0 0 5 - 0 6 A N N U A L D O N O R S

Gold Heart Club(Gifts $500-$999)Amanda Craven Memorial Endowment FundATS Services Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Richard J. AyersMr. Michael BontsDr. Solomon G. BrotmanMr. Ross BryantMs. Julie Buckingham*Dr. & Mrs. James N. BurtMr. & Mrs. Robert G. H. Carroll IIIMs. Anjna ChauhanMs. Cindy DurdenDr. & Mrs. Alan R. EckelsMs. Afsoon ElmoreMr. & Mrs. Bernard R. GiancolaMr. & Mrs. George V. Grune Sr.Mr. William Harper & Ms. Kathryn StevensonMr. & Mrs. John C. HartfordJ.P. Perry Insurance Inc.Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation Inc.Jacksonville UniversityMs. Monica A. JacobyMr. & Mrs. JohnsonMs. Debra JohnsonJP Morgan Chase Foundation

Ms. Kacy KennedyMr. & Mrs. Stuart KleinMs. Tina LayMr. & Mrs. Herbert J. LemoyneMr. Jim LittleDr. & Mrs. Robert I. LufranoMr. & Mrs. Donald L. Martin*Mr. & Mrs. MartinMs. Kelly MarvinMr. and Mrs. Malcom MarvinMr. & Mrs. Riley G. MaszyMs. Joan NewtonNorth Florida Plumbing, Heating and A/C, Inc.Our Redeemer Lutheran ChurchMr. & Mrs. W. C. ParkerRoda TrustMr. R. J. SerraMr. & Mrs. P. Kem Siddons*St. Andrews Lutheran Church By The SeaSt. Matthew’s Lutheran ChurchSt. Vincent’s Medical CenterMr. & Mrs. T. Edwin Stinson Jr.Superior Construction Co. Inc.The Elise Bear & William D. Pollak Family Foundation Inc.The Salvation Army - Jacksonville Area Command

Mr. & Ms. Alvin M. Towns Jr.Mr. Dwane TysonUnisource Worldwide Inc.United Way of Tri-StateMs. Judy Van ZantMs. Jane VanceVystar Credit UnionWachovia CorporationMr. & Mrs. Larry WertzMr. & Mrs. Theodore WesselZimmerman Family Foundation Inc.

Silver Heart Club(Gifts $250-$499) Ms. Lisa Acheson-Luther**Aidmatrix Foundation Inc.Alan Shawn Feinstein FoundationArlington Congregational ChurchAssumption Catholic ChurchMr. & Mrs. C. McNeill Baker Jr.Mr. Brian W. BernardMs. Jeannie E. BernardMr. T. Lance BrazilMr. & Mrs. Thomas BrownMr. Ryan W. BuckleyMs. Sherry BurnsMr. Edward W. Carter IVMs. Diane H. Cohen

Ms. Roxanne ConrowMr. Stephen CooperMr. & Mrs. Lowry A. Daniels Jr.Mrs. J. Elsworth DavisMr. & Mrs. Stephen DayMs. Deborah DiRamioMr. Brewster Jay DurkeeMr. Derek EatonMs. Megan FanninMr. & Mrs. Craig S. FieldsFirst Coast Family & Housing FoundationMs. J. Michele FlynnFranciscan Oakville Estate WineryFresh MinistriesGate Petroleum CompanyGateway Community Services Inc.Ms. Margaret Carolyn HallMr. Bill HardakerMr. Preston HaskellMs. Lynn HeiderMr. & Mrs. Philip W. HinrichsMs. Cathie A. HurlburtI.M. Sulzbacher Center for the HomelessIlano Technologies Inc.Jacksonville Housing AuthorityJacksonville Metropolitan Lions ClubMr. W. Daniel JohnsonJust Acute Medicine P.A.

The following list recognizes those who have donated to Lutheran Social Services between Oct. 1, 2005 and Sept. 30, 2006. If you have any questions or concerns regarding an entry or name on this list, please call Karen Rieley, director of advancement, at 904.730.8281.


o5 Ms. Christine H. KeayMs. Patricia H. KelleyMs. Aline KingMs. Cindy A. LaquidaraLat Purser FloridaMs. Tommie’lee LehmanMs. Deborah MainaMr. Michael V. Mattson Esq.Mr. & Mrs. James R. MitchellMs. Louise A. MooreNational Association of Railway Business WomenMr. & Mrs. Robert L. NellsonMr. Richard Niemann+Office Environment & ServicesPine Castle Inc.Presser, Lahnen & EdelmanPropeller Club of the United StatesRenaissance Creative Services Inc.Dr. Mary K. RobinsonMr. & Mrs. Roger RomanMr. Mark RowdenMs. Beverly E. ShieldsMs. Hildegarde SimonsMr. & Mrs. A. J. SmithSpirit of Life Lutheran ChurchSt. Catherine’s Episcopal ChurchSt. Johns Lutheran ChurchMs. Linda S. StricklandSussman, Jaffe & Co.Mr. & Mrs. Richard R. ThalackerMr. Larry WalshawWashington Mutual Employee Giving ProgramMr. & Mrs. David F. WhiteMr. & Mrs. Eric R. Wiltse**Mr. & Mrs. Frank Zepka

Ruby Heart Club(Gifts $1-$249) 2005 United Way Community BuildersA World Away, Inc.Ms. Alisa F. AbbottMs. Delores L. AdamsMs. Brenda AdeebMr. Howard L. AdragnaMs. Melanie B. AlmMr. Richard P. AlversonMs. Carol AndersonDr. & Mrs. George A. AndersonMs. Lisa M. AnthonyApollo Hair SystemsMr. & Mrs. Ralph ApplebyMr. & Mrs. Bill AppletonArlington Newcomers ClubMr. & Mrs. Jason Drake ArteagaMs. Maria AselageMr. Dan R. Ashdon+Mr. & Mrs. Edward L. AsherMs. Erica AshmoreMs. Lorie A. AurandMs. Jody D. AuricchioMr. Phillip AxtMs. Maridell W. BagnalMr. & Mrs. Marion D. BakerMr. N. G. BalchMr. Gary BallMr. & Mrs. Harlan BankertBarnes & Noble BooksellersMr. & Mrs. Richard A. BarrettMr. & Mrs. Tom BarryMs. & Ms. Jan BartelinkMr. & Mrs. Bret C. BaughnMs. Lorraine O. BeathMs. Beverly BeckMs. Shirley A. BeckerMr. & Mrs. Paul BellMs. Lena J. BelmihoubMr. & Mrs. Stewart J. BennettMs. Amy BensonMr. & Mrs. J. Berglund

Dr. & Mrs. Marvin BerkMs. Carole BertischMs. Susan Britt BiermannMs. Emma L. BillingsMs. Helen BjorkmanMs. Lillie B. BlackshearThe Rev. Michael BlakerMr. Eric BlackMs. Elizabeth A. BlonderMs. Annie BodisonMr. David BoeselMr. & Mrs. David B. BollingMr. & Mrs. Oscar H. BonnerMs. Murnett H. BostonMs. Anne W. BourdeauxMs. Candy Barr BowenMs. Lori BoyntonMr. & Mrs. Clifton BrackMs. Mable BradshawMr. & Mrs. Frank BrayMs. Claire BrennanMr. & Mrs. James D. BrennanMs. Barbara G. BretzMr. & Mrs. Albert E. BritoMr. Richard BrittonMr. & Mrs. Oscar BrownMs. Teresa BrownMs. Carrie A. BuddsMs. Joann BuermannMr. & Mrs. Tom J. BurrierMs. Violet M. BurrisMs. Phyllis BurroughsMr. & Mrs. Paul Bussell+Mr. & Mrs. Walter P. BussellsMs. Jane CanadyMr. & Mrs. Alfred P. CanepaMs. Rhyne Becton CannonMr. Michael CantoMs. Amy S. CarlsonMs. Melanie CarrMs. Tracy CarterMr. & Mrs. Carl Carver*Ms. Martina CashMr. Timothy L. CashMs. Wilma CashMs. Deborah S. CaslickMr. & Mrs. Kenneth C. CechMr. & Mrs. William E. CellarMs. Toni A. ChallMs. Tahsha ChandlerMr. & Mrs. Emanuel N. CharlesMr. William Sanford CheneyChildren’s Home Society of FloridaMr. & Mrs. Joseph W. Chimelewski+Ms. Jody ChompsalChris Bisceglio Lawn ServiceMr. Carlton ChuppMr. Andrew L. ClarkeMr. Jay CodyMr. & Mrs. Alton W. ColdeweyMr. John W. ColesMs. Sarah S. CondonMr. & Mrs. Gene A. ConnerMs. Lavonda J. ConnersMr. & Mrs. Alexander E. Constant Jr.Mr. Larry D. CookeMs. Mary CooperMr. & Mrs. Daniel C. CorritoreMs. Lucille G. CorteseMs. Alayne A. Costin+Ms. Margaret N. CouchMr. & Mrs. Ronald W. CoxMrs. Mary K. Crawford & Ms. Mary Regina CrawfordMs. Leslie S. CrewsMs. Marie CripeMr. & Mrs. J. A. CrookThe Rev. Ellen CrossMr. & Mrs. Kevin F. CudaMr. & Mrs. John R. CusickMs. Lyndy S. Dagdag

David Gates Golf Headquarters Inc.Mr. T. Wayne DavisMr. & Mrs. Bruce W. DawsonDCT Reporting, Inc.Ms. Mona A. DeckerMs. Kelly A. DelaneyRADM. & Mrs. Kevin F. DelaneyMs. Sharon DennisMs. Susan DerrickMr. Abhijit DeshmukhMs. Janice B. DixonMr. Vin DolanMs. Marcia A. DonaldsonMr. & Mrs. Richard W. DowMr. & Mrs. Timothy M. Dowen Jr.Ms. Jody DughiMr. & Mrs. James W. DuguidDuval Asphalt Products Inc.Eagle Foundation Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Abe G. Eason Jr.+Mr. Pete EberachEden Presbyterian Church Youth GroupMs. Penny EdwardsMr. Shaq EdwardsMs. Rita EidsonMs. Kimberly EllisMs. Jane EmeryEmpire Term CompanyMr. & Mrs. Robert J. EnderleMr. Joe EsparzaMs. Joleen M. EsquierdoMs. Rae R. EttmyerMr. & Mrs. Jeffrey L. EvansMr. & Mrs. Wayne L. EzellMs. Nancy Faibisy+Mr. Michael FayardMs. Jean FinelliDr. Kenneth Z. FingerMs. Kathy FinnMr. John T. FitzgeraldFJC-FCCJ Retiree AssociationMr. Randall Fleming+Mr. & Mrs. Johnny FloydMs. Andrea J. FolkMs. Mary FoorMs. Kathleen ForbesMr. & Mrs. H. W. FordMs. Tia R. FordMr. & Mrs. David M. FosterMs. Heather FosterFox Jewelry and LoanMr. & Mrs. Bill FrakesMr. & Mrs. Don FransonMr. Frederick W. FrazerMs. Linda C. FriendMs. Virginia FritzMr. Maurice F. FunkeMs. Jane D. GantMs. Debbie GarnerThe Rev. and Mrs. Dale GatzGeneral Sign Service Corp.Mr. & Mrs. Todd L. GilbertsonMr. & Mrs. Thomas GilleyMr. Daniel GiordanoGirl Scouts of Gateway CouncilMs. Cindy GoodgameMs. Michelle GoodmanThe Rev. & Mrs. James E. Graeser IIMr. & Mrs. Jay L. GraffMr. Bob GraysonMs. Linn T. GraysonMs. Audrey A. Greene+Mr. & Mrs. James E. GreggMs. Maureen GriderMr. Christopher C. GriffithMs. Leila T. GriffithMs. Deborah C. GriggMs. Tammy GrimesMr. & Mrs. Donald L. Grimm Jr.Mr. & Mrs. David W. GrossMs. Martha E. Guillebeau

Ms. April Diffie GuittarMs. Sara E. GunterDrs. Charles & Judella HaddadMs. Judy A. HagertyThe Rev. & Mrs. Robert HaleMr. Tracy Hale*Mr. & Mrs. Roger H. HallMs. Sandy HallMs. Carol L. HamannMr. Tony HamiltonMr. Wade L. HamptonHana Financial Group Inc.Mr. Joseph M. HarbinDr. & Mrs. Richard D. HardinMr. & Mrs. John B. HarrellMs. Rhonda B. HarriganMr. & Mrs. Ronald T. HarrisMs. Cathy HartfordMs. Joy A. HaugeMs. Cynthia HawksMs. Lisa HaycookMs. Carol O. HazouriMr. & Mrs. Robert J. Head Jr.Mr. Glenn C. Heck & Ms. Gay E. RobbMr. Charles F. HenleyMr. Douglas R. HenningMs. Barbara HenryMs. Monica L. HentschelMs. Naomi W. HerzigHickory Creek Association Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Elvis M. HigginsMs. Cynthia H. HillMr. & Mrs. Arnold HilpertMs. Elizabeth HiltonMr. Drew HirshbergMs. Carol A. HoaglandMr. & Mrs. Albert J. HoehnMs. Prudentiana HoganMr. & Mrs. Michael J. HollisMr. & Mrs. Les J. HolmanMr. Phil HolmbergMs. Lori Beth HooperMr. James HopkinsMs. Nancy HowardMr. Jack HowellMr. & Mrs. Jack HudsonMs. Debra L. HultzMs. Beverly HuncauIBM Retiree Charitable CampaignIGIVEdotCOM Holdings LLCDr. & Mrs. A.C. IlanoThe Rev. & Mrs. David Imhoff*Independent Living Resource Center of Northeast FloridaMs. Julie IngersollMr. & Mrs. James W. Ingold*Mr. & Mrs. Eugene R. IngramMs. Pamela IngriamMs. Judy G. IrbyMr. & Mrs. Wallace G. IrmscherJ. E. Anderson Agency Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Rodney A. JacksonMs. Mabel A. JenkinsMs. Ellen C. JensenMs. Angela JerniganMr. & Mrs. Hector A. JirauJM Video ProductionsMs. Nina JohansenMr. Dan JohnsonMr. Earl JohnsonThe Rev. George JohnsonMr. Harry O. Johnson IIIMr. Henry Johnson Jr.Mr. Vernon W. JohnsonMs. Diane JonesMr. & Mrs. Frank D. JonesMs. Heather JonesMs. Mary O. JonesMr. Stephen C. JoostMr. Dennis JordanMs. Mary E. Jordan


o6The Rev. & Mrs. Bernie JornMr. William L. KalerMs. Bernice KamerlingMr. & Mrs. Robert KangasMr. & Mrs. Michael KapeghianMr. & Mrs. Bruce E. KaufmanMr. Robert O. Kay IIIMs. Sidell KearnsMr. Charles Kees Jr.Mr. & Mrs. Jerod KeevicanMr. & Mrs. Tison KellyMs. Susan KennerlyMr. & Mrs Jeffrey KenskiKerick Valve Inc.Mr. Robert KerrMs. Jodi D. KielMs. Karen KileyMr. Allen D. KilgoMs. Betty KingThe Revs. Janis & Robert KinleyMs. Susan M. KlarfeldMr. & Mrs. Karl KleinbeckMr. & Mrs. Michael KnippingMr. Paul KnollmanMs. Theresa KnutsonMr. Christopher KounsMs. Paula KrevoMs. Noelle KristinMs. Suzanne KuehnMr. Bill Laird**Mr. & Mrs. Hallet LammMr. & Mrs. William LaubenheimerMr. Charles LechnerMr. George LeeMr. James LeeMr. and Mrs. David LeedyMr. & Mrs. Gary H. LeggMs. Catherine LemmeMr. Pete LenioMr. Cliff LeonardMs. Kathy J. LeyMr. & Mrs. Michael A. LicardiMs. Kimberly LocasaleMr. & Mrs. Lawrence LohseMs. Connie LongMr. & Mrs. Bernard J. LoonamMs. Carrie Santa LuciMs. Edna M. LuskMr. Daniel L. MacDonaldMs. Maria MachinMs. Laine MacWilliamMr. & Mrs. Rich MagyarMr. & Mrs. Richard B. MahoneyMr. & Mrs. Louis F. Maire IVMs. Antonela Makic+Mr. & Mrs. Tim Manasco+Mantis Lawn & Pest Control, Inc.Mr. and Mrs. Domingo D. ManzonMr. and Mrs. Louis Marino IIIMs. Linda G. MartinMartin Coffee Company**Mr. Lawrence C. MarvinMs. Mary MarxMr. Al MatthewsMs. Cynthia MazurMs. Gerda McAllisterMr. and Mrs. M.L. McCormickMs. Katy McDanielMs. Mena McGroskyMr. & Mrs. Billy McKenzieMs. Nancy E. McKenzieMr. Larry McKnight+Mr. & Mrs. Arthur McLendonMr. Steve C. MeadowsMedical Marketing Studies U.S. Inc.Mr. & Mrs. Nick A. MegasMr. Bruce MeierMr. Patrick G. MeleadyMemorial Lutheran ChurchMs. Cortne MesecMr. B. Allen Middlebrooks

Ms. Shannon MilesMs. Carol Snyder MillerMs. Carolyn MillerMs. Susie MillerMission-Uplift For Life Ministries Inc.Mr. Jack S. MixerMr. Richard Mochowski+Mr. George MooreMr. Richard MooreheadMr. & Mrs. David C. Morenus IIIMr. Frank MorrealeMs. Elaine MosleyMr. & Mrs. Edward MuellerMs. Loree MuellerMr. Michael A. MundyMs. Lisa MurphyMs. Elizabeth A. NelmsMs. Eileen Nelson+Ms. Lynne M. NewbyBrigadier General & Mrs. Henry C. Newcomer USAF (Ret.)Mr. & Mrs. Raymond A. NewmanMs. Marion Scott NewmillerMs. Kathleen K. NicholsMr. & Mrs. Lewis M. NicholsMs. Theresa NicholsMr. & Mrs. Richard L. NybergMs. Nancy NystromMs. Stacy O’ConnellMr. Malcom OliverOmni Freight BrokersMr. James C. Orth Jr.Otis F. Smith FoundationMr. & Mrs. Robert A. OttMs. Marrissa PadgenMr. & Mrs. Stephen J. Pajcic IIIMs. Lana PancoastMr. & Mrs. Joel ParkerMs. Mistique J. ParkerMs. Patricia Ausmus ParkerMr. & Mrs. Jack P. ParrinoMs. Deborah S. PassMr. & Mrs. Robert L. PattersonMr. & Mrs. Edward A. PenmanMr. & Mrs. C. Rufus Pennington IIIMr. Don PenningtonMs. Allison PerkinsMr. Danny P. Perry Mr. James L. PerryMs. Cynthia K. PersicoMr. & Mrs. Donavan C. PetersonMr. & Mrs. Mark PetersonMr. & Mrs. William P. PettyMs. Susan M. PfahlerMr. & Mrs. Charles PfeifferMr. & Mrs. J. D. PhillipsMs. Kim PhluegerMs. Janet PickettMr. William PinnerMrs. Leon PiphoMr. & Mrs. John D. Poe Jr.Mr. Donald PorterMs. Jeanette PowellMs. Juanita Powell, P.A.Mr. & Mrs. Thornton PylesMs. Margie A. RammelMr. & Mrs. Ronald RasmussenMs. Jeanne M. ReidThe Rev. & Mrs. William P. Reister*Mr. & Mrs. John ReppMs. Belinda A. Revel-AddisMr. Robert J. RicciardelliMr. Gary RichardsMs. A. Jane RichardsonMs. Joan RichardsonMs. Sue RichardsonMr. & Mrs. Alton R. RickerMr. Brian P. RileyRisch-Luther LLCMs. Patricia A. RitterRoberts Mt Pisgah AME Church

Ms. Demetris RobinsonMr. & Mrs. Michael D. RobinsonMr. & Mrs. Rick H. RobinsonMr. Ryan J. RobinsonMr. & Mrs. Raymond L. Rodgers Jr.Ms. Laura I. RodriguezMs. Margaret M. RooksMs. Stephanee J. RoseMr. Brian M. Rowland*Mr. & Mrs. Richard P. RundelMr. & Mrs. James W. RutherfordMr. & Mrs. Peter RyanMr. & Mrs. William RyanMr. & Mrs. Malvin RyghMs. Colleen M. SabolMs. Sonya SalamehMr. & Mrs. Yousef M. SalamiMs. Brenda M. SalzmanMr. Craig SammonsMs. Beth SandersMr. Mike J. SandersMs. Sharon P. SandersMr. Vince SavageMs. Carol A. ScarboroughMs. Rosalie B. ScarboroughMr. & Mrs. Robert SchaufflerMr. & Mrs. Marinus SchepenMs. Rene SchieggMr. & Mrs. Paul E. SchiffThe Honorable & Mrs. Harvey SchlesingerMs. Gertrude E. SchmidtMr. & Mrs. Robert SchneckMr. & Mrs. Phil H. SchnorrMr. & Mrs. Frederick ScottMr. & Mrs. Charles SeamanMr. Don T. SearsMr. & Mrs. Steve SebokMr. & Mrs. Wm. Kevin SechristSecond Harvest Food Bank of MetrolinaMr. & Mrs. John SeivertMr. & Mrs. Richard W. SellersMr. & Mrs. Robert Warren Selton IIIMr. Paul SheldonMr. & Mrs. Joseph SherinMr. & Mrs. Paul J. ShieldsMs. Janet ShumanMs. Margaret SidmanMs. Melissa Simpson+Mr. & Mrs. Ronald L. SimontonMs. Mica S. SmarseMr. & Mrs. Ivan J. SmithMr. & Mrs. James M. SmithMr. Ronald SmithMs. Shannon SmithMr. Brian SnyderMr. & Mrs. Jose I. SolaunMs. Ann J. SorensonMs. Lois SowersSt. George Episcopal ChurchSt. Nicholas Park Christian ChurchSt. Paul Lutheran ChurchMr. and Mrs. J. Mark StarbuckMr. & Mrs. Keith K. SternMr. Steven SternMs. Barbara S. StewartMr. & Mrs. James L. StoetzerMs. Brandy StoneMr. & Mrs. William G. Stone IIIMs. Gini StrasserMr. & Mrs. Alexander StremitzerMr. Gregory StricklandMs. Jennifer StringfellowMr. & Mrs. Karl StupskiMs. Leslie G. SummersMs. Mary K. SumnerMr. & Mrs. David R. SwathwoodSysco Rewards ProgramMr. Edward SzudarskiMr. & Mrs. Lawrence M. TallmanMr. & Mrs. David L. Taylor Jr.

Mr. Robert TeelThe Everlasting Families of Blodgett HomesThe Golf Village Church Inc.The Prudential FoundationMr. & Mrs. Paul S. TheofanMs. Ann ThompsonMs. Willene C. ThompsonMs. Cynthia S. TiptonDr. Ethan Todd Jr.The Rev. TonnMr. Stephen Tool Jr.Lester H. ToppalMs. Marie TrabertTrinity Lutheran Church W.E.L.C.A.Ms. Christine TuccelliMs. Shirley E. TurnerMr. & Mrs. Donald TveteneMr. Nicholas P. VaccaMr. & Mrs. Jacob J. Van PeltMr. & Mrs. C. Alan Verlander**Mr. & Mrs. David L. ViaMs. Beth VissmanMr. & Mrs. Alan D. VossMr. Davis WainwrightMs. Christina H. WalkerMr. & Mrs. William M. WallerMr. & Mrs. William W. Walsh Jr.Mr. Donnie WanstallMs. Margaret Ward-SeebaMr. Randall WardinMs. Candice WarningMr. Chris WarrenMs. Kimberly L. WaterhouseMs. Karen S. WatersMs. Margaret E. WatsonMs. Grace D. WawzynskiMr. Keith WebbMr. Howard E. WechslerWestfall Huffman LLCWhaley’s Refrigeration HVACMr. & Mrs. I. B. WhitakerMs. Eileen WhiteKareem A. WhiteMr. & Mrs. Robert WhiteMs. Susan S. WhiteMr. & Mrs. Leon R. WhiteheadMs. Michele WhitteyMs. Linsay WickhamMr. & Mrs. Stephen J. Wigh IIIMr. Stewart WilkinsDr. & Mrs. Albert H. Wilkinson Jr.Ms. Linda F. WilkinsonMs. Christina L. WilliamsMr. & Mrs. David WilliamsMs. Kelly WilliamsMs. Kim L. WilliamsRev. & Mrs. Michael E. WilliamsMr. & Mrs. Mark A. WilliamsonMs. Audrey WilsonMr. & Mrs. Ralph WilsonMs. Pamela A. WiltseMr. Kenny WinklerMr. Alan WinterMr. Joseph M. WitcherMr. Michael WithamMr. Mike WoodMr. Mike WydraMr. & Mrs. William N. WylandMs. Gabriella YoungMr. R. Richard Zanghetti & Ms. Pamela K. PhillipsMr. & Mrs. Barry ZeidwigDr. Gene ZimmermanMs. Roberta ZippererMr. & Mrs. Ronald Zuzul

* Board Member** JetSet Member+ Staff Member(active during the last fiscal year)


A C O M M U N I T Y OF P E O P L E W HO C A R E

NON-PROFIT ORGU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDJACKSONVILLE, FL

PERMIT NO.1610

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES

OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA, INC.4615 PHILIPS HIGHWAY

JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207

LSS Board of Directors

OfficersMs. Marie Friedsam ChairmanMr. Lawrence Huser Vice ChairmanMr. Kenneth Dufford, Treasurer

MembersMr. Tracey ArpenMs. Julie BuckinghamThe Reverend Sharon DorrMs. Karen GallagherMr. Donald MartinMr. Jack ParkerMr. Brian RowlandThe Reverend William ReisterMr. Kem SiddonsMr. Dwane Tyson

Working in Partnership with:

SOLUTIONS FROM THE HEART.

Agency Sponsor:

Local churches give back in big ways

Year after year, Riverside Presbyterian

Church has embodied the spirit of the holiday season by providing hundreds of gifts for several newly

arrived asylees and refugee families in need. This past year, Riverside Presbyterian “adopted” 30 refugee families and bought a variety of holiday gifts for them, including 17 brand new bikes, most of them complete with helmets and water bottles. Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church has also been a caring supporter of Lutheran Social Services. In addition to hosting the First Annual Tin Man Competition to benefit LSS refugees, they also donated $400 from their pumpkin patch sales and let Lutheran Social Services use the church’s beautiful grounds as the site of the LSS Employee Appreciation Day. Through the help and caring spirits of organizations like Riverside Presbyterian and Shepherd of the Woods, LSS has been able to reach more people in need than ever before.

Three refugee sisters nominated for leadership trip to Washington, D.C.You can help get them there

For the Abdulshukur family, America has

meant opportunity and new beginnings, especially for the three eldest sisters, Feruza, Farishta and Shabnam. The three were nominated for trips to Washington, D.C. as part of a leadership program designed to give outstanding students an edge

in preparing for their futures. The father, who fled Afghanistan with his family a year and a half ago, used to work in social work

and government and would like to see his daughters be able to contribute in such a way to the American society. The girls were nominated based on their academics and teacher recommendations. The trips to D.C. are planned by an organization called People to People, which was founded by Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956. He believed that young people and one-to-one cooperation were the keys to global improvement. While the leadership conference is a great opportunity for these bright young sisters, the tuition cost to send them is steep. To assist the family, Lutheran Social Services has establised a scholarship fund to help cover the expenses with the help of the Jacksonville community. If you would like to contribute to Feruza’s, Farishta’s and Shabnam’s tuition costs, please make a check out to Lutheran Social Services and note “RIS Youth Scholarship” in the memo line. Donations can be sent to the LSS office located at 4615 Philips Highway, Jacksonville, FL, 32207.

(Top) As part of their annual holiday giving, Riverside Presbyterian Church purchased 17 brand new bicycles for refugee children.

(Right) Sharon Peacock of Shepherd of the Woods presents Wayne Rieley, LSS president/CEO, a check from both the Tin Man Competition and the church’s pumpkin patch sales.

The Abdulshukur family, from left to right; Feruza, Kubro (mother), Farishta, Abdul Shukur (father), Shabnam, and (in front) Bacira and Sabur.

EDITOR: KAREN J. RIELEYWRITER/DESIGNER: MELISSA M. SIMPSON

Documents

2005-06 LSS Annual Report