LSS Employee Appointed to Governor’s Task ForceBy Julie Daggett, Director of Government Relations

Issue 2 2004

A newsletter for friends of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan

C O N N E C T I O N S

NON PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPERMIT #2484

MILWAUKEE, WI

647 W. Virginia Street, Suite 300, Milwaukee, WI 53204

Cover story: Living Life to the Fullest. And much more inside...

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsin and Upper Michiganhas a unique opportunity to participate in matters relating to the localresettlement of Hmong refugees from Thailand. Susan Gundlach, LSSRefugee and Immigrant Services director, was recently appointed byGovernor Jim Doyle to his Special Advisory Hmong Resettlement TaskForce. The Governor created the task force in response to the upcomingresettlement to Wisconsin of at least 3,600 new Hmong refugees.

The task force, which held its first meeting in July, is charged withmaking recommendations to the Governor on system improvements,best practices, employment connections, housing, citizenship andaccess to needed services to successfully integrate this new refugeepopulation into our state. The task force will serve to supportcommunity resettlement efforts and will advise state agencies oncommunication strategies and collaboration opportunities.

“Wisconsin has a great history of working together to assist theHmong to become productive citizens in Wisconsin,” GovernorDoyle said. “This task force will help us to streamline our resettlementefforts so the new refugees can fully participate in Wisconsin’seconomy, schools and communities.”

“LSS has been a part of that great history by working togetherwith churches of all denominations to provide comprehensive, high

quality services that empower refugees to achieve a better quality oflife,” said David Larson, LSS president and CEO. “Susan’sappointment to the Governor’s task force is an exciting chance topartner with government and to seek creative and lasting solutionsto the needs of uprooted people.”

Gundlach is one of two resettlement agency representativesappointed to the 28-member group. She has led LSS’ refugeeactivities since 1999. LSS Refugee and Immigrant Services is anaffiliate agency of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service.

For more information on how you can help, please call 414-325-3096.

Gov. Jim Doyle andSecretary RobertaGassman pause after thenews conferenceannouncing the new task force to pose withchildren at the HmongAmerican FriendshipAssociation in Milwaukee.

LSS Agency-wide and Regional OfficesAgency-wide Administration (414) 281-4400

North East Region(920) 734-4326

South Region(262) 896-3446

West Central Region(715) 834-2046

LSS Leadership TeamBeth BelmoreDirector of Programs,

North East Region

Jeff CarriganVice President of Resource

Development

Michael H. GunsVice President and CFO

Gail HagenDirector of Community Programs,

West Central Region

Ted HakalaVice President, West Central Region

Ron HauserDirector of Children, Youth and

Family Programs, South Region

Michael HoffmanVice President of Human Resources

Cynthia J. JansenExecutive Assistant

Edward T. KohlVice President, South Region

David N. LarsonPresident and CEO

Dianne Classen BeyerVice President, North East Region

Barb WollnerDirector of Health Services,

South Region

C O N N E C T I O N S 3

Cover: Suzie is one LSS customerwho is “Living Life to the Fullest.”

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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20924 R0-02

From the President’s Desk

Who was that?A few weeks ago while watching the Olympic gymnasticswomen’s uneven bars event I saw something pop in view oncamera that caught my eye and surprised me. The gymnastwas doing well and the announcers mentioned that she wasabout to perform a very difficult maneuver. Just as she wasbuilding up speed and preparing to launch a person slid intoview just on the right side of the apparatus. Who was this? Whatwere they doing standing so close, not interfering, but close,with eyes watching the gymnast closely? After successfullycompleting the task the person below silently stepped backout of the television lens range. What was that all about?

It only took a moment for me to realize that this was a “spotter” – a person who works with the athlete during all theirtraining years. Who helps them, encourages them and catchesthem if they fall. These spotters do not do the gymnasts work but are incredibly helpful as theymove toward doing their routines independently.

A further moment along my thought processes, as so often happens, turned me to the workof LSS. Nearly 100,000 persons every year are touched by service that mirrors the work of theOlympic spotter! Persons from all areas of life are practicing daily to perform what for them areOlympic size accomplishments. It may be a wheelchair bound individual taking his or her firststep, a child with learning disabilities reading his or her first word, a family with domesticdifficulties taking his or her first counseling session on the road to recovery, a runaway youthfinding his or her first safe home and learning to live productively and independently.

And, who enters the picture, just in view helping to “spot” for all those folks. Why, it is youindividuals, churches, community leaders, volunteers along with the LSS staff providing theencouragement, resources and safe hands to catch and give confidence to all those performingsteps to independence. What an important job!

I love the heroics of the Olympics as they roll around each few years. And I am luckybecause every day, not every few years, I see heroic acts by the people we serve. Each day theyovercome obstacles with great performances and independent moves and each one is supportedby all of you as you step into the frame of their lives just when they need it. You are there tocatch them if they fall and then you encourage them on to start again and finish with all the flairand celebration of the world’s greatest athletes.

Thank you for being there for all those we serve together. What an honor to do this noblework with you.

Sincerely in Christ,

Pastor David Larson

LSS Connections is a publication of Lutheran

Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.

Please direct questions and comments to:

Briena Romanshek Public Relations Manager,

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper

Michigan, 647 W. Virginia St., Suite 300,

Milwaukee, WI 53204-1535, (414) 325-3192

bromansh@lsswis.org

IN LIVING COLOR!With this issue, Connections is printing in color thanks to thegenerosity of long-term printing supplier, A to Z Printing.

A dedicated employee, an athlete of the year, and an award winning volunteer – these are just three of the amazing peoplewith special needs who Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan is privileged to serve everyday.

It wasn’t long ago that people with cognitive or physical disabilities were seen as a burden, and often institutionalized.In the 1980s, when sweeping changes brought the disabled from institutions into mainstream, LSS rapidly became a majorprovider of services that allow those with disabilities to live more fully in their communities.

Now, LSS serves more than 3,900 persons with disabilities, ranging from "round-the-clock" residential support tosupervision within more independent living situations. The developmental disabilities of LSS customers include mentalretardation, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, head injury and autism. Those struggling with persistent mental illness also are served.

While developmental disabilities and mental illness present unique challenges, most people who experience them canlive successfully in their own communities. Their needs are the same as everyone’s – to work and play, to enjoy a homeand make choices, to love and be loved. They want to live as normally and as independently as they’re able. These supervisedgroup homes and apartments respond to these needs and give adults with disabilities the chance to develop their abilities tothe fullest extent possible. LSS has over 200 residential facilities that meet the needs of thousands of children and adults.And these numbers keep growing. Educational programs, vocational services and guardianship are also offered by LSS.

LSS’Supported

Employment

Program helps

the public

understand

just how

valuable

people with

special needs

are to our

communities.

Dedicated Employee:Brian is proud to be an employee of Royal Credit Union(RCU) in Eau Claire. As part of LSS’ Supported Employment

Program, Brian has been serving the Eau Claire area formore than seven years. Brian has Downs Syndrome,but his disability has not kept him from experiencinglife in any way. Three days a week Brian gets to workby 8:30 a.m. and provides a variety of services at RCU.From polishing the vault to greeting customers, Brian

is very pleased and deserving of the paycheck he receives. “Brian's job is a huge part of his life. It gives him

a reason to get up each morning, it gives him some independence, and it gives him something he can call his

4 C O N N E C T I O N S C O N N E C T I O N S 5

Athlete of the Year:“When I hear the phrase ‘a smile is contagious,’ I oftenthink of Suzie,” said Jessica Desens of LSS’ Cloverdalegroup home. “In addition to being very athletic and outgoing,she is so bubbly and affectionate — she brings life and asmile to anyone she meets.”

As a child, Suzie was diagnosed with DownsSyndrome and sent to the Northern Wisconsin Center inChippewa Falls, WI for care. It was in 1988, when peoplewith special needs were transitioning into the mainstream,that Suzie came to live in an LSS group home. In the 16years she has been with LSS, she has had numerous accom-plishments including being the 2004 recipient of the FoxValley Special Olympics Female Athlete of the Year Award.Suzie has been involved in Special Olympics competitionssince coming to LSS. She competes in bowling, aquatics,cross country skiing, track and field, and bocce. She is a proudathlete and always does her very best. “Suzie always expresses

herself in a positive way, cheering for all competitorsand eager to congratulate them – epitomizing the

Special Olympics oath,” said Pauline VanderVelden,Suzie’s coach and biggest fan who nominated herfor the award.

Award Winning Volunteer: Lee is a client with Community Integration Services (CIS),an LSS program that helps adults with cognitive disabilitiesor mental illness live independently in the community. Theprogram teaches essential living and community skills. Leewas diagnosed with developmental disabilities at a very youngage and lived in an institution most of her life. However,now in her later years, she is living the life she’s alwayswanted and deserved. Since 1998, she has been a part ofthe CIS program, lives in her own apartment and is a wonderful part of the Green Bay community.

For many years she worked at Supported Employment— a monitored work site for people with developmentaldisabilities – where she made everything from hammocksto recycled products. She loved her job and finally retired atthe age of 67. However, she only lasted a year in retirementbefore returning part-time. “She missed her job and talkingto her friends,” said Starr Lyon, CIS program manager.“She couldn’t wait to go back part-time – she thrives onworking or volunteering.”

When Lee isn’t working, she can be found at one ofher many volunteer sites. “Lee loves to volunteer and to beout in the community…she’d much rather be volunteeringthan sitting at home,” said Starr. She serves meals to thehomeless and spends time at the Volunteer Center doingvarious tasks. Recently, Lee won an award for all the timeshe dedicates at the Volunteer Center.

One of her favorite places to volunteer is the BrownCounty Mental Health Center, where she helps people likeherself, but who are unable to live independently. She visitswith residents, pushes wheelchairs, and helps with bingo andbirthday celebrations. “She volunteers there because she’sbeen there and knows how it feels. She wants to help the residents live better lives, even if by just visiting with themeveryday — it’s really rewarding for her!” concluded Starr.

Being like everyone else sounds pretty dull to most of us,but for those with special needs, a chance to be likeeveryone else is one of life’s greatest prizes. For Brian,Suzie and Lee this is no exception. They are only three ofthe extraordinary people who LSS serves and helps to livetheir lives to the fullest. In the last 20 years, LSS has beenat the forefront by providing quality and individualized careto people with developmental disabilities within their ownhomes. Due to a dedicated staff all over the state and UpperMichigan the common goal of inclusion is met each day. Inthe next twenty years and beyond, LSS will expand servicesto meet changing needs, as well as continue to have peoplewith special needs living, working, learning and playing incommunities of their choice.

Living Life to the FULLEST

own — a job that he is very proud of,” said MonikaFiedler, Brian’s job coach. “Brian is contributing to ourcommunity, whether it is by holding the door for a customer coming in the bank, or by spending some of hishard-earned money at the sub shop on his way home.”

LSS’ Supported Employment Program helps the publicunderstand just how valuable people with special needsare to our communities. A job coach accompanies eachemployee and guides him/her in performing the tasksassigned. “I am so fortunate to be part of an organizationthat helps people with disabilities become successfulemployees,” concluded Monika.

Below, Suzie displays her Fox Valley SpecialOlympics award. At right, Lee takes a break fromher busy volunteer schedule.

Photo at left: Brian, an LSS customer and employee of Royal Credit Union in Eau Claire.

6 C O N N E C T I O N S

Adoption Program Continues to GrowLutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsin and UpperMichigan’s international adoption program is expandinginto different borders once again. This past year LSSadoption staff began exploring opportunities and decidedupon Central America.

In May, three adoption employees traveled toGuatemala to meet with embassy officials and the directorof Semillas de Amor. Shortly thereafter, LSS beganfacilitating adoptions of Guatemalan children. Workingin partnership with Semillas de Amor in Guatemala, theplan is to start with two to five pilot families and growfrom there.

Guatemala is a country ravaged by a 36-year civilwar and, as a result, does not have adequate social structuresto provide children with what is necessary for them todevelop into well-educated, healthy adults. Many familiesare so poor they cannot care and feed their children. Ontop of that, national institutions are full of neglected,orphaned and abandoned kids.

Based in Antigua, Guatemala, Semillas de Amorprovides a loving, nurturing and enriching environmentfor these young Guatemalan children, so they can become

Summer is often talked about as being a more relaxedtime of the year, a time when the pace of life is slowerand there are more opportunities for recreation. However,at Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsin andUpper Michigan, this past summer, like any other time ofthe year, we were busy serving thousands of people inmany and various ways.

This was especially true in our Refugee andImmigrant Services program. The first of many Hmongrefugees began to arrive in June in Milwaukee andWausau to find new life and new hope in the United States.

In the aftermath of the Vietnam War, hundreds ofthousands of Hmong who had supported the U.S. governmentfled newly communist Laos for Thailand. About 150,000refugees came to the U.S. in the 1970s and ’80s. Now, morethan a quarter century after the first Hmong arrivals, the U.S.State Department has offered the opportunity for nearly15,000 of those who remained to resettle in America.

Established Hmong communities and seasonedresettlement agencies are drawing from their experiencesand laying the groundwork for resettlement success.Through LSS, the new group of more than 3,600 is arrivingin Milwaukee and Wausau where significant Hmongpopulations are already well established.

“Unlike those who came before them, new refugees willfind Hmong grocery stores, schoolteachers and legislatorsin their new communities,” said Susan Gundlach, LSSRefugee and Immigrant Services director. “They will joinrelatives and friends who are bilingual, self-sufficient,

LSS Welcomes Hmong Refugeescontributing members of American society.” Relationshipshave been made with Hmong mutual assistance associationsto take advantage of these already vibrant and cohesivecommunities.

LSS has opened a sub-office in Wausau to accommodate the second wave of refugees. With helpfrom the Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association(WAHMA), local Hmong have applied to have over 600of their relatives in Thailand join them in the Wausauarea. The two agencies have held community meetingsto an overwhelmingly positive response for residents. Anew donation bank will receive in-kind gifts, the housingauthority is working to locate suitable housing, andWAHMA is preparing to provide support and encouragementto the newcomers.

Gundlach stated that the Hmong in Wausau and inMilwaukee anxiously await the arrival of their relatives.“There is a feeling among the community here that thetransition will be hard, but not nearly as hard as it was 20years ago. Some are waiting to see relatives they haven’tseen in 20 years; there are nieces and nephews and grandchildren they’ve never met. People are very excited!”

Left for decades in refugee camps, the Hmongrefugees are truly among the world’s most vulnerablepeople. LSS is delighted to have this opportunity towelcome them, and are particularly enthusiastic aboutthe unique opportunity to work with existing Hmongcommunities to help the new arrivals adjust to new life ina new land.

strong, healthy, creative, and open-minded individuals.The children come from all over the country.

“We are very excited to start this new program,”said Brenda Koller, the program coordinator. "Knowingthat the mission of Semillas mirrors our own, LSS isconfident in building another successful partnership...onethat promotes the security of children."

If you are interested in learning more about theGuatemalan program, please contact one of the followingLSS offices in your area. Our staff will be happy to assistyou and answer your questions.

Appleton - (920) 734-4326Eau Claire- (715) 838-8440La Crosse- (608) 788-5090 or (866) 787-1899Madison- (608) 277-2966 Marquette, Michigan- (906) 226-7410Milwaukee- (414) 671-5950Superior- (715) 394-4173Wausau- (715) 849-3377

JUST ONE NAME!Lutheran SocialServices (LSS) ofWisconsin and UpperMichigan relies on thegenerous financialsupport of businesses,churches, individualsand many other organizations to provide a full range of compassionatesocial services tonearly 100,000 peopleeach year.

Help us spreadthe word about thegreat work LSS doesin your community andinform others of LSS’mission. If you knowsomeone who might beinterested in learningmore about LSS andfinancially supportingour efforts, please forward his/her nameand mailing address to Briena Romanshekat 414-325-3192 or bromansh@lsswis.org.We will mail this person a free issue of this magazine,which highlights newprograms and services,customer stories,charitable givingopportunities, legislativeaction alerts and more.

You can make a difference in thelong-term future of LSSby simply submittingone or more names.Thank you for yourcooperation!

LSS is now facilitating adoptions ofGuatemalan children.

C O N N E C T I O N S 7

Helping Children with AutismUnder a new contract with the state, LSS is providing servicecoordination for nearly 180 children with autism with theChildren's Long- Term Support Waiver administered by theDepartment of Health and Family Services. The programspans 12 counties in Wisconsin. Autism is a developmentaldisability that affects a child's ability to engage in socialrelationships, to communicate with others and to develop awide range of interests. Signs of autism are typically seenbefore three-years-of-age. LSS has nine service coordinatorsthat help parents navigate through various service offeringswithin their community. These services first include intensivein-home therapy, which is available to children for three years.After that, the children's waiver dollars are used for ongoingservices, which could include respite care, educational programming including tutors or educational materials,medical and therapeutic equipment, or even summer camps.Each family makes choices based on the needs of theirchild and documents these in their Individual Service Plan.

Living Independently LongerFox Valley Lutheran Homes (FVLH) and LSS have partneredto offer an exciting new ministry to help older adults liveindependently longer by providing assistance for living intheir apartments. A care coordinator offers information andassistance to residents of the independent housing complex,helping them understand andaccess the availablecommunity servicesthey need to maintaintheir independence andlive comfortably in their

News in BRIEF

Unique Summer Camp ExperienceSixteen Russian orphans experienced summer camp hostedby Lutheran Social Services (LSS) and adoptive families inMarquette, MI, Rhinelander and La Crosse, WI. The childrenwere between the ages of five and fourteen-years-old andcame from the Novosibirsk and Buryatia regions in Russia.They had the chance to live with a family, to learn about thevalues of family life and to experience the American culture.

Each day of camp included a get-together of the childrenand host families for a variety of activities, such as swimming,fishing and playground visits, with a focus on enjoying theoutdoors and natural beauty of the area. The children alsoreceived health check-ups donated by local dentists,optometrists and pediatricians.

The goal of the camp was to provide the children withnew and meaningful experiences and to provide families,who are hoping to adopt, the opportunity to meet and get toknow these children who truly need and deserve a family.

volunteers from Calvary and Incarnation Lutheran Churchesin the Milwaukee area and Grace Lutheran from WisconsinRapids, really worked together to make this happen.”This program is important to LSS because it connects ourmission at the neighborhood level. By working closelywith the school, church, and other community institutions,it brings resources within walking distance for families.

Hmong Elder Program Receives GrantLSS has received a grant from the Department ofWorkforce Development to provide citizenship services toolder refugees. The welfare reform law of 1996 imposedrestrictions on the length of time that refugees would beeligible for social security benefits. If a refugee, whoarrived in the United States after August 22, 1996, cannotbecome a naturalized citizen within the first seven years inthe U.S. he/she would loose benefits. The new CitizenshipProgram, funded by the grant, serves older refugees whoare at risk of loosing or have already lost these benefits.

Vue Lor is the Program Coordinator and BilingualCounselor for LSS’ Hmong Elder Program. She works toidentify refugees who are at risk of losing their benefits andassists them with becoming naturalized citizens. The HmongElder Program, created in 1993, provides education,information, and recreational activities for Hmong elders inthe Fox Cities and Brown County. The goals of the programare to educate older Hmong adults and their families aboutphysical and mental health issues, nutrition and communityresources, and to offer socialization opportunities throughcommunity activities.

Native American Sweat LodgeTo keep in step with the Fahrman Center's innovativeprogramming, they have recently added a Native AmericanSweat Lodge to the outside recreation area. Several membersof Native American Tribes of Wisconsin, Michigan, Northand South Dakota constructed the lodge. The first ceremonywas held in May and was very well received by the residents.Since then, ceremonies have been held monthly, permittingall the residents the opportunity to attend if they choose.Other Native American ceremonies focusing on spiritualwell-being are held in conjunction.

The central concept of the sweat lodge is to purify thebody, mind and soul through intense heat generated bypouring water over hot rocks. Sweating flushes toxic metals, helps ease soreness and stiffness, and dilates capillaries, increasing blood flow to the skin. The FahrmanCenter provides inpatient AODA and corrections servicesfor over 30 adults.

8 C O N N E C T I O N S C O N N E C T I O N S 9

Prospective adoptive families were invited to spend timewith the children during the camp experience.

During the summer of 2003, LSS and adoptive familiessponsored a camp for four Russian orphans in Wisconsinand all four children were matched with adoptive families.Thanks to our volunteers and staff, LSS is excited to reportthat 14 orphans from this year’s summer camp have allfound forever families as well.

New Look, New Fun at Keefe With the assistance of church and community volunteers,and a prominent local donor Keefe Family ResourceCenter, located at Incarnation Lutheran Church inMilwaukee was recently renovated. The renovation beganmid-June and is now more functional for an after-schoolenrichment program. Updates in the renovation included aremodeled bathroom and kitchen, central air-conditioning, anew office space and a wireless Internet computer lab.

“The response of donations and volunteers has beenoverwhelming,” said Liz Dworak, program coordinator. “The

(Continued on page 10)

Volunteers help in the extensive renovation of the Keefe FamilyResource Center.

Russian campers, new families, volunteers and support staffgather during one of the camps hosted by LSS this summer.

separation from their siblings in addition to the trauma oflosing their parents and their home.

But on July 30th, the Bureau of Milwaukee ChildWelfare (BMCW) signed a contract with the MilwaukeeChildren’s Village — an organization committed to keepinglarge sibling groups in foster care together. The Villageand all its partners are very excited about being able toprovide a safe, stable and nurturing environment that cankeep large sibling groups in foster care together.

Together, Milwaukee Children’s Village, Inc., LSS, andthe BMCW have successfully launched this pilot programconsisting of a single home site located in Milwaukee.This program has been enthusiastically embraced by thechild welfare community and shows great promise forfuture sibling placements. The goal is to keep sibling groupstogether in a safe and stable environment until they arereunited with their family or can be placed in a permanentadoptive home.

Building upon the success of this pilot, a Village offive to seven homes will be built in the city of Milwaukeeas part of the next phase.

Grant Helps Decrease Homelessness LSS’ Welcome Home program was recently awarded agrant of $4,000 from the ELCA Division for Church inSociety Domestic Hunger Division. The Welcome Homeprogram responds to the immediate needs of homelessindividuals and families and works to break the cycle ofhomelessness and poverty they may have experienced. Theprogram's goal is to decrease homelessness and poverty inMichigan’s Marquette and Alger Counties by:

• providing temporary, subsidized housing for sixindividuals or families per month,

• assisting clients in obtaining safe, affordable permanent housing;

• assisting clients with employment and/or increasetheir income;

• providing linkages to community resources including health care information and coverage;

• providing life-skills education to increase theclients' ability to manage necessary life tasks suchas budgeting, meal planning, self-care, etc., and

• providing temporary assistance with transportationas needed.

The grant money will be used as a required match to supportand stabilize the current level of services provided to homelessindividuals and families in the Welcome Home program.

C O N N E C T I O N S 1 1

own homes. Residents only pay for the community servicesthey choose and not for the services and time of the carecoordinator. The goal is to extend the amount of time olderadults are able to live on their own and oftentimes alleviatingthe need for licensed assisted living or nursing homes. Alongwith the FVLH residents, all of the 16 Lutheran congregationsin the Appleton Conference can use the services. Linkingthe older adults in the congregations to the resources theyneed to remain in their own homes as well. For moreinformation, please call Kristal at 920-734-7225.

Offender Education ProgramResearch suggests that jail time alone does not deter criminalbehavior and reduce recidivism. The Offender Educationprogram in Superior was introduced to facilitate a smoothtransition back to the community by teaching offenderslife-skills to deal with challenges. It educates people aboutavailable resources as well as how to access them. The goalis to better equip offenders so they become more productiveand law abiding citizens. Some areas that most offendersstruggle with that will be addressed in the sessions areanger, budgeting, education, job search, parenting andmany more. This is a six-month pilot program funded bythe LSS Foundation.

Milwaukee Children’s VillageOn July 30th, a group of five siblings were removed fromtheir home and taken into the foster care system. Had thishappened a week earlier, these children would have beenscattered in several homes—experiencing the trauma of

1 0 C O N N E C T I O N S

The Milwaukee Children’s Village is working to keeplarge groups of siblings together during their time infoster care.

News in BRIEF

$25 - 100: Blenders, portable mixers, irons and ironingboards, basic tool sets, rice cookers, microwaves, radio,CD/tape player, DVD players, baking utensils, coupons andgift certificates for outings, two days of caregiver respite,baby toys, VCR, lamps, desk chairs, holiday decorations,fishing equipment, towels and linens.

$101 - 200: Food processors, computer printers, infant carseats, strollers, wagons, cribs, vacuum cleaners, televisionsets, gas or charcoal grills, picnic tables, and outdoorrecreational items- volleyball nets, basketballs, footballs, bicycles, camping equipment. Air conditioners, patiofurniture, tables, rocking chairs, ping-pong tables, ceilingfans, yearly membership to zoos and museums for grouphome outings.

$201 - 300: Freezer chests, bed frames, cribs, programspecific educational videos, books and pamphlets. Videocameras, dressers, mattresses, box springs, office furniture,computer upgrades, dining room tables and chairs.

$301 - 500: Monthly rent for homeless 18-21 year-olds,couches, kitchen floors, carpeting, and snow blowers.

$501 & up: Remodeling projects, copier machines, 15-passenger vans, computers, stoves, washers and dryers.

Please make your check payable to Lutheran SocialServices. Your kind donation will be put towards thegreatest need. Thank you again for your help!

Do you know for as little as $25 you can make a hugedifference? A gift of $25 will give a family caregiver a dayof respite as his or her loved one attends an LSS adult daycenter. You may think donating money for a day at thelocal zoo is insignificant but to a troubled youth in an LSSgroup home, this outing provides lasting memories. Or youcan choose to make a contribution that will go toward amonth’s rent for a homeless 18-year-old.

These are just a few examples we invite you to considerin the ‘wish list’ at right. Our needs are great, and the listoffers you the opportunity to reach out and directly affectpeople who are hurting. The requests come from our programsthroughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. A gift in anyamount will make a big difference, and your donation cango towards the region or need of your choice.

We value your partnership and thank you on behalf ofthe many individuals who will be touched by your caring.

By working together, we can continue to help peopleimprove the quality of their lives.

(Continued from page 9)

LSS Wish ListA day at the zoo can make atremendous impact on thelife of a troubled youth orother member of a LSSgroup home.

Car seats and camping equipment are just afew of the items your gifts can fund.

C O N N E C T I O N S 1 3

On your marks...get set... BRAVADO

On a picture perfect summer day, the Bravado Challenge gotoff to a running start. Tim and Katie Held have voluntarilyorganized this adventure race for four years, not just for the

fun of it, but to help Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Birth-to-Three Program in Waukesha County.

The race consisted of a four-mile hike or run, a 13-milebike ride followed by a four-mile canoe/kayak paddle allthrough Waukesha County. All levels of athletes werewelcome and families were encouraged to sign up withtheir children. No entry fee was required, however, the 65participants raised $1,850 for the LSS program.

The Bravado Challenge started four years ago as athank you to LSS. Tim and Katie’s son was born nineweeks premature and spent 40 days in the NeonatalIntensive Care Unit (NICU) at a local hospital. Upon hisrelease, they were contacted by LSS and decided to enrollhim in various therapies. “He is almost five now and is ingreat health,” said Tim. “I wanted to do something forLSS and since I love the outdoors, I thought a charityadventure race was a perfect fit!”

The LSS Birth-to-Three program provides therapy,support and education for children with developmentaldisabilities and other special needs. More specifically,the program offers occupational, physical, speech andlanguage therapy, as well as in-home service to medically-fragile children. Services also include assistance withschool transition and referral services.

“We try very hard to run a perfect event because wewant people to enjoy themselves,” stated Tim, when askedhow much work goes into planning the event. “My wifeand I sweated every detail all the way down to whetheror not we got the right relish for the hot dogs – but it’sdefinitely worth all of it!”

This adventure race produced more than one winnerbecause the money raised will provide financial assistanceto the families with children who are in need of LSS’services, but are unable to pay.

Coming Soonto a Church Near You

Over the summer months, LSS has been busyproducing informational videos that depict whowe are and what we do. The videos are 15minutes in length and briefly describe our history,give an overview of the agency and thenhighlight a few of our successes. Throughouteach video, we share customer, employee andprogram success stories.

Over 800 ELCA churches in Wisconsinand Upper Michigan own LSS, therefore youare a vital part in the services we provide tothose in need. You are invited to share in whatwe do together and watch the tape at your nextchurch council meeting, WELCA meeting orany other church function. In the video youwill see many success stories you have createdin your shared ministry with LSS.

Your church should be receiving a videoby the end of October. If you have any questionsplease call Briena Romanshek at 414-325-3192.

Wondering how to care for yourself, and also those less fortunate?

A Charitable Gift Annuity through LSS provides interest income to the donor

at a rate higher than commercially available returns. And, donors have the

knowledge that their gift will some day serve LSS customers – those seeking

to adopt, adults with developmental disabilities living in a community settings,

people struggling with alcohol and other drug addictions, runaway children

and those in need of counseling to name a few.

Interest rates vary with age and Charitable Gift Annuities may be established

to cover one life, or two lives in the case of a husband and wife, for

example. Here are samplings of interest rates for specific ages:

An individual – age 70= 6.5%

An individual – age 75= 7.1%

An individual – age 80= 8.0%

A husband and wife – age 70 and 72= 6.0%

A husband and wife – age 80 and 78= 6.8%

If you would like to know more about a Charitable Gift Annuity, please

contact the LSS Resource Development office. We will be pleased to

answer any questions and send an

illustration with a specific rate of return

for your age(s) and a summary of the

tax benefits.

LSS Resource Development 800-488-5181, ext. 3073 givinginfo@lsswis.org

BRAVADO: 1. A show of courage. 2. Defiant, Swaggering Conduct.

Above, LSS President and CEO Pastor David Larsonprepares for a scene in the informational video.

LSS is looking for those with a passion to serve to join our team. We offer

services for people of all ages to meet the challenges that face our communities

and are always looking for caring, responsible individuals to assist us in

our mission. We offer employment opportunities in all facets of human services,

including careers as youth care workers, community living specialists,

program managers, certified social workers and many other

positions. If you share our passion to serve, please call

(800) 216-3437, or visit our website at www.lsswis.org for

more information regarding job openings

in your area.

LSS is an AA/ Equal Opportunity Employer

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

Do YOU have a passion to serve?

1 2 C O N N E C T I O N S

Tim and Katie Held alongwith their children presenta check for $1,850 to LSS.

This summer, LSS Foundation Board members toured multiple program sites in the Milwaukee area to get a better understanding ofwhat LSS is and who we serve. The Board members met with staff throughout the day and were impressed by their dedication to thosewe serve. Likewise, their presence at the programs made a big impact upon the staff. Many shared their thoughts about the day andhow it impacted them…

“Two things struck me as we toured. First, was the scope andmagnitude of what LSS does – it's a big operation! Second, andmore importantly, was the commitment and passion of the stafffor the work they do. They are really set on helping people!”

— Bob Seidell, LSS Foundation Board Member

“The total dedication of the staffwe met was very impressive.” — Bela Maroti, LSS Foundation

Board Member

Inspiring Tour

1 4 C O N N E C T I O N S C O N N E C T I O N S 1 5

Elaine Kraut has been appointed to the LSS Foundation Boardof Directors. As you may know, the purpose of the LSSFoundation is “to support the programs of Lutheran SocialServices and ensure the future mission of the agency.” TheFoundation has about $8.0 million in assets with a goal ofadding another $35.0 million over the next several years. Ourboard members will help with this goal by representing LSS asthey interact with leaders in the business and faith communities,as well as government entities. In addition, they will extendour network of donors and potential donors to LSS.

Elaine joined the Board for their July meeting. She is thepresident and CEO of Genesee Aggregate Corporation, aMilwaukee-based company that provides gravel and other rawmaterials to the Department of Transportation, contractors andother construction-related firms. In addition to being a top busi-ness leader, Elaine serves as a Board member for the town ofSummit and is a founding member of the Aggregate Producersof Wisconsin Association. Elaine and her husband, Stephan, livein Oconomowoc, Wis.

“Money is the fuel that runs the engine of service.”This is a favorite quote of LSS’ President andCEO Pastor David Larson. David’s sentimentreminds us that money is not an end in itself, butrather a means to an end. Increased earningsfrom our endowment funds allow us to betterserve our customers, better position LSS as theprovider of choice and more effectively meet ourmission: Motivated by the compassion ofChrist, we help people improve the quality oftheir lives.

In a perhaps not-so-subtle way, LSS hasbeen introducing important concepts to readersof Connections over the last 18 months. We’vetalked in specific ways about the unmet needsof our customers, and our vulnerability to changes

in both the economy and the fund raising climate.We’ve explained that we are dramatically behind

the curve in terms of the financial support generatedby our endowment funds.

We’ve carefully laid the groundwork for an initiativedesigned to raise $35 million over ten years and have quietlybegun this important work. While most won’t see or hear muchabout this work until LSS celebrates its 125th anniversary in2007, you can rest assured that the staff and Board of the LSSFoundation are working very hard.

Those who support the work of LSS by making financialgifts have been introduced to the option of giving to one ormore of the permanent endowment funds. And the balances ofthose funds are beginning to grow.

In an effort to better serve LSS donors, the LSSFoundation Board of Directors has established permanentendowment funds to support the needs of customers in each ofLSS’ lines of service. Donors now have the option of designat-ing gifts to one or more of the following funds:• Adoption and Birth Parent Services Endowment Fund (the

Forever Family Fund)• Children, Youth, and Family Services Endowment Fund• Counseling Services Endowment Fund• Older Adult Services Endowment Fund

Special Needs Services Endowment Fund

If you have a special place in your heart for the customersserved in one of those lines of service, you may be assured thatyour designated gift will be directed to those customers.

If you would like to learn more about the needs of LSScustomers and how you can help fuel the engine of service,please go to the LSS website at www.lsswis.org and click on“Support Us.” Then look for the links to the case statements atthe bottom of the page. Or call LSS Resource Development at414-325-3073 and we’d be happy to talk with you about it andmail copies of the case statements.

Fuel to Run the Engine

“I thought the tour was most helpful in that it put a personalface on what LSS does and reminded me that behind thedescriptions of programs we hear about there are people withgreat needs and, fortunately, LSS staff dedicated to meetingthose needs.”

— George Roth, LSS Foundation Board Member

“The tour was very meaningful and I appreciate what you and‘TEAM LSS’ accomplish. My thought from the tour was somethingEd Kohl said when I asked if there was a way to contributecomputer equipment to the program, he said, "You change theworld through small acts of kindness. That says it all!”

— Elaine Kraut, LSS Foundation Board Member

LSS Foundation Board Expands

LSS’ President and CEO, DavidLarson gets a lesson on drawingduring the tour.

Above: (l-r) New board member Elaine Kraut talks with a participant at LSS' Keefe Family Resource Center in Milwaukee. Board member TomGuszkowski listens as a resident explains her pictures during a tour of an LSS group home. Board members, Bob Seidell and George Roth,watch and try to get pointers on the game from the kids at LSS’ Keefe Family Resource Center.

Did You Know?Did you know you might be able to donate more? It’s true! Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will contribute 50 cents for every dollara member donates to Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. If you are a Thrivent member (policyholder

or owner of another financial product), you are eligible toenroll in the GivingPlus Program. This program enhances theministries of eligible Lutheran institutions and organizations byencouraging financial support from Thrivent Financial members.

How does GivingPlus work? Thrivent Financial membersmay donate up to two gifts to two different organizations percalendar year, ranging anywhere between $50 - $400 per gift.Thrivent Financial associate members (those who do not own afinancial product) may give a gift between $50 - $100 onceeach calendar year. Thrivent will then donate an additionalone-half of your total donation. It’s that easy! This is a greatopportunity to increase your support— because of yourmembership in Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

If you are interested in learning more about the GivingPlusProgram, please call LSS at 1-800-488-5181, ext. 3013 and askfor a free brochure, or call Thrivent directly at 1-800-847-4836.

Making adifference.

We are a broad-based financial services organization with an unwaveringcommitment to serving Lutherans, their families, and communities. Weare proud to support our community and those who live here.

That’s the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans difference.

Experience the difference.

20311C ©2003 Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Northeast Wisconsin Regional Associates

1-800-Thrivent (847-4836), Option 4, ext 82951