What is Guardianship?

The Volunteer Guardianship Program (VGP) provides legal guardians for indigent, incompetent older adults in Lucas County.

The program provides a service by which trained volunteer guardians are court appointed for indigent older adults who are deemed incompetent by the Lucas County Probate Court.

The guardian makes decisions and gives consent for services for the individual, including placement, medical treatment and other therapies. The guardian’s decisions are guided by the best interest standard in Ohio law and include the ward’s input whenever possible.

The Volunteer Guardianship Program of Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio is a member of the National and Ohio Guardianship Associations.

Why is VGP Needed?
Usually a family member or close friend is the first choice of the Court to be appointed to serve as a guardian. For a variety of reasons, however, there continue to be cases where no suitable person is available to serve as the guardian.

In the past, the court has turned to local attorneys to serve as guardians in these cases; however, the number of such cases has grown.

This program is designed to meet the needs of individuals 60 years of age and older in our community who need assistance making decisions that affect their lives.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Volunteer Guardianship Program of Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio is to enhance the quality of life of indigent older adults living in Lucas County, and who have been deemed incompetent by the Probate Court, by providing trained, qualified volunteer legal guardians to serve as concerned, caring advocates and as surrogate decision-makers.

---

Local Veterans Appreciation

The 2006 Veterans Appreciation Breakfast and Fair was presented by Lucas County Board of Commissioners, Veterans Service Commission and United Way of Greater Toledo on Friday, Nov. 10. The annual Veterans Fair was held at the Tam-o-shanter Sports and Exhibition Center of Sylvania. It was an interactive educational event designed to help current troops, veterans and their families learn more about our community and the services and resources available to them.

Lutheran Social Services of Northwestern Ohio was represented by LSSNWO board member Judge Jack R. Puffenberger (right), and Christine Miller, Director of Volunteer Guardianship Program (VGP). They greeted participants and answered questions regarding VGP, the Rosa Morgan Center, Living With Hope, Market Basket and other valuable older person programs offered by the agency.

The event featured an Appreciation Breakfast and presentations by community leaders who all expressed deep and heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices and contributions made by all veterans.