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Be a Guardian Angel . . .

A Closer Look at the
Volunteer Guardianship Program

The Volunteer Guardianship Program continues to provide legal volunteer guardians for indigent, incompetent older adults, (wards) residing in long-term care within Lucas County.

A Brief Summary of our “Guardian Angels:”

Since the program began in May, 2006, we have trained 37 Guardian Angels! Our Guardian Angels are strictly involved in guardianship of the person and are not responsible for their wards’ finances. Program guardians must be 21 years old, reside in Ohio and be law abiding citizens. Responsibilities include the following:

Ensuring that the basic needs of the wards are met
Seeking services that help the wards reach or maintain their highest potentials
Authorizing medical care, counseling or other treatment as needed
Executing releases on the ward’s behalf
Making end of life decisions for the benefit of the wards

Program Updates:

Since the program began in May 2006, we have received 71 referrals from Probate Court. We have 21 active cases at this time. Five approved clients are waiting for a hearing date and two are waiting for approval. The program received $250.00 from the West Marine Dollars for Doers Fund, as arranged by volunteer guardian, Nora Nowak, who conducted 40 hours of service toward the Volunteer Guardianship Program, thus allowing her to recommend it for this donation. Thank you Nora!

Lutheran Social Services’ administrative office is working with the western region office to develop a Volunteer Guardianship Program in Williams County.For more information on the Volunteer Guardianship Program, please contact Monica Slovak, Older Adult Services Program Manager at 419-243-9178 or e-mail: mslovak@lssnwo.org. You may also visit the program’s website at www.lssnwo.org/VGP.

(Above) Volunteer guardians attend ongoing training.
L to R: Jim Layman, Elizabeth Hill Bowman, Gene Lesak, Janet Veres,
Char Brock (trainer from Hospice of NWO) and Pat Metcalf.

(Above) Volunteer takes oath of guardianship.
L to R: Magistrate, Trevor Fernandez, Volunteer Guardian,
Jim Layman, and Attorney, Tom Gibney

 

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Interested in Becoming a Guardian Angel?

Please complete an inquiry form by clicking on the inquiry link form to the right. You may also contact Monica Slovak, Program Coordinator, at 419-243-9178 or e-mail: mslovak@lssnwo.org

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