A Note From Nancy Yunker
President & CEO

Dear Friends,

I hope this finds you enjoying the beautiful season God has given us once again. Our economic environment seems to change as quickly as the season changes. At LSS we continue to view the services as ever changing as well. We are keeping up with in this current service environment both economically and programmatically. We do not sacrifice our service quality for economics.

What does not change is the mission of LSS and how we approach our programs. We are responsible for providing best practice programs with a foundation of a faith based system of delivery. Through out our 99 years of existence, LSS has proudly stood behind our mission. We believe this is the work that God has given us to do on behalf of the people we serve. We humbly and joyfully take up God’s command to love and serve our neighbor, especially at times of great need.

We have taken a hard look at the expenses and staffing of the agencies services this year. We have created a new budget and service structure to better meet the needs of our communities. We have always been prudent regarding financial costs of services and each year we search new ways to make the best of the funds we have. We continually research new funding sources for our services such as our relationship with the United Way of Greater Toledo, the Seimer Foundation and we deeply appreciate the ongoing generous gifts of individuals and congregations throughout northwest Ohio.

The Seimer Foundation grant has allowed us to leverage thousands of dollars to help clients pay for rent, utilities and other basic needs for families with school age children. This unique, out come based service has helped prevent homelessness while also allowing the children to remain in school. Consider the following example:

Fred (53) is a construction worker, whose full-time job with his Union came to a standstill following the economic downturn. Recently, the work requests picked up, but his Union went on strike, preventing him from earning an income. As a result, he began selling his personal possessions at a local pawnshop to cover his expenses. When Fred was accepted into the Siemer Project for HPRP (Homeless Prevention Rapid Re-housing Program) financial assistance, he had just pawned one of his most precious possessions, his wedding ring. That represented a very low point for him in his life. With the help of the Siemer Project, Fred Jones was able to get his back rent paid, which prevented eviction from his home. He has returned to work this month and is anticipating a successful exit from the program within thirty-days. With the budgeting and financial assistance he was given, Fred is now back on track with his rental obligations.

On behalf of the 200 staff at LSSNWO we thank you for your part of delivering the mission, your prayerful support. Thank you

In God’s Service,

Nancy A. Yunker
President/CEO