Interim CEO Gary Johnstone Reflects on Social Work Month 2015

 

In honor of National Social Work Month, Lutheran Services of Georgia's Interim CEO Gary Johnstone reflects on the importance of social workers and how his background in social work has impacted his career in social services.

After I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology, I applied to do entry-level Social Work. I wanted to find out what it meant to work in the community and to be of service to people where they live. I accepted a job with Gordon County Division of Family and Children Services in Calhoun, Georgia, where I was a Services worker for about 50 family units. The families I served were primarily Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) mothers and their children, along with several folks on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) due to physical or developmental issues.

My duties included Child Protective Services work, allowing me to develop my understanding of what was needed to strengthen families before they required intervention from the CPS unit. I also did Community Development work, organizing the county's first Inter-Agency Council designed to eliminate gaps between the agencies that were impossible for our clients to navigate. We designed a referral system that tasked the referring agency with making sure the clients made it to their next appointment, even if that appointment was with another agency. This included a transportation system that depended upon community volunteers, and was very successful.

My Director recognized me for my efforts and I was awarded a full scholarship by the State of Georgia so I could attend graduate school to obtain my Masters of Social Work. The next two years solidified my career direction as I focused on developing my Management and Planning skills from a Social Services perspective.

During my nearly 15 years at Lutheran Services of Georgia, I have used my social worker background in various ways. I was brought in to develop new programs that could be taken statewide. My knowledge of community-based Social Work prepared me to negotiate with State of Georgia officials in developing the Specialized Foster Care and FACES programs. Later, we were able to develop the Family Intervention Services programs. The programs are all aimed at supporting individuals and families in their communities. Without my MSW degree and my broad experiential background, I would not have been seen by the LSG Board and CEO and State officials as a leader for these programs. As Chief Operating Officer and now interim CEO, I am experienced in almost all facets of non-profit agency management, thanks to my MSW degree and my over 30 years in the field.

I am excited to celebrate Social Work Month. I believe that it is important for a new generation of committed people to take the lead in building coalitions to identify universal needs, envisioning more than simple "more, bigger, and better." We need a new reality, a way to serve and protect our most vulnerable people with the best intentions, the best systems, and the best outcomes possible. Who better to develop that new reality than Social Workers, particularly those who have a clear vision of what we need for a "best" world?

For more information about Social Work Month 2015, visit the National Association of Social Workers website.

Governor Deal Signs Social Work Month 2015 Proclamation

In honor of Social Work Month 2015, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed the following Social Work Month 2015 proclamation to recognize the importance of social workers throughout Georgia. 

Social Work Month 2015 Proclamation

'Social Work Paves the Way for Change'

WHEREAS, the primary mission of the Social Work profession (has been) to enhance well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, especially the most vulnerable in society;

WHEREAS, Social Work Pioneers (have) helped lead America’s struggle for social justice and pave the way for positive social change and more than any other profession recognize that more must be done to address persistent social problems; hence, Social Workers are change agents who put the ideals of citizenship into action every day through major legislative, regulatory, and social policy victories.

WHEREAS, Social Workers support diverse families in every community, understanding that individuals and communities together can bring about group change; therefore, they utilize research and legislative advocacy skills to transform community needs into national priorities with the goal of eliminating discrimination of any kind that limits human potential;

WHEREAS, Social Workers help people in every stage of life function better in their environments; they know from experience that poverty and trauma can create lifelong social and economic disadvantages; therefore, they work to improve societal relationships by solving personal and family problems; they also work to improve the rights of individuals regardless of their race, economic status, gender, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation.

WHEREAS, Social Workers help enhance the well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people; They strive to ensure that children have the right to safe environments and quality education; that older adults have access to care-giving and dignity, veterans and their families have community support to ensure successful transitions after service, and that mental health treatment and health care services are available to millions of lives

WHEREAS, research shows that all people no matter their circumstance, at some time in their lives, may need the expertise of skilled social worker; Social Workers celebrate the courage, hope and strength of the human spirit throughout their careers.

NOW THEREFORE, in recognition of the numerous contributions made by America's more than 600,000 Social Workers, I NATHAN DEAL, proclaim the month of March 2015 as National Social Work Month and call upon all citizens to join with the National Association of Social Workers in celebration and support of the Social Work profession.

*****

Visit the National Association of Social Workers website for more information about Social Work Month 2015.

FIS Helps Young Mother Reunite with Her Daughters

By Deborah Battle, Training and Support Coordinator (Family Intervention Services)

A young mother of two very rambunctious twin daughters, Ms. Punjabi* struggled to provide her children with the care they needed. After her children were placed into LSG's Specialized Foster Care program, Ms. Punjabi was referred to LSG's Family Intervention Services program for support. At the time of the referral, her daughters were two years old.

Initially, Ms. Punjabi was overwhelmed during her supervised visitation sessions, as her daughters were very demanding of her attention. To strengthen her parenting skills, Ms. Punjabi attended two Nurturing Parenting Programs class sessions. Since she was on track to have her daughters return to her care, she was instead referred to the SafeCare program, a home visitation program that teaches parents about health, problem solving, communication, home safety, and more.

Throughout her time with FIS, Ms. Punjabi was cooperative, compliant, and actively participated in all activities. She completed any assignments given and eagerly presented them. She accepted corrective feedback and asked questions when she didn't understand something. During her supervised visitation sessions, she applied the lessons learned in SafeCare and accepted coaching from LSG staff. Due to her hard work. Ms. Punjabi successfully completed the SafeCare program in August 2014 and her daughters were returned to her shortly afterwards.

After successful demonstrating her knowledge and continued use of these skills at her three month follow-up, Ms. Punjabi reported that she was grateful for her experience with FIS. She stated that she has learned to take better care of her children and to protect them from harm. SafeCare and FIS helped her understand that she needed to learn more in order to be a better parent. Ms. Punjabi reports that she still uses the knowledge and skills she gained in the FIS program, especially when her daughters are ill. She is able to refer to  the SafeCare Health Manual and uses the Health Recording Chart tool on occasion.

Ms. Punjabi has had her children back in her custody for over six months. The girls are thriving and now attending pre-school. We wish Ms. Punjabi and her daughters continued success in the future.

*Name has been changed to protect client confidentiality.

Support Increased Funding for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities

By Melissa Austin, Columbus FACES program

Despite advocacy efforts from service providers all across the state, at present there will be no increase in Georgia's Human Service Subcommittee Budget for the NOW/COMP Medicaid Waivers programs. These programs are used to care for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities, including those in Lutheran Services of Georgia's FACES program.

The Service Providers Association for Developmental Disabilities is calling on the Georgia Senate to request a 5% increase in the NOW and COMP waivers which would amount to approximately $8.1 million in state funds. This would also generate an additional $16 million in federal matching funds.

SPADD has created an online petition that will go to key legislators to encourage them to support these Waivers. The goal is 15,000 signatures by Tuesday, March 3.

Since the late 1980s, COMP and NOW have provided critical care services to individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in a highly cost efficient manner. In 2014, Georgia approved a small funding increase of 1.5%, the first increase in funding for over 25 years.

Providers of these services, including LSG, support approximately 13,000 citizens with developmental/disabilities each year. Providers also employ 13,500 direct service workers and thousands of other personnel. The lack of adequate funding, along with an insufficient minimum wage, have resulted in service providers having to close their doors.

Increasing the COMP/NOW funding by 5% or 8.1 million dollars would allow for expanded services, a stable direct services workforce, and the provision of intellectual/developmental disability services to an additional 7,000 citizens. This is only the second increase request in 25 years and is necessary for providers to remain viable and offer these much-needed services.

Click to sign the petition by March 3, 2015 or visit our FACES page to learn more about how LSG serves individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities.

LSG and Sopo Partner to Provide Bikes for Refugees

 

By Taryn Arbeiter, Matching Grant Coordinator for Refugee and Immigration Services

During the first months after arriving in the United States, refugees often express a need for reliable transportation in order to attend English and employment classes, shop for groceries, visit friends, and commute to school and medical appointments. Even clients with a good grasp of the English language need a few months to prepare for and complete Georgia's driving test. It can take several months or even years for refugees to save enough money to buy a car.

In response to the call for better transportation, Lutheran Services of Georgia partnered with Sopo Bicycle Cooperative volunteer Patrick Davis to connect newly arrived refugees with refurbished bicycles. Sopo and LSG held two Saturday workshops at Sopo in Atlanta's Grant Park neighborhood. We opened the opportunity to 8 current clients, with a special focus on women and children.

Several LSG staff and volunteers volunteered their time for the workshops. Workshops included a short service project to help organize the Sopo bike shop and repair tire tubes. Volunteers assisted clients in cleaning and making adjustments to their refurbished bikes. Several volunteers and family members used a cul-de-sac nearby to teach two clients how to ride a bike. The workshops ended with a safety presentation, teaching clients about traffic laws and equipping them with helmets and bike lights. Clients were advised to purchase locks on their own as soon as possible.

At the end of the workshops, every participant found a bike to take home. Equally important, every client, volunteer, and staff person had the opportunity to practice English, share stories and laughter, and forge new, supportive relationships.

LSG hopes to offer this opportunity again by continuing this partnership quarterly. Our capacity to offer this program is limited in part due to a shortage of helmets and locks. LSG is seeking donations of bikes, helmets, and locks for refugees. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Taryn Arbeiter at tarbeiter@lsga.org.

LSG Receives Wheat Ridge Ministries Grant to Support Enhanced Cultural Orientation for Refugees

Lutheran Services of Georgia recently received a generous, three-year grant from Wheat Ridge Ministries to support the Enhanced Cultural Orientation (ECO) program for newly arrived refugees.

After refugees arrive in the United States, they need support to learn how to navigate U.S. culture and adjust to life in their new communities. Federally-contracted refugee resettlement agencies like LSG are required to cover a checklist of orientation topics. While most agencies cover these topics in a one-day or less "crash course", LSG recognized that this was not enough. In March 2013, LSG launched the Enhanced Cultural Orientation program to better serve refugees.

ECO provides new arrivals with nine intensive cultural orientation workshops over the course of three weeks. Workshops cover essential topics such as US law, housing and personal safety, public transportation, domestic violence laws, US Citizenship and Immigration Services requirements, budgeting and banking in the US, and coping with stress. Childcare is provided, along with interpreters in multiple language, ensuring that participants are able to focus on and understand the lessons.

Along with providing cultural orientation, ECO offers direct food relief in a compassionate, convenient, and culturally-sensitive way. Although refugees are eligible for the temporary Georgia Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) while they seek employment, it can take several weeks before these benefits are approved and can be accessed. With funding from Wheat Ridge Ministries, LSG will give refugees breakfast and a snack during each workshop session. Refugees will also sometimes receive lunch. LSG will either provide grocery store gift certificates or one bag of culturally appropriate staple food items, such as rice, beans, oil, salt, and juice, per week for the first two weeks for each family represented at the workshops.

Unlike many cultural orientation programs, ECO does not separate refugees according to their country of origin. Instead, refugees from various ethnic groups are encouraged to build relationships and learn together, which helps deepen community ties in Clarkston.

Wheat Ridge Ministries is a nonprofit organization that helps health and human care initiatives get off the ground by providing the initial funding and support they need to thrive. LSG thanks Wheat Ridge Ministries for providing funds to support refugees during their earliest days in the United States.

LSG Celebrates New Americans at the Capitol!

By Emily Laney, Atlanta Program Manager for Refugee and Immigration Services

On February 11, 2015, Lutheran Services of Georgia's Refugee and Immigration Services team participated in the New Americans Celebration at the Capitol, organized by the Coalition of Refugee Service Agencies (CRSA). Fifteen LSG staff, interns, and clients attended this exciting annual event, joining representatives from other resettlement agencies throughout Georgia.

Our group visited the offices of elected officials to distribute information about refugees in Georgia and the many ways refugees contribute to making Georgia a great state. We used the page system to invite our elected officials to speak with us. Several came out to meet with us, and we were able to introduce them to many of our clients and staff members who have incredible stories to share.

In the afternoon, our group participated in a moving Naturalization Ceremony at the Capitol. Students in Clarkston High School's culinary program served appetizers to celebration participants and legislators. Twelve former refugees, including two former LSG clients, took the oath to become American citizens. Both clients were resettled by LSG five years ago, and finally received their U.S. citizenship. The Naturalization Ceremony was a powerful moment for the staff, clients, and elected officials who attended the event. Our clients have been through so much, and it was wonderful to see them take this huge step towards discovering their own American Dream.

Volunteers Serve Refugees and Immigrants at the 2015 Lutheran MLK Day of Service!

On January 19, 2015, volunteers from all over metro Atlanta honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by serving immigrants and refugees! The Lutheran MLK Day of Service was a huge success. Here's the breakdown:

VOLUNTEERS

218 individual volunteers came out to serve from 14 volunteer groups and congregations, including:

• Generation On/Mark It Up Leadership Team
• St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Decatur
• Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Atlanta
• St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta
• Blessed Assurance Church of God in Christ (COGIC)
• CD Owens District (COGIC) Youth Department
• Cross of Life Lutheran Church, Roswell
• Christ the King Lutheran Church, Peachtree Corners
• Atlanta University Center Lutheran Campus Ministry
• Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Atlanta
• Candler School of Theology/Emory University
• Girl Scout Troup 13491
• Rock of Ages Lutheran Church
• Helping Mamas

DONATIONS

The Lutheran MLK Day of Service received many generous donations, including:

• Over 3600 pounds of rice packaged as "welcome food" for refugee families
• 10 boxes of gently used children's books donated to children in the Clarkston refugee community
• Clothing, diapers, strollers, and Pack 'n Plays for 30 refugee families with babies and young children, donated by Helping Mamas.

SERVICE

Volunteers participated in several service projects:

• Volunteers packaged rice into family-sized bags of "welcome food" for newly arrived refugee families.
• Volunteers read books to children in daycare in Clarkston's refuge community.
• Volunteers sorted children's books to be distributed to children in Clarkston's daycare centers and schools.
• Volunteers wrote letters of compassionate support to 13 immigrants in detention centers across Georgia.

THANK YOU!

LSG would like to thank all 218 of our generous volunteers for coming out and serving with us. A special thanks goes out to:

• Gene Lewis--Lutheran MLK Day of Service event organizer
• Our Event Co-Sponsors: Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Lutheran Theological Center in Atlanta; and the Women of the ELCA
• Rock of Ages Lutheran Church for donating their space and 1000 pounds of rice
• Helping Mamas, for collecting, sorting, and donating clothing, diapers, strollers, and Pack 'n Plays for refugee children
• LSG staff who helped organize and lead the event

For more photos from the Day of Service, visit our Facebook page. Volunteers also shared their motives for serving immigrants and refugees. Click here to see what they had to say.

Gary Johnstone Appointed Interim CEO of Lutheran Services of Georgia

 

Lutheran Services of Georgia is pleased to announce the appointment of Gary D. Johnstone to serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer.

In May of 2014, the LSG Board of Directors appointed Gary to the role of Chief Operating Officer charged with managing all aspects of day-to-day operations. Gary's first challenge was to build a team of department leaders to manage the major components of the agency and support all programs, the people we serve, and the entire LSG team. Included in this Operations Team are: Kevin Mahaney, Finance and Accounting; Alie Redd, Programs; Elizabeth Chandler, Human Resources; Reginald Brown, Information Technology; Ryan Whitmire, Operations; Joy Jones, Performance and Quality Improvement; and Janet Tharp, Development. Assisting the team is Mary Kay Kates, Administration. The team is responsible for agency improvement and implementation of new projects, including the finalization of COA accreditation.

Effective December 10, 2014, the LSG Board of Directors appointed Gary Johnstone as the Interim Chief Executive Officer. The position will shift his responsibilities toward working closely with the Development Department in addition to providing the legal status required in key ventures in which LSG will engage. In Gary's new role, he will report to the LSG Board. He will work with the Board, Lutheran Services of America, and key decision-makers in the fields of government, private foundations, business, and faith communities to bring "restored hope, transformed lives, and healthy tomorrows" to all people throughout Georgia.

Gary has been married for 40 years and has two sons and twin grandchildren.  Gary has volunteered for many years as a coach for children's sports. He is an avid golfer and enjoys outdoor sports and traveling. He enjoys especially traveling to the state of Arizona.

Help LSG Feed Refugees at the Lutheran MLK Day of Service

Each year, at the Lutheran MLK Day of Service, individuals, congregations, and community groups come together to serve refugees through service projects, including Rice for Refugees. Have you ever wondered why Lutheran Services of Georgia collects rice? The Rice for Refugees project is one crucial way that LSG welcomes refugee families to the United States. After fleeing persecution, conflict, and other dangerous situations in their home countries, most refugees arrive in the U.S. with little more than the clothes on their backs. LSG provides refugees with food, shelter, clothing, cultural information, and other support during their early days in the United States. Rice is considered a staple food in many countries throughout the world, and is a central part of the diets of many refugees. When you donate rice to LSG, you are quite literally feeding those who might otherwise go hungry.

On January 19, 2015, volunteers at the Lutheran MLK Day of Service will donate and pack rice into 5-pound bags to be given to newly arrived refugees. LSG needs lots of rice to ensure that all of our refugees are fed, so please bring as much rice as you are able.

Other Lutheran MLK Day of Service volunteer opportunities include sorting new or gently used children's books, reading to refugee children, and writing letters of compassion to immigrant detainees at non-citizen detention centers. LSG will also be accepting donations of new and gently used children's books. Click here to RSVP for any of our service projects.

If you are unable to attend the Day of Service, but would still like to donate rice or children's books, donations will be accepted at Rock of Ages Lutheran Church (5135 Memorial Dr., Stone Mountain, GA 30083) from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. on Friday, January 16 and Sunday, January 18. For more information on donations, or to arrange a drop-off, please contact Melanie Johnson at mjohnson@lsga.org or 678-686-9619.

To see photos from last year's Lutheran Day of Service, click here.

Helping Mamas Supports Children in Foster Care

On December 23, 2014, local nonprofit organization Helping Mamas delivered two SUVs-full of diapers and gifts for 23 of LSG's youngest children in foster care.

Karen Cramer and Jamie Lackey, two moms who were also social workers, started Helping Mamas in 2014 to help other moms "have it all". Helping Mamas partners with other organizations, including LSG, to support families and connect helping mamas with mamas needing help. Karen and Jamie generously dropped off the diapers gifts at LSG's Atlanta office, where they met several LSG staff members.

LSG thanks Helping Mamas for joining us to support children in foster care and their foster homes this holiday season.

La Iglesia Delivers Gifts to Refugees!

By Aubrey Murillo, Safe Release Program Assistant at LSG and member of La Iglesia en Johnson Ferry

Members of La Iglesia en Johnson Ferry had the privilege of participating in Hope Tree for the first time this year. Our goals for participating were twofold. We wanted to tangibly show God's love to families who were truly in need. Also, we wanted our congregation that is comprised of immigrants to learn more about the refugee community that is in our very own backyard!

In preparation for delivering the coat, we turned to the internet to find basic greetings and phrases in Nepali in order to try and communicated with the families from Bhutan. We were all nervous to deliver the coats, but excited about the opportunity to bless each family member and learn more about our new friends from Bhutan. "Namaste," which means both hello and goodbye, was the extent of our Nepali, yet with that simple word, doors were opened as cultural and language barriers toppled.

Through our broken English, attempts at Nepali, and the adult daughter of the family's efforts to translate the conversation, we were able to welcome a family of six to the United States. The members of our congregation started to realize the plight of this refugee family and really identified with this family, as they too are immigrants to the United States. It was incredible to hear them share their own stories: "Welcome to the U.S. We arrived here 12 years ago...4 years ago...", etc. They remember their own feelings of hope, fear, and the unknown as we wished this family peace and hope in their new life in the United States.

Our members were so interested in the different cultures in Clarkston that we stayed in the area to try different kinds of foods and learn more about the people who live there. It was a great day of learning for our members. They discovered that their own experiences are much like that of a refugee. They experienced Clarkston and some of its many cultures and people. They learned that a smile is multi-lingual. Many are asking when we can return to Clarkston! Thank you, LSG, for the opportunity to bless and to be a blessing.

For information on how you or your congregation can get involved with Refugee and Immigration Services, contact Melanie Johnson at mjohnson@lsga.org.

Introducing the Unaccompanied Children's Defense Project

By Ashley LaRiccia, Equal Justice Works Fellow at Lutheran Services of Georgia Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Lutheran Services of Georgia.

The court room is packed today. The rows are filled with children, some in their Sunday best and others in jeans. Some of the teenagers appear to be there alone, while the younger ones sit next to adults. Only about a third of the children appear to have an attorney with them. An eight-year-old girl walks up to the front of the court room. She fumbles with the gate and manages to pull it open, taking her seat at a table designed for a person much taller than her. The judge requests, through the court interpreter, for the young girl to speak her name into the microphone. The judge asks the child if her mother is in the court room today and she shakes her head no. After a brief back-and-forth, it is discovered the child’s neighbor brought her to court. It is likely that her mother, being undocumented herself, was too scared to set foot in the courtroom.

At the table to the child’s right sits the government’s experienced attorney, with a cart full of files containing the names of children on the docket for that day. The government has charged the children in the courtroom with entering or remaining the United States illegally and is seeking to have them deported to their home countries. The girl is asked if she understands the charges being made against her and she musters a weak yes. The judge requests that at the next court date the little girl's mother come along so that the importance of finding an attorney can be explained as well as the consequences of a removal order. The girl nods and says she understands, but it is unclear if she fully comprehends the gravity of her impending deportation. The judge then calls up the neighbor and explains this all over again, hoping an adult will be able to better explain the interaction to the child’s mother. Finally, the little girl is given a date for one month into the future, to return to the court. The little girl slides out of the chair, struggles again with the gate and skips to the back of the courtroom holding her neighbor’s hand.

This scene of gross inequality in front of the law, of a young child expected to represent herself against the government, armed with an experienced and well-trained attorney, plays out in immigration courts across the country every day. The Immigration Judge is not allowed to advocate for the child, as she is there to enforce the law, not to change it. In criminal courts, all defendants are provided with an attorney, regardless of their immigration status, but because immigration court is considered a civil court, such protections are not granted. Though an immigration offense is not a criminal one, the consequences of being found guilty can be a death sentence for children who have risked their lives to escape the violence of their home countries.

In America, a land that prides itself on promoting justice and protecting the rights of the most vulnerable, the courts are failing to protect the rights of our world’s most precious resource: our youth. There are many visas available to children who have come to the United States without their parents, escaping unimaginable violence from gangs, drug trafficking, domestic abuse, and forced labor. Although these visas provide routes to obtaining legal status, securing a visa is nearly impossible without an attorney. It is estimated that if represented a child will be able to remain in the US about 50% of the time, but without an attorney that figure drops to one in ten. In light of the recent increased migration from Central America, with nearly 70,000 unaccompanied children apprehended after crossing the border this year it has become even harder for these children to locate an attorney. The cost of a private attorney is prohibitive for many children and their families or friends who have stepped forward to care for them. Non-profits are operating at full capacity and, despite a nation-wide effort to increase the number of attorneys taking these cases pro-bono, thousands of children remain unrepresented and facing near certain deportation orders.

Lutheran Services of Georgia recognized the need for legal representation for these children even before the mass immigration seen at our southern border over the spring and summer. Back in the summer of 2013, Lutheran Services of Georgia reached out to my alma mater, the University Of Maryland School Of Law, through an alumni connection and asked for a recent graduate to apply for an Equal Justice Works Fellowship. This fellowship program provides recent law school graduates who are passionate about public interest law with funding to develop a project that will address an inequality in our justice system. After hearing about this opportunity, I decided to jump onboard. Together with LSG staff, I applied for funding and was awarded a fellowship through Equal Justice Works sponsored by McGuireWoods and Dupont. I started work on my fellowship project, entitled the Unaccompanied Children’s Defense Projectback in September 2014. Over the past few months I have been busy laying the groundwork and making the connections necessary to expand representation to unaccompanied minors in the Atlanta immigration court. I am looking forward to taking on my first clients and working to address the justice gap that exists when children are expected to represent themselves in immigration proceedings. I welcome any questions about my project, and also encourage any attorneys who may be interested in volunteering to contact me at alariccia@lsga.org.

Wesley's Two Families

Like most birthday parties, Wesley’s 30th birthday party featured colorful balloons, delicious cake, and laughs shared with friends and family. However, Wesley’s party was unique; instead of one family, Wesley had two families celebrating his big day. Through Lutheran Services of Georgia’s FACES (Facilitating Advocacy, Care, Education, and Shelter) program, Wesley has found a second family to provide him with the daily love, care, and support he needs to thrive.

Born in north Georgia in the 1980s, Wesley lived there with his mother for many years. Wesley’s mother loved her son deeply, but her own medical challenges prevented her from fully caring for Wesley, who was born with a developmental disability. She began searching for a place where Wesley would live a safe, happy life with a family to care for him.

In 2005, Wesley entered FACES, an LSG program that provides supportive home environments for individuals with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. He moved in with LSG Support Companion Juana Medina, her husband, and their three children. Earlier that year, a previous Support Companion and friend of Juana’s showed her a newspaper advertisement about FACES. As she learned more about the program, Juana knew she wanted to open her home. “I really love and have a big heart for people with special needs and those who can’t take care of themselves,” she said.

Nine years later, Wesley’s relationship with the Medinas goes deeper than that of a patient and his caregivers. Wesley now treats the Medinas as his second family. Stephanie Furness, his FACES case manager with LSG’s Athens office, noted that, “Wesley has really bonded with the Medinas. He is very loving and affectionate with Juana.”

The Medinas have also grown close to Wesley and see him as a member of their family. Juana reflected, “I am happy to see that a program like FACES exists and can provide a home for people like Wesley. I am thankful to LSG for trusting me to take care of Wesley because otherwise I wouldn’t have gained a new son. Throughout the time Wesley has lived with us, we’ve grown to love and appreciate him. Because of Wesley, I have a bigger heart and compassion for people with special needs.”

Since moving in with the Medinas, Wesley has made significant progress on his personal wellness goals. According to Juana, “When Wesley first came to our house, he was unable to walk. He was very pale and did not smile for almost two months. At three months, he started walking 10 to 15 steps a day. He laughs now and runs and even plays tag with my husband and children.” Wesley has truly found a place where he can thrive.

LSG wishes Wesley a very happy 30th birthday and thanks the Medinas for all their support over the years.

Thank You for Giving on Georgia Gives Day!

Thank you for supporting Lutheran Services of Georgia on Georgia Gives Day! With your help, we raised $4,265 on November 13, 2014 in one 24-hour period. LSG thanks everyone who donated, spread the word, or otherwise supported LSG in raising funds for individuals and families throughout Georgia. A special thanks goes out to all our Georgia Gives Day donors:

• Ed Aebischer
• Taylor Brand
• Holly Brewer
• Charles Bridgers
• Lorraine Dorough (Gift dedicated to the Agency Advancement - "Thank you for 12 great years!")
• Vedad Fatic
• David Fricke
• Jane Gaunt (Gift dedicated to Lorraine Dorough - "Have the greatest retirement ever!")
• Richard and Marsha Goerss
• Pamela Gould
• Jennifer Hall
• Sung Bae Han (Gift dedicated to the Dong Hang Worship Community)
• Sharon Hermann
• Gary Johnstone
• Paul and Mary Kaeser
• Abi Koning
• Tom and Betty Koning
• Emily Laney
• Cynthia McGuinness
• Gerhard and Joan Michael
• Nathan Miller
• John Oliver
• Andrea Pietri Diaz
• Angela Sapp
• Linda Smith
• Stephen Spears (Gift dedicated to Melanie Johnson - "Thanks for all of the hard work that you do helping refugees.")
• Rev. Robert and Mrs. Strickert (Gift dedicated to Mark Strickert - "In loving memory of our son")
• Janet Tharp
• Wanza Trice
• Fritz Wiese
• David Wilson
• Deborah Wilson
• Natalie Yasson
• Timothy Young

Thank you for your generosity! You are truly heroes of hope.

If you have any questions about Georgia Gives Day, contact Abi Koning at akoning@lsga.org.

LSG Participates in National Adoption Month Forum

 

In honor of National Adoption Month, Lutheran Services of Georgia joined other agencies at Ray of Hope Christian Church on Sunday, November 9, 2014. Each November, a Presidential Proclamation launches activities and celebrations to help build awareness of adoption and the foster care system throughout the United States. This year's theme is "Promoting and Supporting Sibling Connections" and pays tribute to the unique bond between siblings.

Tha National Adoption Month forum at Ray of Hope brought together Lutheran Services of Georgia, Wednesday's Child, the Georgia Department of Human Services, and other groups to share information during two worship services. A panel of four individuals--two current adoptive parents, one child that has been adopted, and a psychiatrist--shared their stories and answered questions about foster care and adoption. The message for the day was  "It Takes A Village", further emphasizing the importance of caring for children in need of forever families. LSG staff members Latrice Stowe, Cynthia Kersee, and Tasondra Terrell represented LSG at the event.

LSG thanks Ray of Hope Christian Church for hosting this celebration and informational session. For more information about adopting through Lutheran Services of Georgia, click here.

LIRS Principles for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

As the nation waits for President Barack Obama's executive action on immigration reform to be announced tonight, Lutheran Services of Georgia would like to share our national affiliate Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service's Principles for Comprehensive Immigration Reform. These principles provide a framework for immigration reform that is just, humane, comprehensive, and flows from the call for people of faith to welcome the newcomer. Please consider sharing the principles below. Visit www.lirs.org for more information about immigration.

PRINCIPLES FOR COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM

An estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants currently reside in the United States. These are people who migrated here to join their families, to work, or to seek refuge from persecution or violence. They are our friends, neighbors, classmates, and members of our churches.

In recent years, the federal government has expanded the use of immigration detention and other harsh enforcement efforts, resulting in the separation of families and the suffering of communities nationwide. Moreover, many close family members must wait years, even decades, to be able to enter the United States to reunite with their loved ones. These and other consequences of our current immigration laws compel us to seek reform.

LIRS'S POSITION

The United States should acknowledge our history as a nation of immigrants by creating an immigration process that honors migrants' contributions and commitment to our country. As people called to welcome the newcomer, LIRS supports a comprehensive solution to the challenge of the United States' broken immigration system. We urge Congress and the Obama Administration to work collectively to pass and enact fair and humane immigration reform.

LIRS advocates for reform that will:

* Provide an earned pathway to lawful permanent residency and eventual citizenship for undocumented immigrants and their families. * Ensure the humane and just enforcement of U.S. immigration laws, specifically by reducing the use of immigration detention and expanding the use of community support programs for immigrants who do not need to be detained. * Protect families from separation and ensure an adequate supply of visas for families seeking to reunite. * Provide adequate resources and protections to ensure the successful integration of refugees, asylees, survivors of torture and trafficking, unaccompanied minors, and other vulnerable migrants. * Ensure the protection of U.S. citizen and migrant workers.

Bikes for Savannah Refugees

Earlier this November, the Savannah Bicycle Campaign generously donated bicycles to Lutheran Services of Georgia's Savannah refugee clients. Formed in March 2008, the Savannah Bicycle Campaign is a nonprofit, membership-based organization working to build a better Savannah through advocacy, education, and encouraging biking.

LSG worked closely with the SBC to ensure that all bikes were the right size for the refugees. The bikes came equipped with all necessary safety equipment--lights, reflectors, and helmets. Before receiving their bicycles, the refugees participated in a brief safety orientation and took their bikes on some trial runs at the SBC office. After everyone was feeling comfortable, those that lived nearby rode their bikes home.

The refugees are using their bicycles to get around Savannah, traveling to the library to apply for jobs, running errands, and getting to and from work. LSG thanks the Savannah Bicycle Campaign for supporting refugees in Savannah.

For more photos of the refugees and their bikes, check out our Facebook page.

LSG Hosts Orientation for Fostering Unaccompanied Children

On Thursday, October 30, 2014, Lutheran Services of Georgia hosted an orientation for individuals interested in opening their homes to unaccompanied migrant children. In response to outreach efforts in LaGrange, several families came out to LaGrange Memorial Library to learn more about becoming short-term, transitional foster homes for this vulnerable population.

The evening began with snacks and introductions. Gayle Cruz, LSG’s Specialized Foster Care Recruiter, and Anton Flores, co-founder of LaGrange’s Alterna, presented on short-term foster care. Attendees watched a video explaining the conditions that cause unaccompanied children to flee their countries of origin and the treacherous journeys they make to the United States. Afterwards, LSG gave out packets of information including applications to begin the foster care training process. Five families expressed interest in becoming short-term foster homes, and two families have already taken the first steps to begin training.

LSG is collaborating with other LaGrange area organizations and ministries to create safe, welcoming foster homes and a supportive community for unaccompanied children. A local recreational center has offered to provide space for the trainings and for family gatherings once the children have arrived. LSG is grateful to community partners, including the LaGrange Memorial Library, for their support.

LSG is currently determining the next location in metro Atlanta and the surrounding areas where foster homes for unaccompanied children will be developed. Prospective foster families must undergo a three-stage approval process involving orientation, training, and a thorough family assessment. The approval process takes three to four months to complete. LSG expects to begin receiving children from the Office of Refugee Resettlement in February 2015. Families with one bilingual adult are preferred, but those without will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster home, contact Gayle Cruz at gcruz@lsga.org or 404-207-0131.

Become a Hero of Hope on Georgia Gives Day!

Each year, Lutheran Services of Georgia honors community heroes at the Heroes of Hope, Healing, and Strength Gala. However, we recognize that our communities and churches are full of heroes bringing hope, healing, and strength to people in need every single day. On November 13, continue being a Hero of Hope by giving to LSG on Georgia Gives Day. LSG has set a goal to raise $10,000 on Georgia Gives Day. By giving even a small donation, you help us continue to provide quality services and support. Donations of $10 or more also make LSG eligible to compete for additional funds and awards throughout the day.

To give, simply visit our GA Gives profile on November 13, make an online donation, and share our link with your friends and family. Your generosity can inspire them to become Heroes of Hope as well!

To thank you for your heroism, all those who donate online on GA Gives Day will receive a special "Hero of Hope" badge for their Facebook profile picture. You'll also receive a brand new story of one of the many clients LSG serves.

Click here for more ways you can support LSG on Georgia Gives Day. Thank you for being our Hero of Hope!