FALL
RESPONSE 1999 ISSUE
SPECIAL people and their stories
Dear Friends,
This summer at Camp Knutson, our camp for children with special needs
and their families, one young child created an impressive drawing of a gigantic green bug
to express his dislike for such creatures. Not such an unusual occurrence, until you learn
that Josh has no fingers.
Stories of accomplishment like Josh's are
repeated every day at Camp Knutson. What a privilege it is to serve these children. They
have something to teach us about courage and acceptance.
Camp Knutson is just one of the many ways we
serve people with disabilities. All around the state, we are also there to ensure that
children and adults with developmental disabilities have places to live and opportunities
to participate in our communities.
LUKE 6:31 TREAT OTHERS
AS YOU WANT THEM TO TREAT YOU.
Less than 50 years ago, most services for people
with developmental disabilities were carried out in large, hospital-like institutions.
Often, children entered at a young age and lived within the confines of locked units and
regimentation for their entire lives.
Fortunately, we have seen a revolution in the support available for people
with disabilities, allowing them to live in our neighborhoods, work jobs, and find delight
in being allowed the independence we all cherish. You will be pleased to know that LSS has
been a major force in changing the way our society cares for people with developmental
disabilities. Today, our staff provide support for more than 500 of these special persons
statewide through 83 community residences we operate, and for other individuals who live
in their own homes and apartments.
In addition, LSS offers a hand to many senior
citizens when their health or physical limitations require support to make their lives
manageable.
In this issue of Response, you will get to know
some very special people.
We dedicate this issue to people with
disabilities, to our staff who are their constant advocates, and to the LSS supporters
like you who demonstrate the love of Christ for all God's children through your
generosity.
Sincerely,
Mark Peterson
President/CEO
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Jenny's
Journey
When her father died four years ago and the family home was sold, Jenny Lorence's
world changed forever.
This trauma seemed almost incomprehensible to
the sheltered young woman with mild developmental disabilities. Jenny and her five
siblings now faced some difficult decisions including the question: Where would Jenny
live? A brother and sister from the close-knit family tried having her live with them, but
found it difficult to balance proper supervision with Jenny's growing desire for
independence.
"We tried another group home and that
lasted one week," recalls Barb Wissink, Jenny's sister and guardian. "Then we
heard about LSS' programs, we applied, and 20 months ago Jenny was accepted into the
supervised residence at Lois Lane in Lino Lakes. It is an answer to our prayers."
Jenny leads an active life. She works a regular
shift at Taco Bell, plays softball, helps with meals at the residence (muffins are a
favorite), attends church and takes evening educational classes. Close proximity helps to
maintain her family ties, as she may spend weekends at the lake or help paint a brother's
apartment.
LSS staff helps her develop independent living
skills and the ability to manage her own time. In Jenny's words, "It's great!"
"It is nice to know that she is safe and
happy as she continues to become more independent, and remains connected to us," says
Wissink. "This is the closest thing to living at home with Dad, and we're really
grateful for what LSS offers."
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Camp is a magical place.
For many of us-especially here in Minnesota-going to camp is part of growing up.
So many memorable moments make up the camp
experience…crazy skits, long summer days in the sunshine, the smell of pine, hiking
trails in the northwoods, new friends and hugs from our camp counselors. Indeed, these are
the people we may remember most.
This summer, Camp Knutson counselors and staff
came from as far away as New York, Boston, Vancouver and San Francisco, as well as The
Midwest, to provide a worry-free, fun experience for children with special needs. One camp
counselor came from Slovakia as part of an ELCA camp exchange program!
This year alone, Camp Knutson served over 600
campers:
Children with HIV/AIDS and their families
Inner city mothers and their children
Children with severe skin diseases
Deaf children and their families at Sign
Language Camp
Children with various disabilities
We thank you, our donors, for helping these
children and their families to experience the unconditional acceptance and love of God
through this very special camp.
LSS' Camp Knutson, surrounded by water and
northern pines, is located 30 miles north of the resort town of brainerd on the whitefish
chain of lakes.
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Unique camp delivers magic to kids, families
HERO: a person of distinguished courage or ability; admired for
brave deeds and noble qualities.
Sometimes, we look for heroes on television, in
celebrity magazines or on professional sports teams. But when you consider heroic traits
like courage and uncommon goodness, you can often find these qualities in children.
Justin is one of these children. His fingers are
disappearing. And his skin is so sensitive with open sores that his tiny, stick legs are
entirely wrapped with gauze bandages. A simple bath takes two-to-three hours, and is often
painful. Nurses and caregivers who have helped him at bath time have heard him say,
"I might cry, but it's okay."
Novelette has a skin disease similar to
Justin's. The simple act of walking creates stinging blisters that cover her feet, but she
wants to be like the rest of the kids so she wears cushy shoes to lessen the pain.
These are just a few of the 70 kids with severe
skin disorders who came from around the country for a life-changing week at LSS' Camp
Knutson.
At home, their worlds can be filled with
isolation. Parents are often the only ones who have ever hugged them. In public, they
cover up their visible illnesses with clothes and scarves to avoid stares.
But camp is different. It is a place of safety
and protection where children are loved and embraced. "I wish I could stay all
summer!" said one little girl. In a judgment-free environment, they pull on swimsuits
and try things they never dreamed they could do, such as horseback riding, canoeing,
tubing behind a speedboat, and singing in a talent show!
Says Dan, a fifth grader, "I got to drive
the pontoon boat and the speed boat!" He proudly reported that he drove over a big
wave and flipped his cabin counselor, who was tubing behind the boat. "That was a
blast!"
Scott Prawer, a medical student and cabin
counselor, said his job was to make sure kids had fun. "Everyone had a great
time…no one wanted to leave! I work at many camps, but I like coming here the best.
These kids are amazing. They all get along so well and, even though some deal with
heartbreaking limitations, they have such a sunny spirit."
"Children often teach us what it means to
have courage, to be kind and gentle, and to love one another," said Rob Lane, camp
development director. "To me, these kids are our heroes."
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Serving
families, too
Imagine living with a life-threatening illness and not being able to tell anyone.
That is what many families go through when they
learn that a loved one has the HIV/AIDS virus.
"When they tell you, it breaks your
heart," said Jaleah Dean from Bemidji, who learned five years ago that she and her
three-year-old son had contracted the disease. "I used to lay awake at night because
I was afraid he would die in the middle of the night."
Then she and her family came to camp. There-and
through her doctors-Jaleah learned about the disease and found comfort and healing as her
family shared their story with other families from smaller, rural communities. Slowly,
Jaleah's outlook began to change. She decided that she would no longer live in fear, but
focus on hope and gratitude for each day.
It is an outlook that her son has adopted as
well. Even though he knows that he and his mother may not live for many more years, he
looks for puddles to jump in and trees to climb like any other child. "He is truly
the bravest person I know," said his mother.
Now, Jaleah talks openly about their illness.
She travels to high schools to let kids know that risky behavior and poor choices can
change the rest of your life.
"You start out with dreams for your life,
but when you learn you have this disease, you have to create a new picture, a new vision
for your life," Jaleah explained. "My vision is to help others who have the
disease and encourage kids to make healthy choices."
"We live differently, now. Things like
listening to a loon call make me feel grateful to be alive."
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FAITH
IN ACTION
Scripture: Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us,
let us use them. (Rom 12:6)
Reaching out to an elderly neighbor
When loved ones live far away, caregivers provide a lifeline to the elderly-especially
when physical limitations make the daily routines of life unmanageable. Small acts of
kindness from these caregivers are often what helps frail seniors to remain in their own
homes.
Ruth Faul is one of those special helpers. A
member of Trinity Lutheran in Crookston, she goes grocery shopping, stops by for weekly
visits and bakes homemade cookies for a 91-year-old homebound lady in the community.
"Ruth is so very kind," she said.
"She brings me treats and takes me to the doctor. Often, she prays with me. I think
my children who live in Connecticut and Minneapolis are very glad that I have friends like
Ruth."
The two were matched last year through LSS
Respite Care.
An important role that volunteers play is to
check on elderly to make sure they are eating properly, have company and feel secure
knowing that someone is watching out for them. These volunteers also offer a break to
families whose loved ones suffer from debilitating illnesses like Alzheimer's disease or
muscular dystrophy.
"God calls us in different ways,"
explains Faul. "This is my way of serving, and I feel honored to be a privileged
listener and friend to someone who really needs me."
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LSS calendar features Lutheran churches
Award-winning photographer Doug Ohman and LSS have teamed up to publish a sensational Year
2000 calendar featuring photography of Lutheran churches from across Minnesota.
The calendar includes the white frame churches
as well as the massive stone and brick structures. Plus, there is an historical brief on
each church photographed. The calendar will become a turn-of-the-century keepsake, and it
will make an excellent Christmas gift.
Each month, two churches are featured in
full-color photography. The result is an inspiring, representative collection from
Minnesota's treasury of church architecture in the Lutheran tradition.
PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THIS CALENDAR
HELP SUPPORT LSS MINISTRIES. IN ADDITION, CHURCHES OR OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS CAN
EARN AT LEAST $3 ON EACH CALENDAR THEY SELL TO FUND LOCAL MINISTRIES AND PROJECTS. FOR
ORDERING OR PRICING INFORMATION, CALL 1.800.987.0034. SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE IS $11.50.
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One in a million chance at new life
Fathia Good's father and several other relatives were brutally murdered in the
ongoing civil war that has devastated Somalia and affected over one million residents
since it began in 1991. Of her oldest brother and sister, 28-year-old Fathia simply says
they have not been seen in years.
Fathia, her mother, sister and brother fled to a
refugee camp in Kenya, where they spent four years before Fathia emigrated in 1994 to be
with her husband's family in the United States.
Fathia is now gainfully employed for the first
time since her arrival. She credits this to a new LSS partnership with local grocery store
chains that offers an innovative new curriculum that teaches job readiness and
cake-decorating skills. After one month of training, she is working at the Sam's Club
bakery in St. Louis Park and earning $11.00 per hour.
Fathia's family has recently left the camps and
moved to Nairobi with the money she has been able to send them. She hopes that they all
will be reunited some day.
"This is my best year ever in
America," she concludes. "I can now call my mother and she cries with happiness
to hear my voice. I am very lucky."
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Honoring others with disabilities
Children and adults with disabilities wage personal battles with illness and
limitations every day. Just getting dressed in the morning can be a great undertaking.
Maybe you know someone who gets around in a wheelchair, suffers from a painful or
debilitating illness, or has a developmental disability.
Sometimes, we may be afraid, nervous or unsure
of how to interact with someone who has a disability. Here are just a few suggestions to
help you:
Be respectful. Treat someone with a disability
like you would anyone else. Ask yourself, "How would I like to be treated if I had a
disability."
Include them. People with disabilities want to
be included and participate in activities, even if it means they participate in an adapted
way.
Be sensitive. Ask them what they need, rather
than deciding what they need and doing a task for them.
Statewide, LSS offers many services to enrich
the quality of life for people with disabilities. If we can be of service to you or
someone you know, please call Bob York at 1.800.582.5260 or email byork@lssmn.org
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Rebuilding For Good…
Good neighbors to Camp Knutson
Jerry and Sandy Bilski, property owners neighboring Camp Knutson, felt God's calling to
help.
As a teenager, Jerry Bilski worked as a
counselor one summer at a Catholic camp for underprivileged children in the Crosslake area
of Minnesota. That summer he discovered the positive effects that camping at a lake can
have on people. "Water is peace, tranquility, and beauty," Jerry said.
"When you live away from the water, you yearn for it."
Thirty-four years ago Jerry and his wife Sandy
bought a cabin on Trout Lake, located just down the shoreline from Lutheran Social Service
Camp Knutson near Crosslake, Minn. Seeing the campers with special challenges and
counselors at Camp Knutson became part of the family's lake experience. "The campers
would ride by on bikes or boats, and we would wave to each other," Jerry said.
"We always were impressed by the counselors who seemed like wonderful, dedicated
people."
The Bilskis believe that the accomplishments of
the camp are remarkable but have been a well-kept secret. "We aim to spread the word
so it isn't a secret any longer," Sandy said.
The Bilskis agreed with the staff and the camp
advisory board that the camp needed significant improvements. "Staff have done a
tremendous job with the facilities they have had, but it is time for the camp to take a
big step forward," Sandy said.
Now, as volunteers, the Bilskis are helping to
organize a capital campaign for Camp Knutson called "Rebuilding for Good." They
want to raise the visibility of the camp and strengthen its financial base. "When you
have a neighbor in need, you can't ignore them," Jerry said. "We saw that the
camp buildings needed renovation, and we recognized the dream of expanding and winterizing
facilities to lengthen the camp season. We consider Camp Knutson our next-door neighbor,
and when our neighbors are hurting, we need to help."
Camp Knutson gives kids the chance to be with
their peers¾other children who are facing the same issues¾and have fun with people who
truly understand. "Camp Knutson is about smiles, love, hope, happiness, and helping
these children feel good about themselves," Jerry said. "Children need food and
shelter, but they also need smiles and love. Camp Knutson feeds their inner spirit."
Just being surrounded by majestic pines and
pristine water is another way that the camp nourishes a child's inner spirit. The camp is
located on a wooded 35-acre peninsula between Trout and Lower Whitefish Lakes where the
beach is covered with sugar sand. From the sky Trout Lake stands out as an emerald because
the water is so clear. "You couldn't find a better place for a camp," Jerry
said.
The Bilskis wanted to get involved with Camp
Knutson, partly as a way of demonstrating to their children the importance of helping
causes that make a difference in people's lives. Sandy said: "We have six children.
What better way to pass on our values than to show them what we believe rather than simply
to tell them? We think the best way to teach is by example."
Jerry added: "We need someone to carry these concerns into future generations. Our
children have gotten very excited about working to strengthen Camp Knutson. It has been a
great opportunity for us to be involved with our children."
The Bilskis are members of Immaculate Heart
Church in Crosslake and Guardian Angels Church in Woodbury. As Catholics, they enjoy the
ecumenical and community bonding that they see taking place through working for a stronger
Camp Knutson. Jerry said: "We don't always know when the good Lord will ask us to do
something. We have to be open to the Lord for his suggestion. We felt a very real call to
help this camp."
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When there's a will, there's a way
A HEART ATTACK AND BYPASS SURGERY MADE THE JACOBSENS THINK ABOUT
THE LEGACY THEY WANT TO LEAVE.
"Love and caring are a part of Lutheran
Social Service," says Darel "Jake" Jacobsen of Mankato. "It is unusual
to sense such a depth of compassion in an institution. LSS of Minnesota really cares about
people."
Jake has felt that compassion. "LSS touched
my life in 1966 when my first wife and I adopted Steven. It was a wonderful feeling. After
that our daughter Brenda asked every time we drove through Minneapolis if we could stop by
LSS and get another baby."
Jake and his wife, Lynda, have included LSS of
Minnesota in their will. "LSS needs gifts to carry out their programming now, and we
like to help with current support," Jake says. "But we also want to see the work
of LSS continue into the future. By including LSS in our estate plan, we can make a bigger
impact down the road."
When Jake suffered a heart attack and had heart
bypass surgery, he says, "It was a wake-up call for me that life is pretty fragile.
As I was recovering, I started to ask myself, 'Do we have things in order? Have we put a
plan in place that reflects what we care most about and how we want our assets distributed
should anything happen to us?'"
Deferred gifts, like wills, provide a great way
to care for family members and fulfill a lifetime dream of helping others. "Once we
started looking into estate planning," Lynda said, "we discovered that giving
charitable gifts is a great¾and logical¾way to make our estate dollars stretch the
farthest. Of course, we want to share with our four children, but we also want to share
with the church and other institutions we care about. It was exciting to see the
philanthropic impact we could have if we planned carefully. We found that the planning
process made it very easy to do what we wanted to do."
Jake began his career at Josten's and then, in
1970, started Crestwood House, a publishing company specializing in easy books for
reluctant readers. In 1988 he sold the company to MacMillan Publishing. Lynda taught art
for many years. They now are retired.
"We have been so fortunate," says
Jake. "It is nice to be able to help those who haven't been so lucky, but it goes
beyond that. We need to help them." Lynda added: "We were not personally struck
by the floods or tornadoes that swept through Minnesota the last couple of years, but we
think about what it must have been like for people whose homes were destroyed. We know
that LSS gives people a new start in many different contexts. We have faith that the
organization will make wise use of our gifts in serving others. It impresses us that LSS's
administrative costs are so low." (Eighty-eight cents of every dollar given to LSS
goes directly into programs and services.)
"We know a lot of people who have benefited
from LSS counseling services or from adopting children," Darrel said.
"Supporting LSS of Minnesota is a way to care for our neighbors."
Deferred giving is a way for you to help your
neighbors while benefiting you and your heirs at the same time. If you would like to
discuss deferred-giving options, either through a will bequest or through a planned gift
that will generate an income stream for you, call Paul Tillquist, vice president for
Development and Communications at LSS of Minnesota. You can reach him at 651.969.2280
(metro area) or toll-free at 1.800.987.0034.
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"God, you have been so good to me"
Charitable planning as expression of faith
As Elvina Loftness reflects on her life, she
says, "God, you have been so good to me!" One important way that she offers
thanks to God for her many blessings is sharing those blessings with others.
Years ago, her supervisor at 3M encouraged her
to take advantage of a payroll deduction plan for buying stock in the company. An
accountant at 3M from 1941-73, Elvina saw the value of her stock go up dramatically.
She never sold a share to buy things for
herself. "I knew from the beginning that I would give it away," she said. She
helped three nieces pay for their college educations, and now she enjoys giving charitable
gifts.
With a generous gift of 3M stock, Elvina
established a charitable gift annuity to benefit both Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
and her congregation, Immanuel Lutheran of St. Paul. In return, she receives a guaranteed
lifetime income stream, several tax advantages, and the satisfaction of knowing her gift
will make a difference in the lives of many people.
Learning about how giving options can fulfill
both charitable and personal financial goals is a service that Elvina appreciated
receiving from Rebecca Miller and Paul Tillquist, development staff at LSS. "When
they heard what I hoped to accomplish, they introduced this concept of a charitable gift
annuity to me. I was amazed to discover that I could receive an 11.7 percent income stream
from setting up a gift like this."
Miller said: "Everyone wins with a gift
like this. Elvina benefits from the annuity income, and she has created a plan that will
have a major impact both at LSS and her congregation."
Before beginning her 3M career, Elvina taught
elementary school in Comstock and Greenbush, Minnesota, and worked as a teacher and school
librarian in North Mankato.
"Now I am in a position to help
others," Elvina said, "a most delightful experience."
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Tribute
Gifts
These people have been honored by loving friends or relatives in recognition of a
special time in their lives.
Erik & Christian Amundson, in honor of their christening
Marjorie Aurelius, on her 74th birthday
Paul Aurelius, on his 77th birthday
Nara Cole, for Mother's Day
Jesse Hurtebise
Harvey & Cheryl Leuning, on their 25th Anniversary
Pastor Gordon Lindemann, on the 50th Anniversary of his ordination
Dan & Caroline Mason, on their 25th Anniversary
Mr. & Mrs. Leo Myer, on their 50th anniversary
Clyde & Mary Pepple, on their 50th Anniversary
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Peterson, on their 50th Anniversary
John & Cathy Pfeil, on their 25th Anniversary
Helen Strand, on her 90th birthday
Fred Syrdal
Memorials
Loving gifts in memory of the following people will help LSS' helping work.
