July 2018

GOD AT WORKIN OUR MIDST

Stories of the Called Ministries of Genacross Lutheran Services

Although pseudonyms are used in the above ministry stories, Genacross follows HIPAA guidelines and has either obtained permission from our residents, patients, or clients, or has sufficiently concealed their identities, thereby enabling us to use their stories of God’s grace.

HOUSING & COMMUNITY SERVICES

“Sandy” had been living in a skilled nursing facility for almost two years because of some significant health issues. She became a community client of Genacross Housing & Community Services when she enrolled in the HOME Choice program and was assigned to a Genacross Service Coordinator for help in transitioning from the facility to community-based living. Despite some unexpected health problems for Sandy, the Service Coordinator has helped her find a new place to live. Sandy is fairly self-sufficient and will soon be moving into an assisted living apartment. The Service Coordinator is helping her purchase items and arranging for services that she will need to be successful in her new home, and Sandy is thrilled to be moving. The Service Coordinator commented that she feels “clients are put into our lives so we can help them better their situations and show them that God truly does work with us and through us to give them a better outcome in life.”

NAPOLEON CAMPUS

Adding fun to the residents’ lives on a daily basis is extremely important on the Genacross Lutheran Services-Napoleon Campus. Creating a fun working environment for the awesome staff is also a priority. Recently, the Napoleon Campus put together an old-fashioned sock hop for residents and staff members to enjoy. They could invite their families to go back to a time when vinyl played the songs for dancing, and rolled up jeans, poodle skirts, bobby socks and white t-shirts were in fashion. Some family members traveled over an hour to be part of the fun. Hula hoops and root beer floats were the hits of the night, as a DJ rocked out the tunes. The residents danced, even those in their wheelchairs, and many people had fun in a photo booth with goofy props. Door prizes were given to say thanks for coming, and the decorations helped everyone celebrate a simpler time that many fondly remember. The best part of the evening was seeing the staff and residents having fun together. The special event fit well with the campus’ focus on bringing smiles to people’s faces and appreciating the blessings of each day.

TOLEDO CAMPUS

“Betty’s” daughter reached out to the Genacross Lutheran Services-Toledo Campus for help in obtaining services for her mother. Family members had reached out to other service providers, but felt that they were unresponsive and dead ends. The family was also having difficulty understanding the admissions process and dealing with insurance. After reaching out to the Toledo Campus, they finally saw some light at the end of the tunnel. The admissions office worked hard with the hospital, insurance company, and nursing staff to coordinate the services Betty needed for the very next day. She was admitted to The Labuhn Center on the Toledo Campus for rehabilitation and was started on IV medications immediately. Betty and her family are very happy with how quickly and smoothly the admissions process went, and they are pleased with her care. Betty is also receiving physical therapy while on the Toledo Campus, and she will eventually be able to return home safely to her husband and family.

FAMILY & YOUTH SERVICES

“Kahlia” and her older sister were removed from their biological parents due to neglect when they were young. Kahlia was sent to live with her paternal grandmother, but was removed because of the grandmother’s physically abusive discipline techniques. While Kahlia was on target developmentally, her mental health issues led to problems in school and several failed placements. She got in numerous fights at school and was disrespectful to anyone in authority. She had low self-esteem and often referred to herself as “fat and ugly.” In 2007, at age 12, Kahlia was placed at the Wynn Group Home; less than a year later, her sister was placed at the Oregon Group Home.

Genacross Family & Youth Services was able to facilitate regular contact between the sisters. While the two recieved treatment and continued their education, they were also able to participate together in the Partners in Treatment reunification program. Eventually, their maternal grandmother was identified as their permanent caregiver. Kahlia’s sister was able to transition to the grandmother’s home, but Kahlia still struggled with her aggression and mental health issues. Family & Youth staff continued to work with her daily while she met with her therapist twice a week. Four years after she was placed at the Wynn home, Kahlia transitioned to live with her grandmother. Overall, Kahlia did well, although she had some setbacks along the way. At age 21, she became pregnant and had a baby girl. It was then that she decided that setbacks were no longer acceptable. She now works hard to support her daughter without the help of public assistance. Kahlia still contacts many of the staff she worked with and thanks them for all they taught her and all of the support they provided her while in treatment.

GOD AT WORK IN OUR MIDST

Although pseudonyms are used in the above ministry stories, Genacross follows HIPAA guidelines and has either obtained permission from our residents, patients, or clients, or has sufficiently concealed their identities, thereby enabling us to use their stories of God’s grace.

GENACROSS AT HOME

“Sarah” has been receiving periodic home health services from Genacross at Home. She is on the Medicaid Waiver program through MyCare Ohio and has re-occurring medical concerns that the home health agency has been able to address as needed. Sarah is very independent and struggles to accept help when it is offered, but she has established a good relationship with the Genacross at Home staff. Recently, she called the home health office to share that her power had been shut off due to her inability to pay her bills and that she did not have transportation to her upcoming medical appointments. Office staff reacted quickly and obtained orders from Sarah’s primary care physician for the agency’s Medical Social Worker to visit Sarah and help coordinate services. Subsequently, Sarah enrolled in the Home Energy Assistance Program to help make her utility payments more affordable. By working with Sarah’s MyCare Ohio Case Manager, ongoing medical and non-medical transportation services were also arranged, as well as counseling to ensure Sarah is accepting help and getting the services she needs to remain in her home as long as possible.

WOLF CREEK CAMPUS

Due to a car accident, 53-year-old “Brandon” had numerous broken bones and a collapsed lung. He was in the hospital for a week after receiving titanium rods in his femur and hip. Following the surgery, Brandon could not move or feel his right leg, and he said it was as “heavy as a tree trunk.” He came to the Genacross Lutheran Services-Wolf Creek Campus for his rehabilitation. Soon after he began physical therapy, Brandon had feeling in his leg. Then he was able to raise his leg and bend his knee. Brandon was elated over these changes. He had feared that he would never be able to use his leg again, but now he knew that his leg was coming back and the therapy was working. His doctor was extremely pleased with the increased strength in Brandon’s leg and his overall progress. Brandon is highly complimentary of the Wolf Creek therapy staff and says he would recommend the Wolf Creek Campus to anyone because “they do a great job.”