Our Stories

People come to LSS 211 Central Ohio at different stages in their lives and for different reasons. Each person’s story is unique. We strive to meet our clients where they are and serve them as individuals so that they can live their best life. Here are some of those unique stories.

woman

Patricia’s Story

Patricia was in tears when she called LSS 211 Central Ohio (formerly HandsOn).  The previous week she had lost her job of many years and with bills coming due, she didn’t know what to do.  Having once been in a similar situation herself, our information resource specialist empathized with Patricia and was able to calm her so she could clearly assess her options.

Patricia, 52, had enough funds on hand to pay a month’s worth of bills, which gave her a month to secure other resources.  LSS 211 gave her referrals for assistance with rent, food, utilities and pet food.  As their conversation continued, Patricia shared that she had some family members who were well off, but she was afraid to ask them for help.  Our information resource specialist encouraged Patricia to talk to them.

In subsequent follow up calls, Patricia said she had asked her stepfather for help and he agreed to pay her rent and utilities for a couple of months.  She also used the resources we suggested for food and pet food.  Patricia also obtained temporary employment and felt that her chances were good of getting hired permanently.  She continues to call LSS 211 occasionally to share her progress.  Recently, she called and praised the two information resource assistants who had helped her so much.  “You both are sincere and have a calming voice that’s needed when you’re going through a crisis,” she said.

Mrs. B’s Story

When Mrs. B., 80, contacted LSS 211 Central Ohio (formerly HandsOn) she was angry and frustrated.  She owed the electric company $100 and had received a disconnection notice.  She didn’t know what to do.  As she continued to talk to our information resource specialist, Mrs. B.’s anger turned to sorrow and tears as she explained that her husband had recently died and he had been the one that had handled their finances.

Our information resource specialist reassured Mrs. B. that everything was going to be alright.  Because she had called our hotline once before, we were able to access her information quickly and provide her with several options for assistance.  By the end of the call, Mrs. B. was very thankful for the help and expressed that she felt happier than she had in a long time.  A week later we followed up and Mrs. B. reported that the organizations we referred her to were able to help and her electric bill had been paid.  She thanked LSS 211 for checking in and for their assistance.

senior female

Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio is a United Way agency, a member of Lutheran Services in America and a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Copyright © 2016 Lutheran Social Services. All Rights Reserved.

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