Our Stories
People come to LSS at different stages in their lives and for different reasons. Each person’s story is unique. We strive to meet those we serve where they are and serve them as individuals with dignity and respect. Here are some of those unique stories.
“They accept me for who I am, what I am. They will do what they can for you. If they can't, they'll try and find someone that can.”
Raymond, LSS Faith Mission
Raymond is a former Marine, Vietnam veteran and POW who struggled to return to his home and normal life after the war in the 1970s. With the help of his wife, he was able to build a nice life with a family and running his dairy farm for many years. Grief stricken after his beloved wife’s death due to cancer, Raymond moved to Alaska and worked on fishing boats until he broke his back. Needing surgery and unable to work, he moved back to Columbus and ended up at LSS Faith Mission. “I got connected with the vet service coordinators here and they really reached out to help me,” he said. Raymond felt cared for and felt like he had a family once again. “They accept me for who I am, what I am,” he shared. “They will do what they can for you. If they can’t, they’ll try and find someone that can.” With Faith Mission’s help, Raymond was able to find a new, handicap accessible apartment.
“If I had not come to CHOICES, I would probably still be stuck in that relationship. I am so appreciative.”
Myesha, LSS CHOICES
Myesha endured two years of physical abuse from her alcoholic husband. After being hospitalized for four days from an intensely violent encounter, she knew that she needed to get herself and her children to a safer place. “I was scared,” she said. “I have five children, two boys and three girls. I had to be thoughtful for the sake of the kids. The police thought that it would be a good idea if I left and go to CHOICES.”
In addition to food, shelter and necessary baby items, CHOICES was able to provide so much more for Myesha. “The staff here helped me get my credit set up, helped with looking for a job, and helped me apply for places to live,” she beamed. “They arranged a ride for me so I could sign my lease for my new apartment. If I had not come to CHOICES, I would probably still be stuck in that relationship. I am so appreciative.”
“Without the pantry there's a whole lot of things I would have to do without.”
Mary, LSS Food Pantries
At 88 years old and on a fixed income, Mary has found that because of inflation she does not have enough money left over each month to buy groceries. “I was trying to get all my food at the store and it was costing me a fortune,” she said. That’s what led her to an LSS Food Pantry, where she was thrilled to find fresh vegetables, meat and even essential vitamins she needs to keep up her health. “I can come here and get things like fresh vegetables,” she shared. “They have such a nice variety of products.”
Visiting the food pantry twice a week, Mary is grateful she doesn’t have to choose between groceries or paying her bills—or even medication. “This place, it’s a godsend,” she admitted. “Without the pantry there’s a whole lot of things I would have to do without.”
“Coming to LSS has been one of the best decisions that I have ever made.”
Brandy, LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County
When her marriage fell apart, substance abuse quickly took over and destroyed Brandy’s life. “In a matter of two months, we blew through our money, lost everything and split up. I became homeless, lived in my car and ate out of trash cans. I was struggling.” After two months of treatment in the sober living program at LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County, Brandy felt encouraged that her life was on the right track again. “Coming to LSS has been one of the best decisions that I have ever made,” she admitted. “The people that work here at LSS have been my biggest supporters. They have given me motivation. That is very important in recovery to have a good support system and a positive influence.” Now that she is well into her recovery, Brandy has big goals for her future. “I am in the process of finding employment,” she beamed. “I want to be in a job that can become a career. I want to help people by doing peer support.”
