Driven by faith - HERE FOR ALL

LCCC E-Newsletter
Vol. 36, January 2021
LCCC remains open and here for you with critical and essential services as we continue to move through this pandemic. Visit our website for up-to-date information. You are not alone...we will get through this together!
"Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work." - Mother Teresa
Your Generosity Provides Critical Services
All of us at Livingston County Catholic Charities are deeply grateful to each and every one of you who have so generously and graciously donated to LCCC in the past year, held us in your prayers or volunteered in one of our many programs.

We know 2020 has been quite a struggle, in many different ways, and want you to know how much your support means to all of us at LCCC and the people we serve. It is because of YOU that we are able to provide critical services and the loving, healing hands of Jesus to those who seek help at LCCC, now and into the future. Together we are stronger!

We'd like to share some of the appreciative comments from clients you bring help and hope to in their time of need and struggles:

  • "Your round table for caregivers is a Godsend!" Caregiver Support Group family
  • "I found sobriety at Livingston County Catholic Charities." Substance Abuse Counseling client
  • "I feel more knowledgeable to make my Medicare decisions." Community Liaison client
  • "We are so grateful for LCCC as a resource for mom." Community Liaison client
  • "I feel better after my therapist and I talk." Mental Health Client
  • "The staff is so caring and helpful. Doing everything possible to keep my mom's dignity and quality of life ending the way it should...with love." Be Our Guest family

Whether you have volunteered your time or donated through our Loaves & Fish Appeal, End of Year Appeal, a one-time special appeal, through a memorial to a loved one, are a monthly donor or other, know that though the clients cannot thank you personally, they are so grateful to each of you.

Thank You & God Bless!
You didn't need a crystal ball to forecast that the COVID-19 pandemic would devastate mental health. Illness or fear of illness, social isolation, economic insecurity, disruption of routine and loss of loved ones are known risk factors for depression and anxiety.

Have you asked yourself "How am I doing?" lately? People are often told to check in with others when they notice someone struggling. "Just reach out" we say. But what about reaching in? Mental health experts say everyone should perform regular mental health checks to assess their own well-being. There's a process for determining if you are OK, and it's not unlike what you would do if you were concerned about someone you love. Read more about taking time for self-care.
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Don't immerse yourself in the constant flow of stressful stories from the media. Take plenty of screen breaks and keep your focus on doing the things you enjoy. If you or a loved one need help, call us at 517-545-5944 to talk to a therapist or attend a Substance Abuse Engagement Group.
Livingston County Community Alliance Named in the Top 10 Coalitions in the Nation
Congratulations to Megan Palmer and her team!!
The Livingston County Community Alliance (LCCA) was named as one of the top 10 coalitions in the country for reducing past 30-day youth substance use. This summer, Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) developed new case studies from the most recent Drug-Free Communities (DFC) outcome data available. These case studies featured 10 coalitions that documented reductions in youth substance use across all grade levels (middle and high school) and all substances (alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and prescription drugs). These coalitions went through a rigorous training on CADCA’s model of Community Change. They implemented a comprehensive strategy that encompassed CADCA’s 7 Strategies for Community Change. The 7 strategies and examples of the LCCA’s work:
Helping Create New Tomorrows!
Be Our Guest Adult Day Service (BOGADS)
Providing Respite Care for Family Caregivers

Be Our Guest Day Care offers specialized care for your loved one who suffer from Dementia and forms of Dementia such as Alzheimer’s or other memory related diseases. BOGADS provides recreational and social activities which helps participants find purpose and meaning to their day.

Caregivers receive a break from 24 hour care, a partner in caring and reassurance that their loved one is safe. We also offer a twice monthly support group. 

Be Our Guest Adult Day Service is open Monday through Friday 8am to 6 pm. BOGADS is currently taking new clients. Please contact Suzi Snyder at (517)546-9910 for more information.

We need YOUR help to share the professional services and programs available in our community to those in need of help!
Foster Care Corner
“We entered the world of foster care because we wanted to help children and families in need. We have had the privilege of having 6 children of various ages in our home; who we have helped reunify with their parent(s). Our seventh foster child is a very smart and loving little boy. His stay with us has been his longest support system of his life, but he has had consistency, love and support in our home.”
- LCCC foster parent
FREE Virtual Reality Tours
The tour is recommended for children age 10 and up when accompanied by their parent. Read more at WHMI.

Interested participants should register for the date and time they would like to attend at https://livcorealitytour2021.eventbrite.com. For any questions, please contact cassandra@livingstoncatholiccharities.com.
Medication Disposal Helps Prevent Addiction
Opioid addiction typically starts with prescription medication abuse, specifically heavy pain killers. After numerous deaths throughout Livingston County that were attributed to drug overdoses, Livingston County Community Alliance (LCCA) members saw the need for a place where people could safely dispose of their unwanted medication. The Big Red Barrel effort has resulted in the secure and environmentally safe disposal of over 15 tons (30,000 lbs) of drugs. 

Unused/expired medication and needles/syringes can be dropped off on the first Saturday of each month from 9am-1pm at Recycle Livingston at 170 Catrell St. in Howell.

Please bring your pills, capsules, or tablet medications in a Ziploc bag to dispose in the barrel and liquid medications can be poured into a Ziploc bag with a lot of paper towel to soak it up. Needles/syringes need to be put in either a laundry detergent container or a container that can be bought at Walgreens. The lid must be duct taped shut for proper disposal. 
Special Ministries Brought the Joy!
Santa and his elves had such a fun time making Christmas deliveries on December 23rd! We want to thank DTE Energy for helping make this happen with their financial gift! Also, thank you to LETS for driving us around and donating their busses for the day! We cannot say thank you enough!!

Your friends at Special Ministries continue to meet and share special moments through Zoom. Keep checking our Facebook page and the Special Ministries page of the LCCC website for the latest events! ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌

The hard-working staff in our Volunteer Caregiver Program are in dire need of volunteers to help transport for home-bound seniors! We have nearly doubled the number of seniors being served through the Program in the last few months due to the tremendous need for this vulnerable population.

Call Jamie or Katie today at 517-545-5944 to see how you can help!
Thank you for shopping with AmazonSmile!

AmazonSmile customers can now support Livingston County Catholic Charities in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones! 
On-going Groups & Meetings at LCCC

February 2 and 17 at 4:30 pm
Email Suzi@LivingstonCatholicCharities.org Zoom info

3rd Monday of each month, 5:00–7:00 pm
Email Amy@LivingstonCatholicCharities.org for Zoom info

Tuesdays 6:00–7:30 pm
Wednesdays and Fridays 10:00 am–11:30 pm
Email Jessica@LivingstonCatholicCharities.org 517-375-1652 for Zoom info
Charitable Bequests Help Provide for Our Community's Future!

Did you know that leaving a Charitable Bequest in your will or trust to bestow on Livingston County Catholic Charities makes it easy to help ensure for generations the work of one of your favorite charities without dipping into your current income or savings?

Contact Julie Amman or Mark Robinson at 517-545-5944 or your lawyer or financial adviser for more information.
Suicide Prevention Hotline (24/7): 800-273-8255
Livingston County Community Mental Health (24/7): 800-615-1245
Veterans Crisis Line 800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838255
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the Foster Care Parenting Tip of the Week or the Caregiver Tip of the Week along with other great information & activities.
Click Here to Donate Locally & Give the Gift of Hope!
Livingston County Catholic Charities
2020 E. Grand River #104, Howell, MI 48843
Office Phone 517-545-5944 Be Our Guest Adult Day Phone 517-546-9910