LCCC E-Newsletter
Vol. 41, June 2021
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Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.
2 COR 3:17
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Be Patient. Welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you.
As the worst of the pandemic appears to be behind us and the world is slowly opening back up, please show some patience. Not everyone is on the same page, and that is OK.
While you may be celebrating being vaccinated and free to return to many "normal behaviors," some others of us may be feeling anxious about changing mask usage after a year of building the habit and experiencing the trauma of the pandemic and loss of loved ones. People may also be struggling with health issues and wish to continue to use the mask. Once vaccinated, adjusting behavior is something people may need to work up to gradually if they’re uncomfortable altering their routine completely.
It has been a traumatic year and no one should be judged for how they react to trauma. We are all God's children and deserve to be treated with dignity. Let us be kind and patient as we navigate this new terrain and regain our lives and livelihood.
Start each day looking into the mirror and saying, "Today I will be open to what God lays before me. God grant me the strength to meet what lies before me."
As a staff, we at LCCC were able to all meet together for the first time in well over a year on June 14. We enjoyed an outdoor retreat at Holy Spirit Church. Some wore masks and some didn't, but the important thing was being able to enjoy some togetherness that has been sorely missing over this past year.
Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Romans 15:7
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June 15 Proclaimed World Elder Abuse Awareness Day |
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On June 15 members of the Livingston County Catholic Charities Elder Justice Coalition met on the Livingston County Courthouse lawn and proclaimed June 15 to be known as Livingston County Elder Abuse Awareness Day from that day forward.
Lee, a Livingston County Senior shared her story about being taken advantage of and being exploited by someone she thought was her friend. In addition to monetary abuse, this person played on her emotions, her weakness, and vulnerability and used that to get their hooks into Lee. She reached out to Livingston County Catholic Charities because she was not sure if she was being abused and her neighbor told her to call us and talk to someone in senior services.
Scott Ehlfeldt, of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Association of Michigan, shared his heartfelt gratitude for the work being done to protect seniors from abuse and exploitation in Livingston County. He talked about how we all have people in our lives to look out for and that “if you see something, say something.” Abusers are often family members or friends who will use a person’s isolation to prey upon their emotions, such as was Lee's case. Even if they can see the abuse, the seniors are often too embarrassed to say anything. “We are here today because we can intervene and put a stop to it.”
The Proclamation was read by Beth Newman, Senior Community Liaison with Livingston County Catholic Charities. It was then signed by Mona Shand, Livingston County Representative for Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin.
To learn more about elder abuse, neglect and exploitation, how you can recognize it, what you can do to protect yourself or loved one, how to report suspected abuse and local community services and supports, call Beth Newman at Livingston County Catholic Charities at (517) 545-5944 or visit the National Center on Elder Abuse https://ncea.acl.gov.
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For more information on how to identify early warning signs of elder abuse and hear how you can be a part of the solution -- check out the Here We Grow Show with Host Michael Foguth. This WHMI Podcast features LCCC Senior Community Liaison and Elder Abuse Prevention Specialist, Beth Newman, discussing Elder Abuse and National Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
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Volunteer Spotlight - Mary Burns-Coral |
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Mary Burns-Coral has a long history of helping others. She has served others as a nurse for 45 years, including 20 years of home care and hospice and many years of teaching. While considering retirment she says “as long as God gives me strength, I want to give to others through nursing.” This is clear in her role as Volunteer Nurse Consultant for Be Our Guest Adult Day. Additionally, Mary has served on the LCCC board since January 2019.
Mary’s history with LCCC goes back eight or nine years. She originally served by doing laundry for the Volunteer Caregiver Program, where she would take client’s laundry, and return it cleaned and folded. Later she expanded her volunteering to providing transportation for doctors’ visits and taking clients grocery shopping. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic she has continued to do all of these things. She says “I’ve always had a spirit of volunteering; giving back what I’ve been given. It is a gift from God being able to serve others.”
Mary and her husband Joe Coral, also have a ministry which they enjoy serving together, the St. Vincent de Paul-St. Augustine Parish.
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Calling All Golfers...
When you sign-up to golf in LCCA's annual charity golf outing, you are directly supporting our substance use prevention and healthy living initiatives in Livingston County. All funds generated from the golf outing go back directly to the community in the form of mini-grants that support youth substance abuse prevention projects.
Golf will take place at the Whispering Pines Golf Club at 2500 Whispering Pines Drive, Pinckney, MI 48169.
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Your Donations Are Helping Seniors Every Day! |
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Community Liaison
A Senior Outreach Program
Turning 65? Now What?
Many seniors struggle as they near 65 with the overwhelming information they receive on all of the programs they must register for. Through your generosity, LCCC Community Liaisons (CL) provide assistance year-round to people turning 65 - the majority of whom live at or below 150% of the national poverty level.
CL's assist with applications for Social Security and Medicare; and as MMAP Counselors, help navigate the complexities of the Medicare supplements and prescription drug plans. They provide a thorough insurance review that looks at the individual's current situation and prescription needs and matches them with a cost-effective, reliable prescription coverage, thus allowing them to understand and make their decision on the right programs and services. CL's can help to explain how veteran's benefits do, or do not, coordinate with Medicare. Call Beth Newman or Jamie Hicks-Thacker today at 517-545-5944 to set up a meeting!
After sitting with our Community Liaison staff, one client shared, "...it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders! I can never thank you enough."
Thanks to the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, the Livingston County United Way and our generous donors, its’ possible for LCCC to provide this valuable program at no cost, though we do ask for a donation if the recipient is able.
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Be Our Guest Brings the Fun |
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Be Our Guest Adult Day offers a safe and stimulating day in a club-like setting for persons with dementia and related memory diseases such as Lewy Bodies, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Chemo Brain and more.
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In-Person Activities for Special Ministries Begin! |
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Special Ministries teamed up with the Center for Independent Living for a day of fun at Kensington Park! We went on a nature walk, visited the petting zoo, enjoyed a cookout and plenty of other fun activities!
Don't worry if you missed this fun excursion, we are going to be at Potter Park Zoo from 12-4:00 PM on June 23. This will be a day of walking through all the exhibits and around the park so pack a picnic lunch, dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes! Contact Brook to sign up at brook@livingstoncatholiccharities.org.
Keep checking our Facebook page and the Special Ministries page of the LCCC website for the latest events!
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Complexities of Caregiving (Zoom Web Series) |
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Wednesdays, 5:00-6:30 PM
July 21, 28 and August 4, 11, 18, 25
This 6-week webinar is presented by Andrea Holzner CCP, MPH, PhDc with Alzheimer’s Integrative Wellness Group.
This interactive web series, held via Zoom, will cover topics like communication, positive approaches, behavior challenges, changes in intimacy, medications/ alternative medicine, as well as end of life care. There will be open discussions as well as realistic dementia behavior role plays.
Email Leann@LivingstonCC.org to register.
Funding generous funding provided by the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds at the Community Foundation for SE Michigan.
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Reality Tour - New Dates Added! |
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This program shares a Day in the Life of a Teen Who Chooses to Use Drugs...an Experiential Experience that Opens Conversations with Parents & Children in a Safe Space!
The tour is recommended for children age 10 and up when accompanied by their parent. Click here for full details.
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Making Difficult Conversations Easier |
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Talk Sooner is a resource for parents to access information about substance use prevention. The mission is to help parents inform youth about the dangers of substance use. Believe it or not, focus group data suggests that youth do indeed seek information and guidance from parents and other adults, so it is important that parents have these difficult conversations. There are a variety of resources to make the conversation easier: drug facts, trends and information, signs to watch for if there are concerns about youth use, and tips for how to talk to youth about this complicated topic.
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Simple Ways for YOU to Provide Critical Services for Generations to Come!
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Did you know that you can name Livingston County Catholic Charities as a Beneficiary of your:
- Life insurance policy
- IRA, 401(k), 403(b) or other retirement account
- Wills and Trusts
What do you wish your legacy to be? Do you wish to honor a loved one for generations to come?
Without dipping into your current income, you can list Livingston County Catholic Charities as a beneficiary in addition to your family.
Discuss these options and others with your financial advisor or lawyer. Visit our website for more information or call Julie Amman, Director of Development/Marketing, at 517-545-5944 to share your wishes.
Tax ID: 38-2570420
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Thank you for shopping with AmazonSmile!
Your donations change lives and save lives!
AmazonSmile customers can now support Livingston County Catholic Charities in the Amazon shopping app on iOS and Android mobile phones!
Simply start your shopping at smile.amazon.com/ch/38-2570420 to confirm "Livingston County Catholic Charities" as your charity of choice, and AmazonSmile will donate a portion of your eligible purchase price to our organization.
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On-going Groups & Meetings at LCCC
1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month, 5:00-6:00 pm
Email LeAnn@LivingstonCatholicCharities.org Zoom info
Elder Abuse Recovery Support Group
3rd Tuesday of each month, 3:00-4:00 pm
Email Beth@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
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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.
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Click Here to Donate Locally & Give the Gift of Hope! |
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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
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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.
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