LCCC E-Newsletter, Vol. 19, July 2019
We should not serve the poor like they were Jesus. We should serve the poor
because they are Jesus. - Mother Teresa
The Summer 2019 issue of LCCC's Branches Newsletter is here! Watch your mailbox or read it HERE .
New Program Announcement!

LCCC is excited to share that we have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Special Ministries of Livingston County (SMLC). The Boards of Directors of each agency recently approved the MOU and the effective date is for the period of July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020.

SMLC provides social, recreation and faith-formation activities for adults with developmental disabilities residing in Livingston County. Activities are varied and include bible study, bowling, arts and crafts, dancing, exercise and others of common interest. SMLC serves about 200 people annually and makes extensive use of volunteers.

During the period of the MOU, LCCC will employ the program staff, screen the volunteers, manage the programs and the budget. For this one year period, the SMLC programs and employees will be LCCC employees. If this year goes well, then this plan will become permanent; the programs and services of SMLC will be fully integrated into LCCC. In corporate terms, this is not a merger or an acquisition. Instead, absorption or integration are terms that provide a better description. SMLC will remain during this year as a separate non-profit, but will not provide services or have employees. Thus, it leaves open the potential that at the end of the year that everything, including both organizations, will return to the status in place prior to June 30, 2019, should both parties choose.
Genetic Test Fraud Sweeps Nation

Genetic testing companies are offering “free” genetic tests to Medicare beneficiaries. These tests can also be referred to as DNA screenings or cancer screenings. They promise that the results will help recipients avoid diseases or find the right medications. All they ask for in return is the person’s Medicare number. While this may sound harmless, in reality it is dangerous. These companies can steal people’s medical identity and falsely bill Medicare. Tests ordered under these circumstances are unnecessary and could lead to confusion about someone’s health condition. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is ready to provide you with the information you need to PROTECT yourself from Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse; DETECT potential fraud, errors, and abuse; and REPORT your concerns. SMPs help educate and empower Medicare beneficiaries in the fight against health care fraud. Your SMP can help you with your questions, concerns, or complaints about potential fraud and abuse issues. It also provides information and educational presentations. To locate the local Senior Medicare Patrol, call 800-803-7174 or visit https://www.smpresource.org/ .

Additionally, you can call Beth or Melodie at Livingston County Catholic Charities at 517-545-5944.
Volunteers make a difference...

Sandy and Chris Stark moved to Howell about 4 years ago. They were both retired and decided they want to be of help to LCCC. They are active members at St. John’s Catholic Church in Howell and had learned about LCCC through information in the church bulletins. They also had a neighbor who had been a driver for the Volunteer Caregiver Program.

Two years ago Sandy started as an office volunteer for the Volunteer Caregiver Program (VCP). This frees up Katie Holmes, VCP Coordinator, to focus on servicing the clients. “Sandy, Chris and all of the volunteers in our program make such and amazing impact for the seniors living in this community. We could not run programs like this and reach the people that we do without giving hearts like theirs,” said Katie Holmes

Sandy records all the volunteers hours and miles for client transportation. She also prepares monthly donation sheets to send to clients. While donations are not required, some give what they are able for the services they receive. Additionally, Sandy helps prepare for twice yearly Volunteer Trainings.

Chris provides a friendly visit to a specific client for 2 hours every week. He has helped with a couple of small projects and serves as an occasional driver. He and Sandy say, “We believe it is important to give back and help those of us who need assistance in everyday life.”

If you'd like to learn more about becoming a volunteer, please contact Katie at 517-545-5944.
Helping Teens Quit Vaping

Nearly 5 million teens across the United States are vaping and using tobacco, yet there are few resources available to help them stop. On July 1, 2019, National Jewish Health, the nation’s leading respiratory hospital and the largest non-profit tobacco quitline provider, launched an enhanced tobacco cessation program specifically for teens who want to stop using tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes and vapes.

Teens can visit mylifemyquit.com for real-time coaching. Through the program, they work with a coach who listens and understands their unique needs, provides personalized support, and helps them build a quit plan to become free from nicotine. Safer ISN’T safe. Learn the truth about vaping and get free resources to help teens quit. Text or call 855-891-9989.  

For more information about helping teens locally visit the Livingston County Community Alliance website .
On-going Groups & Meetings at LCCC

1st Tuesday of each month, 4:30–6:00 pm
at Be Our Guest

3rd Wednesday of each month, 4:30–6:00 pm
at Be Our Guest

3rd Monday of each month, 5:00–7:00 pm

All are welcome and no preregistration is necessary.
Mondays 6:00 –7:30 pm, Wednesdays 10:00 am–11:30 pm, Fridays 10:00 –11:30 am
Bequests Help Provide for Our Community's Future!

Did you know that leaving a  Charitable Bequest  in your will to bestow on Livingston County Catholic Charities makes it easy to help 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!
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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