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647 W. Virginia Street, Suite 300, Milwaukee, WI 53204

Issue 2 2008

C O N N E C T I O N SThe Challenge is on!Join LSS, other ELCA congregations and local communities in our effort to help125 kids find adoptive families. Each year, LSS facilitates about 800 adoptions,but there are so many little ones still waiting. Heres how you can help:

• Pray for the children that are waiting for families• Provide an adoptive family with financial gifts or advocacy efforts• Promote the need for adoptive families within your church and community

Visit www.lssadopt.org or call 1-888-424-0444.

Hefty Harvest

LSS Agency-wide and State-wide OfficesMilwaukee(414) 281-4400

Appleton(920) 734-4326

Waukesha(262) 896-3446

Eau Claire (715) 834-2046

LSS Senior ManagementRev. Gary GrindelandVice President of Church and

Community Relations

Meg GrovesVice President of Program Services

Michael GunsVice President of Finance, CFO

Ted HakalaVice President of Program Services

Ron HauserVice President of Program Services

Michael HoffmanVice President of Human Resources

Rev. David LarsonPresident and CEO

Rev. Larry LuteyExecutive Vice President & COO

Denise PilzDirector of PQI

Robin PittsExecutive Support Manager

On the Cover: Clients from Voices ForYouth show off nature’s bounty inMarquette, Mich. The young adults,along with other helpers from LSS andMessiah Lutheran Church, nurturedseeds planted by Messiah SundaySchool children into a beautiful and productive garden. See story on page 3.

Dear Friends,

Perseverance is needed, if not required, in timesof change. Change is inevitable, but recently itseems like huge changes are surrounding us daily.Be it changes in the weather, economy, politics,or world affairs, a person’s perseverance willlead and keep them on course.

The same is true here at LSS. A firedestroyed our Madison office and floods consumed many of our group homes in the lastfew months. Because of your support, you helpedour staff persevere and provide uninterruptedservices to our clients during that time.

In addition to the changes happening in theworld, many changes are occurring within LSS to help us respond. We are aligning our servicesacross Wisconsin and Upper Michigan in a more defined way. Many of the same programs existacross the two-states, so by aligning them more clearly, we will be able to strengthen relationshipsand collaborate with various partners. The end result will be even better care for those we serve.

Our programming is changing to respond to growing needs in our communities. For example,the State of Wisconsin’s move to reform Long Term Care (LTC) (to give more affordable andquality services to older adults and people with special needs) has other organizations looking toLSS, a known provider of excellence in service, to contract for that ministry. As the baby boomergeneration ages, LSS is responding by developing new programs to help better serve these individuals.

Other exciting changes around LSS include the development of new services in the area ofUrban Ministries. This includes working with congregations and communities to develop servicesdedicated to alleviating the conditions associated with poverty, homelessness and disaster. This isdone by providing individuals with their most basic needs of shelter, food, clothing and hope, aswell as the resources to become self-sufficient. LSS is also developing a Prison Ministry program, aswell as strengthening our Addictions and Corrections services.

As our nation continues to recover from the recent economic tension, we, too, have had tobe flexible responders in order to remain good stewards. However, despite these challenges, ourcommitment to mission has not wavered. Our passion for excellence in service has only deepenedand our creativity in dealing with challenges has excelled.

We have not wavered in times of change due in part to your commitment to LSS. Yourgenerous support over these past months means the world to our staff and our clients. Yourcommitment to mission has translated into services for over 100,000 individuals in Wisconsin andUpper Michigan. With your help, we are prepared for change! We are also ready to celebrate theopportunities and challenges ahead because of you.

Responding to God’s Grace we can persevere! Thank you for all you do in support of thiscritical mission at this very critical period of time. It is noble work. It is hard work. It is the workof mission and it is changing the world — one grace-filled life at a time.

Onward in Christ,

Pastor David Larson

LSS Connections is a publication ofLutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. Please direct questions and comments to: Briena Jacob,Director of Marketing & Communications,Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin andUpper Michigan, 647 W. Virginia St.,Suite 300, Milwaukee, WI 53204-1535,(414) 325-3192, bjacob@lsswis.org.

Dozens of seeds planted in yogurt containers and tin canslined the halls at Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette,Mich. for many weeks. Sunday school children learningabout gardening planted the seeds with love and anticipation,and eagerly watched them grow.

“I think God was watching out for these tender plantswith special care because these plants were intended for a gar-den supported by youth to feed youth,” said Erica Teichman,the director of education and volunteers at Messiah. “What

started out as a simple lesson in gardening blossomedinto a youth ministry.”

Over the summer, numerousvolunteers from Messiah, as well asclients and staff at Lutheran SocialServices’ (LSS) Voices for Youth (VFY)program nurtured these seeds into abeautiful and productive garden. Theyprepared and planted on a patch ofvacant land behind the VFY house andthe church.

From the President’s Desk

The food planted included corn, pumpkins, cucumbers,lettuce, tomatoes, beans, carrots, peas and herbs. “Throughoutthe summer clients at VFY tended to weeding and watering,while learning how to work together to produce somethingwonderful,” stated Becky Soderna, program supervisor. “Thisproject taught them a lesson in sustainability and the value ofworking hard. In addition, they learned how great the qualityis of home-grown food.”

“The volunteers were so excited to work with VFYon this because we value taking care of each other in thiscommunity.” Erica expressed. “So many came out to helpand raise awareness for VFY, and how we can makeMarquette a better place.”

VFY provides transitional housing, programs and supportfor homeless and at-risk children and young adults. As fallapproached, the large harvest was handed out at the program’sfood pantry to recipients between the ages of 10 and 22.

“We are so thankful for our continued partnership withMessiah! Voices for Youth definitely reaped the benefits ofthe Sunday school project in multiple ways,” concluded Becky.

C O N N E C T I O N S 3

Hefty HarvestVoices for Youthclients tend to agarden startedwith seeds nurtured bySunday Schoolchildren atMessiahLutheran Church.

Wanted: Loving families to adopt children from abroadwho face a lonely, uncertain future without the warmthand security of a permanent home.

In just a few poignant words, that sums up the critical need currently facing adoption workers at Lutheran SocialServices (LSS) of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. As oneof the largest Lutheran child-placing organizations in theUnited States, LSS has been finding forever families forchildren of all ages, faiths and backgrounds for more than60 years. Over that time, adoptive homes have been foundfor well over 10,000 children.

But rarely has the need for families been as urgent as itis now, partly as a result of the growing number of orphanedchildren abroad and the growing number of countries withwhom LSS has forged child-placing arrangements.

Since the 1960s, LSS has developed internationalchild welfare relationships in different regions of the world,

4 C O N N E C T I O N S

“The reality is that personal crisis, family turmoil, andeconomic and political unrest create an imperfect worldwith circumstances that cause parents to be separated fromtheir children. This is when adoption becomes a lovingoption by giving orphaned children who live in war-torn,poverty-stricken countries opportunities they may neverhave had in their homeland.”

Whether adopting a child from a country as large asRussia or as small as Vietnam, the issues confronting childrenand their prospective adoptive families are similar. LSS hasextensive experience in preparing and supporting familiesfor the unique and lifelong aspects of parenting a child whohas lived in an institution, has experienced early deprivationor faces adjustment to a new home, culture and language.

At the moment, the average wait time between adoptionapproval and receiving the child is a minimum of 12 months.In previous years, this time frame was much longer butwith so many children available, the process can movemore quickly.

The costs of international adoption,including travel, exceed$25,000. LSS adoptionstaff can explain differentoptions that are availableto help reduce the costs,including grants, lowinterest loans, tax deduc-tions and employer reim-bursements.

Many people havemisconceptions on the eligibility criteria foradoption but in truth, thereare not many barriers.Different countries establish criteria for family

including Russia, Mongolia and the Philippines. LSS alsoworks in conjunction with other placing agencies in China,India, Vietnam, Romania and Guatemala to find U.S.homes for children without permanent families in theirnative country.

As these relationships have grown, so has the number ofchildren waiting to be adopted. “At this time, we are seekingto place as many as 200 children, mainly older childrenand children part of a sibling group, from these regions,and we know there are many more who need permanenthomes,” said Carol Hakala, executive director of adoption.Most of the available children are older and have beenplaced in orphanages due to poverty or abandonment.

“LSS believes it is a fundamental right of every childto experience the security, love and warmth of a family,”said Carol. “Ideally, children would realize this right in thefamily into which they were born, but sadly this isn’t thesituation.”

125 Kids ChallengeThe purpose of thisChallenge is to help at least125 kids find an adoptivefamily. We are asking ELCApastors and congregationsto join with us by prayingfor these infants and childrenas they wait, by promotingthe need for adoptive families,and by providing financialassistance to lessen the costof adoption. Right now, thecost of an internationaladoption exceeds $25,000.Hopefully, the 125 KidsChallenge will help individ-uals and couples in theireffort to start or expandtheir families. In the comingmonths, you’ll hear moreabout this, so stay tuned formore information.

C O N N E C T I O N S 5

Children area gift fromGod; theyare Hisreward.— Psalm 127:3

ADOPTIVE FAMILIES

NEEDED

eligibility and many accept various family structures.Any married couple or single person is encouraged to apply.

If you or someone you know in your congregation,workplace or circle of friends might be interested inopening their hearts and homes to a child from anothercountry, please call the nearest LSS adoption office:

Appleton 800-577-4100 ext. 322 Eau Claire 888-746-2850La Crosse 608-788-5090Madison 608-277-2966Marquette 800-677-7410Milwaukee 414-671-5950Superior 715-394-4173 ext. 126Wausau 888-522-3678

An Extraordinary OpportunityEarly in October, Congress passed legislation that extended the IRA Rollover provision through 2009. This importantgiving opportunity, for a segment of LSS donors, allows a gift to be made directly from a traditional or Roth IRA.And, these gifts count toward the IRA owner’s mandatory withdrawal amount.

In 2007, LSS received a number of IRA Rollover gifts, which made an enormous impact on the ministry of LSS.We are hopeful that friends will recognize the unique opportunity provided and help improve the quality of the lives ofthose served by LSS by making an IRA Rollover gift in 2008.

You may take advantage of this opportunity:

• if you are age 70-1/2 or older • for gifts up to $100,000 each year • if you make the gift on or before December 31, 2008 • if you transfer funds directly from a traditional or Roth IRA

It is important to note that a distribution from an IRA to benefit the ministry of LSS must be an outrightgift distributed directly from the IRA trustee or administrator. Distributions from retirement accounts

other than traditional or Roth IRAs are not eligible under the legislation.To learn more about making a gift, contact LSS Director of Resource Development Jay

Peterson at 1-800-488-5181, ext. 3073 or givinginfo@lsswis.org. Jay will be happy to discussthis opportunity and can provide you with a sample letter to instruct your IRA administrator.

6 C O N N E C T I O N S C O N N E C T I O N S 7

This year, LSS in Dodgeville had its 10th Annual Branching Out for Girls day. On thisday, LSS welcomed 120 middle school girls to join together for discovery, learning, andnew experiences. It’s a time for the girls to kick back and think about the issues that affecttheir lives and how to best prepare for the future. The girls were broken up into smallgroups to attend various workshops.

This year, the workshops included: Eat Smart, Play Hard; Chimera Self Defense;Positive Wheels are Spinning: Self-Esteem/Positive Self-talk; Sowing the Seeds of MyFuture; Friends; and Stress Relief & Relaxation. For a final afternoon activity, thewhole group got together for Playing From Your Heart. Lead by Sonia Valle fromMadison, the girls used percussion instruments and voice to find laughter in the musicthey made. The music is based from the Caribbean and African Diaspora and thrives onaudience participation. LSS’ goal is to help girls have healthy, successful, and safe livesthat allow them to use their incredible talents and make their dreams come true.

Branching Out for GirlsLSS in Dodgeville recently welcomed 120 middle school girls to its 10th annual Branching Out for Girls day.

OLDER ADULTS andALCOHOL ABUSE— How LSS is helping by Signa Meyers, AODA Counselor for Older Adults

6 C O N N E C T I O N S

Until recently, alcoholism has been an under reported and often-ignored disease in the public eye, especially among the older adultpopulation. Addiction and alcoholism are just as serious as otherdeadly diseases that are plaguing our communities like heartdisease, diabetes, obesity and cancer. It’s sadly still viewed as amoral issue in our society. But in reality there is scientific evidence to the contrary. Addiction is a disease that changes thechemicals in the brain. Because of this chemical change, it’s notas simple as just “quitting.”

As an alcohol and drug counselor for older adults forLutheran Social Services, I see so much of the long-term effectsthat lifetime alcohol use can have on a body. Many of my clientshave serious physical problems directly related to their alcohol use such as, Type II diabetes, brokenbones, inability to walk due to muscle weakness or swollen feet and legs, back pain, jaundice,distended abdomen, depression, anxiety and more — all arguably caused or made worse bytheir alcoholism. Many people rationalize these physical ailments as “just getting old,” when in factmany of these problems are preventable if the addiction is treated.

The biggest devastation that alcohol dependence causes is within the family and peer circles.Spouses, children, grandchildren, employers, friends and co-workers are all affected. Can you imaginewhat it is like to watch someone you love and truly care about slowly kill themselves? Alcoholism isa progressive and insidious disease that wastes a person mentally, physically and spiritually.

Many health professionals treat the symptoms, but never get to the root of why the symptomsare occurring. LSS’ Side by Side program is designed to get at the cause. The program providesintensive outpatient treatment services designed to meet the specific needs of older adults (55+)and their family members affected by alcohol and drug abuse. The program sensitively addressesthe unique issues of the older adult, including:

• The physical aspects of aging• The psychological aspects of aging• Loneliness and social issues• Grief and loss• Independence• Quality of life as an older adult

Side by Side is state-certified and is staffed by state-certified alcohol and other drug abuse counselorswho specialize in older adult services. Located at the Thompson Community Center in Appleton,Side by Side is the community’s only age-specific alcohol and other drug abuse service.

One of the major characteristics of alcoholism is denial. The client may not be completely honestwith their doctor so the doctor goes on the information they are given by the patient. This iswhere family members and friends can be of vital importance in treating the disease, not just thesymptoms. I would encourage anyone who is concerned about a loved one’s use or misuse ofalcohol or drugs to contact their doctor to give them any information you may know. If you havequestions or concerns about this and any information about addiction and older adults, please donot hesitate to contact me at smeyers@lsswis.org or 920-225-1710.

Side by Side is the

community’s only age-

specific alcohol and

other drug abuse service.

The program is state-

certified and staffed by

state-certified alcohol and

other drug abuse counselors

who specialize in older

adult services.

LSS SIDE BY SIDEThompson Community Center

820 W. College Avenue

Appleton, WI 54914

920-733-2860, ext. 12

www.lsswis.org

Signa Meyers

Move Brings Mission andMinistry Closer Heavy rains this past summer caused serious floods across the State of Wisconsin. The resulting damage included

evacuated communities and washed out roads. The devastation did not stop there; over the following weeks, record rainfall continued to worsen the situation. LSS, in ministry with Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR), aided victims in therecovery process as we’ve done in previous years. However this year was different, our own clients needed help andgenerous LSS donors stepped in to help.

The worst hit area for our clients was in Oshkosh, Wis. Over 20 clients withmental health issues and developmental disabilities were displaced due tofeet…not inches, but over six feet of water in the basement and around thefacilities in less than an hour. What made it worse was the state of emergencythe whole town of Oshkosh was in. It was nearly impossible to get throughthe streets and hotels were booked due to so many being displaced.

Luckily, the AmericInn relocated their current visitors to allowLSS an entire wing to accommodate clients

and gave LSS a significantly reduced rate.With the help of LSS staff and county crisisworkers, clients were moved from their homesto the hotel in record time and without incident. After staying at the hotel for a week, Father Carr’s,

a homeless shelter in Oshkosh, opened it’s doors and letclients sat in their retreat center for more than six weeks. “It was such a blessing that Father

Carr’s housed us, fed us, and allowed us to use their laundry facilities during our stay,” said Christine Martin-Schraa, program manager. “We were truly blessed by so many great people!”

The LSS staff were amazing throughout this whole situation. They restructured their schedules and their lives to keepour clients safe. They came in everyday and did more than just their jobs. They became family to clients that had losteverything in the flood, not just the loss of their home, but also the loss of all of their possessions.

“Everything is back to normal, but we are all a little different due to this experience,” continued Christine. “Weall have a much greater appreciation for what is important. Not the things that floated away from us in the flood, but thelove and care that flowed to us during and after the flood.”

LSS is also so very thankful to those who responded to our flood appeal this past summer — almost $60,000 wasraised in donations! Thank you!

1 0 C O N N E C T I O N S C O N N E C T I O N S 1 1

Waging Through the Floods

“We were truly

blessed by so many

great people!”

A dedication in September marked the beginning of a new and closer partnership forLutheran Social Services (LSS) and the La Crosse Area Synod. LSS moved into anew building that the La Crosse Area Synod owns at 2301 South Ave. This move willhelp increase the Lutheran presence in the community.

“We serve over 100,000 people in the two-state area, yet most people in LaCrosse would probably have no idea that we’re here because our old office was so hard tofind,” said the Rev. Gary Grindeland, vice president of church and community relations for LSS. “We are thankful for the move because our partnership can reallygrow, especially with Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center down the road.”

Former Bishop April Ulring Larson, whose staff moved into the synod office lastDecember, also hopes the move reflects to people the presence of Lutherans in the area.

“One out of every four Christians is ELCA Lutheran in this 10-county area,”said Larson. “I don’t think people, including Lutherans, have often been aware ofwhat a large presence we are.”

While LSS and the La Crosse Area Synod are incorporated with the governmentas separate entities, Larson said their action is one action. They plan to share a largesign outside their offices near West Avenue.

“God’s word is never simply speech,” she said. “Our understanding of the wordis when God speaks, something happens. God doesn’t just stand out there and say‘light’ and wish it into being. But when God speaks, light happens.”

LSS serves over 100,000 people in the two-state area, with programs such asAdoption; Behavioral Health; Children, Youth & Family; Persons with Disabilities;Housing; Older Adults; Addictions/Corrections; and Urban Ministry. Picturedabove (left) are former Bishop of the La Crosse Area Synod April Larson andRev. David Larson, LSS president and CEO, and (right) Rev. Gary Grindeland, vicepresident of Church and Community Relations, with two dedication attendees.

Do YOU have a passion to serve?LSS is looking for those with a passion to serve to join our team. We offerservices for people of all ages to meet the challenges that face our communitiesand are always looking for caring, responsible individuals to assist us in ourmission. We offer employment opportunities in all facets of human services,including careers as youth care workers, community living specialists, programmanagers, certified social workers and many other positions.

If you share our passion to serve, please call 1-800-488-5181, or visit ourwebsite at www.lsswis.org for more information.

LSS offers competitive wages and benefits such as health/dentalinsurance, flexible schedules, paid vacation, sick pay and a generous retirement plan, along with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

LSS is an AA/ Equal Opportunity Employer

C O N N E C T I O N S 1 3

This year marked the seventh annual Community IntegrationServices (CIS) trip to Eagle River, Wis. for Fishing Has NoBoundaries. In its first year, 15 clients and three staff participated, and now it has expanded to almost 30 clientsand four staff. CIS is an LSS program that helps adults withcognitive disabilities live independently in the community.

This fun-filled weekend begins with a road trip fromGreen Bay to Eagle River, Wis. In Eagle River clients andstaff stay at Trees for Tomorrow (a nonprofit natural resourcespecialty school/conference center), where they are able torelax in a camp-like atmosphere. Both Saturday and Sundayeveryone is up early to fish all day. Staff help bait hooks,take off fish, cast and have fun with the clients all day.“Watching the excitement on the clients’ faces while theycatch their first fish or ride on a boat for the first time isamazing — I feel privileged to share that experience withthem,” said Kris Rusboldt, program supervisor.

After, they return to camp for a campfire, hot dogs andsmores.“Making smores for 30 people, plus many have secondsor thirds, proves to be tall task, but a fun one,” Kris expressed.On Sunday, many clients win awards for their fishing talentsand raffle prizes.

Soon after their return home, staff plan a fish fry for allthe clients with the fish caught. Staff cook the meal whilethe clients eat, watch the video taken of the fishing trip, tell

1 2 C O N N E C T I O N S

stories, and sign thank you notes for the volunteers thathelped make the weekend a success.

By relaying their stories, clients encourage theirroommates/friends to attend each year.“The relationshipsour clients make with each other and the volunteers on thetrip carries over,” explained Kris. “Many of the fishingguides correspond with our clients throughout the year —

this is really special and makes them look forward to the nexttrip.” A few clients are already packed for next year’s tripbecause they can’t wait to go again!

This wonderful weekend would not be possible withoutthe generous donations from Peace Lutheran Church in GreenBay, other volunteers, donated pontoon boats and the hardwork of our staff. Thank you!

GONE FISHIN’GONE FISHIN’

Nearly 30 clients from LSS’ Community IntegrationServices enjoyed a weekend of fishing and camping funrecently in Eagle River. This is the seventh year in a rowthat this much anticipated event has been held.

J.R. was introduced to LSS Enrichment Center two yearsago. This program provides socialization, leisure activitiesand community integration for adults with developmentaldisabilities. When he first arrived, staff were told that he wasraised in a home where they only allowed him to stay in oneroom and was never allowed to socialize with others beyondfamily members. When he ate his meals, he had to stay inthe kitchen while the rest of the family ate in the dining room.He also was deprived of touch and personal connection.Following the death of his parents, J.R. moved to a grouphome and then entered the Enrichment Center program.

J.R. is able to walk and feed himself but unable to talk.The first few weeks at the program, J.R. was continuouslyself-abusive, walked aimlessly and yelled. To help him feelwelcomed and cared for, staff greeted him each day by cuppinghis face in their hands and saying, “Good morning, J. R., we’reglad to see you.” Within a week, he would initiate this morningritual by taking their hands and put it to his face himself.

This was just the start of the many improvementsJ.R. continues to make as he settles into his new nurturingenvironment. He knows the schedule so well that he goes tothe kitchen counter when it is time for an afternoon snackand, at times, has reminded staff that they may be late forthe snack. He loves to dance and laughs when he wins atgames. He has adopted a couple other clients as his bestfriends and sits by them throughout the day. He has cer-tainly come a long way in socializing and finding a wholecommunity available to him.

It’s hard to imagine what J.R.’s life would have beenlike if he would have continued to live as he had previously.He would have missed the joy of companionship, the fun ofdancing and the pride of winning a game. Also, LSS staffwould have missed the gift to witness his discovery of the world.

Michael, a lifetime resident of Waukesha County wasfirst exposed to LSS when his father attended the AdultDay Center in Menomonee Falls, Wis. After his father’spassing, Michael moved into a two-bedroom apartment witha gentleman who also is supported by LSS. LSS staff supportadults with disabilities live independently in the community.

Michael comes from a very close family of three sistersand two brothers, as well as a large extended family. Thismove into an LSS supportive apartment was the first timein 44 years that Michael lived independently away fromfamily. At first, Michael didn’t know what to expect norwas he aware of all the opportunities he now had. Thisnew living arrangement has given him the resources to goout and enjoy his community on a daily basis.

Michael keeps very busy by working at theWaukesha Training Center and Goodwill. He’s also loverof all things sports related. He’s a medaled participant inthe Special Olympics for basketball and softball. Theartistic side of Michael has also blossomed. He’s anaccomplished painter and makes beautiful woven scarves— over 1,000 of which he donated. To top that off, he is acomputer whiz! He has his own computer and has taughthimself how to use various programs, and does his ownwriting and shopping on-line. Needless to say, Michael isone busy guy living a life we all dream of having.

Through your donations and volunteer support, youhave been able to help J.R. and Michael become who theyare today. They now have the life that most people takefor granted — a life with friends, a safe home, food to eat,and good health. How the simple things in life can makeall the difference in a person's life! And all of you helpedto make that happen — thank you for all that you do!

The staff at LSS areso thankful for thesupport churchesand donors havegiven over the years.Your contributionshave made a realdifference in ourprograms and inthe lives of our customers. Hereare two examples of how many of youhave helped LSSlive out our mission– Motivated by thecompassion ofChrist, we helppeople improve thequality of their lives.

SUCC

ESS

THANKS TO YOU

Above: Michael enjoysspending quality timewith friends he meetsthrough work and hismany other activities.

1 4 C O N N E C T I O N S C O N N E C T I O N S 1 5

Making a Difference Now and Forever A gift through your will is a meaningful way to create a legacy of care for others. If the ministryof Lutheran Social Services (LSS) is close to your heart and if you care for those served by LSS,you may find that your greatest opportunity to make a significant gift can come through your

estate. Your gift can care for those served by LSS long into the future. Perhaps theeasiest way to make a “once-in-a-lifetime” gift is by leaving instructions in yourwill. Take care of yourself and loved ones during your lifetime. Then care for theorganizations that served you and others at the end of your life by making provisionsin your will.

Please discuss this opportunity with family members and your attorney. In addition,if you have taken this step to name LSS in your will or estate plan, please let usknow. We’d like to thank you and learn more about how you would like your giftused in the future. If you have questions or if you want a brochure that providesmore information, contact Jay Peterson by phone at 1-800-488-5181, ext. 3073 or

by e-mail at givinginfo@lsswis.org.

LSS Resource Development 800-488-5181, ext. 3073 givinginfo@lsswis.org

The LSS Foundation manages a number of endowmentfunds — some created by the Board of Directors andsome created by individual donors. In 2009, the LSSFoundation will distribute a bit over $1.1 million inearnings from the Foundation’s endowment funds — aremarkable figure that helps our staff and donors togreatly improve the quality of the lives of those we serve.

We could reasonably expect that about that sameamount, perhaps even a bit more, would be available tothe programs and customers of LSS in 2010. That’sbecause, as a rule, we only spend the earnings of the funds.The power of the endowment fund lies in its permanence.

Here’s an interesting example. Mr. and Mrs. A.included a provision in their will leaving $10,000 to LSS.Their bequest instructed LSS to create an endowmentfund with their gift and distribute the earnings annuallyto help moderate the cost for parents seeking to adopta child through LSS. The $10,000 was invested alongwith other Foundation assets and, at the end of oneyear, had earned eight percent. Five percent (of theeight percent), or $500 was used to help a couple adopta child, and three percent (of the eight percent) was keptin the Fund, helping protect the fund against inflation.So in year two, the Fund begins the year with $10,300.

Fast-forward twenty years. Doing the same thingevery year — earning eight percent, using five percentto support LSS customers and programs and reinvestingthree percent, here’s what has happened.

• The fund balance has grown to over $18,000.• The annual distribution has grown to almost $900.• And the total amount distributed over twenty

years has amounted to over $13,000 —far in excess of the amount of theoriginal gift!

The great blessings of the permanentendowment accrue to the customers of LSS,who are served by these funds, and to thedonors who receive the gratitude of those customers and the knowledge that their gift willcontinue to support the important work of LSSfar into the future. If you would like to knowmore about leaving a legacy by establishing anendowment fund, please feel free to contact LSSDirector of Resource Development Jay Peterson at414-325-3073 or jpeterso@lsswis.org.

The POWER of the Endowment Fund