Weekly News from LMM
We Need to Say "Thank You!"
As 2020 comes to a close, we at LMM would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to all of our donors and volunteers. Because of you, we have been able to weather all of the difficulties and obstacles of the pandemic. Because of you, the people who participate with us at our Men's Shelter at 2100 Lakeside were able to safely remain in the shelter and in scattered-site hotels. Because of you, we have the masks and PPE we need to protect our participants and staff. Because of you, individuals experiencing homelessness received their meals from our Central Kitchen, and vital mental health services were able to be provided from our Health and Wellness staff.

Your donations made it possible for participants in our Guardianship Services program to continue to receive virtual visits from their guardians—ensuring their quality of care. Your generosity ensured that the young people in our Youth Resiliency Services program had the stability of a home and continued care from staff. Your willingness to care provided distance learning for the women of Chopping for Change, as well as a new group of community participants for culinary arts training for individuals who face employment barriers.

Please accept our sincere gratitude for being committed, generous and open-hearted. You have reached deep in these uncertain times to help our oppressed, forgotten and hurting neighbors. May you be blessed and be well in the coming year.

Sincerely,

The Board and Staff of LMM


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LMM Employee Awarded Scholarship & Honored for Volunteer Work
Lana Mendis, an Employment Specialist with LMM’s Workforce Development team and Chopping for Change alumni, was recently awarded the Dr. Reginald A. Wilkinson Second Chance Scholarship. This scholarship, awarded by the Ohio Chapter of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ), recognizes the unique challenges formerly incarcerated citizens face and assists returning citizens in continuing their education.
 
Mendis is currently in the process of finishing her senior year of college with a BA in Leadership & Ministry. Through this scholarship, Lana plans to continue to follow her passion of making a difference in the community.
 
“This scholarship will assist me in maximizing my college experience through service-learning and volunteer opportunities. It contributes to the opportunity of pursuing the career I am purposed to do; a purpose rooted in service. Receiving this scholarship allows me to expand my knowledge and apply it to working with those who have been forgotten and put aside by society.”

Earlier this year, Lana was also awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award, an honor that recognizes the vital role of volunteers in the United States. Between work and school, Lana finds time to regularly volunteer in the community. 
 
“I enjoy serving the community through volunteer work, as it is a rewarding task that allows me the choice to make a remarkable impact not only for myself, but, more importantly, for those I serve.”
 
Congratulations, Lana!
Urgent Action Needed!
Final decisions regarding a COVID-19 relief package are being made today. Alarmingly, there is growing opposition by some members of Congress to a one-month extension of the CDC eviction moratorium. Without this extension, individuals could face eviction beginning January 1. This is unacceptable.

Contact your members of Congress and urge them to support the bipartisan agreement to extend the federal eviction moratorium and provide $25 billion in emergency rental assistance.
#LMM12DaysOfGiving
To round out the year, LMM is highlighting the generosity and commitment of a few of the amazing volunteers and donors we’ve had the opportunity to work with throughout 2020. Go check out LMM on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date with #LMM12DaysofGiving.