Someone once said, if you are given the opportunity, be the change you wish to see in the world.
That could describe the extraordinary journey of Colón from being bullied as a child, to becoming a national boxing sensation to becoming the President CEO of Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, one of the largest nonprofits in the Midwest.
He grew up in poverty on Milwaukee’s south side. He lost two close friends to drug addiction, and as a young Latino, he experienced the ever-present challenges of bullying and prejudice
At the same time his mother was working three jobs, his father left home when was Héctor was twelve, and his sister suffered from drug addiction and co-occurring mental illness.
The future looked bleak for this young boy.
As a result of the challenges surrounding him Colón says his Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) score was six. “According to research, this would indicate that I had a 1200% likelihood of having depression and a 200% likelihood of committing suicide, but fortunately I was able to overcome these disadvantages.”
The Hector Colón story is detailed in the author’s memoir, From Boxing Ring to Boardroom-5 Essential Virtues for Life & Leadership (August, 2020). (hectorcolonmke.com)
“If you want inspiration then you owe it to yourself to read Héctor Colón’s life story. From humble beginnings to a champion boxer to the boardroom. Héctor weaves a wonderful story about life’s challenges and rewards,” Howard Behar, Retired President of the Starbucks Coffee Company
Profound Personal & Professional Journey
Living in a poor neighborhood, and seeing up close the needs of his family, these experiences propelled Colón to make a difference with his life. These experiences not only helped shape his strong work ethic, later on it led to his relentless efforts in helping others through strong leadership.
Earlier this year Colón’s leadership was recognized when Gov. Tony Evers appointed him to the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents
He also served as the boxing and mixed martial arts commissioner for the state of Wisconsin from 2009 to 2011. Colón holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Today, he is known as a bold visionary as leader of Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Milwaukee and Upper Michigan. The organization provides aid to about 40,000 individuals through dozens of programs including mental health, addiction, foster care, disabilities, and family services for youth to seniors.
Last year BizTimes of Milwaukee named him “Nonprofit Executive of the Year.”
Boxing Makes a Difference
Sometimes, looking back, there’s a definitive moment in time that leads you in the direction to where you are today.
In his memoir Colón clearly describes that moment. “On a summer day when I was nine, Adam sent me home crying and bleeding from being bullied. That same day my father marched me into the boxing gym.”
He says the person he is today was shaped by tough trials growing up as well as those first tentative steps he took into the boxing ring and the decade of hard work that followed.
“I recall being pushed in front of a mirror and shown some basic boxing combinations by my coach, Shorty, his first and only boxing coach. “After I started boxing, he turned to my father and said, “Héctor is a natural. He will become a champion.”
“I have known Héctor since he was nine years old and have witnessed him grow and develop into a man who lives every day with the virtues of magnanimity, humility, courage, perseverance and temperance. Héctor is a champion in and out of the ring. This memoir is charming yet inspiring; find out what it takes to be a champion in life,” Ricardo Diaz, Executive Director, United Community Center
Colón’s childhood trials led to the United Community Center boxing program and seven subsequent USA National boxing titles. This same fierce determination to succeed nurtured the virtues of magnanimity, humility, courage, fortitude and temperance – deep-rooted virtues that he continues to embrace as CEO and president of LSS.
As a member and champion of the U.S. national boxing team, he traveled all over the world, winning seven national titles and competing in the 1992 Olympic trials.
“The transition from boxing ring to the boardroom is not a common path,” Colón says “All odds were against me. Research would indicate that someone with my background would have a difficult time succeeding,” he says.
Today, he is an independent director on the board of USA Boxing with a focus on inspiring athletes to discover their own path towards personal and professional greatness.
Life Lessons
In his memoir Colón describes and emphasizes five essential virtues for life and leadership.
Magnanimity — Strive for greatness.
Humility — “I learned what it meant to be served by my coach, through boxing,” Colón says.
“He sacrificed long hours in the gym with me. He delayed or cancelled vacations to attend my boxing matches. And he accepted me into his house where he fed, loved and cared for me when I was 16. Through him, I learned what it meant to be a servant leader and I try to live out this approach in my personal and professional life — serving and putting others first.”
Courage — Fight to do the right thing in the midst of significant challenge, odds and opposition. “Be not afraid
Perseverance — It’s okay to fail –it will make you stronger. If you fail that means you are stretching yourself to do challenging things.
Temperance — We need to exhibit measured responses to difficult, challenging and trying circumstances to yield good outcomes for yourself and others.
He credits the moral teachings of his father, the humility and love from his mother and the pride of his culture as contributing to the person he is today.
When he was boxing he pointed out he was never striving to be number two. “During training, I prepared to outwork my opponent. That meant I was running and training at 4 am, and at the end the day I was sparring in the gym for two to three hours. It was hard work, but that’s what I had needed to do to prepare myself mentally and physically in order to achieve my goals.”
This is what he tells those who have trouble visualizing a better future for themselves.
“My journey continued with challenges, low expectations by others, set-backs, opportunities, and successes. Undeterred, I applied the same dedication, determination and discipline that it took to become a champion boxer to my new life striving for excellence in everything I do, whether it be as a husband, father, or CEO.”
WAUKESHA — Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS), in partnership with Waukesha County, announced on Thursday they received $295,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding through the CARES Act to offer residents rental, utility and eviction support.
The growing need for housing assistance comes during the COVID-19 pandemic, as residents are facing new challenges, including the end to the extra $600 per month in unemployment benefit assistance, which expires today amid disagreement in Congress about how to prolong it. The statewide eviction moratorium put in place during COVID-19 expired in late May and the moratorium on utility disconnections during COVID-19 expired July 25.
LSS will work in collaboration with Waukesha County to offer residents services that will address these concerns.
Waukesha County residents experiencing housing instability or eviction due to COVID-19 can apply for up to $3,000 in rent and utility payments while grant funding lasts.
Eligible households must live in Waukesha County, have an annual household income that is 80% of the area median income and must have proof of a W9 signed by the landlord and a landlord agreement that financial assistance is needed.
This funding will support about 100 households.
Vice President for Housing Services/Facility and Asset Management Dennis Hanson said the role of LSS is to receive the initial applications, ensure the individual and their place of residence are qualified, and help provide the funds to have the individual remain in their current home.
“We’ve been encouraging individuals that we work with all along, even during the moratorium, to be in contact with their landlords and to try to work out payment arrangements,” Hanson said. “We’re really just trying to make people aware that the moratorium really did not forgive the funds that were owed; it just put a limited period where no action could be taken.”
Hanson said individuals who are evicted have a harder time getting another rental due to screening.
“I’m sure that there’s going to be more need than the 100 households that can be served at present,” he said. “I do not anticipate any problem filling all 100 slots.”
LSS provides other services as well, including housing services and skills programs.
To access these funding resources tenants can call 855-397-9520 or visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/communitydevelopment to begin the process. They are encouraged to leave a message and LSS staff will call them back to walk them through the next steps.
“The county has been a wonderful partner in this and we’re just thrilled to be working with them to impact the residents of Waukesha County in a positive way,” Hanson said.
Servant Leadership Informs Inclusion
Racial injustices, such as the murder of George Floyd, often lead to discussions about equity, diversity and inclusion.
How Servant-Leadership Informs Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
by Héctor Colón
June 19, 2020
How Servant-Leadership Informs Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Racial injustices, such as the murder of George Floyd, often lead to discussions about equity, diversity and inclusion. Well-intended business leaders change policies, develop affinity groups, and require training. Research literature demonstrates that these traditional workplace programs do not significantly achieve intended goals.
At Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS), we look to Servant-Leadership and Larry Spears’ ”Ten Characteristics of Effective, Caring Leaders” for inspiration. This article offers ideas on how to enhance your program with five of these characteristics: Awareness, Listening, Healing, Empathy and Commitment to the Growth of people.
Awareness involves understanding individual strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, and biases. The better you know yourself, the better you can foster meaningful connections with others. Self-awareness is foundational to authentic relationships requiring meaningful dialogue and a willingness to grow and change.
To create an environment that encourages awareness for others, self-reflect on your own personal behaviors and biases and make a commitment to learn about how to change them for the better.
Listening includes actively receiving someone’s words, feelings and body language. In order to discover and meet the needs of others, we need to listen rather than mandate a top-down approach to solutions for all.
Co-create a diverse and inclusion
ve environment with your employees through active listening and asking questions. Reach outside of your organization for help with facilitating these meaningful conversations
Through open dialogue, listening and awareness, you can hear when a person needs to heal from past hurts. Without healing, wounds and scars might resurface unless addressed.
Find your safe places and people with whom you can share your wounds and scars. Then work to create a trustworthy environment for employees that offers healing and opportunities to become their best selves.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another without judgment. It expresses awareness of what it’s like to live in the shoes of others and offer support to aid in their healing.
Find ways to connect with others that have faced experiences different from your own. You can show empathy by expressing a desire to know someone more deeply so you can better understand their challenges and pain.
When addressing a commitment to the growth of people, Servant-Leader Founder Robert Greenleaf shares the following: “Do those served grow as persons? Do they, while being served, become wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants? And what is the effect on the least privileged in society…?”
Employees will know of your commitment to their growth when you choose to self-reflect, actively listen, make space for healing and show empathy. Putting others’ interests before your own will help unleash the greatness of individuals, your organization and the community at large.
A Servant-Leadership approach develops a culture over compliance, awareness over assumptions, and leadership over legislation. Join me in this movement to respond to the racial and ethnic disparities that exist in our society today.
About the Author and LSS:
Servant-Leader, Héctor Colón, is the current President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS). Within his first two years at LSS, Mr. Colón co-created with his leadership team and boards of directors to realize a significant $4 million financial turnaround for the social services organization. Colón was named 2019 Nonprofit Executive of the Year by BizTimes Media in Milwaukee. He currently serves on the University Of Wisconsin Board Of Regents and is an independent director on the board of USA Boxing. Mr. Colon is set to release his first book, “From Boxing Ring to Board Room” later this summer.
LSS empowers people to live their best lives by offering a path to recovery from addiction or mental illness, a home that’s safe and affordable, a family to thrive in, independence and a life that is truly their own. Every year, nearly thirty thousand people in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan come to LSS with incredible odds stacked against them. LSS innovates services and compassionately delivers them with…
Experience: LSS has 138 years of proven results as a social service provider.
Effectiveness: Over 90% of the people served say that LSS improved the quality of their lives.
Efficiency: LSS beats the industry average on the percentage of dollars raised that are applied to client care.
To support LSS and their work with clients especially impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic, please visit www.lsswis.org/responsefund or Text LSSGIVE to 41444. For questions, please contact Jackie Harcourt at jackie.harcourt@lsswis.org or 414-246-2701.
LSS and Waukesha County Continue to Provide Critical Birth to 3 Services During COVID-19
Waukesha County residents receive essential child support during public health pandemic
Waukesha, Wis. (July __, 2020) – Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) continues to offer Birth to 3 early intervention services for Waukesha families with children experiencing developmental delays and disabilities during this public health crisis.
“As more parents and guardians work from home and spend increased time with their children, they may recognize signs of developmental delays exhibited by their young loved ones,” said Héctor Colón, President and CEO, LSS. “We want people to know our Birth to 3 program remains an available program individuals can turn to for developmental screening and support.”
The LSS Birth to 3 Program offers families in Waukesha County with resources including, but not limited to, screening, eligibility evaluation, ongoing assessment, and service coordination. It is free to call and individuals can speak with a clinical specialist who will answer their questions and determine if their child qualifies for services. Referrals are welcome from anyone with concerns about a child’s development, including but not limited to, parents and guardians, friends, doctors, neighbors and childcare providers.
“During these challenging times, it’s important that parents and guardians feel supported and have someone to talk to about their concerns,” said Linda Wetzel, Birth to 3 Program Manager, LSS. “Our families throughout Waukesha County build strong relationships with our early intervention team and we’re thankful that we can continue offering resources to the community.”
LSS takes a holistic approach dictated by each child’s individual development opportunities. The Birth to 3 program currently offers telehealth visits with service coordinators, speech, physical and occupational therapists, and early education teachers who work with parents and guardians on strategies and activities to help their child reach various developmental milestones.
“Our son, Elijah, was diagnosed with epilepsy and we noticed he was showing signs of developmental delays around the eight month mark,” said Meghan Kuehl, a Birth to 3 client. “Our doctor recommended we work with a Birth to 3 program and since we began working with LSS, Elijah has made tremendous progress. While the telehealth visits with our PT and OT therapists look a little different, it has allowed us to be more engaged and hands-on in the therapy process.”
“Waukesha County values the strong partnership we’ve built with LSS over the years, working together to seamlessly provide support to families and children in need of critical early intervention services,” said Lisa Roberts, Children & Family Services Manager for the Waukesha County Department of Health & Human Services. “Now it’s more important than ever to work with our community and make sure they’re aware of the resources available.”
In order to receive services, children must meet the following eligibility requirements: age birth to third birthday; diagnosed condition that is likely to result in a developmental delay or exhibits a delay of 25% or more in one area of functioning (cognitive, physical, communication, social and emotional or self-help skills) on standardized developmental testing or demonstrates atypical development that is likely to affect overall development.
If you are a Waukesha resident and have questions about your children’s 0 to 3 development, please call 262-548-7212 or visit www.lsswis.org/LSS/Programs-Services/Youth-Programs/Birth-to-3 to learn more about resources available. There is no cost to call or have your child screened.
About Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc. Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan strives to build healthy communities filled with people using their God-given gifts to serve. For more than 100 years, this has been our goal. At LSS, we value compassion, co-creation, change and courage, instilling these core values in every community and residential program we offer. We believe in the infinite worth of every individual and because of this, we are committed to the growth and empowerment of others. To learn more about how LSS acts compassionately, serves humbly and leads courageously, visit www.LSSwis.org.
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Gold Medal Lofts Grand Opening
Milwaukee-based J. Jeffers & Co. developed the project in partnership with Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. The 77 apartments include market-rate units, and those reserved for people making less than 60%, 50% or 30% of the area’s median income levels. Read more
Héctor Colón LSS Statement Regarding George Floyd
“Please…..I can’t breathe….Mama……my stomach hurts, my neck hurts, everything hurts,……Please…….Don’t kill me!” Like so many, I can’t get these words out of my mind. More than seven minutes passed as Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck. George moaned and groaned while three other police officers stood there doing nothing as George took his last
breath on May 25, 2020. Today his family stands without a son and brother, his kids without a father and the community without a person that displayed a commitment to make lives better.
Why did this happen? My heart pains to see the videos or read the news relating to this injustice. Unfortunately, racial and ethnic disparities continue to exist in our society. The research literature well documents that people of color and specifically African Americans are treated differently in the criminal justice system. Who would have thought that the alleged use of a counterfeit $20 dollar bill could result in a senseless homicide? When I looked into the eyes of Derick when watching the video, I personally felt the cold and reckless act that slowly and painfully took George’s precious life.
As a person of color, I can identify with the racial and ethnic injustices I have faced in my life. By no means would I compare my situation to the injustice of George, nor am I comparing my situation to the experiences of African Americans in this country. However, I will share a few points to demonstrate how I can relate. These moments never leave your memory. One time on a nice summer day I went to pick up my girlfriend, who is now my wife. Within blocks of her home we were stopped by four police officers in two cars. The officers shouted, “Get out of the car.” I said, “Why?” They repeated, “Get out now!” They roughly ransacked my car, going through my glove compartment and trunk, leaving a mess as they calmly walked back into their vehicles with no explanation of why they did this.
Another time I was working for a mail carrier and was entering the back of a department store in Racine to pick up their mail. An individual next to me shouted, “Get away from my car you Mexican N….” I went on to tell him why I was there but he kept on shouting at me angrily. After being taunted several times, I picked up my mail and left.
Yet another time, I went out with some friends to go dancing, something I rarely did in college because I was focused on getting my degree to pursue a career. Two friends and I were prohibited from entering the establishment. I asked, “Why are you not letting us in?” White patrons were walking right in so it was not because of crowd control. I asked three times and then they said very aggressively, “You better leave or else we are calling the cops.” Since I knew this conversation was going nowhere, I left.
The way I reacted in these situations, walking away, may have saved my life. Had I reacted differently, maybe I would have gone to jail, obtained a fine, lost my job and even died the way George did. The unfortunate thing here is that George did react the way I did. He was polite and did not resist arrest and yet he is gone.
Justice needs to be brought to Derek Chauvin, but he is not the only one responsible. The other police officers who were on the scene are also responsible. Why didn’t they do anything? Did they agree with what they saw? On the other hand, maybe they were fearful. I say they were cowards. They chose not to use good judgment and common sense or to enact the aim and purpose of their police profession which is to protect and serve. Courage is acting even when you are afraid. Courageous people will do the right thing even when it is difficult. These police standing by were the only ones that could have saved George’s life and they should have consequences measurable to their silence and inaction that led to this tragic situation. Despite my personal experiences, I believe the overwhelming majority of law enforcement act with integrity in fulfilling their duties to protect and serve. The actions of the police officers in the George Floyd tragedy did a grave disservice to all the men and women who put their lives on the line and whose countless daily positive actions go unreported. It is my hope that as a society we do not get clouded and turn against the individuals who choose to protect and serve. If we are to get to the root cause, we must look to the systems and policies that foster conditions where the actions of these officers can occur.
While George is gone his story lives. The pain and discomfort many feel is real and it will last a long time. Nevertheless, how can we use this unfortunate tragedy to move us closer together versus further apart. We need to peacefully end the racial and ethnic disparities that continue to exist in our criminal justice system, in our healthcare system, and in other systems and institutions in our society.
In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that; hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” And the Floyd family agrees. Terrance Floyd said recently, “We’ve been down this road already. He [George Floyd] would want to seek justice the way we are, the way we’re trying to do. But channel it another way. The anger, damaging your hometown, it’s not the way he’d want.” Let us follow the advice of Martin Luther King and George’s brother in moving forward demanding change through peaceful efforts. There is no place for violence against police officers, protestors, businesses and communities. We must lead with peace.
Everyone is created equal and has a right to live in a healthy community filled with people using their God-given gifts to serve. At LSS, we are called every day to enact our mission to act compassionately, serve humbly and lead courageously in solidarity with all people from white to black to brown and in-between. And we will stand in support of the infinite worth of black lives.
‘No matter when they call, I pick up’: Mental health workers see increased demand for treatment, support
Ivy Zamora, a therapist with Lutheran Social Services, primarily serves children with mental health challenges. But increasingly, she’s hearing from their parents, too.
“There’s a frustration and helplessness that sets in that can be overwhelming for people,” Zamora said.
Zamora isn’t deterred. She is setting up phone and video calls with the kids she normally sees at their schools, and their families. She’s listening and sharing coping mechanisms, while also connecting families with resources for food, gas money, school supplies and other needs through the new LSS Response Fund.
Zamora and hundreds of mental health workers around Wisconsin are finding creative ways to stay in touch with patients and expand what they offer while anxiety rises and traditional support services shut down.
Health experts say it’s too early to tell how extensively the pandemic is impacting mental health but there are already indications of rising symptoms of anxiety and depression, and more calls to support lines.
At Children’s Hospital, a greater portion of youth coming to the emergency room are being treated for self-inflicted injuries, compared to this time last year, according to Amy Herbst, vice president of mental and behavioral health.
“I can’t say it’s necessarily caused by isolation but we certainly believe there’s a correlation,” Herbst said. “There are tremendous stressors in many families’ lives right now.”
Dr. Jerry Halverson, chief medical officer at Rogers Behavioral Health, said the hospital has seen increased demand for inpatient mental health care as other avenues narrow.
Halverson said patients are reporting difficulties reaching their usual mental health providers. He said patients are also avoiding other hospitals out of fear of COVID-19. This can cause symptoms to escalate.
“COVID has uncovered a lot of folks that had depression and anxiety prior to this,” Halverson said. “It’s been very stressful and it’s not surprising we’re seeing continued and increased demand for psychiatric treatment.”
The Waukesha Police Department, which provides details about police calls to the Journal Sentinel, has responded to more emergency calls related to mental health. Some callers have specifically noted challenges with isolation or cohabitation during the pandemic.
Baumann said unless someone is urgently suicidal, Waukesha police officers are referring callers to IMPACT 2-1-1 and other community resources.
But with day treatment programs closing, therapists locking their doors, and hospitals pivoting resources to COVID-19 treatment while being more cautious with admissions, many of the traditional routes for mental health support are unavailable.
Video therapy now broadly available
As orders for isolation started sweeping the country, mental health providers knew they needed a way to keep in touch with patients. Some had already experimented or were well practiced with tele-health platforms that allow providers to securely and privately talk with patients via video.
But there were barriers. Before the pandemic, Medicaid only paid for tele-health in specific circumstances. Patients had to be at a clinic, hospital or nursing home while calling their provider. And the provider had to work for a certain type of clinic.
On March 17, dozens of mental health advocacy organizations and practitioners signed a letter asking state officials to remove those barriers. Officials responded. Patients can now video-conference with their providers from home — whether the provider works for a clinic or works independently.
These changes will be permanent beyond the pandemic, a spokesperson for the state Department of Health Services said.
‘That existential feeling of loneliness’
Tele-health has been vital for Zamora, who serves students in United Community Center’s charter schools. It’s allowed her to keep in touch with families in possibly the most critical time, while day treatment programs and hospitals are taking fewer mental health patients.
One parent Zamora works with, an undocumented immigrant, was laid off from her restaurant job and is caring for both her child and her mother. She’s been without income for several weeks.
“For her there’s an increase in anxiety and some depressive symptoms,” Zamora said. “That existential feeling of loneliness in the world and feelings of isolation from co-workers and friends. And now people are counting on you and you can’t meet their needs.”
Zamora hopes the mother will benefit from the LSS Response Fund. And Zamora is trying to help her shield her child from the stress as much as possible.
“The virus has strained families in a different way than they may have historically experienced stress in the past,” Zamora said. “We’re trying to do a good job of helping kids not absorb and internalize those adult concerns.”
As tele-health becomes the primary, and sometimes only, way to access a therapist or psychiatrist, some patients are left behind because of limited internet or technology.
In central Wisconsin, therapist Kris Koplitz has recommended some families park outside libraries to access internet for therapy sessions.
In Milwaukee, providers at Sixteenth Street Clinic have found some clients are running out of minutes on their phones and lacking computers, tablets or smart phones to access other tele-health platforms, said Maria Perez, vice president of behavioral health.
‘No matter when they call, I pick up’
With some long-time mental health supports suddenly disrupted, mental health providers are working long hours to ensure their clients don’t feel alone.
Our Space stopped taking new residents at Parachute House, a temporary residence for people in emotional distress, but reopened April 27. The organization also closed its drop-in center which offered support groups and other services.
Our Space workers like Mark Ploeckelman, Jr., are still visiting clients and setting up calls.
“No matter when they call, I pick up,” said Ploeckelman, a certified peer specialist who coordinates care for residents of Highland Commons in West Allis, an apartment building for people with mental illness and substance use challenges.
“They can call me at 3 a.m. and I’ll get up out of dead sleep and be like, ‘Hello this is Mark.’ And they’ll be like, ‘I can’t believe you picked up, I thought you’d be asleep.’ And I’m like, ‘I was, but you called.’ “
Ploeckelman said residents have been wanting to go to hospitals for inpatient care more often than usual, and he’s trying to calm them down and keep them safe at home when possible.
“I want them to know I’ll be there every day as normal as I can be,” he said.
Koplitz, who serves students in the Colby and Abbotsford school districts, has also found ways to stay connected to families.
Koplitz usually uses her office plants as props for mindfulness exercises. Now that she’s switched to tele-health, she gives her students a list of natural materials, like twigs and rocks, to find and bring to their video appointment, at which they will practice mindful observation with the five senses.
Campos, who works as a nurse and has legal guardianship of the children, said Zamora has helped her children practice patience and empathy.
“I’m the one that gets the benefits because they’re doing so well at home,” Campos said. “It’s a blessing and I hope more families that need the help are able to access it.”
Zamora said while the pandemic has caused deep stress, it has also illuminated the strong relationships neighbors have built to support each other financially and emotionally.
“These families have historically had to rely on each other,” Zamora said. “There’s a lot of banding together, sharing of resources. There’s really a lot of tenderness.”
Mental health resources
Crisis lines
Milwaukee County 24-hour crisis line: 414-257-7222. When needed, a mobile team can meet adults and adolescents anywhere to talk and connect them to resources.
Pathfinders 24-hour line for youth in crisis: 414-271-1560
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
HOPELINE: For emotional support, text “Hopeline” to 741-741
Other resources
IMPACT 211: Call 2-1-1 for information and referrals to a wide range of community services
Sixteenth Street: Call 414-672-1353 to set up an appointment with a mental health provider
Rory Linnane reports on public health and works to make information accessible so readers can improve their lives and hold officials accountable. Contact Rory at (414) 801-1525 or rory.linnane@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @RoryLinnane.
Sojourner House and Positive Avenues create temporary 24/7 shelter
Eau Claire (WQOW) – In order to more effectively help the homeless, two groups are temporarily pooling their resources under one roof.
During the pandemic, both the Sojourner House and Positive Avenues, a program under Lutheran Social Services, are providing a 24/7 shelter at the Hobbs Ice Arena in Eau Claire.
The temporary combined shelter has 70 beds. In addition to getting some sleep, people can also receive a free lunch and snack, use the shelter’s phone and take a shower. There’s also hygiene products and social workers on-site to lend a listening ear.
Officials say pooling their resources makes it easier for guests to stay out of the elements and get what they need.
“It feels really good. It’s a place to make a safe place for our people and have them so that they’re not out there. It can be stressful at times; I’m not going to lie. But it is also a very nice thing that we’re doing and we’re all working together,” said Alyssa Greene, a family and community services professional with LSS Positive Avenues.
To help keep everyone healthy and safe, staff and volunteers screen guests for any COVID-19 symptoms, clean the facility twice a day, check temperatures, and space the beds at least six feet apart.
If you would like to donate a meal or volunteer during the daytime from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., contact Kim Campy at Lutheran Social Services (Positive Avenues) at 715-864-5689 or email kimberly.campy@lsswis.org.
If you are interested in volunteering in the morning, evening, or overnight, contact Clare Nelson at Catholic Charities (Sojourner House) at 715-450-1457 or email cnelson@cclse.org.
Katrina Lim
Those with substance use disorder facing challenges amid virus
Lutheran Social Services asking for monetary donations, face masks
Waukesha Freeman
By Nikki Brahm
WAUKESHA — Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan is asking for donations in response to the coronavirus, with Waukesha services specifically needing face masks and monetary donations.
The GenesisHouse is a supportive 12-bed Transitional Residential Treatment for men with substance use disorder. Residents typically stay between 30 to 180 days with nine hours of therapy a week while they work to transition back to independent living. Also needing donations is the Cephas House, which provides services to adult males referred through the Department of Corrections that have a history of substance use disorder.
Patrick Reilly, program supervisor atthe GenesisHouse for LSS, said they have been responding to the coronavirus and its many challenges.He is unaware of a coronavirus case in their facilities.
“What we’ve been doing to the best of our abilities is following all CDC guidelines … but like any organization in our area, PPE is hard to come by,” Reilly said.Reilly said they are asking the community to donate 60 cloth masks, for both staff members and residents at the two houses.
One of the greater challenges the alcohol and drug treatment centers are dealing with is the lack of available community support meetings.Reilly said they support each individual on the path to recovery through outside support.
“What we’ve had to do with a lot of organizations is really embrace the Tele-Health or Zoom meetings … we’ve been able to put together a pretty good list of outside support meetings that our residents can be involved with,” he said.
Reilly said there couldn’t be a more difficult time for individuals to find sobriety than right now.“Purely the fact that they’re in treatment, I think is amazing … I don’t think the Zoom meetings are as effective as let’s say individual, and to be in the same room as someone, but I’d rather have that than none,” Reilly said.
Another challenge is boredom, which can be a trigger for individuals working towards sobriety.“Boredom and down time is dangerous for my threeyear- old, but it’s also extremely dangerous for alcoholics and drug addicts,” Reilly said.
LSS Response Fund
Katharine Foley, LSS advisor, public relations, said they are also looking for monetary donations towards their Response Fund, created in response to the coronavirus.
The LSS Response Fund helps counselors provide direct support to the over 5,000 people who rely on LSS, including families that may not have access to mental health counseling, addiction recovery, affordable housing, daytime shelter, food and more.
Foley said the LSS Response Fund helps with many of the needs they are working to solve.
“Some of the families just need a gas card so the parents can still work, or they need additional school supplies to help keep their kids busy,” she said. “For housing, if it is additional food for the week just to get by if they have to pay their rent check.”
The fund has a $25,000 fundraising goal set and has raised just under $5,000 so far.
To donate masks, Waukesha residents can sew cloth masks and donate them to either the Cephas House or the GenesisHouse. To donate cloth masks, people can email donorservices@lsswis. org.
To donate to the LSS Response Fund, people can visit lsswis.org/LSS/lssresponsefund. For questions related to services offered, people can call 414-246-2300.
“This is the safest place for people with a substance use disorder to be right now,” Reilly said.
Positive Avenues will remain open during COVID-19 pandemic
Eau Claire (WQOW) – People struggling with homelessness in our area will continue to have a vital resource.
Positive Avenues on Putnam Street in Eau Claire is considered an essential service under the governor’s Safer-at-Home order so it will remain open.
Staff asked News 18 to stay outside of the day-center in order to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Positive Avenues serves 50 to 70 clients a day giving them free meals, bus tickets, and access to computers. They also provide hygiene supplies and storage space for belongings.
Program manager Linda Cole said it’s important now more than ever that they stay open during these uncertain times.f
“As people’s routines are disrupted and regular doctor appointments may be canceled, Positive Avenues is committed to serving as a day-time resource center for those that come there,” said Cole. “And many of the other places in the community are closed so we’re one of the only places that’s open during the daytime.”
The facility is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during its winter hours, and five days a week during the summer. Cole said staff will reevaluate if they need to extend those summer hours due to the pandemic.
