25 years ago in the basement of Faith Presbyterian Church, one part-time staff person and 30 volunteers from surrounding churches came together with a mission to help others. Today the Lakewood Christian Service Center located at 1412 Marlowe Ave. continues to be a place where people make a difference in the lives of those in need. Through neighbors helping neighbors, LCSC serves primarily the Lakewood community by providing basic need assistance and personalized resource and referral services, thereby empowering each individual to move toward greater self sufficiency.

During its first year, LCSC served 1,915 clients. As the end of 2007 approaches, an estimated 12,000 clients have received assistance. There are many stories of hope and success that are a direct result of the work at LCSC. The following accounts are a testament to humanity and represent a sample of the thousands helped by the center.

Susan is a woman who lived at the Edna House, a place where drug and alcohol dependent women receive treatment and transition assistance. Susan's daughter Amanda had been placed in foster care. In order for Amanda to be permitted to live with Susan, she was required to provide a complete bedroom. This entailed buying a bed, dresser, linens, comforter and other necessities. LCSC obtained funding from a grant awarded by the Ratner Foundation to help provide Susan with the money to purchase what she needed. Through the jobs program she was matched with a job, and her daughter enrolled in school. The center also helped Amanda get into programs at the Beck Center and YMCA, in addition to an after school program.

John's story is one of great hope as well. John is Mentally Retarded Developmentally Delayed (MRDD). He lived with his mother and was dependent upon her. When she was moved to a nursing home, John was unable to pay his rent and was in danger of being evicted. LCSC intervened and when a meeting between the landlord and a MRDD worker took place, the center was able to negotiate on John’s behalf. He was given the funds to pay catch up and pay his rent. The center also helped to place him in a job at McDonald’s and he is frequently given bus passes.

Jenny fled from her domestic violence situation in Florida with her three children and the clothes on their backs. She chose Cleveland because she had a brother in town, but soon realized her situation here was becoming increasingly violent. Jenny turned to Lakewood Christian Service Center and was given help with housing. She was provided with beds through another local agency, was referred for dental care and was given Section 8 vouchers. Given her situation, she received counseling for her children and herself to cope with the domestic violence issues.

The Brenners, a family of six (including an infant), had been living together, but were forced to split up at their next temporary facility because it was designated for women and children only. After coming to the center, they were provided with housing and some furniture. The father was able to obtain work and the mother is completing a computer training class. The family has regained its stability thanks to the caring people at LCSC.

Unfortunately, there are many similar situations all around us. The good news is that there is help. LCSC does not simply put a Band-Aid over a wound; rather, it provides a comprehensive plan that strives to get individuals and families to achieve self sufficiency. The center maintains a follow up for two years with clients to ensure that they have achieved this goal.

If you are interested in learning more about the Lakewood Christian Service Center, please visit our web site at www.lkwdpl.org/lcsc or call 216-226-6466.