Feet on the Street: Pressing On

by Aimee Scott, Member Relations Specialist

If the walls of the Chamber could speak, you would hear that they are privy to some encouraging news.  There chatter has been more hopeful amongst local business representatives at the turn of this new year.  For many, “uncertain times” in 2009 held one thing for certain – there was no place else to go but up.  And things do seem to be improving.

At the same time, the devastation of an earthquake opens our eyes to heartache and basic human need.  It feels like it is next door.  And it is.  Not for profit organizations are tirelessly providing, supporting, and building to mend what feels like a trembling foundation.

The first Allen County social service agency is only 32 years old, but can you imagine the impact the organization has had?  Lutheran Social Services offers help in a time of need.  Whether it is financial assistance, counseling, educational services, adoption support, or disability outreach (to name a few), their after-effect is far-reaching.  I met with the President/CEO Donna Elbrecht and was impressed to learn that 13,500 volunteer hours are deployed annually.  “We strive to empower individuals and families to move toward social, emotional, and spiritual wholeness.  We’re able to work with each person and identify his or her strengths, build upon those strengths, and walk beside them as they move forward,” Donna says.

Having been previously involved with the Graduate Retention Program here at the chamber, I am especially hopefully about LSSI’s ECHO program.  ECHO provides support for parenting teens to complete their high school education.  The graduation rate for ladies in the ECHO program is 90%, compared to a national average of 32%!  Thank you, Lutheran Social Services, for making this deposit into the hearts and lives of young woman.

My hope is that your cash registers are ringing this year. But if you look to the left or to the right and you find yourself wishing you knew exactly how to offer hope of refuge to another, let your Chamber point you toward the pillars of our city. Get connected with a not-for-profit with which you share a passion. Be a powerful voice on their behalf, and let the hopeful chatter around northeast Indiana resound.