Jeremy Iosue
Have you heard that the economy is struggling? Did you know that foreclosures and unemployment are at an all time high? The media hasn’t dedicated much time to these subjects, so I am sure that you had no idea.
Obviously the above statements are dripping with sarcasm. Everyone is acutely aware of our economic climate, and I am sure most would like to put it behind them. That is easier said than done; however, at Lifeline we are at the forefront of the battle to improve the economic realities of our Lake County residents.
To that end, Lifeline, Inc. has greatly increased and improved the assistance we offer to communities we serve. Because of the increase in the need for our services and a shift in the types of services our clients seek, we have introduced several new programs and expanded existing programs. Take a look at some of the successes we have seen in our programs this year:
Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA): During our first year of clinics we assisted 78 Lake County households in having their tax returns prepared.
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Our first year of administering the HEAP Programs in Lake County were a big success—we helped over 1,400 Lake County households keep their heat on during the Winter Crisis season and nearly 500 households keep their electricity on during the Summer Crisis season.
Employment & Training: Our ARRA funded Employment & Training Program has helped nearly 60 local residents receive job training and assistance in transitioning to a new career path. Many of these program participants have already secured jobs in their new field.
Lifeline saw unprecedented growth as an organization and we had an exciting year fundraising. March Mania, our basketball themed fundraiser was again a smashing success. In addition, we partnered with Family Planning to deliver a unique, successful and crowd pleasing fundraiser known as “Dancing under the Stars.” In the same vein as the hit TV show “Dancing with the Stars,” local celebrities worked with professional dancers and competed for votes. I was lucky enough to compete as a “celebrity dancer,” and I didn’t look nearly as foolish as I thought I would (though my wife might think differently).
Our fundraising efforts don’t end with our fun-loving events and competitions. In mid-November you may be receiving a request for a donation through our annual campaign. For those of you have donated in the past or attended our events, we thank you. If you have not contributed in the past, we hope that you are able to in the future. The generous donations we receive allow us to provide the services you read about, and help us to fulfill our mission: First to help, then to teach.
