here - Lake Wales Care Center

Lake Wales Care Center
P EOPLE HELPING
P EOPLE HELPING PEOPLE
June, 2011 - Volume 26 - Issue No. 2
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tricia Adams
*Cindy Alexander
Bo Boyte
Jack Brandon
Jerry Brown
Dave Connor
Nick Drayer
Paul Gerrard
Rev. Eric Grenier
Reid Hardman
Burney Hayes
Rev. Jack Hilligoss
Nancy Hale Hoyt
Adrijana Hunt
*D. Andrew Hunt
*Bill Jacobs
Rev. Jeff Kantz
Linda Kimbrough
Jayne Crews-Linton
William Moure
Jason Penrod
Angela Pulido
Rev. Herb Schlenker
Nancy Turnquist
Bob Weikert
Rev. Roscoe Williams
*Advisory Member
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Chamber Business After Hours-
Hosted by Care Center
Empty Bowls
October 11
Golf Tournament
November 12th
Lake Wales Country Club
Thanksgiving Food Drive
November
Thanksgiving Unity Service
November 22st
Volunteer Christmas Banquet
December 8 - 5:30 P.M.
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Are you puzzled about your
summer plans and what you
could do to fill those long days.?
Would you like to share activities
with others and help in your community
at the same time? Have we got
good news for you….Care Center is looking
for people who would like to deliver
meals to shut-ins, receive, sort and label
donated items in two thrift stores, repair
homes for disadvantaged homeowners,
answer phones, enter data in
computer, assist with activities in our
youth programs, help at the free clinic
and much more.
As you read this newsletter, please relax
and enjoy a glass of lemonade while
you consider spending some time with
Care Center this summer. Volunteers
are a vital part of helping each program
or event move forward and accomplish
the goals set for them. Our
community has proven it is generous,
sharing and caring by the past service
history. In 2010, upwards of 1,600
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Enterprise Programs 8
Lake Wales Free Clinic 2
Program Highlights 3-4
Special Events
Canoeing for Care Center
Run Like You Care
Stay-At-Home Work Camp 6-7
Volunteer Luncheon 5
Youth Activities 5
LETTER FROM THE BOARD
2
Left to right volunteers Tom and Carol
Harless deliver meals to Charlie and
Barbara Stango through the Meals on
Wheels program.
volunteers served more than of
55,000 hours.
Please contact Care Center and let’s discuss
opportunities on how you may complete
your puzzle.
With CARE,
Care Center Board
Stay-At-Home-Workcampers
Preparing for the 2011 Work Camp.
More information on pages 6-7.

Page 2 Summer Newsletter 2011
GROWING IN
THE COMMUNITY
LAKE WALES FREE CLINIC-GRAND OPENING
Inspired by visits to local charitable clinics in the Polk County
area, the Greater Lake Wales Health Care Foundation, Inc. envisioned
a free clinic in Lake Wales to benefit the residents of
southeastern Polk County. Met with overwhelming enthusiasm
and support by Board members and other community partners,
that plan became a reality on March 22, 2011 with the establishment
and opening of Lake Wales Free Clinic, Inc. Lake Wales
Care Center was asked and agreed to manage the clinic.
The mission of the clinic is to provide quality health care in a
spirit of service and compassion to qualified residents of the
greater Lake Wales area.
The Clinic is a quality provider of charitable health care to those
individuals who have no insurance and who meet income eligibility
requirements. Services provided include:
-Acute and chronic care of pediatric
and adult patients
-Physicals
-Behavioral and mental health counseling
-Referrals for specialty care
Guest enjoyed delicious food prepared
by the chef from the Lake
Wales Medical Center.
R UN LIKE YOU CARE
Clinic hours are:
Monday evening: Sign in 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Thursday evening: Sign in 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Community partners include:
• Greater Lake Wales Health Care Foundation, Inc.
• Lake Wales Care Center
• Lake Wales Medical Center
• Polk County Board of County Commissioners
CARE CANOE
The Free Health Clinic opened in March.
210 Dr. JA Wiltshire Ave. East, Lake Wales
Phone: 863-676-1222
Fax: 863-676-1226
Email: lwfclinic@gmail.com
Care Center held the third annual Canoeing For Care Center event
on Saturday, May 21. The canoers had a safe and pleasurable passage
across the waters on Crooked Lake. Twenty-eight canoers
loaded up in three 29’ canoes and set out from the east shore of
Crooked Lake to enjoy the activities of the day.
Participants were faced with several competitions along their
route. During each stop, canoers enjoyed refreshments, shade and
a ‘hearty’ smile from volunteers as they worked their way back
and forth across the lake. Thank you to the caring canoers, donors
and volunteers who helped raise upwards of $6,000 to support
Care Center’s Stay-At-Home Work Camp.
Lake Wales Care Center held its first annual Run Like You
Care 5k & 10K run/walk event on Saturday, April 16 th . More
than 150 participants enjoyed a beautiful spring morning and
helped to raise funds and awareness of our Meals on Wheels
program. Care Center has been providing the MOW Program
for the greater Lake Wales area since 1988. Through
the program, area elderly and shut-ins receive a hot, wellbalanced
noon meal each weekday.
In 2010, Meals on Wheels volunteers delivered 7,881 meals.
The program provides a vital service to our community and
without our volunteers, it would not be possible.
“My family had a wonderful time at the race. It’s great
to be part of an activity that is going to help others.
Thanks.” ….from a race participant

Page 3
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
B ASIC NEEDS
Each year Care Center assists over 4,600 families with tangible resources
such as food, clothing, furniture, household items and financial
assistance for those in short-term crisis.
On an annual basis Care Center will provide nearly $415,000 of shortterm
cash assistance utilizing and coordinating funding from Salvation
Army, Federal Emergency Food and Shelter Program, State Agriculture
and Labor Program, Progress Energy Good Neighbor Fund and resources
from our own budget through community donations.
In addition to interviewing each family to determine their immediate
needs, caseworkers also assess and provide program opportunities for
employment search, educational improvement, support group, health
services, budget and financial management training and other similar
needs.
“Thank you and God bless you. (My situation) has been
trying to get me down. But instead I’ve been blessed and
helped through Care Center. Thank you so much.”
...from a man who was provided clothing after his was stolen
Caseworkers interview families to determine
their immediate needs and to assess
and provide others programs or opportunities
for assistance.
A NGEL FOOD PROGRAM
The First United Methodist
Church of Lake Wales administers
the ANGEL FOOD program
for the Lake Wales community.
Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non denominational
organization dedicated to providing
food relief to communities throughout the USA.
A “Signature” box of Angel Food can be purchased
for $30. A sample box would include:
filet mignon, boneless pork, fresh fruit, frozen
vegetables and dessert. The value of a box of
food averages about $60 with a box weighing
about 21 lbs.
This would assist feeding a family of four
about one week, or a single senior citizen
for almost a month. Each month’s food
menu consists of both fresh and frozen
items.
Distritubtion dates for 2011 are:
March 26
June 25
Sep. 24
Dec. 17
April 23
July 30
Oct. 22
May 21
August 27
Nov. 19
Easy and Convenient Ordering
1. on line ordering: go to www.fumc-lw.org;
then select Angel Food on the left side of
the home page and follow the prompts
2. Care Center office: Angel Food orders
may be placed Monday - Friday between
10 a.m. - Noon and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
3. First United Methodist Church office:
Call 676-2516 for order dates and
times at the church.
A GREAT WAY FOR FAMILIES TO STRETCH
THE FOOD BUDGET!
H OLIDAYS/EASTER
The month of April
was especially wonderful
for Care Center.
With the coming of spring
and the newness in the air we
are reminded of the gift we have
been given through the sacrifice
made for us by Christ.
In Romans 6:4 we find, “We
were therefore buried with him
through baptism into death in
order that, just as Christ was
raised from the dead through
the glory of the Father, we too
may have a new life.”
In honor of this special time
of year, local at risk families
were given gift baskets and/or
food boxes to enjoy and to
remind them that the community
cares and how much
‘Jesus loves them’.
P OSTAL
S ERVICE
F OOD
D RIVE
The United States
Postal Service Annual
Food Drive on
May 14 brought
about 7,500
pounds of food into the Care Center food pantry. Thank you
to the volunteers from N.A.L.C. Branch 1A in Nalcrest,
N.A.L.C. Branch 2750, N.R.L.C. Association and the generosity
of those donations from the community.

Summer Newsletter 2011
Transitional Housing
Page 4
A young lady with children came to Care Center looking for a place to stay. She
had recently left her abusive husband in hopes to have a better life for her daughters
and herself. Her decision to leave him didn’t come easily. But she knew for
their safety she had to find some way to make a new life for them.
Care House Since 1989
Six Apartments
After meeting with Care Center’s Transitional Housing Manager, the plans began
to have her and the children move into the housing and continue the steps to become
a self-sufficient, productive individual.
With very few job skills or experience in
working, it would be difficult to find a job.
However, she did find work and registered to
finish her education. Last month, this
mother and children moved into their own
home.
Care Haven Since 1998
Four Apartments & Resident
Manager’s Home
There are dozens of stories similar to this
one. Folks who, for a variety of reasons, find
themselves with no options for housing.
Men and women who accept the guidelines
of our Transitional Housing Program as an
opportunity to ‘put the pieces of their life
back together.’
Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “For I know the
thoughts that I think toward you, says the
Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” this is
what our Transitional Housing is based on - to give families hope for a future.
Care Casa Since April 2009
Five Apartments
Please contact Care Center if you have questions regarding this or any other
program. 676-6678
Care Hacienda Since December 2010
Six Bedroom Suites
M EALS- ON-WHEELS
Meals-on-Wheels provides well-balanced noon meals each weekday
for area elderly and shut-ins. The meals are prepared daily by
the Lake Wales Medical Center and delivered to the recipients’
homes by volunteers. Each meal consists of a hot entrée, vegetables,
a salad, dessert, and a drink.
Volunteer, Jim Raynor, delivers meals each
week to participants in the Meals On Wheels
program.
This program offers relief from the strain on caregivers and those
who are perhaps unable to cook or shop.
The drivers delivering the meals also provide
someone to look in on recipients
daily and make sure they are well.
Each week day volunteers arrive at the
Lake Wales Medical Center to pick up
meals for delivery to area residence for
the Meals-on-Wheels program.
“My husband and I
enjoy the meals
and I never cook
during the week.
It’s too hard to try
and manage cooking.”
...Comments
from a recipient

People Helping People Helping People
Page 5
V OLUNTEER SPRING LUNCHEON - ‘MINUTE TO WIN IT ’
Care Center’s volunteers were honored
at a spring luncheon held at First Baptist
Church in April. Guests were
greeted by Care Center Board members
and staff. Each volunteer was invited
to participate in several games
including, of course, one on Care Center
Trivia.
After a delicious lunch of taco salad
and dessert, the audience was introduced
to Care Center’s very own version
of the popular game show Minute
To Win It with host (Guy Fieri). Actually
Mr. Fieri was not available so Rob
Quam, Director of Care Center, agreed
to host the show.
Contest
ants
were
selected
from the
audience
and
worked hard to meet the challenges
that allowed them to demonstrate their
skills of speed, thinking and working
as part of a team.
Pictured above: Volunteers enjoying
playing Care Center’s trivia
game.
Pictured below: Mr. and Mrs.
David Harrison meet the ‘gather
your eggs’ challenge as part the
Minute To Win It competition.
Pictured below - Care Center staff
were blindfolded and with the verbal
guidance of volunteers tried to
put peanut butter and jelly on
bread. Needless to say, a minute
just wasn’t long enough.
‘
‘Thank you for such a
great experience. I’m
so glad to be part of
Care Center’s volunteer
team. You make
us feel so special.
Thank you.”
...from a volunteer
Y OUTH ACTIVITIES
Youth
Looking for a place to cool
off, hang out, and enjoy
the summer?
Youth Game Room
Every Friday night students can enjoy live entertainment at the Youth
Coffee House. Area youth and church bands perform. Throughout the
summer parents may drop off middle or high school students and know
that they will have a great
evening with other students.
Thursday evenings is game
night. So bring your favorite
games or just come and
enjoy what is available.
Care Center staff and
volunteers will be available
to monitor activities and
provide snacks which may
be purchased.

Page 6
Summer Newsletter 2011
S TAY-AT-HOME
Staff, campers and camp leaders are
preparing for Care Center’s 26th
Annual Stay-At-Home Work Camp. In
2010, more than 350 campers completed
29 home repair projects.
Some individuals are unable to meet
the demands of maintaining their
homes because of financial constraints,
age and/or physical limitations.
Work campers eagerly join to
help during the summer.
Camp Goals
Christian values exemplified
Awareness of community needs
heightened in young people
Repair homes for disadvantaged
homeowners
Encourage personal and spiritual
growth
WORK Each day campers
and leaders divide into work
teams and go to the assigned
project. During the lunch
period the groups travel to a
local church, where the
church or an organization has
a meal prepared for them.
After eating and a rest period,
the campers return to the job
site until late afternoon.
PLAY In order to unwind
after a day of hard work, the
campers and leaders participate
in group activities such
as unusual games, skits, and
swimming.
GROW Interactive lessons
on good character and leadership
development including
Biblical principals are given in
the morning and evening with
experienced campers participating
in the creation and
delivery of the sessions.
“The work was hard but it was
great. I can’t wait to go next
year!” …..from a camper

Page 7
Summer Newsletter 2011
W ORK CAMP
A lot of group activities during camp.
Each evening campers gather to reflect on the days
activities, fellowship with one another and enjoy
thoughts from a inspirational speaker.
Disney ‘Helping Kid’s Shine’ Grant
Awarded to Care Center
Representatives from Walt Disney World Community Relations Department,
Nancy Gidusko and Loriann Shank, recently visited Lake Wales
Care Center during their Prize Patrol Tour to the agencies in Central
Florida presenting “Helping Kids Shine” grant awards. Care Center representatives
hosted the Prize Patrol with a tour of Care Center facilities
and overview of the operations.
The grant Care
Center received
goes toward
Stay-At-Home
Work Camp to
provide scholarships
for campers
and subsidize
cost of materials
for homeowners.
Pictured left to
right are: representing
Care
Center, Mike
Morrow, Camp
Coordinator,
Laura Hunt, Public Relations Committee, Rob Quam, Executive Director,
and representing Disney’s Prize Patrol, Nancy Gidusko.
“I enjoy seeing the campers interact
and work together.”
….from a camp counselor
26th Annual Stay-at-Home Work Camp
schedule:
Camp I June 26 - July 2 9th - 12th grades
Camp II July 26 - 29 6th - 8th grades
Camp III August 2 - 6 8th - 12th grades
Cost
Camp I $170.00
Camp II $120.00
Camp III $120.00 (H.E.A.R.T.)
Leaders 1/2 of Cost
*$20.00 early registration discount will be
given to those who return the form and fee 10
days prior to the camp they wish to attend.
“I Count” ...This year’s
camp theme. Scripture may be
found in Luke 14:25-35

140 East Park Ave.
Lake Wales, FL 33853-4124
Non-profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
Paid
Lakeland, Fl
Permit #9305
Phone: 863-676-6678
Fax: 863-678-1987
Email: care@lakewalescarecenter.org
Website: lakewalescarecenter.org
201 North Scenic Highway
Lake Wales
2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
TO BETTER SERVE
27889 Highway 27
Dundee
The two stores are easily accessible for customers and donors
wishing to drop off those gently used items. Select items are
reserved to be used for families with special needs. The surplus
of donated items is made
STORE HOURS
available to customers at a reasonable
price.
MONDAY-FRIDAY
9:00 AM-5:30 PM Proceeds from the sale of these
items go toward helping with
SATURDAY
the programs offered through
9:00 AM-3:00 PM Care Center.
LOOKING FOR A
SPECIAL ITEM?
CHECK OUT
ANTIQUES & ODDITIES
1 ST SATURDAY
OF THE MONTH
Located at:
The Youth Coffee House
205 Park Avenue
Donations are accepted only
during operating hours.
Pick-up of large usable items
may be scheduled by calling the
main office at 676-6678.