From Being Homeless to Being Helpful

Felix Featured

Felix came to the LSS office in Garden Grove. We gave him food and clothing and helped him pay for a storage locker for the next 30 days.  Everything he owned was in storage, and without money to pay the rent, all his possessions would have been sold at auction.    

It was really a bad time for him.  Felix was homeless, depressed and couldn’t figure out what he needed to do to get back on his feet.  “I had never been homeless, and it was a very frightening time for me,” he said.  “I didn’t want to live on the street so long that it would become something from which I could never escape. 

Our LSS therapist listened to his story and the more she listened; the more Felix trusted her.  Many people would not make eye contact with Felix when he was living on the street.  But he was treated differently at LSS. 

The next week, Felix volunteered at LSS to express his gratitude for the help he received.  His caseworker talked about what needed to be accomplished for him to find work, a place to live, and also how his hopeless outlook needed to change. 

He was referred to the One Stop Center for weekly updates on job openings.  LSS helped prepare his resume and gave him tools to prepare for job interviews.

LSS also gave him a 30-day bus pass so he could get to work interviews, and also provided a one-night emergency motel voucher.  That offered Felix a safe place to sleep, so he could sleep peacefully and be rested for his job interviews.           

After a month of volunteering, and looking for employment, LSS wrote a letter of recommendation for Felix to work at St. Olaf Lutheran Church.  The church—where LSS has an office—allowed him to sleep on the church’s property.        

He worked odd jobs for the pastor, and then began working at Wal-Mart two months after coming to our center.  In addition, one of the LSS volunteers rented him a room.  Finally, he had a job, a place to live and a sense of hope for the rest of his life.  

Where is Felix today?  He has worked for over a year in a furniture warehouse.  He is the property manager for St. Olaf Church, and has become a member of the congregation.  Felix provides yard work for seniors in the church, and still volunteers at LSS.  

When he first came to LSS, Felix saw the Three Es of LSS:  Embrace, Equip and Empower.  He wasn’t sure what those words meant.  But that has changed.

 “Today,” he says, “I know exactly what that means.  I have been empowered by LSS to be the most awesome Felix I can be.”

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Ambassadors are short-term volunteers who open doors for our organization in the community, introducing new people at our bi-monthly Fostering Community Care event. These are one hour awareness events only (no solicitations are made) to expose people to the great work of LSS Community Care. To become an Ambassador here are your responsibilities:
  1. 1 – Attend at least one Fostering Community Care event during the calendar year
  2. 2 – Host or invite and bring 10-15 guests to one Fostering Community Care event within 3 months of your attending one yourself.
  3. 3 – Inform your invited guests of what the Fostering Community Care meeting will be about, and let them know that they will receive a follow up call from the organization
  4. 4 – Ambassadors will complete their commitment after bringing 10-15 persons within the 3 month time period. An Ambassador has the option to complete after one term, continue for another 3 month term or move into another role on the team.
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Become an Ally

Allies are community members who want to be in a supportive, intentional, befriending relationship with an individual or family working to get out of poverty.

Other ways to help the Southern California Family Support Initiative
  • Be an Ad-Hoc Ally – share your special skill or talent
  • Be a member of your local Community Leadership Team
  • Assist with weekly Child Care/Children’s Programs
  • Be a Community Spokesman – talk about the initiative and recruit others to join
  • Financially Sponsor a Family Leader
  • Facilitate/assist with Training Our Leaders and Allies
  • Behind-the-scenes work – internet research, graphic design, writing
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We are actively seeking individuals and groups to be a part of our on-going mission to serve those in need. LSS administers over 50 specialized programs and services throughout the Southern California region. Contact your nearest LSS Center to hear about the local opportunities they have available.
Be a positive role model
Give back to others and help change lives
Transform communities
Spend your time doing something rewarding
Meet new people
Have fun
Learn new skills, share your talents, build your resume

The life you change most – may be your own!

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