Women in the community making a difference. Patricia Ammendola (customer and friend) joins forces with A&L to raise money for a passionate cause-LifeCare Alliance.
Last year we initiated Shine for a Cause, a store promotion which donated a percentage from purchases back to 4 local female organizations, which included Freedom a la Cart, the Stefanie Spielman Fund for Breast Cancer Research, Choices for victims of domestic violence and Dress for Success. The event was a complete success and a definite “feel good” activity for the store and our customers. During the planning of the event, I shared much of the knowledge of each organization with friends in the area and soon realized so many of our friends & customers have causes that they regularly serve on boards and as volunteer. I’ve continued to get acquainted with other local organizations more intimately and made a personal promise that each year we’ll connect with a cause and give back! This city has so many great opportunities for doing just that so it was a difficult decision to select just one. I am very excited to announce our involvement this March with LifeCare Alliance, to help share their mission and make an impact.
What is LifeCare Alliance?
You may associate Meals on Wheels with LifeCare Alliance, but what you might not know is that is just one of a long list of impressive services of this organization. LCA is a well-oiled machine. They operate a national model for their programs and are the national leader in volunteer engagement, effective mergers and social entrepreneurship to enhance their core client services. Their umbrella is growing, their costs are shrinking and more clients are being served. Did you know the Central Ohio Meals on Wheels is the largest in the country with the biggest volunteer base?! Also, there is no wait-list for any of their services? Yes, open to all who need their help!
“Meeting Invisible Needs”
I recently visited their facility off of Harmon Ave and was blown away by the structure and forward thinking of this organization, not to mention the sheer magnitude of how many lives they are improving. I read an article about LCA called “Meeting Invisible Needs” and I thought that was a perfect description of what they do. It’s the little details that most wouldn’t even think about that LifeCare Alliance manages to understand and provide to their clients. These small details can be so basic yet can completely transform someone’s life or, better yet, just make it a bit more normal. Whether it be transportation or chemotherapy, being able to stay in your home as a senior because food is delivered to you, or even being able to keep your companion pet because of the Senior PetCare service that provides food, supplies and veterinary services.
LifeCare Alliance founder and social humanitarian, Catherine Nelson Black, noted in the original meeting minutes in 1898 that she founded the agency “to take care of those nobody else pays any attention to”, I’d say they are doing a great job at staying true to their roots while truly “nourishing the human spirit”.
Services (to list a few)…
…and I do mean a few. There are many programs & services through LifeCare Alliance. To view the whole list visit their website.
- Meals on Wheels- provides nourishing food and a daily visit to homebound older adults living with a medical challenge.
Charles Gehring, President and CEO of LifeCare Alliance. Photograph credit, Columbus CEO Magazine.
- Senior Dining Centers and Carrie’s Cafe- recognized as a national model in congregate dining. The cafe provides seniors with socialization, enrichment programs, and nutritious meals. 40 community dining centers in Central Ohio, including culturally diverse meals, Kosher, Somalian and Asian. Carrie’s Cafe is also open to the public and delicious! 670 Harmon Ave M-F 10:30-2PM! Stop in and get a bite!
- Help at Home- this program provides personal care assistants and direct support care workers who assist with daily living activities, bathing, fall prevention, and basic household chores.
- Central Ohio Diabetes Association
- Columbus Cancer Clinic- provides prevention, detection, support, and hope for individuals battling cancer. Accepts all insurance, as well as serves low-income, underinsured or uninsured individuals, regardless of ability to pay.
- Project Search- a one-year internship and employment program designed for students with disabilities who are in their last year of high school. The program is dedicated to workforce development that benefits the individual, community and workplace.
- Pet Care- PetCare program provides clients with assistance in taking care of their pets while still maintaining the client’s ability to remain in their own home. Volunteers assist clients with delivering pet food through the AniMeal Program.
- Groceries to Go & Project OpenHand- provides groceries, personal hygiene items and household cleaning supplies to clients of Project OpenHand & The Columbus Cancer Clinic living with HIV/AIDS or cancer.
- L.A. Catering- I highly recommend L.A. Catering for your next catered event. Take a peek at their menu. There is no event too big or small for L.A. Catering, a proud division of LifeCare Alliance. All profits from L.A. Catering are invested back into your community through LifeCare Alliance programs and services.
How to Make your A&L Purchase Count?
Make your purchase count and stock up on future gifts from March 12-17. All in-stock Argo & Lehne jewelry will be 10% off and we will also give 10% back to LifeCare Alliance.
Meet Patricia Ammendola!
Patricia is a great friend & patron of Argo & Lehne Jewelers and lives in the UA area. She brings happiness and a beaming smile wherever she goes. When she approached us about her local passion, LifeCare Alliance, we couldn’t wait to on board and make a difference. Patricia serves as a member of Life Care Alliance’s Board.
To learn how to become a volunteer with LifeCare Alliance click here.
If you have a cause that is meaningful to you we want to know about it. Each year we will select an organization or cause that resonates with us and give back! Contact michelle@argolehne.com for details.
