A Message from Dr. David Anderson, Executive Director
The struggling economy is taking its toll on everyone, from stock brokers to investors to millions of homeowners. There are "hidden" victims of the crisis as well — families for whom every day was already an economic challenge, who are now on the brink of eviction or perhaps already homeless. When the economy worsens, as it has been lately, these families tend to suffer more than others. But the difficulties go beyond dollars and cents, affecting their very ability to continue caring for their children. In times like these, the services LYDIA provides become more vitally important than ever.

With that in mind, we are hoping that ministry partners like you will help make the 2008 Gala Benefit one of our most successful events ever. The fundraiser is coming up on Monday, Dec. 1, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. The evening will include stories about lives changed through LYDIA this year, opportunities to support LYDIA financially, and a talk by well-known pastor and author Dr. Crawford Loritts.

It's not too late to be a part of this year's event! You can still contribute to the success of the event by serving as a table host, event sponsor, or contributing items to the always popular silent auction. Silent auction items include: weekend get-a-ways, gift cards to popular restaurants and spas, sports memorabilia and tickets as well as many more items. To learn more about any of these opportunities, please contact Erica Postma, Associate Director of Development, by or call (773) 653-2249.

So Many Ways to Give
The end of the year is fast approaching, and we hope you will remember LYDIA in your charitable giving plans. The country's economic downturn has already affected LYDIA financially. With your help, however, we believe we can still end the year with all bills paid and ready to face the ministry challenges of 2009. Please consider giving sacrificially to LYDIA at this critical time!

Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match any charitable contributions made by their employees (and, sometimes, spouses and retirees). This could double or even triple your gift to LYDIA! Simply request a matching gift form from your employer, then complete it and send it to LYDIA with your gift. We will do the rest.

Does your employer have a foundation that might provide grant opportunities for LYDIA? If so, please contact Nancy Good, Development Director, by or (773) 653-2200.

Helping Kids Feel More at Home
A very special thank you to Carmen and Vikki Galante, owners of Suburban Elevator. The company paid for almost all of the Residential Treatment Center's most recent "extreme makeover" — redecorating the kids' bedrooms. Thanks also to volunteers from Accredited Staging Professionals, who paid for and executed the redecoration of the Center's common areas, selecting new rugs, pictures and other accessories. Their participation was part of Worldwide Staging Service Week, Sept. 8-15.

Coming Full Circle
Katrina Schroeder came to LYDIA's Residential Treatment Center when she was about 12 years old. Today she is working toward a career in social service, hoping to help other "youth in care" through hard times.

When I was little, I lived with my parents and my twin brother in Chicago. But there were a lot of problems with drugs and violence in our home, and when I was about six my mom took me and my brother and moved out. We were homeless for a while, and stayed with friends or lived in shelters. Finally, DCFS stepped in. I was placed with one foster family when I was nine, then another. After a few years DCFS was asked to investigate my foster home because of safety concerns. That's when I came to LYDIA.

It was hard at first because I really missed my foster parents. But the staff at LYDIA was great. They took care of me, and they cared about me. I made a lot of friendships with other kids at LYDIA, and talked to my foster mom on the phone whenever I could. I also participated in group therapy and attended a neighborhood school. After about 18 months, I was allowed to return to my foster family, where I stayed until graduating from high school last year.

Now I attend Harold Washington College, where I'm working toward an associate's degree in art. Eventually, I'd like to get my master's in social work and become a DCFS caseworker. In the meantime, I'm serving as president of the Illinois Statewide Youth Advisory Board, an organization sponsored by DCFS that's designed to help children in the system understand their rights, explain what resources are available to them and give them a voice.

I guess you could say I have a real passion for youth in care. I know what they are going through, and I want to help them understand that people are here to help them. They are my inspiration.