How Did LARS Get Started?

In 1987, a group of local Laurel pastors and laypeople came together to develop a consolidated approach to addressing the number of people who were coming to their doors seeking assistance. Religious partner organizations help to support LARS financially and often provide volunteer assistance. Proselytizing is not allowed, although helping clients develop their spiritual resources has been encouraged as part of a holistic approach to our services.

How is LARS Funded?

LARS' funding comes from a variety of sources, including federal, state, local, and private grants, support from partnering congregations, community members, and fundraising.

Whatever it is that we do to help an individual or family in need, we do our best to convey that we are providing "crisis intervention." Our primary goal is to help families become more self-sufficient. We do not want to be a "band-aid" for crisis, but rather a bridge that helps families and individuals overcome barriers to self-sufficiency.

2012 Board of Directors:

Board officers and members serve from July 1st to June 30th each year.

Officers:

Don Ausherman, President - Holy Trinity Lutheran Church

Kerrie Allen, Vice President/Secretary - St. Philip's Episcopal Church

Lewis Taylor, Treasurer - Emmanuel United Methodist Church

Members:

Peggy Benedict - Oaklands Presbyterian Church

Jean Bielefeldt - Bethany Community Church

Tom Bresson - St. Mary of the Mills Church

Bob Conley - First Baptist Church

Tom Dernoga - Community Partner

Barrie Beth Hansen - Laurel Presbyterian Church

Larry Krieger - Resurrection of Our Lord Church

Cheryl Lee - Our Savior Lutheran Church

Susan Ratzlaff - Community of Christ

Larry Taub - Oseh Shalom Synagogue

Staff

Lori Proietti, LSWA, Deputy Director lproietti@laureladvocacy.org

Leah Paley, LGSW, Director of Emergency Services lpaley@laureladvocacy.org

Emily Kleeman, LGSW, Transitional Housing Case Manager ekleeman@laureladvocacy.org

Lauren Cohen, LSWA, Permanent Housing Case Manager lcohen@laureladvocacy.org

Ernestine Gibson, Case Manager egibson@laureladvocacy.org

Shelly Kessler, Case Manager skessler@laureladvocacy.org

Charles Smalls, Case Manager/Volunteer Coordinator csmalls@laureladvocacy.org

Lynette Greenwood, Office Manager lgreenwood@laureladvocacy.org

Laura Wellford, Program Coordinator lwellford@laureladvocacy.org