There was a storm of financial proportions in 2003 for Lighthouse Emergency Services, but they battened down the hatches and now hope for smooth sailing ahead.
Connie Stapleton is among those who weathered the storm, being assigned Clarkston branch manager last June in the midst of several staff cuts.
‘It was tough, but we made it through,? she said. ‘We’re all learning our new roles.?
Stapleton’s role began more than six years ago, when she saw a newspaper ad for Lighthouse volunteers. Her youngest son had just entered first grade, and she took advantage of the opportunity.
‘I thought, ‘I have to get out of the house. I have to do something,? she said, although she admitted little knowledge of what Lighthouse Emergency Services was all about.
‘I knew the kids took canned goods to school, and that’s all I knew,? but she learned a lot in a short time. ‘I was just amazed how many people are low income in Oakland County.?
She started volunteering two days a week at the Clarkston branch, but gradually increased her time there. After about a year, she began work as a full-time staffer.
‘From the beginning, it was very rewarding,? she said, and as holder of a psychology degree she found the work with people very attractive. ‘I wondered what I would do when I stopped being a stay-at-home mom, and this worked out perfect. It’s close to home and it’s right up my alley.?
Working with two other full-time staff and many volunteers, Stapleton is now more administration and less hands-on counseling. While she recognizes the importance of the paperwork, she still likes working with clients best.
‘I’ve found as I’ve moved up from working the desk as a volunteer, I have less and less contact with the clients,? she said. ‘That’s kind of discouraging, because that’s what drew me to this place.?
Nonetheless, there are still times of joy when working directly with people in need. She cited a recent example of a woman living in a motel with a week-to-week rent challenge. Stapleton helped her with arrangements for a standard apartment situation.
‘That was extremely rewarding because this lady had gone through a lot of difficult times,? she said. ‘She made that move with gentle pushes from us, but she did it.?
The ‘gentle push? has become more important, especially in light of the organization’s financial challenges.
‘We foster self-sufficiency. We are refocusing on that part of our mission statement,? she said. ‘We don’t want to just give somebody a bag of food every month or help them with their rent every 12 months. We want them to get out of the system of dependency and get out on their own and be contributing members of society.?
The transition process from last year’s budget cuts has not been easy, but Stapleton said the organization’s mission has been maintained.
‘It’s been very difficult for the staff. We’ve really had to pick up the pace, but we’re getting the job done.?
Volunteers were always important, but now even more so, and Stapleton has high praise for approximately 50 regular volunteers and those from scout units, churches and civic groups who make occasional donations.
‘Without them we wouldn’t be able to do anything,? she said.
While the Lighthouse finances were falling, the need did not. In February, the Clarkston branch helped 539 people with food. They expect an increase during the summer (the food assistance number in July 2003 was 949), because children do not benefit from school meals.
Things are looking up, with a $30,000 shot in the arm from a recent local fund-raiser and a separate $20,000 from a private donation. A major fund-raiser will be the annual Hunger Walk in Pontiac May 1. (To participate, call 335-1832.)
The staff is hoping to recruit more volunteers to take over some of the regular assistance programs such as Thanksgiving and Christmas distributions so the full-time staff can devote themselves to other duties.
Volunteers of all kinds (and ages) are always welcome, and Stapleton believes there are some good learning experiences when young people get involved.
‘Statistics show a large percentage of children who volunteer in community service will grow up to be volunteers,? she said. ‘That’s what our country needs: people who will get involved and help someone.?
Off the job, Stapleton enjoys yard work and family time. With a husband and three sons (ages 21, 19 and 13), that time is valuable. The two oldest are now in college, but they still enjoy togetherness when possible, whether by going to movies, bowling or even in an old-fashioned tradition.
‘Our family will actually sit down and eat dinner together, and that’s rather unusual nowadays.?
With all of the challenges of the past year, Lighthouse workers seem to really enjoy their work.
‘I have the best job in the world, because I can come to work and help somebody and use other people’s money to correct the problem,? she said.
Also, ‘We get a lot of hugs around here.?
To volunteer or donate to Lighthouse Emergency Services-Clarkston, call (248) 620-6116.