LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in Training Bring Smiles to the Residents at Arden Courts Memory Care Facility4/30/2024
 LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was honored to be invited to give a presentation on the outreach services the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry provides as well as send LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs and their handlers to greet, comfort and love the critical care nurses that attended the Annual Northern Illinois Chapter of American Association of Critical Care Nurses (NIAACN) Trauma Symposium for the Northern Illinois Chapter of American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Becky Kilvinger, who coordinates LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Charity and the team at Brookfield Lutheran Church in Brookfield, Wisconsin gave an informative and emotionally impactful presentation on how the ministry extends into the communities and nationally, specifically serving nurses, hospitals and other first responders. There was so much joy in the room as the critical care nurses spent their breaks between sessions, snuggled up in the warmth of LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Charity (Brookfield - Brookfield, Wisconsin) and Mary (St. Paul's - Janesville, Wisconsin), LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Brutus and Nigel (LCC Staff), and LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs in Training Abednego, Meshach, Olive, Saul, Shadrach, Zechariah, and Zion. Upon seeing the Comfort Dogs, the nurses lit up the room with their beautiful smiles. It was wonderful to see them relaxing as they spent time with our Comfort Dogs and their handlers.  A small Heart of Mercy & Compassion from LCC was presented to each of the critical care nurses at the NIAACN Trauma Symposium as encouragement and thanks for all they do. We give thanks to God for these skilled, compassionate, and trained nurses who provide essential and immediate care to their patients. Their days are ever-changing, with extended hours and significant stress. We lift them up for God’s protection from the strain of their workload and to be comforted by His love, peace, and presence so they can continue forward with the much-needed care and assistance they provide to so many people. May 6 through May 12 is National Nurses’ Week, a moment to recognize, celebrate, encourage, and support all the nurses for their dedication to caring for others and improving the health of their patients. "May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands." (Psalm 90:17) LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Provide Solace to Families During National Crime Victims Rights Week in Chicago4/29/2024
 Over the weekend, on Saturday, April 27, LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, Emma, Grace, and Hannah (LCC Staff) provided solace to families who have lost loved ones to gun violence in Chicago this year.
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) organized a vigil for 45 families during National Crime Victims Rights Week, allowing them to share their stories and unite as a community to offer support and access resources provided by the CPD. The presence of the LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs, known for their ability to bring smiles in the midst of tears, particularly lifted the spirits of the children present at the event.
LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry Recognized for Impactful Support Provided to Old Quarry Middle4/29/2024
On Wednesday April 24th, the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry was recognized at the District 113A Board Meeting for their impactful support provided to Old Quarry Middle School in Lemont, Illinois. The principal, Joe Sweeney, expressed deep appreciation for their presence following the loss of 7th grade student, Joey Fornero, in March. He remarked, "I couldn't thank this organization enough for bringing their dogs and bringing the comfort to our students." The LCC K-9 Ministry responded to the call for comfort, visiting the school for four consecutive days and even attending Joey Fornero's wake. The principal emphasized the significance of their presence, especially for students experiencing loss for the first time, particularly the loss of a peer, which can be incredibly difficult to navigate. The timing of the acknowledgment aligned perfectly with National Volunteer Week, a fitting tribute to our amazing LCC K-9 Comfort Dog handlers, who truly exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and compassion. Present at the meeting were LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs Jael (Trinity - Hobart, Indiana), Jeremiah and Michael (LCC Staff) with their handlers, along with LCC Kare 9 Military Ministry Dogs Brutus and Nigel (LCC Staff) with their veteran handlers. The principal commended each handler for their exceptional qualities, stating, "each one of you handlers are truly amazing individuals," and recognizing their ability to interact with students, provide comfort, and demonstrate key attributes that he looks for in educators and people working with his students. We are so honored that Principal Joe Sweeney and the District 113A Board took time to express their gratitude to the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry and give praise to God for this great partnership. Rev. Marty Marks of Immanuel Lutheran Church, DeKalb, Illinois, shared that because of your generous support, the Nelson family was able to purchase a much-needed vehicle. Thank you for being there for this family in need.  The Nelson family purchased a new (to them) car last week. Immanuel Lutheran in DeKalb cut a check to the car dealer for over $9,000 to assist them in this purchase. These funds came from the generous gifts of God’s people both at Immanuel from abroad through the efforts of Lutheran Church Charities.
On behalf of the people of Immanuel I offer my sincerest appreciation for the support shown to this dear brother and sister and their children. Their new van gives them the ability to continue to serve in their vocation as parents and family and also as leaders in our congregation . Danika has included this note of thanks for me to share with all of you: Dear Lutheran Family, My family and I would like to wholeheartedly thank you for your prayers, support, and donations toward our new vehicle. The peace of mind we now have in getting to my medical appointments and the kids to school and activities is removing a huge stressor in our lives. God is with us and we pray blessings return to you all tenfold. Praise Be, Danika, Keith, Nora, and Jude Rev. Marty Marks Immanuel Lutheran Church DeKalb, Illinois  At LCC, we are incredibly grateful for the dedication and passion of our volunteers who work tirelessly to make a difference in their local communities. Our HMC Affiliate Churches are thriving with volunteers who are deeply committed to the ministry. We recently had the opportunity to ask them why they chose to be a part of the HMC ministry and what it means to them. Their heartfelt responses truly reflect the spirit of compassion and service that defines our organization. We are blessed to have such dedicated individuals supporting our mission, and we look forward to continuing to work together to bring hope and support to those in need. Below are the responses we received:
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