Joy Center For Women’s Ministries Offers Counseling, Support Services From New Home In Monclova Twp.
BY BECKY JACOBS — MIRROR REPORTER
The Joy Center for Women’s Ministries was created to reach those who are hurting.
It involves “one-on-one” caring partners who are trained to help women who have been “broken” and with God’s help, experience healing.
According to director Barbara Triggs, it is an exciting time for the ministry since it has moved to a donated parsonage home at the rear of Freedom Point Church, 9310 Maumee-Western Rd., Monclova.
She thanked the church’s pastor, Rev. Derek Moran, and his wife Missy for allowing the parsonage to be used for the ministry.
The ministry, which began three years ago, now has the opportunity to expand, Triggs said.
“I had a dream to open an area for women’s ministry, but didn’t have that idea when I first came to the church,” Triggs said.
She had come to learn more about the church’s food pantry and clothing resources with help from Debbie Peppers. But, she also learned there was a kindred spirit within the church targeting the same dream.
The center is a part of a larger ministry with help from executive director Reova Meredith of Bloomington, Ind. This is the 27th center in the United States.
“We address many areas of crisis here,” Triggs said.
The trained staff works alongside physical and occupational therapists, those specializing in special education and other professionals.
The center works very closely with the Pregnancy Center and 211 Connect.
“I wanted those struggling to know they are not alone,” Triggs said. “I want people to come to a place where they can eliminate those struggles.”
Trained in art, Triggs was raised in a Christian home, and felt she needed to aid those in need.
Her husband, Michael, also aids in counseling of married couples.
“So far we have counseled four married couples who are still married. We want people to know the counseling is not just for women,” Triggs said.
The center also offers a divorce group, which studies from a book by Dr. David Clarke titled I Don’t Want a Divorce.
Others may come for a class on weight loss through the program “Weight Loss God’s Way,” which meets from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays.
An abuse support group is also held with help from the YWCA.
According to Triggs, the Joy Center is a crisis intervention center with a spiritual emphasis.
Help is offered to every woman regardless of religion, race or socioeconomic level; the only cost is the purchase of Bible study books when needed.
It is a place where a person is welcome to receive help or for those wanting to help others, Triggs said.
For additional information or to make an appointment, call (419) 878-8823, e-mail olovetree@aol.com or visit www.centerforwomensministries.org.
Waterville Native Raises Funds In Ohio Valley MS Event
BY KAREN BERGER — MIRROR REPORTER
As captain of Anthony Wayne High School’s football and basketball teams, 1983 graduate Bryan Lamers was athletic and competitive.
After Lamers learned in 1991 that he had multiple sclerosis, he tackled it head-on, working with the National MS Society to understand the disease that interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and even stops movement.
Even as his disease has progressed, Lamers hasn’t stopped moving to raise money through MS Walk and now the Bike MS event.
The Waterville native lives in Cincinnati and is senior vice president of investments for Wells Fargo Advisors. Last year his workplace team raised $5,500 for MS research through the Ohio Valley Chapter Bike MS event, with support from many clients and co-workers.
Lamers will compete in the August 28-29 Bike MS: Venture the Valley in Oregonia, Ohio, riding what he calls a “high-tech bike” – a three- wheeled device that allows him to pedal with his arms.
“I can’t stand up or walk anymore,” Lamers explained.
Using a technique of lifting himself onto a flatback chair first, he then transfers his body onto the bike. This year, he’ll ride 13 miles a day, but in previous years he’s pedaled 150 miles.
After graduating from Anthony Wayne, he earned his degree in business economics from Bowling Green State University, where he met his wife Cheryl. Four years after graduation, he began experiencing unexplained symptoms that left him puzzled. So when he received the initial diagnosis of MS, he was relieved.
“I thought, ‘Either there’s something I don’t know about, or I have a brain tumor and I’m going to die,’” he recalls.
His feet and legs began numbing, and while treatments worked for a while, the numbness eventually worked its way up to his chest. He now is unable to walk, and relies on a wheelchair.
“It’s my disease, but it’s my family’s disease. My wife has had to deal with it for 20 years,” he said.
Together they have a 17-year-old son, Alex, and a 19-year-old daughter, Megan, a sophomore at the University of Cincinnati.
Over the years he’s developed a relationship with the MS Society, Lamers said. At first, he attended classes with others who were newly diagnosed, and asked questions about symptoms and new drugs.
About 10 years ago the organization loaned him a three-wheeled scooter that he would keep next to his parking space at work, so he could take a few steps and get on board and ride to his office.
Lamers’ team been among the top fund-raisers in the Bike MS, and he’s also served as a spokesperson for the MS Society.
Cheryl and Alex will also ride in the 30th anniversary of the Ohio Valley Chapter’s event, held 45 minutes from Cincinnati, where hills cannot be avoided no matter what the route.
“The hills are a real pain,” Lamers said.
And the Southwest Ohio climate quickly moved from winter to summer, leaving it hot and humid.
“The heat is very bad for MS patients. It depletes our strength,” he said.
The MS Society provides educational and social recreational programs, family support and direct client services such as emergency financial assistance, transportation, respite care, access to a lending library, counseling, occupational therapy home evaluations, access to durable medical equipment, and advocacy on local, state and federal issues.
The local chapter of the National MS Society is located at 401 Tomahawk Dr. in Maumee and hosted the Bike to the Bay event in June.
For information on the National MS Society, visit www.fightMStoday.org.