​FRESH Start staff member leans on coworkers during hard times

Lesvi found support at Lebanon County Christian Ministries after falling on hard times following the premature birth of her son.
 
She began her career in 2014 after three years of volunteering with LCCM by serving noon lunches with children from a local youth advocate program and her own stepchildren. She was approached by the director who saw her there so often he offered her a permanent position. Today, Lesvi is a support services coordinator at LCCM’s FRESH Start Emergency Shelter and Resource Center. This role entails coordinating meals and overnight stays at churches that provide shelter for guests.

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Two and a half years ago, Lesvi gave birth to her son at only 23 weeks. She spent four months in the NICU and was out of work for a total of five months. Her coworkers at LCCM helped her through one of the most difficult times of her life.
 
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“My coworkers at LCCM treated me like family,” she said. “They helped to make sure my kids got fed, they made meals and they donated money to help keep me afloat. Everyday I’m blessed that they are always in my life.”
 
Lesvi is known as “mommy” to FRESH Start guests because of the focus she places on the children who come into the shelter. She takes the time to do crafts with the kids, but also engages parents by coordinating car seat training classes and budgeting classes.  Lesvi’s role also involves coordinating meals and overnight stays at churches for shelter guests.
 
Since the birth of her son, Lesvi has been working part-time with LCCM, but she hopes to return to full-time in the future. ​

Written by Megan Finlan, Lebanon Valley College 
​Lebanon County Christian Ministries is working in conjunction with Lebanon Valley College students to tell the story of LCCM through the lens of its volunteers, guests, staff and board throughout the season of Lent.