As Providence Self-Sufficiency Ministries’ (PSSM) personnel ended the agency’s annual report to its board of directors just days ago. One director commented, “All that you do is worth the doing.”

In the midst of the huge and numerous hardships so many have endured in 2009, because of your persistent prayer, support and advocacy, the mission and ministry of PSSM was able to quietly tout the celebration of 15 years of service to 16,375 children, families, and seniors in Southern Indiana. As I ponder some of the many glorious memories of those 15 years — which I like to call photographs of the heart — I am awestruck with the belief that God truly dazzles each of us daily with His magic of love and faithfulness.

Perhaps you will remember with me, throughout its 15-year history, Providence Self-Sufficiency Ministries has abided by the concept of heeding the “rolling horizon.” That is, it responds to “the needs of the day.”

At the time of the founding of PSSM, Floyd County did not have a group home for foster children. As a result, youngsters in need of foster care were sent to distant counties, and were unable to see their relatives and friends and maintain their “home” schools. As a response to that need, PSSM established Providence House for Children in the former of convent of Holy Family Parish on Daisy Lane in New Albany. Six Sisters of Providence attended special training to be licensed as foster parents for the children.

At the same time, the city of New Albany recorded one of the largest public housing populations in the state, with one in nine residents living in public housing. In response to that need, the Sisters of Providence began teaching adult basic education and pre-GED, life skills and employment classes and offering counseling services and prescription medication assistance in the neighborhoods. PSSM also opened and staffed a state-licensed childcare center for 115 children.

As needs diminished and demographics changed, PSSM closed programs and opened new ones. The willingness to adjust programming is a vital component to following the concept of a “rolling horizon.” PSSM closes programs when other agencies begin offering similar ones, thus eliminating the need while providing opportunity for new programs. For example, the introduction of Medicare Part D greatly reduced the need for services provided by PSSM’s Safety Net program. As a result, Safety Net closed. The staff member who coordinated Safety Net began assisting at Guerin Woods Senior Center and now manages the Nutritious Senior Luncheon Program at the center.

Today, PSSM is located at Georgetown, on a 28-acre campus that includes two group homes for foster children, six three-bedroom apartments for families participating in the Family Reunification and Preservation Program; an Independent Living Program for youth aging out of foster care; 22 two-bedroom and 24 one-bedroom apartments for individuals and couples, age 62 and older with limited incomes; and two “small house” model residences for frail elders, age 62 and older in need of assisted living and skilled nursing care.

The Sisters of Providence and staff of PSSM/Guerin, Inc. are proud to have served this beloved community for 15 years and pledge our continuing dedication and loyalty to you, our advocates and friends believing that you will continue to companion and sustain us in our mission.

As I’ve indicated before, no expression of gratitude could ever be adequate in thanking each of you who shows us kindness — who shows us the face of God every day.

As we anticipate the Christmas season, I pray that the wonder of God’s magical love and faithfulness will touch you and bring you peace and happiness for Christmas and throughout the New Year. With gratitude and warm regards.

— Sister Barbara Ann Zeller, SP, President/CEO, PSSM and Guerin, Inc.