Together We Can: Creating Pathways for Washington Families to Stay Together
The power of community transforms lives. Through our Family Stabilization Initiative, we’re bringing people and resources together to make a difference in places like Seattle, Washington, where Lutheran Community Services Northwest is dedicated to advancing equitable outcomes for children, youth, and families.
Our network aims to provide essential wraparound services and support for families. This initiative is part of our Results Innovation Lab, which focuses on addressing disparities in child welfare systems. Our goal is to engage and empower families before they reach a crisis point, creating pathways for them to stay together.
Together, we can solve problems in ways that go beyond what any one organization can achieve on its own. Watch our video to see how we’re making an impact!
Mentorship is a cornerstone of professional development. Reflecting on her own journey on the “On Board with Transparent Leadership” podcast with Easterseals’ Kendra Davenport, Lutheran Services in America president & CEO Alesia Frerichs emphasized the invaluable role of mentors who guide, support and inspire. “Being in a place that wants to see you grow and wants to mentor you is almost, in my experience, one of the really key ingredients because it helps fuel your interest and your excitement.” Catch the full interview: https://lutheranservices.org/event_date/mentorship-and-career-growth-in-nonprofits-with-alesia-frerichs/.
Through our Results Innovation Lab, we’re spearheading approaches that keep families together. In Sioux Falls, we teamed up with LSS of South Dakota, which is working hard to support children, youth and families through wraparound services. Our goal as a national network is to help families before they reach the crisis stage, keeping them together and strong. Together, we can achieve more than any one organization could alone!
What would the world look like without the nonprofit sector? Tune in to the “On Board with Leadership” podcast, hosted by Kendra Davenport, for an engaging interview with Alesia Frerichs about the vital role of nonprofits and the unique challenges and rewards we face in this sector. Alesia discusses the rising competition from for-profits and private equity, highlighting that when profit drives the mission, outcomes suffer. Nonprofits are dedicated to serving communities for the long haul, ensuring the focus remains on people. Catch this conversation about the power and purpose of nonprofits: https://ow.ly/Kxic50SohNt.
Our Family Stabilization Initiative is expanding services in underserved communities to address child welfare disparities and keep families together. “Together We Can” is a new series that highlights our network’s efforts and success stories. The inaugural video features AK Child & Family in Anchorage, Alaska, showcasing their dedication to advancing equitable outcomes for children, youth and families. By bringing people and resources together, we are creating lasting solutions.
Coming Together: Aging in Rural America – Herman & Jeannette’s Story
The Lutheran Services in America Rural Aging Action Network mobilizes members of small communities to help address gaps in care for their older adult neighbors. For Herman and Jeannette Fink, that means doing “what you can and where you can and how you can.” Hear Herman and Jeannette’s story.
Coming Together: Aging in Rural America – Priscilla’s Story
As a trucker, Priscilla traveled to 49 of the 50 states. She fell in love with rural South Dakota and decided to settle there when she retired. In collaboration with local partners, the Rural Aging Action Network (RAAN) helps make it possible for older adults like Priscilla to age in the community of their choice. RAAN exemplifies an innovative and compassionate approach to enhancing the lives of older adults in rural communities across Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Hear Priscilla's story!
The Rural Aging Action Network is committed to developing and funding community-driven solutions that empower older adults in small towns. Local staff like Tanya in Armour, S.D., understand the unique joys and challenges of rural living and can amplify the voices of older adults in the community. Returning home to South Dakota after a career in foreign service took her around the world, Tanya brings her skills to her own community, working to address gaps in care for older adults. Hear her story and find out more about how together we're empowering older adults and caregivers across the country.
Bill’s Story
When we come together, we address the needs of rural older adults like Bill, connecting them to food, health resources and social engagement. Get to know Bill, a 96-year-old widower and longtime member of the community in Armour, South Dakota.
When we come together, we address the needs of rural older adults like Bill, connecting them to food, health resources and social engagement. Get to know Bill, a 96-year-old widower and longtime member of the community in Armour, South Dakota.
Happy Thanksgiving from Lutheran Services in America! As we gather with loved ones and reflect on the blessings of the past year, we are grateful for the strength that comes from unity within our network and the communities in which we work to empower. May your holiday be a celebration of gratitude and joy.
As we recognize #NationalRuralHealthDay, join us in reframing the narrative of what it means to age in rural America. Experience our new video "Coming Together: Aging in Rural America" and meet some of the faces of Armour, South Dakota, where our community-led approach is addressing gaps in care and innovating new ways to empower older adults to lead their best lives.
Happy Fourth of July from your friends at Lutheran Services in America! #IndependenceDay
Today we remember the selfless men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. We honor their courage, strength and dedication. #MemorialDay
We wish you and your family a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year.
Today we are grateful for every member of the Lutheran Services in America community. We wish you and yours a happy and festive Thanksgiving!
Despite the challenges we face in long-term care, our own Charlotte Haberaecker sees a path forward because “ultimately, we are people of hope.” Through perseverance and innovative thinking, our network is rallying together to empower older adults across the country. Hear more from Charlotte and Ted Goins, president and CEO of our member Lutheran Services Carolinas, on the LTC Heroes Podcast to learn more about our network’s efforts to overcome the long-term care industry’s issues.
https://bit.ly/3TSpChy
Always studious, Sheyla made excellent grades, but felt cut off from the world during the COVID lockdown. She received a boost from the Upward Bound program administered by our member Lutheran Social Services of Southern California where at least two-thirds of the participants are first generation college students from low-income families. Now, Sheyla is graduating as the valedictorian of her class and is off to Yale in the fall! Read about her journey. #Graduation #FrontlineHeroes
http://ow.ly/qS4w50JIE6Y
The war in Ukraine has displaced a heartbreaking 2 million people so far. Our members are working to find new homes for Ukrainian refugees across the country. Lutheran Social Services is collaborating with Florida officials to prepare for new arrivals from Ukraine and ensure they have the resources they need. Read more and find out how you can help. #StandWithUkraine #FrontlineHeroes
https://bit.ly/3vWiGr1
