When Change Needs a Network.
ABOUT US
Our Story
In 1997, 300 Lutheran health and human services nonprofit organizations across 1,400 communities founded Lutheran Services in America, along with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).
Our national network model catalyzes policy and systems change. Headquartered in Washington, DC with offices in the heart of Capitol Hill, Lutheran Services in America is a national nonprofit organization that brings together a network of leaders, partners and funders to tackle issues that are critical to our communities.
The Lutheran Services in America network reaches one in 50 people in America each year. With more than $26 billion in combined annual services, the Lutheran Services in America network advances equitable outcomes for children, youth and families, improves independence and choice for older adults, champions meaningful services and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and strengthens stability and purpose for veterans, refugees, new Americans and more.
As a faith-based organization,
we are committed to
race equity and justice
and empowering all people in America to lead their best lives.
Our Approach
We mobilize our community-centered, trusted, faith-based network in alignment with strategic partners from academia, philanthropy, healthcare, housing, and the private sector, among other stakeholders, to advance innovation and drive systemic change for people and communities.
Our Mission
We cultivate caring communities that advance health and opportunity for all.
Our Strategy
To achieve our mission, we:
- GROW collective capacity to lead and effect policy and systems change
- CATALYZE innovation and collaboration for impact
- AMPLIFY a united, faith-based voice that shares solutions: what works, why and for whom
Our Approach
We leverage our shared values, trust and heritage and mobilize our network with strategic partners from academia, philanthropy, healthcare and the private sector to advance innovation and drive systemic change for people and communities.
A decidedly different national network model
We combine the time, talent and treasure across our network to empower nonprofit leaders, build organizational capacity and incubate learning and innovation. Our national network model gives us unique perspective: we see—and act upon—areas of acute need and great opportunity across the health and human services continuum of care.
A vital resource in a time of change
We amplify the faith based voice of a $23 billion network through advocacy on policy matters affecting children, older adults, families, people with disabilities, veterans, refugees and others experiencing need in the United States.
A force for change
We design and implement pilots, evaluate results, disseminate information and scale successful approaches to work in more places. Through partnerships with academia, philanthropy, healthcare and the private sector, we engage our national network in projects to address some of the most complex, challenging issues affecting society today.
Our Lutheran Inspiration
Lutheran Services in America network organizations are rooted in the Lutheran theology of caring for our neighbor and the spirit of early Lutheran reformers who transformed the way we address society’s greatest challenges.
Lutheran reformers worked together to pool community resources, not only to provide essentials such as food and shelter, but also to deliver healthcare, job training and other services critical to individuals leading a life of dignity and respect. They recognized that a holistic approach best empowers people to reach their full potential and when people thrive, communities thrive.
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Five centuries later, Lutheran social ministries continue the legacy of the Reformation by rising to 21st century challenges. Lutheran social ministries continue to care for our neighbor putting people at the center of our work.
