Lutheran Services in America Partners with RRF Foundation for Aging to Elevate Rural Family Caregiver Voices
November 20, 2025
November 20, 2025
November 20, 2025
November 13, 2025
At the Grantmakers in Aging Annual Conference, Regan McManus, director of aging initiatives at Lutheran Services in America, presented “How to Cultivate Rural Aging Partnerships through Whole-Community Mobilization.”
In her session, Regan demonstrated the power of the Rural Aging Action Network (RAAN), an approach that looks beyond traditional aging partners and taps into the unique strengths already present in rural communities. By elevating lived experience, prioritizing cultural relevance, and activating local assets — from faith communities and schools to grocery stores and farmers unions — RAAN communities in Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota are tackling social determinants of health, closing gaps in care, and advancing equity and belonging for older adults. RAAN taps into the unique strengths already present in rural communities, connecting residents, organizations, and local leaders to help older adults maintain their autonomy and independence.
For more than a century, Lutheran social ministries have been trusted in America’s rural communities. That tradition continues as our network equips local leaders with innovative, community-informed solutions that build on local assets and strengthen social connection.
At the GIA conference, Regan highlighted how RAAN amplifies practical solutions that demonstrate what works, why it matters, and for whom. This shared learning strengthens community partnerships and provides funders and decision-makers with clear examples of scalable approaches that deliver real impact.
As America’s population ages, and one in four older adults continues to call a rural community home, the lessons from RAAN demonstrate that the most effective solutions start within the community itself. Through whole-community mobilization, we’re charting a path toward better health and belonging for older adults in rural America.
October 22, 2025
With Republicans currently holding control across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the U.S. government, the 2026 midterm elections are emerging at a critical juncture for the future direction of federal policy. The outcome of these elections determines whether we will see the continuation of complete Republican control, or whether a new balance of power emerges, most likely through a Democratic shift in the House of Representatives.
Key races in both chambers are beginning to take shape, and we’re closely tracking a growing number of toss-up contests that will determine the control of Congress. As these campaigns continue to take shape, early and sustained engagement with both current and prospective lawmakers is essential to make sure our collective voices are heard. Now is the time to build relationships that will help inform and educate future decision-making and to ensure the interests of the communities we serve are prioritized.
Toss-Ups to Watch
Senate: Several Senate races are expected to be highly competitive. These include:
House: On the Democratic side, toss up seats include:
Republican-held seats that are expected to be competitive include:
What You Can Do Now
Members of Congress will recess the week of November 10 in observance of the Veterans Day holiday. This presents a timely and strategic opportunity to engage directly with elected officials in their home districts and states. We strongly encourage our members to:
These conversations are instrumental in building lasting relationships with policymakers and in ensuring your priorities are represented in the decisions that follow.
Sarah Dobson is Senior Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Lutheran Services in America.
October 22, 2025
