Capitol Conversations: Eye on the Midterms

January 15, 2026

In this session, we look ahead to the midterm elections in November. Register to join and check back soon for more details!

LITN POM Safe App Demonstration

January 9, 2026

The Lutheran Information Technology Network will host its first webinar of 2026 with a demonstration of the POM Safe application. Harry Vijayakumar, CIO at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, will facilitate the event. Join us on January 21 at 2 p.m. ET to see how the POM Safe app is keeping teams safe at other human services organizations.

What is POM Safe?

POM Safe is a personal safety tool that operates through a discreet mobile app. The POM Safe app provides instant access to emergency support and proactive safety features, allowing employees to remain focused on the important work they do with greater confidence and peace of mind.

With a quick tap users can:

  • Instantly connect with POM safe 24/7 Response Center (live dispatchers), and those dispatchers relay vital information to local emergency responders
  • Send discreet alerts to designated supervisors
  • Share real-time location details
  • Enable audio connection during distress events supporting faster assessments and response.
  • Access on-demand de-escalation and support tools such as:
  • “Fake call” feature (to create a plausible exit or interruption if a situation feels unsafe
  • Audio capability (microphone/speaker) can also support de-escalation because it enables real-time assessment/communication during an incident.
  • One-tap texting/auto-texting to pre-set contacts (e.g., supervisor, safety lead) to discreetly request help without escalating the situation.
  • The POM Safe App fills critical gaps in traditional safety protocols and empowers staff to act quickly in urgent or uncertain situations.

Capitol Conversations: What to Expect on the Hill

December 19, 2025

In this session, we will highlight what we are expecting for the first few months as Congress gets back to work. We will discuss what’s ahead for Medicaid, appropriations, workforce, and health and housing issues.

The discussion will feature the following speakers:

  • Ilene Stein, Vice President for Government Affairs at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
  • Luis Zaldivar, Project Director at the American Business Immigration Council
  • Andrew Fuller, Program Director for Economic Policy at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Lutheran Services in America government relations and advocacy staff will also share updates specific to ongoing efforts to engage with members of Congress.

Recording

Capitol Conversations: Housing & Health

November 21, 2025

Join us as we explore the critical intersection of housing and health. Our speakers discuss innovative approaches to care and stability, including the role of Medicaid in supporting medical respite/recuperative care for people experiencing homelessness. Our advocacy team also provides an update on The Road to Housing Act, Yes In God’s Backyard (YIGBY), and other updates on priority issues.

Speakers

  • Mark Kudlowitz, Senior Director of Policy, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

Resources

Supplementary information from QV Health Solutions and National Health Care for the Homeless Council: “Alternative Payment Models: Supporting Long-Term Sustainability of Recuperative Care Programs” (August 2025)

LSA-DN Winter Meeting 2026

October 27, 2025

The Lutheran Services in America Disability Network (DN) Winter Meeting will take place February 4–6, 2026, at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club near Jacksonville, Florida. This meeting will take place immediately after The Summit 2026.

The DN meets together three times a year to harness the collective power and wisdom of its nationwide network of Lutheran social ministry organizations to amplify our voice through advocacy and champion services and supports that enable individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to realize their dreams, achieve their potential and lead their best lives.

If you are interested in learning more about the DN Winter meeting, please contact Bill Kallestad, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy, Disability Network.

Hotel Reservations

We secured a group rate for the nights of January 29 and 30.

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
200 Ponte Vedra Blvd.
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

Check back again soon to book your room with our discounted rate!

Standard room single or double occupancy: $289 per night (plus a $20 resort fee)
Check-in: 4 p.m.
Check-out: 11 a.m.

NOTE: You must reserve your room through this link or by calling the hotel directly at (800) 234-7842 and letting them know you are part of the Lutheran Services in America Disability Network group. You cannot use third-party sites (e.g., Expedia, Trip Advisor, etc.) to book your rooms.

If you want to reserve your hotel room before or after the Winter Meeting dates (January 29–31) or extend your reservation to attend The Summit 2026 (February 1–4) beforehand, call (800) 234-7842.

Special room rates will be guaranteed until January 3, 2026, or until the group block is sold out, whichever comes first.

Cancellations

To cancel or change your reservation, you must contact the hotel directly at (800) 234-7842. The first night’s room revenue will be charged at the time of the reservation and any modifications to a reservation including arrival date, departure date, and cancellation must be completed three days prior to the day of arrival or a charge equal to one night’s room and tax will be applied. 

If you have any questions, please call (703) 966-7540 or email Kimberly Roque.

Transportation

The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club is easily accessible via Jacksonville International Airport (JAX).

Jacksonville International Airport

Distance: 29 miles (about 35 minutes)

Browse ground transportation options at JAX.

Directions to the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club

From Jacksonville International Airport:

  • Take 95S to I-295S and FL-202E/Butler Boulevard to 3rd Street South in Jacksonville Beach. 
  • Take the A1AN exit to Ponte Vedra Beach, then follow the signs to Ponte Vedra Inn & Club on Ponte Vedra Boulevard.  

Activities

Jacksonville is home to 22 miles of relaxing beaches, eco-adventures, world-class art museums, sports arenas, shopping, exciting attractions and the best dining scene in the region. Orlando is just two hours from Ponte Vedra Beach for attractions including Disney World, Universal Studios, and many other local attractions! 

Capitol Conversations: Spotlight on Workforce

October 27, 2025

Workforce-related challenges persist which continue to threaten access to care for individuals and communities. Our next Capitol Conversations webinar explores recent policy developments and share innovative approaches LSA members are leading to advance solutions.

During this webinar, we discuss changes that are emerging from the recent budget reconciliation bill (H.R. 1), how these developments are affecting the workforce shortage, and different ways in which Lutheran Services in America member organizations are innovating and leading.

Speakers

The Lutheran Services in America advocacy team also provides updates related to federal policies that we are tracking.

Recording

Housing Solutions Collaborative In-Person Meeting

September 30, 2025

Join us as we bring together members and key collaborators around our Housing Solutions initiative. Meet with your peers in a trusted and safe environment to explore pipeline readiness for the predevelopment loan fund, partnership assessment and opportunities, and strategies for engaging with congregations on new affordable housing development. A highlight of our meeting will be a social gathering and dinner on Wednesday evening, in partnership with the Housing Leadership Circle.

The convening will bring together members to work on solutions and implementation strategies and provide an opportunity for a deep dive that is difficult to achieve in our bi-monthly Zoom meetings. Agenda topics will include:

  • Predevelopment Loan Fund: Getting the fund off the ground, including a deep dive into “Readiness Factors” with an eye towards prioritizing 3–4 areas we can tackle first to increase LSA members’ ability to kick-off the predevelopment phase of a project
  • Picking the Right Partners in Your Journey: From developers to Churches to other community service organizations
  • Peer to Peer Networking: How we are utilizing the Community Hub to increase your access to other members and information across the network
  • Shared Services: 2–3 members present ideas on how they do something really well and would love to see it expand across the network

Registration is free and you can register today to secure your place! As part of your registration, join us for a networking reception and dinner, in partnership with the Housing Leadership Circle. Mingle with fellow LSA members, corporate partners, and the LSA team at Founding Farmers on Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m.

Capitol Conversations: October 2025 Session

September 25, 2025

Join this session of Capitol Conversations to hear what our members are seeing at the state level as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is implemented. Find out what you need to know and what to look out for.

Our speakers include:

 

Stronger Together: How Senior Living Communities Thrive Through Community Partnerships

September 25, 2025

Strong community partnerships are essential for senior living organizations looking to enhance resident well-being, strengthen their reputation, and stay competitive. This webinar spotlights how collaborations with universities create unique opportunities for intergenerational connection, learning, and innovation that benefit both residents and students.

Industry leaders Brett Anderson of Ebenezer Senior Living, Dr. Luanne Fisher of Liberty Lutheran, and Andrew Carle of University Retirement Communities will share real-world strategies and outcomes you can adapt to your own community. Join us to explore actionable ways to build powerful local partnerships that enrich lives and position your organization for long-term success.

Presentations

View a recording of this webinar.

The Power of Community: Advancing Family Stability and Collective Well-being

September 25, 2025

The well-being of children and families depends on strong, connected communities working together. Yet many families continue to face barriers, such as limited access to child care, mental health services, food, and parenting supports, that make stability difficult to achieve.

Since 2021, the Lutheran Services in America Family Stabilization Initiative (FSI) has partnered with communities across four states to break down these barriers through evidence-based, wraparound programs that put family well-being first.

In this webinar, participants will explore a practical framework developed by Lutheran Services in America and Chapin Hall for community building and mobilization rooted in five principles: people-driven collaboration, asset-based partnerships, capacity building, shared leadership, and collaborative evaluation.

Practitioners and nonprofit leaders will gain actionable strategies through real-life examples for authentically engaging families, strengthening support networks, and fostering long-term community resilience.

Join us to learn how communities are turning vision into practice—and how you can apply these strategies to help families thrive.

Speakers

Supporting
Our Neighbors,

TOGETHER.

Our shared Lutheran tradition of service to our neighbor is more vital than ever.

Join us as we work to ensure our network continues delivering essential services to all in need.