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WASHINGTON — Lutheran Services in America announces a new partnership with RRF Foundation for Aging (RRF) to launch Rural Caregiver Voices 2026: Elevating the Rural Caregiver Experience, a national initiative designed to uplift the lived experiences of family caregivers supporting older adults across rural and frontier communities. This project responds to a critical gap in the aging and caregiving landscape: the stories, challenges, and expertise of rural caregivers remain largely unheard in conversations shaping systems of care.

With generous support from RRF, the project builds on Lutheran Services in America’s Rural Aging Action Network (RAAN), a proven model that strengthens community leadership, innovation, and peer-to-peer learning in underserved rural communities. In partnership with the National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC), Rural Caregiver Voices 2026 will equip rural family caregivers with tools in storytelling, systems literacy, and leadership development, ensuring that those who shoulder the bulk of caregiving responsibilities in rural America have the skills and platforms to advance meaningful change.

“Family caregivers in rural communities play an extraordinary role in the health and well-being of older adults, and yet their lived experiences too often go unseen in decisions and discussions that impact their daily lives,” said Alesia Frerichs, president and CEO of Lutheran Services in America. “Through this partnership with RRF Foundation for Aging, we are expanding the power of local leadership and elevating the expertise of rural caregivers whose voices are essential to designing equitable, responsive systems of support.”

“At RRF Foundation for Aging, we are committed to improving the quality of life for all older people, and that includes uplifting the experiences of those who care for them,” said RRF President and CEO Mary O’Donnell. “This partnership with Lutheran Services in America ensures that rural family caregivers—who often serve as the primary source of support for older adults aging in place—are better equipped, heard, and connected to conversations that shape the services and resources available to them.”

Through in-depth qualitative research, a two-day storytelling and mobilization workshop in Washington, D.C., and ongoing coaching by NAC, the project will identify and train rural family caregivers and aging leaders across Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota RAANs. Participants will engage directly with national leaders, share their stories, and contribute to a co-branded Rural Family Caregiver Framework that highlights the real-world challenges and opportunities facing rural caregiving communities.

About Lutheran Services in America
Lutheran Services in America, one of the nation’s largest networks of health and human service providers, is rooted in a century-long, faith-based commitment to service. Its 300 nonprofit organizations operate in 1,400 communities across 46 states, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands, reaching more than 7 million people each year. Together, they improve outcomes for children, youth and families, support independence for older adults, champion meaningful services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and strengthen stability and purpose for veterans and others. Lutheran Services in America brings together a broad network of leaders, partners and stakeholders, connecting insights, elevating innovation, fostering collaboration, and shaping policies and practices that advance health and opportunity for all.

About RRF Foundation for Aging (RRF)
RRF Foundation for Aging seeks to improve the quality of life for older people through grantmaking, research, and thought leadership. RRF invests in innovative, forward-looking solutions that support older adults in aging with dignity, independence, and well-being. With a focus on equity and impact, RRF funds initiatives that strengthen caregiving, enhance economic security, and expand access to essential supports—particularly in communities facing persistent disparities. Learn more at www.rrf.org.

WASHINGTON — Lutheran Services in America, a national network of 300 faith-based health and human services provider organizations across the United States, announces the hiring of Sarah Haight as its vice president of program planning and growth.

Haight joins Lutheran Services in America with deep experience leading cross-sector partnerships and systems change work and maintains a strong commitment to equity and community-centered impact. In her new position, Haight will play a critical role in advancing the long-term strategic objectives of Lutheran Services in America through program growth, enterprise alignment, and relationship-driven investment strategies. She will be an important voice in bringing bold ideas to life and shaping and scaling some of the organization’s most dynamic national initiatives, including the Results Innovation Lab, Rural Aging Action Network, and Housing Solutions Collaborative.

“Sarah brings exceptional vision to our network as well as a fidelity to ensuring all people and communities have the opportunity to thrive,” said Alesia Frerichs, president and CEO of Lutheran Services in America. “Her experience in driving cross-sector collaboration and scaling innovative solutions will further improve our ability to meet the needs of communities across the country.”

Haight comes to Lutheran Services in America after spending nearly 15 years in several leadership roles at Ascend at the Aspen Institute. Most recently, she led a team that provided technical assistance and strategic guidance to organizations focused on fostering intergenerational opportunities. As the director of the organization’s 2Gen Practice, Haight combined strategic planning and a belief in the inherent expertise of people with lived experience with hands-on support with the goal of creating sustainable, impactful change for families across generations. She also holds extensive experience directing national convenings that elevate leaders and solutions focused on families with low incomes.

“I am honored and excited to work alongside such a passionate network of leaders dedicated to improving the lives and well-being of people nationwide,” said Haight. “I hope to build on the innovative models and extensive partnerships crafted by Lutheran Services in America to extend the level of impact felt in 1,400 communities.”

About Lutheran Services in America
Lutheran Services in America is one of the nation’s largest national networks of health and human service providers with a mission to cultivate caring communities that advance health and opportunity for all. With 300 nonprofit organizations across 1,400 U.S. communities, the Lutheran Services in America network works to improve 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 and others. Formed in 1997, Lutheran Services in America brings together a network of leaders, partners and funders to catalyze innovation, strengthen organizational capacity and advance public policy.