WASHINGTON — Alesia Frerichs, president and CEO of Lutheran Services in America, issued the following statement in response to the ongoing challenges related to the federal funding freeze initiated by the Office of Management and Budget on January 27 on all U.S. federal grants and loans, which is still causing disruptions in the operations of Lutheran social ministries throughout the country:

“As a network rooted in the long-standing Lutheran faith-based tradition of service in caring for our neighbor, Lutheran social ministries provide essential services to people in communities across the country. Lutheran social ministries have been working in partnership with their communities for decades — and in some instances, for more than a century. Lutheran social ministries are trusted, community-centered organizations that have aided in the wellbeing of all people who need assistance, including:

• strengthening families
• supporting the dignity, independence and choice for older adults
• championing full and meaningful lives for people with disabilities
• fostering stability and purpose for veterans and others

“The suspension of funding to faith-based health and human service organizations like Lutheran social ministries undermines efforts to support individuals and communities during on-going times of need. This action causes considerable harm to people who rely on critical services for shelter, food, and mental health services among other social supports. The work of social ministries and community-based organizations are lifelines to those in need and must be protected.

“We will stay steadfastly committed to our work with all partners across federal, state and local efforts on behalf of Lutheran social ministries — to ensure the needs of individuals and communities who rely on our services to live full and active lives can continue to be met in the days, weeks and years ahead.”

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 Americans. 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.