Strengthening Families Initiative
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Strengthening Families Initiative
Lutheran Services in America is embarking on a multi-year initiative to reshape and foster alignment between health and social care systems to strengthen families. Our focus aims to improve health outcomes for children, youth and families enrolled in Medicaid, with an initial focus on behavioral health.
Specifically, through our Results Innovation Lab and Family Stabilization Initiative, we seek to better leverage the capacity and leadership of the Lutheran Services in America member network to further strengthen families by collaborating and partnering with Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).
ISSUE BRIEFS
A series of briefs aims to provide understanding about new and innovative approaches to improve individual and community outcomes through Lutheran Services in America and our member network with a focus on partnerships with Medicare managed care.
ISSUE BRIEFS
A series of briefs aims to provide understanding about new and innovative approaches to improve individual and community outcomes through Lutheran Services in America and our member network with a focus on partnerships with Medicare managed care.
Stabilizing Families to Improve Health and Wellbeing
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CASE STUDIES
Lutheran Services in America members are working to strengthen families by addressing behavioral health and broader health-related social needs in partnership with MCOs to improve health outcomes. Learn more from a diversity of approaches across the country.
PARTICIPATING PARTNERS
NEWS & RESOURCES
PRESS RELEASES
California
Lutheran Social Services of Northern California combats homelessness in 10 counties through housing-focused services and partnerships with California’s Medi-Cal Transformation program. Serving over 4,500 individuals, LSS supports foster youth, seniors, and others, achieving strong housing stability outcomes. LSS continues expanding partnerships to enhance services and impact.
Florida
Lutheran Services Florida leads statewide behavioral health innovation, serving over 3.9 million Floridians annually. Through LSF Health Systems, programs like 24/7 Mobile Response Teams and co-responder models address crises, while initiatives like Project Save Lives combat overdoses. LSF supports diverse communities with innovative, evidence-based solutions, overcoming funding challenges to improve outcomes and build hope-filled futures.
Illinois
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois provides comprehensive behavioral health, child welfare, and community support services, focusing on underserved populations. Key initiatives include Project IMPACT for crisis intervention, therapeutic foster care, and value-based care through the Illinois Health Practice Alliance. LSSI drives innovation, partnerships, and evidence-based practices to improve outcomes while addressing social determinants of health.
Nebraska
Lutheran Family Services serves more than 15,000 clients across Nebraska and Iowa with innovative programs addressing behavioral health, child welfare, immigration, and social determinants of health. Highlights include integrated behavioral health homes, certified community behavioral health clinics, the Dana Village housing community, and the Fatherhood Initiative. LFS leverages partnerships, value-based payments, and quality improvement to expand care access and improve outcomes statewide.
Wisconsin
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan empowers nearly 30,000 individuals annually through innovative behavioral health, housing, and social care programs. Notable initiatives include School Centered Mental Health services, which improves outcomes for children and families, and the Healthcare Partnership, which reduces costs and improve care coordination. Strategic investments have strengthened financial stability and improved client satisfaction.
PROGRAM CONTACT
Susan Newton
Senior Director, Strategic Initiatives
snewton@lutheranservices.org
COMMUNICATIONS CONTACT
Sue Polis
Vice President, Public Relations and Government Affairs
spolis@lutheranservices.org
