This Is What Happens . . . When We Come Together

2022 Annual Report

This Is What Happens... When We Come Together

Opening Letter

Dear members, partners and supporters,

First and foremost, we want to thank you for your generosity and support of Lutheran Services in America. Put simply, you make what we do possible.

Stepping into the gap where others can’t or won’t go is what social ministries do. The power and potential of doing this together and our collective impact is what fuels our commitment to our national network, the communities we support and the people we empower. As one of the largest faith-based networks working with one in 50 people in America, we are united in our shared faith tradition of service in community. We are reminded of one of Martin Luther’s many enduring adages:

"God does not need our good works. Our neighbor does."

This 2022 report highlights what happens when we come together, working hand-in-hand to cultivate caring communities that advance health and opportunity for all.

Together we:

  • Grew our collective capacity and created pathways of resiliency and support for more than 7,000 children and their families through our work in the Results Innovation Lab. 
  • Catalyzed innovation and brought rural communities from across the country together in our Rural Aging Action Network to respond to the needs of rural older adults, connecting them to food, transportation, safe housing, health resources and social engagement.
  • Elevated our voice and the people with whom we walk alongside in the national conversation to improve the health and well-being of all people and advance equity.

We are full of gratitude and deep appreciation for the culture of innovation, fortitude, commitment and partnership that each and every one of you bring to this work. Throughout this report, you will see how support for our work continues to grow. We hope you are as excited about the impact of our collective work as we are. 

This is what happens when we come together. 

In peace, 

Alesia Frerichs

President & CEO
Lutheran Services in America

Darrell Gordon

President & CEO, Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center Chairperson of the Board, Lutheran Services in America

Stay connected with us throughout the year.

Area of Impact

Children, Youth & Families

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Moving Upstream to Prevention. 

After 6 months of participating in our program, 95% of families at risk of being separated were able to remain together.

Catalyzing Innovation to Strengthen Families

Through our Results Innovation Lab, we bring together our social ministry member organizations and national partners and spearhead innovative approaches to change when and how we engage families in crisis and create pathways to keep families together.

In 2022, we:

  • Focused on the alarming racial disparities in child welfare and child protective services involvement with families of color.
  • Connected families to resources and supports, centering on prevention versus intervention.
  • Decreased the length of stay for youth in foster care.
  • Improved outcomes for children transitioning out of child welfare.
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Moving Upstream to Prevention. 

After 6 months of participating in our program, 95% of families at risk of being separated were able to remain together.

Catalyzing Innovation to Strengthen Families

Through our Results Innovation Lab, we bring together our social ministry member organizations and national partners and spearhead innovative approaches to change when and how we engage families in crisis and create pathways to keep families together.

In 2022, we:

  • Focused on the alarming racial disparities in child welfare and child protective services involvement for families of color.
  • Connected families to resources and supports, centering on prevention versus intervention.
  • Decreased the length of stay for youth in foster care.
  • Improved outcomes for children transitioning out of child welfare.

Children experience substantial trauma when removed from their homes.

Nearly 84% of children are placed into foster care because of neglect—the inability of a parent to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care or supervision—rather than abuse. Neglect is most often a symptom of underlying socioeconomic challenges such as poverty, lack of community resources or an underlying physical or mental health issue.

Coming Together to Make a Lasting Change

We set a bold goal in 2019 to achieve equitable outcomes for 20,000 children and families by 2024. Powered by our members, partners and supporters, we exceeded this goal by 25%, 2 years ahead of schedule, collectively reaching 25,000 children and families across the United States.

Goal: 20,000 Children & Families
Results: 25,000 Children & Families
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Achieved equitable outcomes for 25,000 children and families across the United States.

Highlights of Our Collective Impact

  • Lutheran Services Florida decreased by 40% the number of youths placed in out-of-home care.
  • Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan connected more than 900 families to affordable housing options in their area.
  • Lutheran Social Services of New York strengthened paternal family supports by expanding connections for 110 youth who were placed—or were at risk of placement—in foster care.

Lutheran Services in America united 62 social ministry leaders with 178 partners across 18 communities, directly reaching more than 7,000 children in 2022.

This momentum is generating additional partners to join and invest in our work so we can accelerate innovation and expand impact to empower even more families going forward.

Reimagining How to Reach Families in Crisis

The Results Innovation Lab elevates the powerful practice of parent partners with “lived voices”—people who have lived through similar challenges—to connect more authentically with families.

Reimagining How to Reach Families in Crisis

The Results Innovation Lab elevates the powerful practice of parent partners with “lived voices”—people who have lived through similar challenges—to connect more authentically with families.

Dr. Antonio Oftelie, executive director of Leadership for a Networked World at Harvard, chronicles how Lutheran Services in America fundamentally challenges the status quo through innovation and collaboration. His 2022 case study, “Disruption is in our DNA: Lutheran Services in America and the Results Innovation Lab,” speaks to our groundbreaking efforts. 

“The Results Innovation Lab spurs critical thinking into how we can dramatically change the trajectory of outcomes for people, families and communities. Working together, we evaluate what the future can look like and what it will take to build that future.”
Dr. Antonio Oftelie
Executive Director, Leadership for a Networked World, Harvard University

Area of Impact

Older Adults

Embracing Longevity: Advancing Supports for Older Adults

From Alaska to Pennsylvania, the Lutheran Services in America network has a deep and enduring presence in supporting older adults as they age.

Expanding the circle of partners in aging is one of our core commitments across the network. At Lutheran Services in America, we are engaging traditional and nontraditional partners at the local and national level to invest in and advance successful innovations that empower older adults to age with independence, dignity and purpose in the community of their choice.

In 2022, we launched two new aging initiatives that empower older adults to age with dignity and respect in the community of their choice:

  • Connect-Home Collaborative: A partnership with the University of North Carolina and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation that builds the capacity of the existing workforce in low-income housing settings to proactively identify and engage older adults returning from a hospital stay, reducing the risk of unnecessary re-hospitalization. 
  • Rural Aging Action Network: In the rural communities of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota, we advance caring communities to address the personalized needs of rural older adults, connecting them to food, transportation, safe housing, health resources and social engagement.

Connecting low-income older adults to services and supports to age in the community of their choice

Rural and frontier communities are aging more rapidly than the
rest of the country.

They experience poorer health outcomes, are increasingly diverse and are hardest hit by a shrinking workforce. Limited access to services in these areas and gaps in care lead to increased risk of hospitalization and reduced quality of life.

Expanding Our Circle of Partners in Aging

By identifying and engaging both traditional and nontraditional partners at the local and national level, we advanced successful innovations to empower older adults to lead their best lives. 

As a result, we’re able to increase the investment, scope and reach of our work in rural communities and beyond.

“As rural hospitals and nursing homes face unprecedented workforce shortages, community-led efforts like the Rural Aging Action Network are needed to address gaps in care for rural older adults. If rural communities don’t find sustainable solutions to meet unmet care needs, who will take care of our nation's rapidly aging population?”
Alana Knudson
Director, NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis
“As rural hospitals and nursing homes face unprecedented workforce shortages, community-led efforts like the Rural Aging Action Network are needed to address gaps in care for rural older adults. If rural communities don’t find sustainable solutions to meet unmet care needs, who will take care of our nation's rapidly aging population?”
Alana Knudson
Director, NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis

Highlights of Our Collective Impact

Through our Rural Aging Action Network, 989 unique community resources were identified to support older adults, such as:

  • In Armour, South Dakota, older adults no longer need to wait 6 months for a general contractor to make housing safety modifications because a local high school woodshop class was tapped to install grab bars or build ramps so they can age safely at home.  
  • In Sidney, Montana, older adults no longer need to worry about the burdensome upkeep of their yard as the local Boy Scouts troop was recruited to mow their lawns.
  • In Wilton, North Dakota, older adults no longer need to fear falling on ice when walking outside because local farmers and neighborhoods were engaged to shovel snow from their driveways. 

Lutheran Services in America united 19 social ministry leaders with 248 partners across 6 communities, directly reaching more than 200 older adults aging in rural communities in 2022.

Expanding our circle of partners in aging

Bill, a 95-year-old widow and World War II veteran, lives alone in a rural hunting lodge. Bill’s worries of falling and being stranded for days, coupled with the daunting task of making ends meet with his limited income, once threatened his dream of staying in his beloved home.

Through our Rural Aging Action Network, our member Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota has become Bill’s lifeline, connecting him to monthly food service delivery, housekeeping services and energy assistance. Plus, he now has a free mobile medical detection alert that has alleviated his fear of living at home alone. Perhaps best of all, Bill enjoys more regular visits and a stronger connection with his community. Bill can live safely and comfortably in his home with true peace of mind thanks to the network of partners who rallied to his cause.

Area of Impact

Advocacy & Public Policy

Making Our Voice Heard

We keep the voice of one of the largest faith-based networks—and the people with whom we walk alongside—front and center in the national conversation. With our office steps from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC, we amplify the collective power of our $23 billion unified faith-based voice.

Our public policy and advocacy work creates a multiplier effect, enabling our member organizations to share the important role social ministries have in their communities and build Congressional and administration support for policies and funding that improve the health and well-being of people, combat systemic racism and address inequities—so all communities can thrive.

In 2022, we championed policies that:

  • Strengthened the faith-based nonprofit health and human services sector to reach more people in their communities.
  • Increased recruitment, improved retention and fortified the direct care workforce to assure ongoing access to quality care for all people.
  • Sought to achieve equitable health and well-being outcomes for people of all ages in America, especially related to behavioral health, social determinants of health and social services needs.

300 health and human services organizations in 1,400 communities represented by 146 Representatives and 92 Senators.

Expanding Our Reach

Our collective strength and distinct voice is important, giving us the unique opportunity to build meaningful connections and impact for our network. In 2022, we engaged a broad set of alliances to amplify our message, including: 

  • American Public Health Association 
  • Bipartisan Policy Center
  • Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
  • Interfaith Roundtable
  • Leadership 18
  • White House Conference on Hunger
  • White House Domestic Policy Council

As one of the largest providers of senior and disability services, we were a sought-after partner by the National Council on Aging and USAging to support vaccine outreach to older adults and people with disabilities in rural and underserved communities.

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We led 260 meetings with lawmakers and coalitions in 2022. 

“As we confront the reality of a historic workforce shortage and other significant headwinds—and pursue opportunities to reimagine care—Lutheran Services in America is an invaluable asset for social ministry organizations. With one collective voice, we advocate on Capitol Hill for policies that improve lives to ensure our perspective is considered in federal legislation.”
Nate Schema
President & CEO, The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society
“As we confront the reality of a historic workforce shortage and other significant headwinds—and pursue opportunities to reimagine care—Lutheran Services in America is an invaluable asset for social ministry organizations. With one collective voice, we advocate on Capitol Hill for policies that improve lives to ensure our perspective is considered in federal legislation.”
Nate Schema
President & CEO, The Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan Society

Area of Impact

People with Disabilities

Expanding What is Possible

Our Lutheran Services in America-Disability Network harnesses the collective power and wisdom of its nationwide group of Lutheran social ministry organizations to advocate for policies that expand access to services, improve quality of life and provide greater independence for people with disabilities.

In 2022, we actively supported policies that improve the lives of people with disabilities and honors the critical role of the direct care workforce by focusing on:

  • Strengthening financial security, expanding choice, promoting independence and increasing supports.
  • Providing competitive wages, increasing recruitment and retention efforts and improving long-term services by expanding access to home- and community-based services.

The Lutheran Services in America-Disability Network—founded in 2006—now reaches more than 250,000 people across 27 states with compassion and care.

“The Lutheran Services in America-Disability Network is a unique opportunity to connect with inspiring leaders that share the same values of caring for all people. I joined its collaborations for the chance to engage with outside experts and strategize with peers. I stay because it has made us a stronger provider.”
Myra Griffie
Chief Operating Officer, Lutheran Services Carolinas
“The Lutheran Services in America-Disability Network is a unique opportunity to connect with inspiring leaders that share the same values of caring for all people. I joined its collaborations for the chance to engage with outside experts and strategize with peers. I stay because it has made us a stronger provider.”
Myra Griffie
Chief Operating Officer, Lutheran Services Carolinas

Championing full and meaningful lives

With support from his sisters and his community living coordinator from our member Mosaic, Chef Adam Libby, who has Down syndrome, is living his dream and has become the face of confidence for people with disabilities.

To tap into all of Adam’s passions and attributes, his support team came up with the idea of recording and posting “how-to” cooking videos on the social media platform TikTok. When Adam demonstrated making pizza in a woodfired pizza oven, he went viral. Today, after starring in more than 400 videos, Adam enjoys worldwide support, with 2.4 million followers and 27.8 million likes.

 
“I’ve never seen him happier, and he’s become so much more independent. He has his own life now with his own passion and career. It’s all so wonderful.”
Emily
Adam's Sister

Area of Impact

Social Sector Leadership

Empowering Social Ministry Leaders

We are committed to growing our collective capacity to lead and effect change.

Highlights include:

  • Reimagining Diversity Collaborative. With leadership support from Darrell Gordon, President and CEO of Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center, and Paul Miles, President and CEO of the We Raise Foundation, we brought together 16 member CEOs and their board members in a year-long initiative to discuss ways to promote race equity and inclusion throughout their communities.
  • CEO Summit. With record attendance at our annual signature event, our keynote speakers and network leaders shared insights and strategies to address timely issues and trends, including workforce shortage, innovation and future-ready boards—strengthening social ministry capacity to effect change in their communities.
  • Strength & Service Series. Our interactive webinars offered hundreds of social sector leaders with opportunities throughout the year to engage with their peers and subject-matter experts on pressing topics, such as federal policy, healthcare, workforce, governance and more, to provide insights on national trends and emerging innovations.
“I have never heard peers regard a gathering as highly as the CEO Summit. Lutheran Services in America blends a magical mix of hope, inspiration, information and fellowship that is hard to replicate. It’s always the highlight of my year. And it doesn’t stop there. We get to jump on opportunities throughout the year—from virtual webinars to mentorship calls, there’s always a way to stay connected and grow as a leader.”
Kris Erickson
CEO, Bethany Village (KS)
“I have never heard peers regard a gathering as highly as the CEO Summit. Lutheran Services in America blends a magical mix of hope, inspiration, information and fellowship that is hard to replicate. It’s always the highlight of my year. And it doesn’t stop there. We get to jump on opportunities throughout the year—from virtual webinars to mentorship calls, there’s always a way to stay connected and grow as a leader.”
Kris Erickson
CEO, Bethany Village (KS)

Celebrating Leadership

Our annual Leadership Awards recognize exemplary leadership in the three areas that are a hallmark of the Lutheran Services in America network: innovation, mercy and mentorship

  • Ted Goins of Lutheran Services Carolinas was honored with the Paragon Award, in memory of the late Lutheran Services in America board member Ken Daly, for his commitment to mentoring, listening and connecting social ministry leaders across the country.
  • Christine Cauffield and Lutheran Services Florida Health Systems received the Innovator Award for expanding the Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CPRS) training program, the first of its kind in Florida, training more than 300 people. 
  • Paul Miles was awarded the Micah Award in recognition of the We Raise Foundation national impact and ongoing commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. 

We give our thanks to leaders like Ted, Christine, and Paul for their inspiration, commitment and dedication to empowering people to lead their best lives.

Thanks & Acknowledgments

In Gratitude

We gratefully acknowledge our friends and partners for investing in Lutheran Services in America.

Lutheran Services in America 2022 Supporters

Lasting Change Campaign

Supports our goal to raise $1 million by June 30, 2023, to advance collaborations with our network and partners and achieve a healthier, more equitable future for people and communities in the U.S.

Carlton Anderson

Marian Baldini

Dave and Heather Ballaine

James and Barbara Barclay

Katherine Barton

Joan Beach

Wendy and Brian Beach

Stanley Berman

Edward and Cheryl Boudreau

Rev. Dr. Stephen Bouman and Ms. Janet M. Bouman

Samuel and Fern Clapper

Richard and Mary Coar

Tom and Luanne Croker

Bao Dang

Bishop Patricia A. Davenport and Jamar Davenport

Ralston and Miriam Deffenbaugh

David Duea

Bishop Ralph and Teresa Dunkin

Marjorie Ellis

First Evangelical Lutheran Church 

Barry and Luanne Fisher

Colleen Frankenfield

Rev. and Mrs. Warren Freiheit

Alesia and Stephen Frerichs

Darrell Gordon

Eric Gurley

Roger Gustafson

Charlotte Haberaecker

The Rev. Dr. Ruth E. Hamilton

Rev. Mark and Ione Hanson

Karen Himle

Deborah and Ryan Hoesly

Brian and Carla Hofland

Rose Huffman

James and Deborah Hushagen

Immanuel

Interfaith Roundtable – 

  • Mark Anderson
  • Brian Corbin
  • Jamar Doyle
  • Mary Kemper
  • Karen Lehman
  • Cynthia Ray
  • Reuben Rottman

Adriene Iverson

Junia John-Straker

Shelley Kendrick

Rev. Kurt and Pam Kusserow

David and Judith Larson

Lutheran Executive Alumni Network

Lowe Speedling Family Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation

Lutheran Social Services of Alaska, Inc.

Susan Menezes

Donald and Theresa Meyer

The Rev. Lyle and Sonja Miller

Scott Monroe

Linda Norman

Omaha Community Foundation

Andrea Paul

Winston and May Persaud

Patrick Pheng

Rev. Arnold O. Pierson

Mitch Possinger

Rev. Kevin Robson

Bob and Patti Rundle

Joy Ryan

Dr. Patricia W. Savage and Dr. Roger B. Johnson, Jr.

Mariel Sena

St. John’s United 

St. Mark Lutheran Church 

Bill and Annriette Stolte

Laurie and Paul Stumme-Diers

Gene L. Svebakken

Julie and Bruce Swanson

David and Barbara Swartling

Thrivent

Ann L. Vazquez

George C. Watson and John Fitzpatrick

Patricia D. Yoder

Results Innovation Lab

Supports our goal to achieve equitable outcomes for 20,000 children in the U.S. by 2024.

Brian Bluhm

Ken and Donna Daly

Christopher Findlay

Alesia and Stephen Frerichs

Kristen and Rob Gay

Charlotte Haberaecker

Dang Nguyen

Dr. Antonio Oftelie

Rev. Dr. Rafael Malpica Padilla

Kimberly Roque

Bola and Amy Sodeinde

Rev. Jeffrey and Pamela Thiemann

Jennifer Waldinger

William Yoder

Neighbor-to-Neighbor

Supports our annual fund goal with flexible funding to boldly respond to the needs of our network today.

AmazonSmile

Anonymous

Marian Baldini

Kim and Michelle Batman

James Beierschmitt

Vicki Beilfuss

Stephen Bennett

Susan Bobie

Rev. Dr. Stephen Bouman and Ms. Janet Bouman

Carolyn Boyken

Marion and Patty Butler

Marvin Butler

Joseph Carroll

Amy Carter

CharityVest Inc.

Dr. and Mrs. Clyde J. Christmas

Rich Claybaker

Tom and Luanne Croker

Barbara Deines

East Koshkonong Lutheran Church 

Dave and Pam Feidner

Michael Felten

David Fenoglietto

First Lutheran Church 

Alesia and Stephen Frerichs

Tracy Gallant

Garman Lutheran Church 

Darrell Gordon

Rev. Richard and Nancy Ann Graham

Pastor Erin and Tony Grayson

David Gregg

Groundswell Foundation

Eric Gurley

Charlotte Haberaecker

Rev. Donald and Susan Hallberg

William Hanawalt

Valerie Heeger

Tania Hernandez-Andersen

Stephen and Jill Herr

Karen Himle

Rev. Robert D. Hofstad and Ms. Linda Hofstad

Dorothy H. Hunter

Dan Hytrek

Immanuel

Joyce Johnson

Jeanne and Eric Kamrath

Katherine Knorr

Barbara Lange

Robin Lockerby

Lowe Speedling Family Fund of the Philadelphia Foundation

Karen Lyons

Jeffrey Maletta

Carl R. McAloose

Sigrid McClay

James McDivitt

Valerie Nadal

Zachary Nelson

New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Wade Harwood and Ashley Frame Fund

Susan Newton

Steve and Linda Nosworthy

Lovely Okwololo

Bharat Patel

Janet Lee Pavlak

Patrick Pheng

Feng Qin

Andrea Rahn

Roy and Betsy Riley

Rev. Kevin Robson

Vincent Ruggiero

Dr. Patricia W. Savage and Dr. Roger B. Johnson, Jr.

Richmond Schmidt

Emily Sollie

William and Ingrid Stafford

Becky Stange

Eric Stenberg

Marques Stewart

Robert and Hilma Swensen

Thomas Syverson

Muaaz Tahir

Target Corporation

Rev. Jeffrey and Pamela Thiemann

Thrivent

Randy and Linda Timmons

Trinity Lutheran Church of Tenafly 

Dr. Robert W. Tuttle

Alvin Varughese

Erwin Vettel

William A. Wiles

Rev. Lawrence and Joy Wohlrabe

Member Contributions

Lutheran Services in America member organizations, who contributed funds beyond sustaining dues to advance our network’s collective impact (received July 1 – December 31, 2022).

Advocate Aurora Health

California Lutheran Homes and Community Services

Christ the King Community Outreach 

Community Family Life Services, Inc.

Concordia Place

Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Association

Eliseo

Fellowship Square Foundation, Inc.

Gemma Services

Genacross Lutheran Services

Good Shepherd Lutheran Foundation, Inc.

Immanuel

Immanuel Lutheran Communities

Inspiritus

KenCrest Centers

Knute Nelson

Luther Manor

Lutheran Community Services Northwest

Lutheran Community Services, Inc.

Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains

Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis

Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry

Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc.

Lutheran Services Carolinas

Lutheran Services Florida, Inc.

Lutheran Services in Iowa

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota

Lutheran Social Services of Alaska, Inc.

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois

Lutheran Social Services of Indiana

Lutheran Social Services of Nevada

Lutheran Social Services of Northern California

Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota

Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc.

Martha & Mary Lutheran Services

Mosaic

My Friends House

National Lutheran Communities & Services, Inc.

Oaks Indian Mission, Inc.

Peace Community Center

Saint Luke Ministries

Samaritas

Sapphire Lutheran Homes, Inc.

Southeast Ministry

St. John’s United

Trinity Healing Center

Upbring

We Raise Foundation

Grants, Foundations, Sponsors & Partners

American Society on Aging (ASA)

ATI Advisory

Bipartisan Policy Center

The ABCD Institute

Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies 

The Annie E. Casey Foundation 

Centene

Concordia Plan Services

Consumer Technology Association Foundation

Dash Media

Diverse Elders Coalition

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 

Forefront Healthcare

Grantmakers in Aging

Immanuel

Johnson, Kendall & Johnson

Leadership for a Networked World at Harvard University

LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston

Lutheran Church Extension Fund

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod 

Lutheran Executive Alumni Network 

Lutheran Services for the Children Endowment at the ELCA Foundation

Lutheran Services for the Elderly Endowment at the ELCA Foundation

Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA

National Center for Innovation and Excellence 

NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis

North Dakota State University

Paycor

PHI National

Portico Benefit Services

Santa for Seniors

Select Rehabilitation

Serviam Care Network

Simply Connect 

Twin Lakes Community

UnitedHealthCare

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

USAging 

We Raise Foundation

The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation

Amherst H. Wilder Foundation

Ziegler

Thrivent Choice Donations

Norma Adams

Rosemary Budhu

Barry and Luanne Fisher

Frederick Kraegel

Thomas Marton

Paul Maxfield

Victor Peischl

Bonnie Raquet

Eilene Roth

Larry Seitz

Nancy Wigdahl

Phillip Woodruff

Memorials, Tributes & Celebrations

Marian Eda Katherine Baderschneider

Mavis Bargon

Pastor Jenny Barnes

Wendy Yoder Beach

Mr. Norman C. Berg

The Rev. Dr. John M. Brndjar

Ken Daly

Mr. Joel M. Davenport Sr.

Alesia Frerichs

Marvin Gustafson Jr. and Laura Adams Langhauser

Charlotte Haberaecker

Rev. Donald Hallberg

John Hunter

Gene Kaseman

Fred Kraegel

Norma F. Langford

Aaron and Elise McAloose

Joanne E. Negstad

Charles H. Neumann

Pramila Patel

Dr. Patricia W. Savage 

Lauree Scheaf

Bill Stolte

David and Barbara Swartling

Lee VanJaarsveld 

C. Richard Yoder

Join us by making a gift to
Lutheran Services in America today.

We express our deep gratitude and appreciation to Charlotte Haberaecker, former president and CEO of Lutheran Services in America (2012-2023), for her outstanding leadership, passion, and commitment to Lutheran Services in America and the mission of Lutheran social ministry. Together with our members, partners and supporters, we wish Charlotte all the best in her retirement.

July 2022 – June 2023

Chairperson

Darrell Gordon
President & CEO,
Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center

Vice Chairperson

Colleen Frankenfield
President & CEO,
Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey

Secretary

Jane Isaacs Lowe
Foundation Program Officer (Ret.)

Treasurer

Rev. Jeffrey Thiemann
President & CEO,
Portico Benefit Services
Bill Andrews
Vice President and Worldwide Director (Ret.)
David Duea
President & CEO,
Lutheran Community Services Northwest
Dr. Kristen Gay
President & CEO,
Gemma Services
Eric Gurley
President & CEO,
Immanuel
Karen Himle
Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs (Ret.),
Thrivent Financial
Rev. Barbara Lund
Sr. Director of Operations and Innovation,
Service and Justice Home Area Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Rev. Dr. Rafael Malpica Padilla
Executive Director,
Service and Justice Unit Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Dr. Antonio Oftelie
Executive Director of Leadership for a Networked World, Harvard University
Rev. Kevin Robson
Chief Mission Officer,
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

Board Adjunct and Theologian in Residence

Dr. Anthony Bateza
Assistant Professor of Religion and RACE Program Advisor,
St. Olaf College
“As Lutherans, we are called to do God’s work in a complex world. We value the innovative work that Lutheran Services in America is doing to address systemic barriers in our communities for children and youth of color. It is paramount to empower social ministry leaders to accelerate towards a future where all children and families in the U.S. have an equitable outcome.”
Rev. Dr. Rafael Malpica Padilla
Executive Director, Service and Justice Unit, ELCA
“As Lutherans, we are called to do God’s work in a complex world. We value the innovative work that Lutheran Services in America is doing to address systemic barriers in our communities for children and youth of color. It is paramount to empower social ministry leaders to accelerate towards a future where all children and families in the U.S. have an equitable outcome.”
Rev. Dr. Rafael Malpica Padilla
Executive Director, Service and Justice Unit, ELCA