Lutheran Services in America member reception

May 31, 2022

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The CEO and the Board: The Art of Governance as a Competitive Advantage

May 24, 2022

As leaders, we live in an environment of rapid change. Unfortunately, many existing board governance models are not well suited for this “new” normal. Board governance documents that once set a positive direction have now become a hindrance to success. Board culture that once served an organization may no longer be effective. Long-tenured board members may wield inordinate influence, stifling creativity. And, the skill sets, personalities and experiences of leaders and board members that were effective in the past, may not be a good fit for today. The question becomes: how does an organization adapt its governance model to be a competitive advantage? During our time together, we will examine how leaders and their boards can create an evolving, adaptive model of governance that addresses the elephants in the room so that, collectively, they can implement a governance model that forges a path to organizational success. This webinar, featuring Dr. Kurt Senske and sponsored by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, is designed for senior leaders and board members. Join us on June 15 to learn more. Speakers Dr. Kurt Senske

Leveraging Resources to Support Employee Mental Health

May 20, 2022

May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

(Hosted by Portico) Stressors at home, in the workplace, and in the world can lead to burnout and frustration in the workplace as well as increased employee turnover and absenteeism. Kari Erickson and Jess Smith of Learn to Live, a Portico Benefit Services partner supporting emotional health, will share how self-guided, app-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies grounded in research can help your organization realize a healthier, more engaged workforce. This webinar is designed for senior leaders, human resources professionals, and any staff that want to support their teams or their own mental health with valuable resources. Speakers
  • Kari Erickson, Learn to Live
  • Jess Smith, Learn to Live
  • Rev. Jeff Thiemann, Portico Benefit Services (host)

Addressing Workforce Challenges Facing Leaders of Lutheran Social Ministry Organizations

March 16, 2022

Benefits Survey results are in . . . Learn what’s top of mind for Lutheran Services in America leaders. Recently, Portico Benefit Services commissioned a survey with Lutheran Services in America to learn more about CEO, CFO, and HR challenges as they relate to health and retirement benefits. This research uncovered some valuable insights that could help as you look for ways to attract and retain your employees and support your team. Join us on March 16, 2–3 p.m. EDT, to hear key insights from Terri Rodriguez, President & CEO of Lutheran Ministries of Mercy, and Ted Goins, President & CEO of Lutheran Services Carolinas, as well as other leaders in the Lutheran social ministry market. Portico will share the results, insights, and ways to address some of the biggest challenges you face in attracting, retaining and caring for your most important asset — your staff.

Mind the Gap: Recruiting and Retaining to Fill Important Hiring Shortages

May 24, 2022

As the country rebounds from the pandemic, front-line workers are continuing to battle stress and burnout. Increased competition means that some are choosing other jobs, while others are choosing not to return to the workforce. Lutheran social ministry organizations, and in particular senior care facilities, are facing high staffing shortages while demand for care increases. How can senior care better support and retain the direct care workforce while also competing for new workers? Learn about what is driving the staffing shortage in long-term care, hear predictions about the sector’s future, and empower your frontline leaders by providing tangible ways to change your culture to drive retention and attract new employees.

Speaker

  • Katy Bunn, Senior Vice President of Leaders and Industry Growth at Paycor

Reimagining Diversity Collaborative Convenings

June 22, 2022

The Reimagining Diversity Collaborative brings together CEOs and board members in the Lutheran Services in America network to discuss ways to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in a safe and trusted learning environment. The Collaborative will provide a foundation for raising awareness and understanding of DEI and tools to support organizations in applying DEI within their organizations and in their services in the community.

Sessions

Four sessions are planned that include three virtual and one in-person at the CEO Summit:

  • November 17, 2021: Session #1: Virtual; 1–3 p.m. ET
  • January 26, 2022: Session #2: Live at CEO Summit in Tampa, Florida
  • March 23, 2022: Session #3: Virtual; 1–3 p.m. ET
  • June 22, 2022: Session #4: Virtual; 1–3 p.m. ET

Learn More

Visit our Reimagining Diversity webpage or contact Susan Newton at snewton@lutheranservices.org.

LSA Disability Network Spring Meeting

April 19, 2022

Join us in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, April 26, at the Lutheran Services in America office on Capitol Hill for an in-person Disability Network Spring Meeting to hear from members of the Administration, Congressional staff, and policy experts on important issues impacting the diverse needs of our organizations. Together we will examine the scope of federal policymaking on these issues, from advocacy, legislation, and regulations, to the role our organizations and the Lutheran Services in America Disability Network can play to influence their outcomes. We will also work with you to schedule meetings with the offices of your Members of Congress to highlight our advocacy priorities. To register for the meeting, please forward your hotel confirmation to Josh Dubensky at jdubensky@lutheranservices.org.

How to Help Families Claim the Full 2021 Expanded Child Tax Credit

February 17, 2022

Families can still claim the full 2021 Child Tax Credit (CTC) - up to $3,600 per child per family - by filing tax returns this year. This webinar will focus on how you can help families you work with claim this critical benefit. You do NOT have to be a tax expert. We’ll share ready-to-use resources to help you provide information to families and connect them to tax preparation assistance. Nearly 90% of families in the U.S. became eligible for the CTC when it was expanded last year. The webinar and resources are designed to help you easily integrate CTC outreach to families in your existing programs and communications. Join Lutheran Services in America, the Coalition on Human Needs and the Partnership for America’s Children for this training to learn more!

Speakers

Deborah Weinstein Executive Director, Coalition on Human Needs Deborah Weinstein has been Executive Director of the Coalition on Human Needs since 2003.  At CHN and previously at the Children’s Defense Fund  and the Massachusetts Human Services Coalition, Debbie has helped advocates to combat poverty and hardship for about 40 years.   Julia Beebe Child Tax Credit Outreach Coordinator Julia has helped to launch the Child Tax Credit Outreach project run collaboratively by the Coalition on Human Needs and the Partnership for America's Children.  She previously worked as Lead Organizer for the Matahari Women Workers' Center, an affiliate of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, in Boston, MA.  Before that Julia served as a community organizer for Valley Interfaith, an affiliate of the Industrial Areas Foundation, in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas.