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WASHINGTON — Lutheran Services in America was awarded a grant by the Consumer Technology Association® Foundation to increase access to telehealth, cognitive tools and virtual visits with family and friends for low-income older adults with mobility and physical impairments. The funding is the third consecutive grant awarded by the Consumer Technology Association Foundation to Lutheran Services in America, a national network of 300 Lutheran health and human services organizations that reaches one in 50 people in the United States each year.

“Four out of five providers of housing for older adults identify social isolation and access to services as the leading challenge facing their communities. With the Consumer Technology Association Foundation’s support, we’re filling a crucial gap in care to meet the needs of these communities with cutting-edge solutions for residents,” said Charlotte Haberaecker, president and CEO of Lutheran Services in America.

The grant will increase the capacity of technology at 17 affordable housing facilities led by Graceworks Lutheran Services in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio. Older adults in the targeted communities often lack transportation and access to smartphones. Many struggle with mobility or physical impairments that contribute to the challenges of social isolation and access to services. The grant will expand the ability for more older adults to access technology to advance their skill sets, connect with loved ones virtually and engage in stimulating activities. Technology became an important solution for older adults during the height of the pandemic when social interaction was severely restricted and continues to provide value to the older adult community.

“The pandemic cast a spotlight on the need for technological solutions giving residents in our affordable housing communities greater access to technology to access the internet and communicate with loved ones. We look forward to working with Lutheran Services in America to implement new, innovative solutions to address the impact of social isolation and other challenges,” said Judy Budi, president and CEO of Graceworks Lutheran Services.

The 2022 funding builds on the Consumer Technology Association Foundation’s 2020 and 2021 grants to Lutheran Services in America to support caregivers with their ability to offer quality care to older adults in rural communities.

About Lutheran Services in America
Lutheran Services in America is a national network of 300 Lutheran health and human services organizations that reaches one in 50 people in America each year. Recognized by The Chronicle of Philanthropy and Forbes as one of the nation’s top nonprofit organizations, the Lutheran Services in America network operates with more than $23 billion in combined annual revenue. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., Lutheran Services in America leads innovative collaborations with partners in philanthropy, academia, healthcare and others to address the most critical challenges in our communities and empower people to lead their best lives.

To learn more, visit lutheranservices.org and find us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.