The Lutheran Services in America network is a large community; in 46 U.S. states and 1,400 U.S. communities. collectively reaching 1 in 50 people each year. At Lutheran Services in America we unite our network around a common mission: to cultivate caring communities that advance health and opportunity for all people. There are so many things that I love about this community—but one thing that I especially love is that, when our community says, “health and opportunity for all,” we mean, all. Across any given cause our members advance, whether it is helping to stabilize families in crisis, expanding independent living for older adults or supporting employment and care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we truly believe that no person should be left out. No person should be left behind. Not because of their inability to pay for care or for housing. Not because of their zip code. And certainly not because of their age, their race, their ethnic identity, their religion or their immigration status. Today we brought together committed change makers, community leaders, government officials and others from across the country to listen the power of lived expertise and explore ways to shape our programs, our systems and our public policy around what families experiencing poverty, housing insecurity, community violence and other inequities want and what they need. This work is essential. Even today, a majority of children are removed from their families due to neglect, NOT due to abuse. One of those neglect issues is housing insecurity and homelessness. I am proud that this convening is an extension of our strong commitment at Lutheran Services in America to improving child welfare, with a particular focus on reducing disproportionately, particularly for Black children and families. Our Results Innovation Lab—our name for this innovative portfolio of work—has positively impacted over 25,000 children. There will be many other opportunities in the next year to get involved, including a fellowship opportunity, a series of virtual convenings and opportunities to advocate in Washington D.C. to address housing insecurity for families. This doesn’t happen without us, all of us and it only happens when we come together.
I spent the day at LSA's event, "Unlocking the Power of Lived Expertise" and heard from dynamic speakers including Crystal Williams, Tamela Milan-Alexander, MPPA, Dr. Denicia Carlay Village Is Possible, Non Profit, Sharif Walker, MAOL, Anne F. Farrell and Héctor Colón. Some takeaways include: "our wounds are our wisdom" "authentic engagement will disrupt our timelines" "think about RoR- return on relationships" Thank you Alesia Frerichs and the LSA team for creating this space.
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10moThis sounds amazing! Way to go LSA!