A
Message from the
President
There’s
something very special about Lutheran social ministry, and most Americans,
even Lutherans, don’t know it. Let me share with you some startling facts.
Although Lutherans make up
only six percent of the population of the United States, the network of
Lutheran social ministry organizations represents this country’s largest
single expression of social and health services. Our umbrella organization
is called Lutheran Services in America, a giant coalition that delivers a
wide variety of human services, from adoption to nursing home and hospice
care; from disaster relief to refugee and immigration services; from
welfare to work to mental health counseling. It’s an impressive array of
services. Together, Lutheran social ministries serve six million people
each year, and form a $7.6 billion enterprise that could fit into the list
of Fortune 500 firms. That represents a single organization that is larger
than the Red Cross, Catholic Charities, and the Salvation Army combined.
That Lutheran commitment to
social ministry is strong in Minnesota, where LSS serves one of every 50
people who live in here.
Within this framework of size
and impact, LSS of Minnesota responded to the social needs and economic
changes of Minnesota in 2004 and prepared for a future that will be much
different from our past.
As a result of state budget
decisions reached in 2003, the State of Minnesota is limiting the number
of persons with disabilities who can receive care. This has created
vacancies in several of our residential settings, necessitating the
closure of some. Counties are limiting the number of families experiencing
parent-child challenges who can receive in-home counseling and parenting
services. Finally, counties are reducing the number of children that they
assign to group homes for protection and longer-term therapies.
Certain federal funds were
reduced or cut, making certain youth programs more vulnerable and more
dependent upon philanthropic support.
As a result of these economic
realities, we were forced to reduce the number of LSS employees. A year
ago we had 2,377 employees; this year, 2,277. While we have sought to be
fair in making these reductions, we miss those persons and the
contributions they offered to those we help across Minnesota.
But there was good news, too.
Just when government reduced
its commitment to its citizens, the LSS donor base increased its
expression of support for those we serve. Individual donors and
congregations both increased their giving by 25%. That support has meant
so much! Our 6,000 volunteers continued to augment and enrich our service.
Our system of volunteer management and development is rapidly maturing — a
wondrous work!
Our client satisfaction
results ― across the board ― continued to be exceptionally strong.
Regardless of challenges, LSS
continued to pursue innovation and process improvement, both of which will
equip LSS for providing leading-edge social services well into the 21st
century by cutting costs for more efficient operation.
Lutheran Social Service is a
technology-friendly place. We installed all manner of new software to
support our need for information. We improved our web sites. Staff have
better, more responsive technology tools. These investments help us be
more productive and serve more effectively.
We trained hundreds of staff
who provide supports for persons with disabilities. Our philosophy puts
people at the center of our focus. Helping individuals achieve their hopes
and dreams and assuring they have choice is fundamentally important for
the quality of service we provide.
In other parts of LSS, our
relentless drive for excellence was recognized and rewarded. The Center
for Disease Control (CDC), for example, evaluated and gave high praise to
Camp Noah, our day camp for children who have experienced natural
disasters. The CDC also awarded LSS a prized grant for our work with
persons with AIDS in northeastern Minnesota. The federal government and
Thrivent Financial teamed up to award LSS $1,400,000 to establish an
Individual Development Account savings program in the Phillips
Neighborhood in Minneapolis.
In fiscal 2005, we’re focusing
on three priorities:
Operational Excellence
There will continue to be operating challenges for LSS as government
dollars continue to recede. We will, of course, continue to advocate with
vigor for those we seek to serve, but there will be significant challenge.
A year ago we began a new
review and planning process — Q-Review. In 2005 we will integrate this
process with the Board-established Outcome Policies. We intend for the
Q-Review to become a continuous long-range planning tool.
Building the Talent Pool
LSS is blessed with an exceptional workforce. Compassion and
competence are our hallmarks. We’re known for this. In fact, we’re so
known for this that in the past several years, some of our staff have left
for executive leadership positions in other Lutheran organizations.
Through our own planning and in collaboration with our Faith in the City
partners, Lutheran Services in America, and selected local social service
organizations, we will embark on a more intense effort to develop our best
leaders.
Movement of Hope Capital
Campaign
We’re in the planning stages of what should turn out to be the most
ambitious and significant campaign in our history. We’re now seeking input
for our vision of building a unique Center for Changing Lives in the
Phillips Neighborhood of Minneapolis, as well as eight unique housing
centers for frail seniors in Greater Minnesota. Preliminary response to
this effort is very encouraging. By the end of 2005, we should be well on
our way!
We all know these are times of
challenge for those who seek to serve those in great need. The people of
LSS are acutely aware of this. I can report, however, that this
organization is fundamentally committed to its mission and vision, and
that we will continue to innovate to assure that those in need are served
with distinction.
We’re passionate about our
mission. We’re completely devoted to our vision that all people have the
opportunity to live and work in community with dignity, safety, and hope.
We believe, especially in
Minnesota, that society must care for the neighbor. We believe we can make
things right. We know God yearns for us to love our neighbor.
We’re exceptionally grateful
to the thousands of Minnesotans who have joined us in this ministry, this
Movement of Hope!
Thank you for all that you do
to help LSS fulfill its mission.
Mark A. Peterson
President/CEO
