Message from the Board:
How much homelessness is acceptable for
our children?
The fact that we have to ask
ourselves this question is evidence of the difficulty of our times. As
Christians, there is only one answer to this question: there is no level
of homelessness that is acceptable for our children! This answer frames
the enormity of the challenge. But children aren't the only population
within our work. Our mission is to express the love of Christ for all
people through acts of service. And our vision is that all people will
live and work in community, with dignity, safety and hope. With this
window into our purpose the challenge seems insurmountable.
Still, challenge is the
opportunity for greatness. Today, we need bold leadership to influence how
our society thinks about helping people who can't help themselves. We need
to make sure the vision for the state of Minnesota includes our legacy of
communities where dignity, safety and hope are realities, not just dreams.
As a Board of Directors, we are redoubling our efforts to craft
significant outcome expectations that will keep Lutheran Social Service of
Minnesota on the cutting edge of social services in the country. We are
leading a movement of hope, asking people to get involved with their time,
talents and finances, to help us fulfill a 10-year promise for the
vulnerable in Minnesota:
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We know that every child and
youth can have a safe place to sleep every night.
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We know that every senior can
have the opportunity to live at home or in a small, group residence.
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We know that every disabled
person can live a full life in community.
Now is not the time to be
timid in social service. We are speaking out to call attention to how
government cut-backs are affecting our parents, our children, our
families, and people who come as strangers to our land.
In Minnesota, people are
accustomed to paying for a higher standard of life, and you are
responding! Philanthropic support of Lutheran Social Service has never
been higher. I hope you can feel our intense appreciation for your
generosity. Your financial support speaks volumes for our mission, and the
importance of our work.
Thank you, again, for being a
part of the LSS Movement of Hope.
Paul Batz
