As Thanksgiving approaches, we have much for which to be thankful!

On October 31, LSSI marked the 152nd year of its founding, and we celebrated with our 4th Annual Day of Giving. The generosity we were shown, and the awareness that was created about the more than 42,000 children, adults, and seniors helped by LSSI, was inspiring. This support from friends like you continues to sustain and grow our organization.

On October 12, we also celebrated the commitment and generosity of Eric and Jodie Draut when we honored them with the “True Friend” Award at LSSI’s 38th Annual Amicus Certus Gala.

The cover story in this issue about one woman’s success in sobriety through several LSSI programs personifies the work that we do. That woman, Amy, was helped by our Healthy Start Recovery Home, LSSI’s Walsh Residence for Sober Living, and Intensive Outpatient Treatment at our Addiction Treatment Center-Kenmore. Through this generative approach, LSSI makes connections for our clients that promotes their dignity, encourages their health and well-being, and enables each person to realize their hopes and dreams so that they might reach their full potential.

The other stories you’ll read here further define our mission: a homecoming of alumni of our Nachusa Lutheran Home, an award-winning volunteer from our Storybook Project, and our ever-faithful churches who help carry out our work.

LSSI’s work is rooted in the Gospel, and we are fortunate to have your commitment that enables us to live out our mission in communities across Illinois.

In Faith,

Mark A. Stutrud
President and Chief Executive Officer