Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Northfield, is a longtime supporter of LSSI. Their approach to helping serve the organization’s clients and programs was illustrated when LSSI was part of Ascension’s 2023 Lenten Challenge.

“We decided to ask our ministry partners how we might be helpful, rather than assuming that they would gladly receive whatever we offered,” Pastor JoAnn Post said. “We were delighted to learn that, in the same way our congregation’s ministry is always being reviewed and revised, our partners’ needs were changing, as well. Partnering with LSSI’s Foster Care Program to provide both tangible gifts and a significant financial gift was a welcome challenge, and a gift to Ascension, as well.”

During the Lenten Challenge, congregation members participated in multilayered engagement opportunities to learn about LSSI and its foster care program. This included temple talks and vitality lectures on a variety of topics. Videos were shown. Sunday school students enjoyed a hands-on activity making fleece-tied blankets for youth in foster care. In-kind donations were collected, including diapers, toiletries, and books. And members gave offerings totaling over $17,000.

The money raised supported older youth in foster care transitioning to independence. The other items were delivered to LSSI’s Chicago foster care office and distributed to children in care.

Photo Caption: LSSI’s Chicago Foster Care Office received handmade fleece blankets from Lutheran Church of the Ascension as part of their 2023 Lenten Challenge. From left are: Kate Berlin, Ascension volunteer; Lesly Rocha, LSSI; Gail Price, Ascension volunteer; and Angela Weeden, LSSI.