Dear Friends,

“Responding to the Gospel, LSSI brings healing, justice, and wholeness to people and communities.”

This is the mission of LSSI. I am always struck by how embedded it is in the work we do with 42,000 children, adults, and seniors across Illinois. And as you read through this newsletter, I think you’ll see our mission in action through the programs we have profiled.

Helping people in our communities learn about and access our services is key to our work. For some people, this might make the difference between knowing a service exists for them or equipping another human service provider with referral information to one of our programs. These connections have a critical impact, such as reuniting a boy with his family (as detailed in our cover story) or giving a person valuable information on how to access mental health counseling, as seen in the work of our behavioral services outreach coordinator.

Creating awareness for our programs and connecting with people and congregations who want to help support LSSI’s work is also crucial. I am excited to introduce Rev. Kelly Nieman Anderson as our new Manager of Church and Community Engagement.

LSSI was formed 155 years ago in response to a need in the community. A century and a half later, the needs of our neighbors across Illinois remain key to our mission.

Peace and Prayers,
David P. Novak, JD
Vice President for Advancement