Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) offers an array of services through nearly 60 locations statewide. Some services are provided in collaboration with other organizations. Last fall, LSSI began a partnership with a food pantry housed at United in Faith Lutheran Church in Chicago.
The partnership formed after a presentation on LSSI’s Behavioral Health Services at the 2025 Metropolitan Chicago Synod Assembly. Janeen Devine, food pantry volunteer and assembly delegate, approached LSSI staff about being on-site at the church’s food pantry.
Named for the church where it was founded, the St. Cyprian Ecumenical Food Pantry operates two days a week at United in Faith. Guests can shop once weekly.
Thirty volunteers stock shelves, dispense food, and make deliveries. “Yet we have guests who have issues we can’t address,” said Devine. “We don’t have the
resources or training to help them.”
Two LSSI care coordination staff are now on hand weekly. They provide program information, assess needs, and connect guests to LSSI services like mental health, substance use treatment, affordable housing, and other community resources.
“People are getting used to seeing us around, and it’s really taking off,” said LSSI Care Coordinator Taylor Balagtas-Simon, noting recent positive results.
Food pantry staff originally identified guests who they thought would most benefit from LSSI’s services. LSSI staff know it often takes time for people who are facing multiple life challenges to gain their trust and accept help. As one example, LSSI’s outreach staff built a relationship with one particular guest that began with providing new socks and chatting about the weather. The individual recently asked about services and met with staff.
“Many of these people don’t have regular access to the internet, and may not know about LSSI services,” said Balagtas-Simon. “Being stationed in the spaces where they’re needed is very fulfilling.”
