Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) and Lutherans Unite for Illinois recently honored State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe (D-19th District) with its “Legislator of the Year” award. The recognition celebrates LaPointe’s unwavering commitment to compassionate policymaking and her legislative leadership in advancing mental health and human services across Illinois.
Lutherans Unite for Illinois brings together Lutheran leaders, congregations, and organizational partners united by a shared mission: to uphold human dignity and advocate for compassionate care. The group amplifies the voice of Lutheran communities in support of policies that protect and uplift the most vulnerable Illinoisans. In addition to LSSI, these included Lutheran Services in America, Lutheran Child and Family Services, Concordia Place, the three Illinois Synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Bethel New Life, Illinois Collaboration on Youth, Illinois Partners in Human Services, and the Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of Illinois.
The Legislator of the Year award is presented to a member of the Illinois General Assembly whose work has significantly improved the health, dignity, and well-being of residents—particularly those facing behavioral health challenges, housing instability, and other complex social issues.
Rep. LaPointe’s recognition comes at a critical time, the recently passed federal budget reconciliation bill threatens the stability of Medicaid, a lifeline for more than 3.4 million Illinoisans. LSSI, which serves over 56,000 clients annually, relies heavily on Medicaid to deliver essential services. LaPointe has been a vocal advocate for preserving and strengthening this vital safety net.
“When I started my first post-college job 21 years ago at a group home for kids with special needs, I never would have imagined these types of collaborative moments full of community members, which is very hopeful,” she said, when accepting the award. “But this is also a very scary and dark time for behavioral health and human services. Medicaid is the largest funder of behavioral healthcare in Illinois, and it’s facing more of an existential threat than ever.”
Over her six years in office, LaPointe has emerged as a leading voice for mental health reform. As Chair of the Illinois House Mental Health and Addiction Committee, she has championed legislation that expands access to inclusive, stigma-free mental health care. Her efforts have helped build a more responsive system that serves everyone—from teens to unhoused individuals—across the state.
“From her early career as a social worker to her current role in the legislature, honing her social services expertise as Vice-Chair of the House Human Services Committee, Rep. LaPointe has consistently demonstrated a deep concern for those facing adversity,” said Mark Stutrud, LSSI President and CEO. “Her ability to bridge legislative strategy with community engagement ensures that dignity, health, and opportunity are within reach for all. Her work aligns powerfully with LSSI’s mission.”
Among her many accomplishments, LaPointe co-led successful appropriations efforts with State Senator Robert Martwick for LSSI’s HOME Program (Housing Outreach and Meaningful Engagement), which supports individuals experiencing homelessness on Chicago’s northwest side. She also authored legislation requiring most insurance plans to cover annual mental health wellness visits—without cost or diagnosis—bringing Illinois closer to true parity in mental health care.
“We do the work in Springfield together, but we also do the work in the community,” she said. “I get to work alongside a robust, compassionate, effective human service and behavioral health team at LSSI’s Portage-Cragin location. I recently sat in a meeting in our local police station in Jefferson Park and brainstormed with LSSI and the police about what we can do better to bring resources and support to our neighbors living unhoused at the transit center there who are struggling with addiction. I’m grateful for the ongoing partnership with LSSI in the community and in Springfield doing the policy work. We are going to stay dogged about changing our laws and policies, because it’s all connected.”
The award was presented before more than 100 people at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Oak Park, Ill. “I’ve worked in a few church basements in my day,” LaPointe said, highlighting her early career in direct social services. “Good things happen in church basements.”
Also honored at the event was Gov. JB Pritzker with the Paul Simon Courage in Public Service Award. Pritzker praised LaPointe for her empathy, vision, and results-driven service.
