The latest news and insights about hot topics, collaborations, events and resources for our national network.
Remembering Susan Newton
Lutheran Services in America mourns the loss of Susan Newton, a valued leader, trusted colleague, and dear friend. During her five years with Lutheran Services in America, Susan championed important initiatives and inspired others with her optimism, compassion, and belief in what was possible. Her legacy lives on through the people, programs, and communities she helped strengthen, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Help us celebrate Susan’s life by sharing a favorite memory, story, or reflection. We will gather and present these remembrances to her family.
Boosting Organizational Health with Enterprise Capital
Lutheran Services in America engaged Capitalize Good CEO Andrea Levere to lead a specialized workshop for members that pressed the need for flexible, long-term funding for nonprofits amid current funding uncertainties and rising costs. The masterclass offered executive leaders approaches to leverage enterprise capital to better position their organizations financially for long-term health.
Rural Family Caregivers Amplify Their Voices on the Hill
Lutheran Services in America convened six rural family caregivers from Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota alongside our RAAN members and partners for a national caregiver convening to participate in storytelling and advocacy training before meeting directly with members of Congress. Their stories reinforced the importance of ensuring family caregivers have a voice in shaping policies that affect their daily lives.
Statement on DOJ Interpretation of “Olmstead” Mandate
The Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel issued a memo interpreting the integration mandate in Olmstead v. Lois Curtis that raises serious concerns for people with disabilities. Lutheran Services in America responded by calling on the administration to instead strengthen the systems that make community life possible.
Guest Commentary: Nonprofits are Serious Enterprises in the Business of Social Impact
Nonprofits are standing in the center of some of the hardest realities of our time, yet they are routinely expected to produce measurable outcomes while absorbing layers of compliance, underpriced contracts, restricted funding, and reporting requirements that would strain any high-performing business. Samaritas’ Kelli Dobner argues that if policymakers want better results, they should modernize contracting to reflect the actual cost of delivery.
Read the article as printed in Crain’s Detroit Business on July 1, 2026.
VIEW FROM THE HILL
Medicaid: Where Things Stand
Given the possibility of a third reconciliation package, and as H.R. 1 continues to be implemented, Lutheran Services in America staff recently met with Congressional offices. Lawmakers highlighted concerns and the need for stories from constituents, data, and local coverage.
Lutheran Services in America members in the media → Lutheran Services in America continues to lead the defense of Medicaid in the communities we serve through our Here We Stand campaign by training members and facilitating media engagement opportunities. Recent engagements:
Lutheran Family Services’ Chris Tonniges spoke to the confusion surrounding the implementation of work requirements in Nebraska. Read the NBC News story.
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan’s Omar Mohamed outlined H.R. 1’s new eligibility restrictions in Wisconsin. Read the Wisconsin Watch article.
Ready to lead the conversation in your community? Lutheran Services in America’s Here We Stand resources equip you with the tools, messaging, and insights to advocate with confidence and drive meaningful change with a united, faith-based voice. Explore the resources and get started.
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