“An Abrupt Stop”: Refugee Services in Arizona Struggle After Funding Freeze

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) is facing a severe funding crisis following President Trump’s executive order halting refugee resettlement aid. The abrupt loss of federal funds has forced LSS-SW to lay off staff and scale back critical services for newly arrived refugees in Arizona. Despite the challenges, LSS-SW remains committed to supporting displaced families through private donations and community support. Read more about the impact and how you can help at lamaz.org.

Urgent Appeal for Refugee Support Amid Policy Shifts

The recent halt on refugee resettlement and a stop-work order have left hundreds of refugee families in Arizona without critical support. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is responding to this crisis, but we need your help. Contact your representatives, educate your community, volunteer, or give to ensure that newly arrived refugees receive the support they need. Now is the time to stand together in faith and action. Read more to learn how you can make a difference, and visit LSS-SW’s Refugee Crisis page to act today.

Standing Strong: How You Can Support Refugees in Arizona Today

Recent cuts to humanitarian parole and the suspension of refugee resettlement threaten the safety and future of countless families. As people of faith, we are called to welcome the stranger and stand firm in our commitment to hope and hospitality. Refugees who have already arrived need our continued support—through volunteering, donations, and advocacy.

Learn how you can make a difference today and help keep the flame of hope alive in Arizona in this article from Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, reprinted on the LAMAZ.org site.

Caregivers in Northwest Maricopa: Free Training & Support Program Launching This October

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is offering free caregiver training for those caring for children under five in Northwest Maricopa County. Starting October 1, the seven-week program includes CPR certification, self-paced online courses, and weekly in-person sessions at Community of Grace Lutheran Church, 10561 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Peoria, AZ 85383. Register now to gain essential skills in injury prevention, healthy eating, and emotional literacy. Visit LSS-SW Children and Family Services and view this PDF for more details.

School Supplies needed for students in your community

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest provides services to a variety of needed community members, from children navigating the foster care system, families at risk of homelessness, to newly arrived refugees. We are able to take our support to our community a step further through the help of churches and other community members.

Our organization is in need of generous donors who wish to donate needed school supplies to our clients who receive services through us. Help your community receive school supplies so they can be successful in their upcoming school year! Visit lss-sw.org/backtoschool or view this PDF flyer for more info. Supplies are needed by 7/24/2024.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 8, 2024Lutheran Social Services of the SouthwestComment

LSS-SW: “Why Voting Is Important” Webinar

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest shares their webinar on the importance of voting. LAMA also shares one of the testimonies from an LSS staff member, and you can read it here.

Join the Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest Team

The Faith and Community Engagement Manager will work as part of the Fund Development Team to advance the mission of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) with donors, volunteers, congregations, and other partners throughout the Phoenix metro area. The ideal candidate is a natural networker who enjoys making connections between people and building community. Get more info and apply here.

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest hosts Building Foundations Luncheon

Join Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest for a day of inspiration and community at their Building Foundations Luncheon on February 29th, 2024, 11:15 am at the Hilton Double Tree - Reid Park, in Tucson. The theme is A Journey Of Faith.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 19, 2024Lutheran Social Services of the SouthwestComment

Northeast Valley Consortium and LSS-SW pack refugee welcome bags as part of “God’s Work. Our Hands." Sunday

We share an article from the Fountain Hills Times Independent featuring the churches of the Northeast Valley Consortium (Ascension, Christ the Lord, Living Water, New Covenant, and New Journey) and Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest and other partners. They helped pack over 200 welcome bags for refugees in Phoenix, offering essential items and a beacon of hope to those arriving from strife-torn regions.

LSS-SW seeks Interim volunteer coordinator

Here is an excellent chance for you to work with volunteers and help those in need. You can organize Christmas activities for the individuals we serve and make a positive impact on the lives of the most vulnerable. Visit our website lsssw.applicantpro.com/jobs/ for more information about the position. Please submit your application no later than 7/26/2023 through our website.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJuly 13, 2023Help Wanted, Lutheran Social Services of the SouthwestComment

LSS-SW offers free GED program for neighbors in need

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest Family Resource Centers are now providing the GED, ESL classes and Financial literacy programs. The programs will be 100% free for neighbors in need. The GED program will be online, ESL classes and financial literacy programs will be in person. Read more in this post or in this PDF flyer.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardFebruary 15, 2023Lutheran Social Services of the SouthwestComment

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest expands I-HELP program

In order to serve more people experiencing homelessness, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is pleased to announce that the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (I-HELP) will be launching in Phoenix in January, 2023.

To support this program as an individual or have your ministry sign up as a host site, view more info here or send an email to Angel George, Community Engagement Supervisor.

Grand Canyon Synod, NewsBrian FlatgardJanuary 30, 2023Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, HomelessnessComment

In Memoriam: Heidi Gerrish

5/27/2022 update: more info from Heidi’s father, Paul, and links a GoFundMe page and to CaringBridge health updates for Justin and Katherine.

We lift up in prayer the friends and family of Heidi Gerrish. Heidi died at the scene of an automobile accident Saturday morning, May 21, 2022, while traveling to her sister Julie’s graduation from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. Also in the car were her partner Justin, and her brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Katherine.

2022 Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest assembly report

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) shares their synod assembly report. View on YouTube or in this post.

CEO and President Connie Phillips stirs it up with others at LSS-SW to share the many ways they serve our synod.

Community Baby Shower

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is hosting a donation drive for families expecting a baby, who recently gave birth, or who are adopting a baby. Please deliver donations prior to April 27, 2022.

Many of the families we serve do not have available resources or relatives nearby, and they need your support. Learn more at lss-sw.org/baby-shower-drive.

Refugee Resettlement Educational Forum

Ascension Lutheran Church in Paradise Valley is hosting a panel discussion on refugee resettlement, Thursday, 3/10/2021, 1 – 2:30 pm. View flyer here.

The panel will consist Connie Phillips and Charlotte Shurtz of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, and Solveig Muus with Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Arizona. RSVP at alcpv.org under special events or call the office at (480) 948-6050.

Lenten Journey with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest has compiled a calendar (PDF) and resources to support LSS-SW clients and your broader community throughout the season of Lent. Each day, you'll find a way to participate and be involved in making a difference. Learn more at lss-sw.org/lent-with-lss.

Speakers Confirmed for Lutheran Advocacy Day

Lutherans from across the state will gather at the Arizona Capitol Rose Garden for a day of advocacy on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, 8:30–10:30 am MST to learn, to witness, and voice our common needs in the public square, activating our faith in love.

Speakers include Bishop Hutterer, Speaker of the House Russell “Rusty” Bowers, Rep. Jennifer Longdon, LSS-SW President Connie Phillips, and Hunger Advocacy Coalition Partners, including Arizona Food Bank Network, Bread for the World, WHEAT, Pinnacle Prevention, and more!

Northeast Valley Consortium helps settle refugee families

Stirred by the need to help resettle Afghan refugees, a team of pastoral and lay leaders from four Northeast Valley Conference churches—Living Water (Scottsdale), New Journey (Fountain Hills), New Covenant (Scottsdale), and Christ the Lord (Carefree), known collectively as the NE Valley Consortium—gathered enough goods to completely furnish two two-bedroom homes and raised $30,000 for an emergency fund.

Thanksgiving gift card collection

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is collecting $20 gift cards for Walmart and Fry’s to pass out at their food pantries this month and help provide a Thanksgiving meal for those in need. The goals is to collect 250 gift cards by Friday, 11/12/2021.

You can drop off physical gift cards at the Phoenix or Tucson LSS offices or donate funds using this link and the LSS staff will purchase the cards: lss-sw.org/thanksgiving-2021.

News, Grand Canyon SynodBrian FlatgardNovember 10, 2021Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, Hunger, 2021 ThanksgivingComment

Grand Canyon Synod

News

Connect

Communicate

create