Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC) Working to End Poverty in Southern California

LUTHERAN PASTORS’ ASSISTANCE FUND

Ministering to the Ministers of the Gospel

There are times in life that also hit those who serve others hard financially and unexpectedly. A serious health or family issue, a costly repair or emergency can add financial strain to a person who has dedicated their life to the service of others. Here’s how you can get involved:

1) If you are or know a Lutheran Pastor (active or retired) or surviving spouse of a Lutheran Pastor who served in Southern California and who meets the criteria below, then LSSSC may be able to grant a gift of funds to ease the burden.

2) These funds are provided by generous supporters like you. Why not consider making a gift to this fund so it’s there when a pastor you know and support needs help.

We know this can be a sensitive matter, so all requests for assistance will be kept in strictest confidence. Depending on the specific need and availability of funds, such gifts usually ranges from $500 to over $1,000.

Although, Lutheran Social Services of Southern California administers this private fund for a Lutheran couple who have a heart for the work of our parish ministers – others can add to it with a gift of any size.

Eligibility Requirements

An individual may be eligible to receive assistance from this fund if he or she is a working or retired Lutheran pastor and meets these criteria:

Is an ordained Lutheran
Was called as a Pastor in Southern California at any point to the present or prior to
Is a surviving spouse of a retired Pastor who met (meets) the above
Note: we do not fund any type of tuition assistance with this endowment Fund.

Persons receiving government assistances such as housing assistance, Medicaid, or Medi-Cal should verify that an award would not disqualify them from further benefits. All recipients should also contact their tax advisor for any implications the acceptance of such a gift may have on their own financial/tax matters.

If you qualify, please fill out the form below and submit it.

Optionally, you can download the fillable Lutheran Pastor's Assistance Fund Application. After filling out the application save the document and upload it using the form below.

Ambassadors are short-term volunteers who open doors for our organization in the community, introducing new people at our bi-monthly Fostering Community Care event. These are one hour awareness events only (no solicitations are made) to expose people to the great work of LSS Community Care. To become an Ambassador here are your responsibilities:

1 – Attend at least one Fostering Community Care event during the calendar year
2 – Host or invite and bring 10-15 guests to one Fostering Community Care event within 3 months of your attending one yourself.
3 – Inform your invited guests of what the Fostering Community Care meeting will be about, and let them know that they will receive a follow up call from the organization
4 – Ambassadors will complete their commitment after bringing 10-15 persons within the 3 month time period. An Ambassador has the option to complete after one term, continue for another 3 month term or move into another role on the team.

Become an Ally

Allies are community members who want to be in a supportive, intentional, befriending relationship with an individual or family working to get out of poverty.

Other ways to help the Southern California Family Support Initiative

Be an Ad-Hoc Ally – share your special skill or talent
Be a member of your local Community Leadership Team
Assist with weekly Child Care/Children’s Programs
Be a Community Spokesman – talk about the initiative and recruit others to join
Financially Sponsor a Family Leader
Facilitate/assist with Training Our Leaders and Allies
Behind-the-scenes work – internet research, graphic design, writing

We are actively seeking individuals and groups to be a part of our on-going mission to serve those in need. LSS administers over 50 specialized programs and services throughout the Southern California region. Contact your nearest LSS Center to hear about the local opportunities they have available.

Be a positive role model
Give back to others and help change lives
Transform communities
Spend your time doing something rewarding
Meet new people
Have fun
Learn new skills, share your talents, build your resume

The life you change most – may be your own!