Carla’s life had consisted of one disaster after another. She grew up in foster care, and struggled with mental health issues from her early childhood. By the time she was 35, she had four children between the ages of four and ten, all of who had special mental health needs. She couldn’t find a job, and if she had, there was no one who could assist her with the children.
She met with a counselor from Lutheran Social Services. Our staff member listened to her not only as a trained therapist, but also as a mother. Carla worked with the LSS behavioral staff for three years. The process was slow, and often painful, but she persisted. So did LSS.
Eventually, Carla found part-time employment, and the children were enrolled in school. The entire family started moving out of a world filled with chaos, to a life punctuated with order, meaning and hope.
People like Carla come to Lutheran Social Services because they have sensed their life is out of control. They don’t know what to do or where to turn.
A recent study found that by age four, children of high-income households had heard 30 million more words than low-income children. Extreme poverty can produce toxic stress that literally rewires a child’s brain, and negatively impacts brain functioning for life.
Lutheran Social Services provides help and hope to so many people living on the margins of life. We have done so since the end of World War II and intend to continue in our efforts in the days and years ahead.
MISSION
Ignited by faith, we live out God’s love by embracing, equipping and empowering vulnerable people in Southern California.
VISION
Sharing the love of Christ, we are a community to care and be cared for…
• Where the vulnerable are safer and stronger;
• Where the dependent are self-sustaining;
• Where the isolated dwell in community;
• Where the weary will be given hope.
VALUES
Compassion I Advocacy I Collaboration I Respect / Innovation I Stewardship
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