A Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to All in Our
Lutheran Social Services of New York Family!
This historic autumn has seen the election of a new President of the United States, replete with harsh and divisive language throughout a very long campaign. As an atmosphere of fear and foreboding grows among some of the economically and socially vulnerable people served by LSSNY, we want to remind them that there is still hope.
Through it all, LSSNY has remained resolute in its focus to pursue mercy and seek justice for the thousands served through our programs and partnerships.
We will maintain that focus. Hope is our enterprise. Within our faith-based agency, the confidence we have comes from God.
So, this Thanksgiving, with deep gratitude for the privilege of offering care, compassion, education and opportunity to those who most need it:
To the 7,000 individuals and families we serve every day,
we pledge to accompany you by providing for your life’s journey through service at our early childhood and primary/secondary education programs, supportive housing residences, hunger prevention program, foster care programs, immigration services and urban education ministries.
To our incredibly dedicated staff and employees, numbering more than 600,
we promise a common and determined walk together, day in and day out, toward and with those we serve—never failing to do so—with dignity and respect, united across all areas of service by the sincere intention of our hearts.
To our funders at all levels, private and public,
we commit our agency, Lutheran Social Services of New York, to maintain the accountable competency that allows us to be a highly-productive, collaborative partner with city, state and federal agencies.
To our volunteers and donors,
we thank God for your generous gifts of service and resources that give direction to our agency and the core of our mission, as we continue to recruit your valued participation.
To all,
we pledge that LSSNY will remain a sanctuary, a place where, in the midst of tumult and difficult circumstance, holiness and wholeness are both perceived and accomplished by God’s grace.
With love and prayer at Thanksgiving,
Rev. Dr. David H. Benke
President and CEO
Lutheran Social Services of New York
Zoë Jasper, Esq.
Board Chair
Lutheran Social Services of New York