Yes, we’re open!

May 6, 2020 | News

By: Vickie Denning, Communication

 

No, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) hasn’t stopped their ministry due to the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, they’ve increased services to meet evolving needs!

The mission of LSS-SW is to show kindness, do justice and serve those in need. This ministry partner of TVLC strives to create a just world where all people can fulfill their basic needs.

The work of LSS-SW is concentrated in four broad areas and Aging & Disability Services, Children & Family Services, Emergency Services, Refugee & Immigration Services.

So, what is the Tucson office doing now?

  • Meals on Wheels volunteers delivered 12,251 meals in March, a 41% increase from February.
  • Direct care continues for almost 700 homebound older adults and people with physical and mental disabilities. Direct care is in-home, non-medical care.
  • Refugee employment services has refocused to help 40 individuals apply for unemployment benefits. Most clients in the refugee program worked in low-income hospitality jobs and have become unemployed due to the impact of the pandemic. Fewer than 25% of those 40 will receive unemployment benefits and job opportunities for those with language and cultural barriers are especially difficult to find at this time.

How is TVLC helping?

  • Our Quilters produced over 250 masks for the LSS-SW direct care workers and Meals on Wheels drivers to make the volunteers and clients feel safe and comfortable.
  • Because of the donation of masks, the refugee Women’s Empowerment team was able to sell masks that they made. This provided a much-needed income to their families.
  • Our TVLC Refugee Ministry continues to assist 2 families. They provide clothes, groceries, home-cooked meals and help them navigate cultural barriers and systems that are new to them.
  • TVLC provides financial support to LSS-SW and participates in supplying requested items.

This pandemic provides opportunities for all of us to stay “open” — even in quarantine! We open our hearts, some of us open our wallets, and some of us (who can safely do so in person) use our time to serve.