LSS-SW Receives Wheat Ridge Grant

Partnering with Abounding Grace Lutheran Church—Tucson At-Risk Youngsters Will Benefit

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest will be able to offer an after school program for at-risk youth this spring, thanks to a grant of $45,407 from Wheat Ridge Ministries. LSS-SW will collaborate with Abounding Grace Lutheran Church and other Lutheran congregations to provide at-risk students in fourth to eighth grade--tutoring, counseling, and recreational activities.

The groundwork is now being done to build a program that will support 120 young people. The guidance of caring adults in an environment that is safe and nurturing during after-school hours is in high demand in disadvantaged communities.

“At a time when our agency is overwhelmed with requests for such services, this Wheat Ridge Grant and the congregations’ volunteers will help us provide quality after school programming for many deserving youngsters,” said Traci Gruenberger, Vice President for Development and Operations, for LSS-SW.

“Wheat Ridge Ministries’ grants are highly competitive. They are recognized worldwide for their philanthropy, and they very discerning about who will receive their support,” explained Traci.

Wheat Ridge Ministries is an independent Lutheran charitable organization that seeds new ministries of health and hope in the name of the healing Christ. LSS-SW received one of seven grants totaling $210,407 awarded in December. More than 100 ministries are currently receiving assistance through Wheat Ridge funding.

To learn more about the important work Wheat Ridge Ministries is doing to support health and hope ministries go to their website at: www.wheatridge.org.