About Us
OUR MISSION:
We stabilize people during crisis and transition, build a foundation where people can thrive, and preserve dignity and respect for the most vulnerable.
OUR PURPOSE:
Called by God’s love, we serve our neighbors.
OUR VISION:
A future where all people thrive.
Our Statement of Shared Values
Dignity: We demonstrate through our actions that all people have value and are worthy of respect.
Diversity: We recognize and accept the differences among people, fostering an environment inclusive of all.
Social Justice: We model and promote a culture of open-mindedness, compassion, and inclusiveness, promoting fairness, justice, and equal opportunities for all.
Quality: We commit to excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement through anticipation and dynamic response to opportunities for change.
Community Partnerships: We build collaborative partnerships to strengthen individuals, families and communities.
Faith-based: We serve all people with an attitude of compassion and caring, recognizing and honoring our Christian heritage of God’s love in Christ for all.
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, an Arizona Qualifying Charity, and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and recognized by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest will make reasonable accommodations to all persons with a disability so that they may participate in program services or activities.
Since 1970, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest has responded to Arizona’s changing needs by compassionately offering quality services and resources that contribute to a stronger and healthier Arizona for all people.
Our History of Founding and Growth
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest traces its history to the 1960s when Lutheran congregations gathered to consider a coordinated response to meet the needs of their most vulnerable neighbors in ways that changed lives. As an expression of God’s love for all, these Phoenix based churches began addressing the immediate basic needs for low-income families, in 1970.
Currently, almost 100 faith-based groups representing over 12 faith traditions, along with individuals and community organizations, partner with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest to offer services that inspire hope and preserve the dignity of those we serve.
Today, a staff of over 500 works in 4 Arizona counties and serve over 5,000 Arizonans each month. The annual budget of $15 million is funded from public, private and charitable sources. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest partners with other nonprofit organizations and government agencies to ensure that our cumulative efforts are maximized.
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is a pan-Lutheran organization and is the social service arm of the wider Lutheran Church, including the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. While our roots are deeply Lutheran, services and employment opportunities are open to all, regardless of religious affiliation or background.