LMM Responds to Changing Policy & Legislation Impacting our Mission

Dear LMM Stakeholders,

Since inauguration day, a flurry of Executive Orders has sewn confusion and concern for organizations operating within the human services sector. We are collaborating closely with leaders in the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to discern how these orders, if implemented, might impact human service continuums, organizations, and the people of our community in both the short and long term.

At LMM, we are specifically troubled by recent orders that aim to eliminate all efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion; allow for targeted immigration raids in sanctuary cities; and enact “freezes” to federal grant funding and programs that provide, in large part, resources for safety net programs. These policies, if carried out, will have a real and deleterious impact on our community, including the 4,500 people LMM serves each year across our homeless shelters, workforce programs, guardianship, and youth services.  

Most recently, organizations within our Lutheran Services in America network across the country who work in refugee resettlement came under attack by the administration through false and defamatory statements. We stand with these partners who, like LMM, serve their communities through good stewardship. The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eton, Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America had a clear and inspiring response to these false allegations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LmTciij4ZI

LMM’s mission to challenge systemic injustices faced by those who are oppressed, forgotten and hurting by providing responsive solutions, advocacy, and hope. As a faith inspired, social justice and social service organization:

• We believe in upholding the humanity of everyone.
• We believe in loving our neighbors and accompanying them in their time of need.
• We believe in welcoming the stranger. (Matthew 25: 31-46)

We will not abandon our values. Instead, we acknowledge that an intentional and honest approach to diversity, equity and inclusion is fundamental to our religious, moral, and ethical obligations. From our founding in 1969, our mission has been to stand with people suffering through injustice, adversity, and marginalization. This commitment is an expression of how we work with others in right relationship, within and outside of our organization.

Our 55 years of experience in human services helps us to understand that we are most effective when we continue to focus on a workforce and board that is reflective of the diversity of the community and people we serve. We are a sought-after community partner because of our dedication to honoring the lived experience and dignity of people we serve. Excellence in human services requires us to be culturally competent, meet people where they are with respect, and support their self-agency. 

Rooted firmly in the prophet Micah’s command to “do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8) and inspired by our Lutheran Faith tradition, we live out our faith through supporting people who are unhoused, unemployed, reentering society, or who have no one to advocate their needs.

LMM will not abandon our neighbors in their time of greatest need and will work to provide for their safety and well-being by advocating for sustained safety net services. We will affirm the dignity of every person and stand against actions that demean or exclude.

We call upon the community to join our efforts to shape a world where everyone can thrive in a community of dignity and respect. The time to act is now. Here are the ways you can support our work: