Lives Lived. Lives Changed. Lives Connected. Three simple phrases that eloquently describe what Lutheran Social Services of South Central Pennsylvania (LSS) is called to do. From our humble beginnings more than 60 years ago, LSS has always been about connecting people and helping to positively change their lives so that they can live life to its fullest. In 2012, those same phrases still were true. Throughout the year we experienced so many opportunities to connect, change and live.

We undertook several significant initiatives to position LSS for the future. We invested significant resources in Information Technology to ensure that the installation of Electronic Health Records would help provide better quality care to residents of our six senior living communities. We purchased the former Shaull Elementary School in Enola so that LIFE Lutheran Services would not only be available in Franklin County, but in Cumberland County as well. We have undertaken preliminary work to bring a memory support and assisted living residence to our Sprenkle Drive community. We connected with Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries to explore an opportunity to work together that resulted in the affiliation of Diakon’s hospice, home health and home care program with Lutheran Home Care & Hospice. These changes connect people so that they may live life to its fullest.

So often we imagine that we serve only those who reach out to us in need. But LSS does so much more. We connect donors and volunteers willing to invest in changing and improving the lives of their neighbors. In 2012 those we served were connected with more than 1,650 individuals who volunteered their time to enrich lives. Donors provided more than $1.8 million to provide service that would not have been available without their generosity. At LSS we connect those who are willing to make an investment in their community with the opportunity to change lives. We connect staff with a passion to serve. It is at those connections where lives are changed and lives are lived.

As I approach my 19th year with LSS, I cannot imagine an organization more committed to connect, to change and to live out our call to witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Nor can I imagine an organization more blessed with people who are willing to connect, to change and to live. To all of you who have made LSS a part of your life, I say thank you for allowing me to be connected with each of you and may God bless you for all the connections, changes and fulfilling lives you have helped make possible.

In gratitude,

Robert L. Rundle
President & CEO