LSA Awards to Honor Collaboration in Service
January 2, 2007 Baltimore, MD The 2007 Lutheran Services in America Awards for Excellence will honor strategic forms of collaboration that deliver improved or expanded services to people in need. Awards for Excellence are given annually to help build a resource bank of ideas, and to celebrate innovation and excellence among Lutheran health and human service organizations. The theme for the 2007 awards strategic collaboration recognizes that todays complex challenges require multi-faceted solutions.
As new needs arise and demands on social ministry organizations heighten, it is important to forge creative, collaborative relationships, says Jill Schumann, President and CEO of Lutheran Services in America.
To fulfill their missions, Lutheran health and human service organizations partner with businesses, other nonprofits, government agencies, educational institutions, community organizations, and art groups, for example. The goal of the 2007 awards is to inspire organizations by highlighting the innovation and effectiveness of such alliances.
Last year, 32 organizations entered the awards under the theme, Embracing the Gifts of All. Three were honored for programs that mobilize the talents and experiences of staff, clients, residents, family, and the community. Winners included a video by and for families of elders to address emotional needs and ease transition to long-term care, a weekly fresh produce distribution program in Delaware, and a Cleveland program that turns former inmates into volunteers for elders and people with disabilities.
The 2007 awards will be judged on three criteria: how the collaboration builds a win-win relationship; holds all participants accountable; and creates value.
Lutheran health and human services organizations that are members of Lutheran Services in America are eligible to enter the awards. Information is available on the LSA website: www.lutheranservices.org or by calling Jan Ulrich at 410-230-2841 or e-mailing julrich@lutheranservices.org.
The deadline for entries is February 2, 2007.