Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) efforts span from substance recovery, mental health support and more. Now, thanks to a three-year grant award through the Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF), LSS will uplift resources centered on grief support to its communities – succinctly titled the Grief Services Project.

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS), a social services agency, can trace its roots back to back to 19th century central Wisconsin. What began as a home for orphaned children and elderly individuals – serving its first five people in need in 1882 – has grown into a regional resource and lifeline.

LSS’s efforts span from substance recovery and mental health support to affordable housing, life and work skills building and more. Now, thanks to a three-year grant award through the Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF), LSS will help bring even more resources – centered on grief support – to its communities.

After launching a competitive proposal requests process last fall, ECCF identified LSS as the best organization to help bring expansive regional grief support services to life. The project – succinctly titled the Grief Services Project – is funded by the Monsignor Klimek Healing Presence Endowment Fund.

LSS is charged with developing a centralized grief services information platform; coordinating a regional network of grief service providers; and supporting shared learning across the sector, a recent media release stated. The organization will also receive $181,960 toward its first year of project efforts.

This initiative is rooted in collaboration – bringing together expertise, resources and compassion to ensure individuals and families do not face grief alone. –Stephanie Pritchard, western director of community-based services at LSS

“We are honored to support the next chapter of grief support in our region by selecting Lutheran Social Services as the lead partner for this important work,” Wes Escondo, president and CEO of ECCF, said. “Their collaborative approach, strong regional presence, and deep commitment to compassionate care directly reflect the vision community members shared throughout the research process.”

According to the media release, the $4.8 million Monsignor Klimek Healing Presence Endowment Fund was established with the intent to support individuals experiencing grief and loss.

“ECCF commissioned a comprehensive, community-driven research effort known as the Grief Services Research Project, conducted by AMK Nonprofit Coaching,” the release explained. “The research engaged more than 800 voices across individuals with lived experience, service providers and community advocates.”

The research identified “several critical gaps” throughout western Wisconsin, including the absence of a centralized grief services information hub; limited coordination among grief support providers; a need for training; and gaps in access for underserved populations.

“This initiative is rooted in collaboration – bringing together expertise, resources and compassion to ensure individuals and families do not face grief alone,” Stephanie Pritchard, western director of community-based services at LSS, said.

Lutheran Social Services has a local office in Eau Claire (120 S. Barstow St.) and can be contacted at (877) 967-5577.

Learn more about Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) online at www.lsswis.org. More information about the Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF) can be found online at www.eccfwi.org.