On March 5, 2021, LVC’s monthly Program Day for Volunteers explored what COVID-19 has further revealed regarding health disparities in marginalized communities. Discussion included how Native Americans care for its members as family units rather than individuals during the pandemic; how African Americans and people of color were more represented among the sick and dying, but were less represented in the vaccine priority list; how homelessness, senior and trans status increase vulnerability to COVID-19; and the unknown impact of unmet dental care on health. LVC Volunteers received a broad range of perspectives, considered the intersectionality of the pandemic, and broadened knowledge of the pandemic beyondRead More →

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Written by Sijia Tong, LVC Volunteer, 2020-21 _______________________ LVC Placement partner, Grace Lutheran Church, is a small inner-city congregation in Omaha, NE, situated in the middle of a block on a no-through street. This means that ministry has to be connected to the neighborhood. So Grace Lutheran Church identified community needs, and got to work. The church decided to take a risk and become the site of a fresh food pantry two years ago. The pantry meets on Monday morning and offers fresh food received from two grocery stores each week. In addition, the church has also grown to be the gathering place of multipleRead More →

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As many organizations look for ways to increase diversity, equity and inclusion while also dismantling institutional “isms” in society—racism, sexism, heterosexism, and the like—LVC is approaching the issue with a different lens. READ MORE HERE. (February 11, 2021, Lutheran Services in America.)Read More →

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LVC alum, Melissa Wilt, offered a video update on LVC to Lord of Life church in November 2020, as part of LVC’s annual update to their supportive congregation. Melissa worked in a social service agency as a Volunteer then for three more years as an employee; and later received a master’s degree in social work. She has celebrated 20 years with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, bringing her perspective on social justice and equity learned during her LVC volunteer experience — making a difference in the lives of veterans she serves. She says she is living proof that LVC impacted her life, and impacts livesRead More →

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Shae Agee, National Program and Partnerships Director You might see Shae Agee, on a Giving Tuesday livestream; hosting a regional recruitment Zoom chat for prospective volunteers; leading monthly program days with Volunteers and community facilitators; or reaching out to new Placements, speakers, or other partners. For almost two years, Shae has served as national program and partnerships director, renewing the LVC program experience and building the LVC community. Shae has lived and served in the Washington DC area for most of her adult life. She has been an athlete and a singer her entire life and continues to enjoy these activities. She loves animals andRead More →

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