It seems everywhere we turn we see, hear and read about people struggling with life's difficult challenges. Some of these stories are tragic and heart wrenching. As compassionate followers of Jesus Christ, we want to help as many people as possible but with economic downturns and the increasing cost of living it seems nearly impossible to make a significant impact.

     Lutheran Agencies Organized in Service (LAOS) makes that significant impact by helping hundreds of people in Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake, Geauga and Medina counties. LAOS is a federation of six Lutheran social ministry organizations created to organize a united appeal to Lutheran congregations located in the Greater Cleveland area. Donations to LAOS provide support for the programs and services of Lutheran Chaplaincy Service, Lutheran Family Services, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry, Lutheran Urban Community Ministry, Community Housing Solutions, and Lutheran Hospital.

Some of the programs and services provided by LAOS agencies include:

• Family counseling and adoption services.
• Advocacy and complaint resolution services for over 30,000 people in long-term care facilities.
• Re-entry programs for men and women returning from prison.
• Providing employment and independent living apartments to disabled people.
• Food pantries and community meal programs that feed hundreds of families.
• Comprehensive housing services for low and moderate income families.
• Clinically trained chaplains providing spiritual support to people during personal or family crisis.
• The only shelter for runaway boys and girls in Cuyahoga County.
  

Lutheran Hospital is a 204-bed acute care facility located in the heart of Cleveland and serving the needs of Clevelands downtown and the West Side since 1896. Lutheran Hospital offers sophisticated technology and advanced medical care within an intimate and friendly environment. Lutheran Hospital has long been known for excellent orthopedic services and adult and geriatric behavioral health programs. The hospitals Health Center offers a broad array of primary health care, both in prevention and treatment, for men and women.

Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM) promotes shalom (peace, well-being) and justice (right relationships) through a Christian ministry of service and advocacy with youth at-risk, adults involved with the criminal justice system, persons with disabilities, persons with long term care needs and persons who are homeless. Since 1969, LMM has worked to empower people to meet cultural, physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs.

Lutheran Family Services provides individual, family and group counseling to those experiencing emotional/psychological problems or concerns. In addition, LCAFS provides domestic and international adoptions. The Family Life Education Program provides prevention and education activities in areas of mental health, parenting and family issues.

Lutheran Chaplaincy Service (LCS) is the spiritual face of healthcare in northern Ohio providing qualified, clinically-trained chaplains and comprehensive pastoral care programs for hospitals and other institutions. Nationally recognized and the only agency of its kind, LCS serves people in crisis regardless of their faith or religious affiliation, drawing on the spiritual resources and faith traditions of each individual we serve.

Established in 1965, Lutheran Urban Community Ministry (LUCM) is a social service agency of the City churches co-operating to serve urban Cleveland and Lorain. LUCM churches respond to the needs of the community by working with individuals, agencies, and community organizations to help with programs such as hunger centers and food distribution, clothing banks, a Christian Life Camp, tutoring and more. It also serves inner-city children with summer programs, including overnight residential camp, day camp and summer enrichment programs. Through parish and social ministry, LUCM serves the urban community and provides a total ministry to the whole person.

Community Housing Solutions (formerly Lutheran Housing Corp.) helps Greater Cleveland residents secure and maintain quality, affordable housing by working closely with community groups, city governments, federal programs, area lenders and other housing agencies. Some of the comprehensive housing services CHS provides include Counseling, Home Repair, Tool Loan Program, Energy Conservation, Foreclosure Prevention, and Storefront Renovation.