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LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE
PHOENIX, AZ · EIN 860252302 · Form 990 · FY2021 · NTEE X21Z · Religion-Related · Large ($10M-$50M) · www.lss-sw.org
revenue
$22.0M
expenses
$21.2M
net assets
$3.9M
employees
496
volunteers
559
program ratio
87%
mission · from form 990

STABILIZES INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES DURING TIMES OF CRISIS.

profile · synthesized from sources

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest stabilizes individuals during crisis and transition, helping them thrive and preserving dignity. The organization provides a range of services including family support, foster care, food assistance, and services for refugees, older adults, and people with disabilities. Operating in four Arizona counties, LSS-SW serves over 5,000 Arizonans monthly.

irs program accomplishments · form 990 part iii · fy2021

what they reported doing

Program narrative the organization filed with the IRS. Ordered by program spending.

  1. #1 primary $5.80M
    THE REFUGEE & IMMIGRATION SERVICES PROGRAMS HELP REFUGEES WHO HAVE FLED PERSECUTION REBUILD THEIR LIVES IN THE PHOENIX AND TUCSON AREAS, BY PROVIDING SHORT-TERM HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE, LANGUAGE AND SELF-SUFFICIENCY SKILLS TRAINING, CULTURAL EDUCATION, CONNECTIONS TO COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND SUPPORT FOR REFUGEE CHILDREN'S EDUCATION THROUGH SCHOOL LIAISING AND ENROLLMENTS, AND SUMMER AND AFTER SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING. 2,496 INDIVIDUALS WERE SERVED.
  2. #2 $3.61M
    THE CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES PROGRAMS ARE COMPRISED OF FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS (FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN BIRTH TO 5 YEARS OLD) AND FOSTER CARE. THERE ARE FOUR FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS, PART OF A NETWORK OF 35 FIRST THINGS FIRST CENTERS THROUGHOUT MARICOPA COUNTY, THAT ASSIST FAMILIES IN METROPOLITAN PHOENIX AND SOUTHEAST MARICOPA COUNTY TO CREATE HEALTHY ENVIRONMENTS THAT SUPPORT OPTIMAL CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND REDUCE THE LIKELIHOOD OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT, THROUGH PLAY AND LEARN EVENTS, PARENTING CLASSES, AND ASSISTANCE LOCATING COMMUNITY RESOURCES. 3,715 FAMILIES WERE SERVED.FOSTER CARE CONNECTS CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES WITH LOVING HOMES THROUGH FOSTER HOME RECRUITMENT, SUPPORT, AND TRAINING. 79 CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES WERE PLACE IN 43 FOSTER HOMES IN 2021. 192 CHILDREN REMOVED FROM OUTSIDE ARIZONA WERE PLACED WITH 117 KINSHIP HOMES IN ARIZONA.
named programs · 11 · from sources

what they call their work

Aging & Disability Services
Provides assistance to older adults and people with disabilities in Southern Arizona, including home care, habilitation, Meals on Wheels, and grocery shopping services, to help them live independently in their homes.
Colors of Resilience
Art-based educational event that immerses participants in the refugee experience through storytelling and painting to build empathy and understanding
Family Resource Centers
Supports families with children birth to age five through workshops, screenings, parenting education, and resource connections; assists with SNAP and AHCCCS applications in partnership with First Things First
Family, Friends, and Neighbors
Free program offering caregivers essential resources to improve care, prevent burnout, foster community, and strengthen caregiving skills for children in non-traditional childcare settings
Food Pantries
Provides nutritious food to individuals and families facing hardship, offering support with dignity and compassion in multiple Arizona locations
Foster and Adoption
Partners with DES and DCS to place children and adults with developmental disabilities in safe, loving homes; provides training, resources, and support for foster and adoptive families
Home Care
Provides in-home care services enabling seniors and individuals with disabilities to live independently in Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise Counties
Meals on Wheels
Brings nutritious meals to homebound elderly in Pima County as part of Aging & Disability Services
Refugee & Immigration Services
Provides resettlement services including pre-arrival housing, case management, employment support, education services, and women's empowerment for approximately 400 refugees annually in Phoenix and Tucson
Refugee Youth Mentor Program
Mentorship program connecting refugee youth with supportive community members
Women's Empowerment
Program supporting refugee women through skill-building, education, and community integration
activities · 11 groups

what they do

  • Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy 5 activities
    • Refugee Resettlement and Integration
      Builds self-reliant foundations for approximately 400 refugees each year through volunteer and community Co-Sponsor Team support. The organization also hosts immersive art events and the Colors of Resilience program to guide participants through the refugee experience using storytelling and creative reflection.
    • Refugee Resettlement and Integration
      Builds self-reliant foundations for approximately 400 refugees each year through volunteer and community Co-Sponsor Team support. This includes hosting immersive art events and the Colors of Resilience program to guide participants through the refugee experience using storytelling and creative reflection.
    • Refugee Resettlement and Integration Support
      Builds self-reliant foundations for approximately 400 refugees annually through volunteer and community Co-Sponsor Team support. The organization also hosts immersive art events and the Colors of Resilience program to guide participants through and engage with the refugee experience using storytelling and creative reflection.
    • Refugee Resettlement and Support
      Builds self-reliant foundations for approximately 400 refugees each year through volunteer and community Co-Sponsor Team support, and hosts immersive art events to guide participants through the refugee experience.
    • Refugee Resettlement and Support
      Builds self-reliant foundations for approximately 400 refugees each year through volunteer and community Co-Sponsor Team support. Also hosts immersive art events and the Colors of Resilience program to engage participants with the refugee experience through storytelling, painting, and creative reflection.
  • Volunteer Mobilization Network 5 activities
    • Volunteer Engagement and Community Connection
      Engages volunteers from individuals, congregations, and community groups through flexible opportunities (monthly and weekly) to support neighbors in need. Operates a network of volunteer leaders in congregations across Phoenix and Southern Arizona to connect communities with programs, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy efforts.
    • Volunteer Engagement and Community Connection
      Engages volunteers from individuals, congregations, and community groups through flexible opportunities to support neighbors in need. The organization also operates a network of volunteer leaders in congregations across Phoenix and Southern Arizona to connect communities with programs, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy efforts.
    • Volunteer Engagement and Community Mobilization
      Engages volunteers from individuals, congregations, and community groups through flexible opportunities (monthly and weekly) to support neighbors in need. The organization also operates a network of volunteer leaders in congregations across Phoenix and Southern Arizona to connect communities with programs, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy efforts.
    • Volunteer Engagement and Community Mobilization
      Engages volunteers from individuals, congregations, and community groups to support neighbors in need, offering flexible commitment levels. The organization also operates a network of volunteer leaders in congregations across Phoenix and Southern Arizona to connect communities with programs, volunteer opportunities, and advocacy efforts.
    • Volunteer Engagement and Community Network
      Engages volunteers from individuals, congregations, and community groups through flexible opportunities, and operates a network of volunteer leaders to connect communities with programs and advocacy efforts.
  • Early Childhood Education and Family Support 4 activities
    • Family Resource Centers
      Operates Family Resource Centers that offer workshops, screenings, parenting education, and resource connections for families with children birth to age five, including assistance with SNAP and AHCCCS applications.
    • Family Resource Centers and Support
      Operates Family Resource Centers that offer workshops, screenings, parenting education, and resource connections for families with children birth to age five. This includes assistance to parents with SNAP and AHCCCS applications.
    • Family Resource Centers and Support
      Operates Family Resource Centers that offer workshops, screenings, parenting education, and resource connections for families with children birth to age five. This includes assistance to parents with SNAP and AHCCCS applications.
    • Family Resource Centers and Support Services
      Operates Family Resource Centers that offer workshops, screenings, parenting education, and resource connections for families with children birth to age five. This includes assistance to parents with SNAP and AHCCCS applications.
  • Basic Needs Provision for Youth and Families 4 activities
    • Food Assistance Programs
      Provides nutritious food to individuals and families through food pantries, aiming to offer support with dignity and compassion.
    • Food Assistance Programs
      Provides nutritious food to individuals and families through food pantries, offering support with dignity and compassion.
    • Food Assistance Programs
      Provides nutritious food to individuals and families through food pantries, offering support with dignity and compassion.
    • Food Pantries
      Provides nutritious food to individuals and families through food pantries.
  • Foster and Kinship Family Support Services 4 activities
    • Foster and Adoptive Placement
      Partners with DES and DCS to place children and adults with developmental disabilities in foster or adoptive homes and provides training and support to families.
    • Foster and Adoptive Placement for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
      Partners with DES and DCS to place children and adults with developmental disabilities in foster or adoptive homes, providing training and support to these families.
    • Foster and Adoptive Placement for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
      Partners with DES and DCS to place children and adults with developmental disabilities in foster or adoptive homes and provides training and support to these families.
    • Foster and Adoptive Placement for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
      Partners with DES and DCS to place children and adults with developmental disabilities in foster or adoptive homes and provides training and support to these families.
  • Dementia Caregiver Support & Navigation 3 activities
    • Caregiver Support Program
      Offers a free program for family, friend, and neighbor caregivers, providing resources to improve care, prevent burnout, and strengthen caregiving skills.
    • Caregiver Support Program
      Offers a free program for family, friend, and neighbor caregivers that provides resources to improve care, prevent burnout, and strengthen caregiving skills.
    • Caregiver Support Program
      Offers a free program for family, friend, and neighbor caregivers that provides resources to improve care, prevent burnout, and strengthen caregiving skills.
  • Senior Meal Delivery and Congregate Dining 2 activities
    • Home-Delivered Meals
      Delivers nutritious meals to homebound elderly individuals in Pima County.
    • Meal Delivery for Homebound Elderly
      Delivers nutritious meals to homebound elderly individuals in Pima County.
  • Respite and Personal Care Support 2 activities
    • Support for Independent Living for Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities
      Provides home care services and assistance to older adults and individuals with disabilities in Southern Arizona, specifically in Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise Counties, to support their ability to live independently in their homes.
    • Support for Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities
      Provides assistance and home care services to older adults and individuals with disabilities in Southern Arizona, specifically in Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise Counties, to support independent living in their homes.
  • Attendant and Personal Care Services 2 activities
    • Support for Independent Living for Older Adults and Individuals with Disabilities
      Provides assistance and home care services to older adults and individuals with disabilities in Southern Arizona, specifically in Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise Counties, to support their ability to live independently in their homes. This includes delivering nutritious meals to homebound elderly individuals in Pima County.
    • Support for Independent Living for Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities
      Provides home care services and assistance to older adults and individuals with disabilities in Southern Arizona, including Pima, Santa Cruz, and Cochise Counties, to support them in living independently in their homes. This includes delivering nutritious meals to homebound elderly individuals in Pima County.
  • Youth Support Through Arts and Education 1 activity
    • Support for Vulnerable Populations through Donor-Funded Initiatives
      Supports programs serving children, families, older adults, refugees, and individuals in crisis through donor-funded initiatives.
  • Uncategorized 1 activity
    • Nonprofit Capacity Building
      Provides fundraising, advocacy, and board service to multiple nonprofit and faith-based organizations to support vulnerable populations and the common good.
financials · form 990 · fy2021
revenue
Total revenue$21.95M
Contributions & grants$17.92M82%
Program service revenue$3.94M18%
Investment income$83K0%
Other revenue$11K
expenses
Total expenses$21.19M
Program expenses87%
Admin / overhead10%
Fundraising3%
Salaries & benefits$12.51M
Grants paid out$4.76M
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$7.09M
Cash$3.04M
Investments$164K
Liabilities$3.14M
Net assets$3.95M
Liquid reserves1.8 mo
3 years on record · 2019–2021 · YoY revenue -1.4%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2021

who runs it

paid leadership · 3
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
CONNIE PHILLIPS CEO & PRESIDENT 40 $165K
CHRISTINE KOBASIC CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER 40 $140K
KAREN C BAMFORD CHIEF PROGRAM OFFICER 40 $107K
board members · 13
  • ALAN FIELD — DIRECTOR
  • AMBER MATHEWSON — VICE CHAIR
  • BARBRA RAPP — CHAIR
  • BOB YORK — DIRECTOR
  • GERD RENNO — DIRECTOR
  • GLEN JOHNSON — TREASURER
  • JACQUI PAGEL — DIRECTOR
  • JANIE MAGRUDER — DIRECTOR
  • JEFF KRAUSE — DIRECTOR
  • JO RIESTER — DIRECTOR
  • TROY JUSTESEN — DIRECTOR
  • TWILA BURDICK — DIRECTOR
  • WENDY LOOK — DIRECTOR
relationships · 24

who they work with

  • ALTCS Government — Contract partner for delivery of services to individuals with disabilities and older adults.
  • American Heart Association Partner — Leadership involvement through fundraising, advocacy, or board service
  • Area Agencies on Aging Government — Funds services as part of the Older Americans Act Program.
  • Arizona Costume Institute at the Phoenix Art Museum Partner — Leadership involvement through fundraising, advocacy, or board service
  • Arizona Department of Economic Security Government — Funds services under contract as part of public programs for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
  • Ballet Arizona Partner — Leadership involvement through fundraising, advocacy, or board service
  • Community groups Partner — Community groups collaborate with LSS to deliver services and support.
  • Congregations Partner — Congregations participate in volunteering and community support efforts.
  • DCCC Partner — Leadership involvement through fundraising, advocacy, or board service
  • DCS Government — Contract partner for service delivery.
  • DCS Partner — Partnership to place children and adults with developmental disabilities in foster or adoptive homes.
  • DDD Government — Contract partner for services to individuals with disabilities.
  • DES Partner — Partnership to place children and adults with developmental disabilities in foster or adoptive homes.
  • Diocese of Phoenix Partner — Leadership involvement through fundraising, advocacy, or board service
  • ELCA Network — Member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
  • Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Network — Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is affiliated with and serves as the social service arm of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
  • First Things First Partner — Partnership to support families with children birth to age five through Family Resource Centers.
  • Gregorian University Foundation Partner — Leadership involvement through fundraising, advocacy, or board service
  • Individuals Partner — Individuals volunteer and contribute to support LSS programs.
  • LCMS Network — Member of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
  • Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod Network — Recognized by the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and operates as a pan-Lutheran organization serving as the social service arm for the broader Lutheran Church.
  • Ruth Escobar Partner — Contact person for organizing Colors of Resilience events with churches or organizations.
  • community Co-Sponsor Teams Partner — Community groups that partner with LSS-SW to support refugee resettlement and integration
  • congregations across Phoenix and Southern Arizona Partner — Volunteer leaders from local congregations collaborate with Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest to coordinate services, communication, fundraising, and advocacy.