In the Ring with Héctor Colón

In the interview, Colón asks Gov. Evers tough questions about the rise of behavioral challenges in Wisconsin and how he would more broadly address Social Determinants of Health (food insecurity, homelessness, unemployment, etc.). The two discuss the need for improving partnerships between health systems and social services organizations like LSS. Gov. Evers also shares his thoughts on the quality and outcomes of government contract...

LSS President and CEO, Héctor Colón, sits down with David Duea, President and CEO of Lutheran Community Services Northwest, to discuss how bold, aggressive advocacy and unashamed appeals for funding is vital for success. David describes how his organization’s push for big gifts and proactive partnerships with other agencies have taken Lutheran Community Services Northwest to the next level and helped countless more in need.

David a...

Too much emphasis for funding in the social sector has focused on providing services after problems have occurred. A lack of innovation and prevention dollars create larger gaps among certain demographics and fail to correct long-term problems for individuals and communities. Developing healthy, productive children and adults who live with purpose and meaning is critical to solving societies largest problems – and the social servic...

As the social services sector fights to provide equitable support across demographics, its leaders must question how the current systems create disparities in different regions and communities. The industry also faces a perception concern, where many view social services like a charity instead of a fully functioning workforce designed to empower people and lead them to successful futures. Through targeted investments and partnershi...

Summary: If the social services sector is going to make a greater impact, then leaders must work together to elevate preventative services to the level of healthcare. Sector leaders need to help advocates who are not typically involved in direct client care (e.g., policy makers, philanthropists, etc.) proximate to our work in order to experience what it takes to holistically and sustainably improve lives. To reach this level, it wi...