Lutheran Social Services Selected to Lead Grief Services Project in Eau Claire Region
For Immediate Release
EAU CLAIRE, Wis., Jan. 9, 2026 —Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is honored to be chosen by the Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF) as the nonprofit sponsor for the newly established Grief Services Project. This initiative will strengthen grief support resources across the Chippewa Valley and ensure that individuals and families have access to compassionate care during life’s most difficult moments.
As the designated sponsor, LSS will receive funding to launch key activities, including the development of a centralized grief services information platform and coordination of a regional network of grief service providers. These efforts will address critical gaps identified through ECCF’s comprehensive Grief Services Research Project, which engaged more than 800 voices from individuals, providers, and advocates.
“LSS is proud to partner with the Eau Claire Community Foundation and local providers to strengthen grief services across the region. This initiative is about working together, sharing expertise, resources, and compassion to ensure that no one faces grief without support,” said Stephanie Pritchard, LSS Western Director of Community Based Services.
“We are honored to support the next chapter of grief support in our region by awarding this opportunity to Lutheran Social Services,” said Wes Escondo, President and CEO of Eau Claire Community Foundation. “Their collaborative approach and commitment to compassion will help fulfill the vision that community members voiced throughout the research process.”
The Grief Services Project was created following the transfer of approximately $4.8 million in endowed funds to ECCF, ensuring these resources continue to serve their original intent of supporting those experiencing grief and loss. Through ECCF’s stewardship and LSS’s leadership, this project will deliver meaningful and lasting impact for individuals and families throughout Western Wisconsin.
ABOUT LSS
LSS is made up of nearly 800 colleagues, the majority of whom are serving in the heart of communities where people with diverse abilities live, learn, and grow. Guided by a Servant-Leadership philosophy, we remove barriers and improve access to resources that address needs around housing and homelessness, adoption, foster care, refugee resettlement, and mental health and substance use disorder. Our expanded system of care includes safe, stable residences offering short and long-term solutions for individuals and families in need of recovery, skill development, and self-sufficiency. Driven by the belief in the infinite worth of every person, communities are stronger when everyone is included, and people are empowered to live independently and thrive.
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MEDIA CONTACT
George Kmetty, Public Relations Specialist
George.Kmetty@lsscommunications
262-693-6825