Lutheran Services of Georgia Changes Its Name to Inspiritus
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Melissa Pinsky
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Lutheran Services of Georgia Changes Its Name to Inspiritus
Inspiritus Name Reflects Expanding Scope of Services for the Non-profit Organization
(Atlanta, GA) January 16, 2019 – Lutheran Services of Georgia, a non-profit social service agency, has officially changed its name to Inspiritus after joining forces with Lutheran Services in Tennessee. Inspiritus works with thousands of individuals and families each year to provide disability, foster care, family intervention, adoption, refugee, and disaster response services.
After reflecting on the organization’s work and impact, the board of directors for Inspiritus believes the new name better embodies the essence of Inspiritus’ mission to guide individuals and families whose lives have been disrupted on a path from surviving to thriving.
“We had a superb reputation as Lutheran Services of Georgia, but as our services expanded over the years, the name did not adequately reflect what we do. And, it felt limiting as some people believed that you had to be Lutheran to benefit from our various services, which is not the case.” said Inspiritus CEO, Rev. John Moeller.
“The new name Inspiritus derives from the word ‘inspirit,’ which means to fill with courage or strength of purpose. That is precisely what we do at Inspiritus. We embolden individuals and families to find their courage, inner strength and resilience so that they can lead a more fulfilling life,” said Moeller.
In 2018, Inspiritus provided the following to families in need:
Foster care services for 197 children and placement of 57 children in permanent homes. More than 1,200 children have been assisted on their road to permanent housing through foster care and adoption services since the organization’s founding in 1981. Thirty adoptions were finalized in 2018.
Placement of 98 individuals with intellectual disabilities in homes with caring and qualified support companions to improve their physical, social and emotional well-being.
Support of 432 refugees who resettled in Georgia, providing essential needs for these refugees, such as an apartment, food, health screenings, legal support, and school registration for children. In the last five years, Inspiritus also has secured more than 1,665 jobs for refugees.
Long-term recovery assistance to 183 people following Hurricane Irma in Coastal Georgia. Inspiritus will continue to provide these long-term recovery services in 2019, including services for those affected by Hurricane Michael in Southwest Georgia.
With over 35 years of providing critical services, Inspiritus has impacted the lives of more than 100,000 individuals across Georgia and the southeast. Over the past several years, Inspiritus has expanded both the scope and geographic reach of its services and, hence, impact. Inspritus serves the Atlanta Metro area, Northwest Georgia, Northeast Georgia, Southwest Georgia, Coastal Georgia and now Middle Tennessee with offices in Atlanta, Athens, Albany, Columbus, Rome, Savannah and Nashville.
The organization’s new logo includes a dove, which symbolizes both new beginnings and the Holy Spirit, highlighting the Christian and Lutheran faith that is central to its mission and daily work. It is with this spirit that Inspiritus continues to uphold its values of innovation, excellence, advocacy, holistic life span approach, empowerment, integrity, and collaboration.
“As we at Inspiritus embrace our new name, our mission and vision remain unchanged,” said CEO John Moeller. “We will continue to offer services to help with basic needs, stability and safety, community integration and self-sufficiency. We feel called to do so, and we are excited about both the meaning and power of our new name.”
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