Tampa, Fla. – 5/06/2020 – Lutheran Services Florida (LSF), a statewide nonprofit dedicated to helping families in crisis, brings TeleHealth two-way video conferencing to reach its clients with the help of a $15,000 grant from Truist Financial Corporation. The grant is part of the company’s Truist Cares initiative, a $25 million philanthropic pledge announced in March to support basic needs, medical supplies and financial hardship relief due to COVID-19.

LSF has identified TeleHealth two-way video conferencing as a practical solution to reach its clients in a way that maintains service effectiveness while respecting the need to practice social distancing. LSF programs that will use this technology are focused on face-to-face intervention – CMOs (Case Management Organization) serving children in the foster care system, SATP (Sexual Abuse Treatment Program) serving victims of an unspeakable crime, and CINS/FINS, a program acronym for crisis counseling to Children in Need of Services/Families in Need of Services.

The grant from Truist will be used to purchase TeleHealth licenses for 60 clinicians, at $60/month per license, for six months. TeleHeath will enable LSF to continue with face-to-face counseling utilizing technology that protects client confidentiality and maintains HIPPA compliance. A web-based, mobile friendly interface allows for effective adoption of the technology. Features such as data capture, surveys, and reporting allow for instant feedback and continual improvement of services.

“LSF’s work helps heal individuals in crisis and families torn apart by conflict,” Mike Carroll, EVP of Programs said. “Our clients depend upon the vital counseling and case management services we provide, and during this pandemic, they will need us now more than ever. The challenges from COVID-19 only worsened the struggles our clients already face, as routines and relationships are challenged by new fears, anxieties and external stressors.”

By equipping 60 LSF clinicians with the TeleHealth tools needed to continue counseling and case management services, LSF is investing in professional services that have a massive impact. Each clinician serves an average of 25 clients, for a total of 1,500 children and families served. Over six months, LSF is enabling many thousands of critical touchpoints for the people in need whom we serve.

“We are proud to support Lutheran Services Florida and the important work they are doing during this uncertain time,” said Jim Daly, West Florida regional president for Truist. “Delivering critical counseling services to children and families in crisis has never been more important, and also aligns with our purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities.”

The funding from Truist will enable LSF to fulfill its vision of creating safe children, strong families, and vibrant communities during a time of increasing uncertainty for children and families in need.

To partner with LSF, contact Jim Clark, Director of Community Relations at jim.clark@lsfnet.org or 813-415-7231. Visit www.lsfnet.org/covid19/ for the latest information on LSF’s response to the pandemic.

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About Lutheran Services Florida

LSF is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to helping the most vulnerable Floridians. We do this by reducing the suicide and drug addiction rate, giving families in crisis the support they need to persevere, and making sure those in poverty get the education they need to close the achievement gap.

About Truist
Truist Financial Corporation is a purpose-driven financial services company committed to inspire and build better lives and communities. With 275 years of combined BB&T and SunTrust history, Truist serves approximately 12 million households with leading market share in many high-growth markets in the country. The company offers a wide range of services including retail, small business and commercial banking; asset management; capital markets; commercial real estate; corporate and institutional banking; insurance; mortgage; payments; specialized lending and wealth management. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist is the sixth-largest commercial bank in the U.S. with total assets of $506 billion as of March 31, 2020. Truist Bank, Member FDIC. Learn more at Truist.com.

Media Contact:

Terri Durdaller, LSF Vice President of Communications

Terri.durdaller@lsfnet.org

813-802-8790