Lutheran Social Services celebrates 140 years

Supporters of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois -- based in Des Plaines -- celebrated the agency's 140th anniversary earlier this month, at their Amicus Certus Gala, held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago.

Guests reflected on the agency's commitment to children and families, that has grown from its first Children's Home at Andover that opened in 1867, to its current headquarters in Des Plaines.

Lutheran Social Services now serves the three Illinois synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, with a variety of services, including adoption, foster care, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, senior housing, nursing care and services for prisoners and their families.

WGN agricultural broadcaster, Orion Samuelson, served as emcee of the event, while Kathy Johnson of Barrington served as chairperson of the evening, which included performances by cirque-style dancers.

A major focal point of the evening was the presentation of its Amicus Certus, or "true friend," Award which honors an individual who has made significant contributions to the lives of families and children.

Last year, officials singled out men's head basketball coaches, Bruce Weber of the University of Illinois and Homer Drew of Valparaiso University, for their major award.

This year they turned to a more scholarly recipient: author Peter Benson, one of the leading contributors to the fields of child and adolescent development. Benson serves as president of the Minneapolis-based Search Institute, whose mission is to promote healthy children, youth and communities.

In 1997, Benson wrote the book, "All Kids Are Our Kids: What Communities Must Do to Raise Caring and Responsible Children and Adolescents," which has gone on to pioneer new thinking in cities across the country, officials said.

"He has had remarkable influence across our nation in shaping both how we as mentors, teachers, leaders and communities view and approach children and adolescents," said the Rev. Dr. Frederick Aigner, Lutheran Social Services president.

Benson, who has received numerous awards, and appeared on 200 television and radio programs, was thrilled with the honor.

"This re-energizes me," Benson said, "for the work that I do."