Lutheran Church Charities (LCC)

Originally headquartered in Addison, Illinois, and currently in Northbrook, Illinois, Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) was founded in 1947 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry to help support Christian human care ministries of the Church. LCC works throughout the United States and Internationally in bringing the Mercy, Compassion, Presence and Proclamation of Jesus Christ to those Suffering and in Need. LCC works with and in partnership with our churches.

What does LCC do?
People who have lived through tragedy—from Newtown, Connecticut, to Watseka, IL—have found comfort in an unusual source, golden retrievers. By connecting with local churches or organizations within a disaster area, LCC is able to enter the community to provide Christ’s compassion, mercy and comfort to those who have been affected. The dogs visit victims and their families, first responders, schools, hospitals, and other community centers.

LCC History
  • As a disaster relief organization, Lutheran Church Charities responds to natural and man-made disasters.
  • During hurricane Katrina, people were refusing to leave their homes without their pets.  LCC was asked to help rescue pets, along with victims.
  • Shortly after hurricane Katrina, there was an incident at Northwest University.  LCC was asked to come in and bring a dog for comfort.
  • LCC began to explore how dogs might be trained and used to provide the mercy, comfort and compassion of Christ.
  • Early training was done by inmates at Dwight Correctional Prison in Illinois.
  • As dogs were placed, it became evident that a greater number of dogs were needed.
  • When Dwight was closed by the state, training shifted to the LCC office area in Addison, Illinois.  Training continued with a small staff of professional trainers who, in turn, worked closely with volunteer trainers.
  • Today in a larger training space in Northbrook, Illinois, professional trainers continue to work with volunteer trainers.
  • Additionally, satellite training places in various locations are in the works, as the demand for LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs continues to grow.
  • Currently, 24 of the 50 states have at least one Comfort Dog.