1. Communication Audit – Lutheran Homes Society
The Lutheran Homes Society (LHS) was founded in 1860 by Pastor Johannes Doerfler.
Originally, it operated as an orphanage but now focuses on providing care for youth and the
elderly. The current president and CEO of the Lutheran Homes Society, who was appointed by
the board of directors January 29, 2015, is W. Richard Marshall. Marshall was appointed
president upon the retirement of the previous one.
LHS is run by a board of directors, the president and CEO, various executive directors
that oversee the different Lutheran Homes locations, along with several other leadership
positions within the organization. Being a church-based social ministry organization, LHS relies
on the support of its 171 member congregations. LHS is affiliated with Lutheran Services in
America, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod,
LeadingAge, and LeadingAge Ohio.
Their mission statement reads, “As followers of Christ, we are called to do what lies
within our power to share burdens that weigh upon the young and the old and to alleviate sorrow
and misery in His name.” The goal is to serve the unique needs of youth and elderly in northwest
Ohio and southeast Michigan.
One audience that LHS serves is their member congregations. They keep members
updated on services, projects, and anything else they are working on. Geographically, another
audience is residents of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, due to the location of their
homes. They must also keep in mind the people who are seeking their services either for
themselves or a family member, friend, or loved one.

2. Currently, LHS utilizes the following forms of communication: press releases, fact sheet,
a newsletter, brochures, an annual report, and flyers. Some of their brochures include
information on their pulmonary rehabilitation program, home health coaches, and an overview of
the organization as a whole. Recent flyers have been made to promote the new adult day center
and for testimonials from those receiving care. Their communications can also be found online
by visiting their website at LHSOH.org and going to the News Room section.
Communications are handled by Kari Bucher, manager of marketing and corporate
communications. Pieces are approved on a case-by-case basis. The majority of things written are
approved through Bucher’s immediate boss, the vice president for mission integration. Corporate
pieces must receive approval from the president/CEO, ministry pieces by the executive director
of that particular ministry, and so on.
The key themes and messages LHS would like to communicate are their compassionate
care, dedication to creating a home-like atmosphere, and the fostering of fellowship and
community while honoring the independence, dignity, rights, and self-respect of each individual.
One thing LHS is currently lacking is a presence on social media. In the past, the
president/CEO preferred it that way. He also did not keep close relationships with the media.
Once Marshall took over as president things began to change. Marshall is much more
progressive and open to communicating with the media. Due to this, LHS is going through a
transition period. Bucher characterizes Lutherans as a group that is slow to change. As a result of
this, LHS was also slow to change. With the appointment of Marshall, someone who has an
understanding of the public eye and how to be more visible, this should no longer be the case.

3. Based on the current status of Lutheran Homes Society, Bucher and I have decided that I
should assist in creating brochure content as well as a flyer. We discussed doing newsletter
content, but it was not feasible with the time given. I would have liked to create some content for
social media but as I previously mentioned, they do not have those up and running yet.
Overall, my impression of Lutheran Homes Society’s communications is good. Bucher
does a lot to keep the audiences up to date, she is working to create more ways that they can
reach out and keep the public informed. LHS offers many services which is why it is important
to always be promoting those. I see myself helping to provide a fresh perspective and updating
areas that have not been changed in some time.