Dear Partners in Mission:

MOSAIC has been a service provider to individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families in Texas for many years. In that time congregations of the NT-NL have both utilized those services as well as supported the mission and ministry of MOSAIC through volunteering and financial contributions. On Tuesday December 11th we were notified that MOSAIC is choosing to transition its services in Texas to Caregiver, Inc. Later that day I spoke with the Rev. Dr. David deFreese, former bishop of the Nebraska Synod and Vice President of Church Relations for MOSAIC, and he explained the reasons for the change, assured me that all those currently in the care of MOSAIC services would continue to have that care, and on behalf of the leadership of MOSAIC gave gratitude for the support of NT-NL congregations through the years.

MOSAIC’s operations in Texas have for several years now struggled financially. This is primarily due to Texas’ low Medicaid reimbursement rates. Despite advocacy on this issue from MOSAIC, many other service providers, and ELCA members participating in Lutheran Legislative days, those rates have continued to be low and made this ministry’s financial reality unsustainable. Caregiver, Inc., as a larger provider of services, is able to continue to provide these services and will be taking on all of MOSAIC’s Texas clients by February.

Please join me in praying for the individuals served by MOSAIC and for the staff and caregivers who are impacted by these decisions. We give thanks for the many ways MOSAIC and our NT-NL congregations have partnered to create possibilities for those who it serves. As this chapter of service ends I encourage our congregations to look to other ways they can engage in sustained partnerships with organizations in their communities, to continue to advocate with our elected officials for adequate financial support for these ministries, and ultimately to follow Christ in serving those in need. Thank you for your commitment to our partner ministries.

In the Hope of Advent,
Bishop Gronberg