Christine Messina named chair of Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey Foundation Board of Directors
BURLINGTON, NJ – Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey (LSMNJ), a faith-based nonprofit organization based in Burlington, New Jersey, recently announced the nomination of LSMNJ Foundation board of directors member Christine Messina to the position of Board Chair. Messina, who is Vice President and Director of Marketing of local property damage remediation company AllRisk Property Damage Experts, has been involved with LSMNJ’s mission through her family business since 2010. She has served on the LSMNJ Foundation board since February 2020, and stepped into the chairperson role early in 2022.
As a member of the LSMNJ Foundation board, Messina has never been afraid to think outside the box when it comes to advancing the mission of LSMNJ. “Sharing the stories of LSMNJ’s impact is the key,” she explains. “The spark happens through storytelling. As chair, I want to invite more people to join us in supporting the important work of LSMNJ.” She is excited to meet the challenge of leadership, explore creative ways to introduce new people to LSMNJ, and make even more connections in the community as board chair. “The responsibility of honoring the people who do the hard work every day is both challenging and deeply rewarding.”
Messina, born and raised in the Haddonfield, NJ, area, pursued a career in marketing in New York City before returning to her South Jersey roots in the early 2000s. Along with her husband, two sons, and a spoiled family dog, she enjoys getting involved in community life at all levels, from grassroots neighborhood initiatives to business sponsorships. As a second-generation Italian American who was among the first in her family to attend college, educational philanthropy has been a natural focus that aligns with Lutheran’s H.E.R.O. program. Additionally, Messina fondly remembers her first volunteer experience at age twelve, visiting with senior residents of a local non-profit home. The recent launch of “Cherishing Our Elders”, a flexible program to connect the community with LSMNJ’s seniors, brings her love of giving back and board leadership role full circle.
“One goal I have as board chair is to expand our visibility and increase the opportunities to connect supporters of LSMNJ with the people we serve,” Messina shares. “Finding that human to human connection and hearing one person’s impassioned testimony can be all it takes to inspire people who are seeking a purpose-driven life. With LSMNJ’s wide net of services—from food pantries and affordable housing to education resources and quality elder care—there’s a mission that everyone can connect with. We are always seeking more members, friends, donors and volunteers of all ages to get involved with whatever resonates with them.” According to Messina, “Ultimately, this work is all done from love. I’m honored to be able to promote equity in the love underprivileged populations deserve, and give people the opportunity to be seen, heard, and served as LSMNJ Foundation board chair. My grandfather always said ‘it’s in giving you receive’, and I am truly fortunate to gain more than I could ever give by playing a small part in the grace-filled blessing that LSMNJ is to our community.”
About LSMNJ:
Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey (LSMNJ) is a grace-filled, faith-based, statewide, not-for-profit provider of compassionate, quality senior care services, hospice and home care, affordable housing for seniors and families, and immigration legal services, as well as community-based programs and services. For more information about LSMNJ, we invite you to tour our website at www.lsmnj.org.
About the LSMNJ Foundation:
Through philanthropic contributions, as well as event sponsorships and grants, the Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey Foundation supports LSMNJ programs that address hunger, housing, and poverty, as well as healthcare costs for seniors. Our foundation board and staff members work tirelessly to help those in need in our community. If you, your organization, or your congregation would like to offer support through the LSMNJ Foundation, either with financial contributions or by volunteering, please contact our Fund Development Office at 609-699-4115.