Taking its name from the Greek word for service, Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries offers a range of health and community services, including more than a dozen retirement communities, home health care, pregnancy and adoption services, hospice care, and counseling. The not-for-profit organization's Housing and Development subsidiary works to provide community planning, affordable housing, and property management. Diakon Lutheran also offers clinical pastoral education for seminary students. Its services cover tens of thousands of residents throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. Diakon was established in 2000 through a merger of Lutheran Services Northeast and Tressler Lutheran Services.