Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
2021 is one for the books, with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota providing more services in more places to more people than ever before. In fact, in 2021 we increasingly described the support of our donors, volunteers and staff as a movement of 25,000 people committed to making our state a better place for ALL people: one where all children and youth can get the support they need, from emergency shelter care to drop-in support (e.g. 26 street outreach employees made 10,354 contacts with youth to distribute survival items or life-saving naloxone or opportunities for transportation assistance; in addition 1,105 individuals were served at resource/drop-in centers and 288 young adults were housed); one where nutritious – and delicious – meals are available to all, regardless of age or location (e.g. 1,451,046 meals were served across Minnesota including 5,491 meals which were served to veterans); one where critical services are continued in support of the community, due to our knowledge, expertise and ability to scale with efficiency; and one where one in 65 Minnesotans are supported to live fuller and more abundant lives (e.g. 3,150 caregivers or older adults were supported to maintain healthy lives). -2021 CEO Report
Current Goals
LSS will continue to take responsibility for the social determinants of health for the individuals we support, owning our role in helping our neighbors access housing, meals, community connection and other supports that are critical to holistic well-being. This strategic objective involves multiple programs such as LSS Meals, Housing Services, Portland House, Shelters, Life Haven and other independent living programs for youth, and Camp Knutson.
LSS will innovate in services that are critical for helping Minnesotans overcome barriers to living full and abundant lives, including prevention, early intervention and family preservation. This strategic objective involves multiple programs such as Pregnancy Services, Refugee Services, Family Based Counseling, Family Home Visiting, Adoption and Camp Noah.
LSS will deepen our commitment and understanding and increase our recognition of barriers to social justice and racial equity both within our organization and the greater community. This strategic objective impacts every program LSS of MN offers such as Resource Centers and Empowering Students to Achieve.
Community or Constituency Served
Lutheran Social Service of MN provides a variety of supports (housing, mental health, financial support, employment, etc.) that focuses on serving the elderly, disabled and children/youth/families across Minnesota and surrounding states.
Geographic Area Served
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota provides supports across Minnesota and surrounding states.
