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{{Short description|Social service organization headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota}}
{{Infobox organization
{{Infobox organization
| name = Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
| name = Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
| image = Logo of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.png
| native_name =
| abbreviation = LSS, LSSMN
| native_name_lang =
| formation = {{Start date and age|1865}}
| named_after =
| image =
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =
| logo =
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| logo_caption =
| map =
| map_size =
| map_alt =
| map_caption =
| map2 =
| map2_size =
| map2_alt =
| map2_caption =
| abbreviation = LSS
| motto =
| predecessor =
| merged =
| successor =
| formation = <!-- use {{start date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| founder =
| founding_location =
| extinction = <!-- use {{end date and age|YYYY|MM|DD}} -->
| merger =
| type = [[Social services]]
| type = [[Social services]]
| tax_id = 41-0872993
| tax_id = 41-0872993
| registration_id = <!-- for non-profit org -->
| status =
| purpose =
| headquarters = [[Saint Paul, Minnesota]]
| headquarters = [[Saint Paul, Minnesota]]
| location =
| coords = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LON|display=inline, title}} -->
| region = [[Minnesota]]
| region = [[Minnesota]]
| key_people = [[Eric Norelius]], founder<br>Patrick Thueson, CEO
| services =
| affiliations = [[Lutheran Services in America]]<br>[[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]]
| products =
| budget = $175 million (2021) <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.albertleatribune.com/2021/03/lutheran-social-service-of-minnesota-and-lifetrack-announce-plans-to-merge/|title=Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and Lifetrack announce plans to merge|website=albertleatribune.com|access-date=2023-12-04}}</ref>
| methods =
| staff = 2,500 <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.albertleatribune.com/2021/03/lutheran-social-service-of-minnesota-and-lifetrack-announce-plans-to-merge/|title=Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and Lifetrack announce plans to merge|website=albertleatribune.com|access-date=2023-12-04}}</ref>
| fields =
| membership =
| volunteers = 10,000
| website = {{URL|http://www.lssmn.org/|Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota}}
| membership_year =
}}
| language =
| owner = <!-- or | owners = -->
| sec_gen =
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| leader_title2 =
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| leader_title3 =
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| leader_title4 =
| leader_name4 =
| board_of_directors =
| key_people = [[Eric Norelius]], founder<br/>Jodi Harpstead, CEO
| main_organ =
| parent_organization =
| subsidiaries =
| secessions =
| affiliations = [[Lutheran Services in America]]
| budget = $72,282,044<ref name="guidestarlssmn" />
| budget_year =
| revenue =
| revenue_year =
| disbursements =
| expenses =
| expenses_year =
| endowment =
| staff = 2,300<ref name="guidestarlssmn">{{cite web|url=https://www.guidestar.org/profile/41-0872993 |title=Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota |publisher=[[GuideStar]] |accessdate=February 27, 2017}}</ref>
| staff_year =
| volunteers = 10,000<ref name="guidestarlssmn" />
| volunteers_year =
| slogan =
| mission = Express the love of Christ for all people through service that inspires hope, changes lives, and builds community.
| website = http://www.lssmn.org/
| remarks =
| formerly =
| footnotes =
}}'''Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota''' (LSS) is a [[social services|social service]] organization headquartered in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota]], with programs in each of the state's [[List of counties in Minnesota|87 counties]]. As the largest non-profit organization in [[Minnesota]], LSS employs over 2,300 staff and has 10,000 volunteers. The organization traces its roots to 1865 when Vasa Lutheran Church in [[Welch, Minnesota]] opened its doors to care for four orphaned children and became the [[Vasa Children's Home]].


'''Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota''' (LSS or LSSMN) is a [[social services|social service]] organization headquartered in [[Saint Paul, Minnesota]], with programs serving residents in each of the state's [[List of counties in Minnesota|87 counties]].
== Mission ==
LSS "expresses the love of Christ for all people through service that inspires hope, changes lives, and builds community." Its vision is that "[a]ll people have the opportunity to live and work in community with dignity, safety, and hope."


As one of the largest social service non-profit organizations in [[Minnesota]], LSS employs over 2,500 staff and is supported by 10,000 volunteers.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.lssmn.org/about_us/|title=About LSS|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223035534/http://www.lssmn.org/about_us/|archive-date=2017-12-23|access-date=|url-status=live}}</ref> The organization traces its roots to 1865 when Reverend [[Eric Norelius]] took in four orphaned Swedish children, founding the [[Vasa Children's Home]].
Further, the organization's employee vision is that "LSS employees have deeply meaningful work that changes lives, the opportunity for their unique gifts to shine and grow, and abundant and balanced lives."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lssmn.org/About-Us/ |title=About Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) |publisher=Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota |date= |accessdate=March 20, 2017}}</ref>


== History ==
==History==
{{see also|Vasa Children's Home|Eric Norelius}}
[[File:Vasa Children's Home.JPG|thumb|Vasa Children's Home, 1907.]]
In 1865, Reverend Eric Norelius of Vasa Lutheran Church in [[Welch, Minnesota]] purchased ten acres of land near the site of the congregation for an orphanage with cropland to support operating costs. The congregation was caring for four orphaned children in the church basement and needed a formal home as they took in more children. This became [[Vasa Children's Home]], Minnesota's first orphanage.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140328211932/http://www.historicvasachildrenshome.com/history/vasa-childrens-home/ Historic Vasa Children's Home] Retrieved February 22, 2023.</ref> Norelius managed the home until 1876 when he transferred supervision to the [[Minnesota Conference]] of the [[Augustana Synod|Augustana Lutheran Synod]].<ref>[http://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/religious/lutheran-social-service-of-minnesota/ Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321082546/http://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/religious/lutheran-social-service-of-minnesota/ |date=2017-03-21 }} Retrieved December 22, 2017.</ref> After being rebuilt twice due to tornado and fire damage, the home moved to its present [[Red Wing, Minnesota]] location in 1926.


On January 1, 1963, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota was established through the merger of several predecessor organizations, including the Lutheran Welfare Society and the Board of Christian Service, which then administered Vasa Children's Home.
===Vasa Children's Home ===


In 2012, LSS combined its adoption services with Children's Home Society of Minnesota, forming the largest adoption agency in the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/childrens-home-society-and-lutheran-social-service-merge-adoption-services/|title=Children's Home Society and Lutheran Social Service merge adoption services|author=Natalie Zett|date=July 3, 2012|publisher=[[Twin Cities Daily Planet]]|accessdate=December 22, 2017|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119190022/https://www.tcdailyplanet.net/childrens-home-society-and-lutheran-social-service-merge-adoption-services/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Four children were taken in by Reverend [[Eric Norelius]], who had the ambition to purchase ten acres of land near the Vasa Lutheran Church in Welch, Minnesota in order to dedicate a building meant for orphans and ample room for farming. His vision was realized with the construction of the [[Vasa Children's Home]]. Norelius managed the institution until 1876, when the Minnesota Conference took over the home.<ref>http://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/religious/lutheran-social-service-of-minnesota/</ref> After being rebuilt twice due to environmental and fire safety issues, the home relocated to its present location in [[Red Wing, Minnesota]]. Currently, the building houses children and young adults aged 7–22 years old with disabilities.


In August of 2019, Minnesota Governor [[Tim Walz]] appointed then-CEO of LSS [[Jodi Harpstead]] commissioner of the state Department of Human Services. She had been president and CEO of LSS since September 2011.<ref>[https://www.mprnews.org/story/2019/08/12/walz-chooses-lutheran-social-services-exec-harpstead-to-lead-human-services-agency Walz chooses Lutheran Social Service exec to lead Human Services agency] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223062651/https://www.mprnews.org/story/2019/08/12/walz-chooses-lutheran-social-services-exec-harpstead-to-lead-human-services-agency |date=2023-02-23 }} Accessed February 23, 2023.</ref><ref>[https://mn.gov/dhs/media/executive-staff-bios/media-bio-harpstead.jsp Commissioner Jodi Harpstead] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230608164125/https://mn.gov/dhs/media/executive-staff-bios/media-bio-harpstead.jsp |date=2023-06-08 }} Accessed February 23, 2023.</ref> Harpstead stepped down from her position at LSS when her appointment took effect in September of 2019.<ref>[https://www.lssmn.org/news/lutheran-social-service-minnesota-ceo-jodi-harpstead-named-new-dhs-commissioner-noted Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota CEO Jodi Harpstead Named New DHS Commissioner, Noted for Possibility and Innovation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223062810/https://www.lssmn.org/news/lutheran-social-service-minnesota-ceo-jodi-harpstead-named-new-dhs-commissioner-noted |date=2023-02-23 }} Accessed February 23, 2023.</ref>
== Services ==


==Services==
LSS reaches children, youth, families, people with disabilities, and older adults through 23 distinct lines of service. Among these are programs that target youth homelessness, adoption, senior nutrition, immigration, and financial wellness. In 2012, LSS merged adoption services with Children’s Home Society of Minnesota, which now handles all of their adoption needs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/childrens-home-society-and-lutheran-social-service-merge-adoption-services/ |title=Children’s Home Society and Lutheran Social Service merge adoption services |publisher=[[Twin Cities Daily Planet]] |date=July 3, 2012 |accessdate=February 27, 2017}}</ref> LSS offers behavioral counseling services at 14 of its sites. It also operates Camp Knutson and Knutson Point Retreat Center in [[Crosslake, Minnesota]].
LSS administers programs for children, youth, families, people with disabilities, and older adults through more than 23 lines of service.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lssmn.org/services/|title=All Services|publisher=Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota|accessdate=December 22, 2017|archive-date=December 21, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221063107/http://www.lssmn.org/services/|url-status=live}}</ref> Among them are adoption and foster care services, behavioral health services, crisis shelters for children and services for youth experiencing homelessness, disaster response, employment services, financial counseling and debt management services, support services for people with disabilities, and support services for older adults.


In addition, LSS operates Camp Knutson, which hosts annual summer camps for children with special needs in [[Crosslake, Minnesota]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lssmn.org/camp/|title=Camp|website=www.lssmn.org|accessdate=December 22, 2017|archive-date=December 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223102221/http://www.lssmn.org/camp/|url-status=live}}</ref> and Camp Noah, a program for children and communities impacted by disasters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lssmn.org/camp_noah/|title=Camp Noah|publisher=Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota|accessdate=December 22, 2017|archive-date=December 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223043916/http://www.lssmn.org/camp_noah/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Center for Changing Lives, Duluth ===


===Center for Changing Lives===
In May 2015, LSS broke ground in [[Duluth, Minnesota]] for a shelter that will house 20 youth and act as a central location to dispense youth homeless services.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/4026245-ground-broken-center-changing-lives-duluth |title=Ground broken for Center for Changing Lives in Duluth |publisher=[[Duluth News Tribune]] |date=May 5, 2016 |accessdate=February 27, 2017}}</ref> The center opened in June 2017.
In 2008, LSS opened the Center for Changing Lives, a hub for multiple community services and 48 units of affordable housing in the [[Phillips, Minneapolis|Phillips]] neighborhood of [[Minneapolis]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lssmn.org/cfcl/|title=Center for Changing Lives|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802155755/http://www.lssmn.org/cfcl/|archive-date=2018-08-02|access-date=|url-status=live}}</ref> LSS opened a second Center for Changing Lives to serve youth experiencing homelessness in [[Duluth, Minnesota]] in June 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lssmn.org/cfclduluth/|title=Center for Changing Lives Duluth|last=|first=|date=|website=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180809202829/http://www.lssmn.org/cfclduluth/|archive-date=2018-08-09|access-date=|url-status=live}}</ref>


== Affiliations ==
==Affiliations==
LSS is a member of the [[Lutheran Services in America]] (LSA) network.<ref>[http://www.lutheranservices.org/sites/default/files/images/pdfs/LSA_Member_Directory_April_2016v2.pdf http://www.lutheranservices.org/sites/default/files/images/pdfs/LSA_Member_Directory_April_2016v2.pdf]</ref> LSSMN President and CEO Jodi Harpstead is on the LSA Board of Directors.<ref>http://www.lutheranservices.org/BoardOfDirectors</ref> It is partnered with the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]] (ELCA) and most [[List of ELCA synods#Region 3|Region 3 ELCA synods]]. Other faith-based partners include [[Thrivent Financial]] and [[Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service]]. [[Target Corporation|Target]] is a corporate partner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lssmn.org/financial-partners/ |title=Corporate and Foundation Partners |publisher=Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota |accessdate=February 27, 2017}}</ref>
LSS is a member of the [[Lutheran Services in America]] (LSA) network.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lutheranservices.org/sites/default/files/images/pdfs/LSA_Member_Directory_April_2016v2.pdf|title=Social Ministry Organization Directory|publisher=[[Lutheran Services in America]]|date=April 2016|accessdate=December 22, 2017|archive-date=June 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160615155159/http://lutheranservices.org/sites/default/files/images/pdfs/LSA_Member_Directory_April_2016v2.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>


The organization is affiliated with Minnesota's six synods of the [[Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]] (ELCA). Other faith-based partners include [[Thrivent Financial]] and [[Global Refuge]]. [[Target Corporation|Target]] is a corporate partner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lssmn.org/financial-partners/|title=Corporate and Foundation Partners|publisher=Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota|accessdate=December 22, 2017|archive-date=December 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223102040/http://lssmn.org/financial-partners/|url-status=live}}</ref>
== References ==


==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Lutheran organizations]]
[[Category:Lutheran organizations]]
[[Category:Lutheranism stubs]]
[[Category:Minnesota stubs]]
[[Category:Organizations based in Saint Paul, Minnesota]]
[[Category:Organizations based in Saint Paul, Minnesota]]
[[Category:1865 establishments in Minnesota]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1865]]




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Latest revision as of 02:44, 21 May 2024

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
AbbreviationLSS, LSSMN
Formation1865; 159 years ago (1865)
TypeSocial services
41-0872993
HeadquartersSaint Paul, Minnesota
Region
Minnesota
Key people
Eric Norelius, founder
Patrick Thueson, CEO
AffiliationsLutheran Services in America
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Budget
$175 million (2021) [1]
Staff
2,500 [2]
Volunteers
10,000
WebsiteLutheran Social Service of Minnesota

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS or LSSMN) is a social service organization headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with programs serving residents in each of the state's 87 counties.

As one of the largest social service non-profit organizations in Minnesota, LSS employs over 2,500 staff and is supported by 10,000 volunteers.[3] The organization traces its roots to 1865 when Reverend Eric Norelius took in four orphaned Swedish children, founding the Vasa Children's Home.

History

[edit]
See also: Vasa Children's Home and Eric Norelius
Vasa Children's Home, 1907.

In 1865, Reverend Eric Norelius of Vasa Lutheran Church in Welch, Minnesota purchased ten acres of land near the site of the congregation for an orphanage with cropland to support operating costs. The congregation was caring for four orphaned children in the church basement and needed a formal home as they took in more children. This became Vasa Children's Home, Minnesota's first orphanage.[4] Norelius managed the home until 1876 when he transferred supervision to the Minnesota Conference of the Augustana Lutheran Synod.[5] After being rebuilt twice due to tornado and fire damage, the home moved to its present Red Wing, Minnesota location in 1926.

On January 1, 1963, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota was established through the merger of several predecessor organizations, including the Lutheran Welfare Society and the Board of Christian Service, which then administered Vasa Children's Home.

In 2012, LSS combined its adoption services with Children's Home Society of Minnesota, forming the largest adoption agency in the state.[6]

In August of 2019, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz appointed then-CEO of LSS Jodi Harpstead commissioner of the state Department of Human Services. She had been president and CEO of LSS since September 2011.[7][8] Harpstead stepped down from her position at LSS when her appointment took effect in September of 2019.[9]

Services

[edit]

LSS administers programs for children, youth, families, people with disabilities, and older adults through more than 23 lines of service.[10] Among them are adoption and foster care services, behavioral health services, crisis shelters for children and services for youth experiencing homelessness, disaster response, employment services, financial counseling and debt management services, support services for people with disabilities, and support services for older adults.

In addition, LSS operates Camp Knutson, which hosts annual summer camps for children with special needs in Crosslake, Minnesota,[11] and Camp Noah, a program for children and communities impacted by disasters.[12]

Center for Changing Lives

[edit]

In 2008, LSS opened the Center for Changing Lives, a hub for multiple community services and 48 units of affordable housing in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis.[13] LSS opened a second Center for Changing Lives to serve youth experiencing homelessness in Duluth, Minnesota in June 2017.[14]

Affiliations

[edit]

LSS is a member of the Lutheran Services in America (LSA) network.[15]

The organization is affiliated with Minnesota's six synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Other faith-based partners include Thrivent Financial and Global Refuge. Target is a corporate partner.[16]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and Lifetrack announce plans to merge". albertleatribune.com. Retrieved 2023-12-04.
  2. ^ "Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and Lifetrack announce plans to merge". albertleatribune.com. Retrieved 2023-12-04.
  3. ^ "About LSS". Archived from the original on 2017-12-23.
  4. ^ Historic Vasa Children's Home Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  5. ^ Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Archived 2017-03-21 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  6. ^ Natalie Zett (July 3, 2012). "Children's Home Society and Lutheran Social Service merge adoption services". Twin Cities Daily Planet. Archived from the original on January 19, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  7. ^ Walz chooses Lutheran Social Service exec to lead Human Services agency Archived 2023-02-23 at the Wayback Machine Accessed February 23, 2023.
  8. ^ Commissioner Jodi Harpstead Archived 2023-06-08 at the Wayback Machine Accessed February 23, 2023.
  9. ^ Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota CEO Jodi Harpstead Named New DHS Commissioner, Noted for Possibility and Innovation Archived 2023-02-23 at the Wayback Machine Accessed February 23, 2023.
  10. ^ "All Services". Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. Archived from the original on December 21, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  11. ^ "Camp". www.lssmn.org. Archived from the original on December 23, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  12. ^ "Camp Noah". Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. Archived from the original on December 23, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  13. ^ "Center for Changing Lives". Archived from the original on 2018-08-02.
  14. ^ "Center for Changing Lives Duluth". Archived from the original on 2018-08-09.
  15. ^ "Social Ministry Organization Directory" (PDF). Lutheran Services in America. April 2016. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 15, 2016. Retrieved December 22, 2017.
  16. ^ "Corporate and Foundation Partners". Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. Archived from the original on December 23, 2017. Retrieved December 22, 2017.


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