CONTACT:
Jackie Nelson
Lutheran Social Service
651/969-2286
Lutheran Social
Service Celebrates 140 Years of Service in Minnesota While Engaging in
Hurricane Relief Efforts
Just as Lutheran Social
Service of Minnesota (LSS) is preparing to celebrate its 140th anniversary
of service in Minnesota, the organization is working with federal, state
and local governments as well as Lutheran Disaster Response to determine
LSS' longer term role in assisting survivors of Hurricane Katrina's wrath.
Disaster struck in St. Paul
140 years ago when four Swedish immigrant children were orphaned. One
Lutheran congregation galvanized around the needs of these four vulnerable
children by establishing Minnesota's oldest orphanage in the tiny
southeastern Minnesota community of Vasa near Red Wing.
These early caregivers
likely never knew that their genuine concern and act of compassion would
be modeled many times over and grow into a statewide safety net of social
services called Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, now helping some
100,000 people in 300 communities to live with dignity, safety and hope.
To recognize Lutheran Social
Service on its 140th anniversary and the 2,400 employees, 6,000 volunteers
and numerous community partners who are part of delivering vital services
that benefit the well-being of Minnesotans, Gov. Tim Pawlenty has named
September 18-24 Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Week.
"While Lutherans can feel
proud of their heritage of caring, all Minnesotans can join in this
celebration because LSS serves people from all walks of life and draws
support from around the state," said Mark Peterson, President/CEO of
Lutheran Social Service.
Now in its third century of
service, Peterson said that change has always been a constant in social
service. "Our history demonstrates so clearly how dynamic and
ever-changing social services are in our society. Thirty years ago, we
didn't envision housing services to help homeless families gain stability,
or debt management plans that get people back on their feet financially
when credit card debt has overwhelmed the family budget. You can be
certain that our services will look remarkably different even in the next
decade."
Whether the service is
adoption, Customized Living Services, welfare-to-work or financial counseling, the
vision of the organization is that all people will live and work in the
community with dignity, safety and hope.
"We want kids to wake up
every morning in a safe place, knowing that they are loved and will have
opportunities to develop their potential, and that every person with a
disability can live and work in community to the best of their ability,"
Peterson said. "We also want to help our frail, elderly neighbors live in
community, with as much independence and dignity as possible."
While Lutheran Social
Service has a strong concentration of services in the Twin Cities area,
more services are offered in greater Minnesota. In fact, three-fourths of
all LSS services, accounting for $51.3 million of the organization's total
$68.4 million, help people outside the 7-county Twin Cities metropolitan
area.
Historically, the
organization has been intentional to respond locally and tailor services
to community need. With a high senior population in northwestern
Minnesota, for example, Lutheran Social Service offers Senior Nutrition,
Caregiver Respite and Customized Living Services. In Duluth, however, the focus is
more on youth with crisis shelters, housing, health services and
independent living skills.
In the next decade, Peterson
said that social services will adapt to serve a growing senior population
statewide with Customized Living Services options and home care services to help
seniors live as independently as possible in the community. He added that,
while some services will expand, others will shrink or fade away entirely,
largely due to government funding decisions. Peterson said that 94% of all
social services in Minnesota are funded by government sources.
"We have a rich history of
service and have much to celebrate in our 140 years, but there are
challenges ahead," Peterson said. "Government dollars have not kept pace
with needs in our communities, especially with regard to children, but in
other areas as well. We will continue to advocate for persons in need at
the state legislature, but we will also be looking for creative, new ways
to provide important services that will help us retain Minnesota's
tradition and commitment to care for vulnerable persons."
In its anniversary year, LSS
would like to hear from Minnesotans who have been served by the
organization. To share your experience in adoption, refugee services,
foster care, volunteer service, or another service offered by LSS, visit
www.lssmn.org/yourstory
