Do I or my family have to be
Lutheran to use your services?
No! While our organization's heritage is rooted in the
Lutheran Church, Lutheran Social Service has always served all
people, regardless of religious affiliation. Our mission, "to
express the love of Christ for all people through acts of
service," is based upon our Lutheran philosophy.
How do I find out about
residential, in-home, and respite services in my area?
Click on the "Locations" link above, and then click on the
area of Minnesota in which you live. There you will find a
listing of homes in that area, and contact information for the
staff member who can answer your questions about specific
services available in that area.
How can I get services for a
child, family member or myself?
The process to begin receiving services starts at the county
level. This is true whether the services are provided in a
shared environment (as in a group home), or in the person's own
residence. Contact your local county social service office for
an assessment (sometimes called a screening) for services for
individuals with developmental disabilities. LSS also provides
services on a private-pay basis.
Is LSS licensed and/or
credentialed?
Supported Living Services are licensed through the Minnesota
Department of Human Services to provide a variety of services in
a variety of settings. Each site also holds and Adult Foster
Care license. The ICF/MRs are licensed by the Minnesota
Department of Health. Each service site maintains licenses
applicable to the services provided at that site.
LSS is also credentialed through
the Council On Accreditation. We are also currently in the
process of seeking accreditation from The Council on Quality and
Leadership, an organization specializing in working with
providers of support to individuals with developmental
disabilities to enhance the quality of supports provided. In
addition, LSS offers Consumer-Directed Supports, which is an
unlicensed service.
What is it like to live in an
LSS home?
This question will be answered differently in each of our
130+ homes across the state. That's because we endeavor to
operate our homes in a manner that reflects the individuality of
each person living in that particular home. Each person is
different. Likewise, each home is different.
That said, the question remains,
what's it like? This needs to be answered on two levels: The
house, and the home.
The house: LSS provides
support in houses built to reflect the needs of the individuals
living within. When applicable, American Disabilities Act
standards are incorporated as a matter of best practice to
provide a fully accessible house. Further, our houses are
well-maintained in order to ensure a safe environment for those
who live and work there. Houses are inspected on a regular basis
and must meet regulatory requirements of the Adult Foster Care
rule.
The home: The homes are
centered around the people who live there, and choices are
central to the experience of living in one of our homes.
Personal rooms become expressions of the individuals themselves.
The day-to-day routine reflects our efforts to incorporate the
individual's hopes and dreams, offering them the opportunity to
grow, to learn, and to experience new things.
How much involvement will I
have with my child/family member once they begin receiving
services from LSS?
That's entirely up to you. We feel that maintaining an
existing network of support is essential for the success of
person-centered services. We encourage continued family
involvement and work with all parties to establish a balance in
cultivating existing relationships, while facilitating personal
growth toward independence. We do encourage the development of
supportive, respectful friendships just as we would for any
individual taking a significant step toward independence.
Could I tour a home in which
services are provided?
Absolutely! Just call the LSS contact person noted for your
part of the state.
How can I donate furniture or
other in-kind gifts?
Click on the "Locations" link above, and then click on the
area of Minnesota in which you live. You will find contact
information for staff members who can answer questions about
partnering with existing services and/or programs, including how
to make donations.
