Message
from the President
Dear Friends,
Being the President/CEO of LSS
requires that I look two ways at all times. One is toward the outside,
examining what is happening in our world and what implications may be
there for LSS and our mission. The other is an internal look, turning the
lens toward our own programs, people and procedures so that we may give
appropriate management and resource attention to the areas of promise and
peril.
Looking
Outside
With the help of our Office of Public Policy and Advocacy, I am focusing
attention outside the organization to share with our legislators,
congregations and other supporters, the negative effects we are
experiencing as a result of 2003 State Budget decisions. When I say "we,"
I mean LSS and the people of Minnesota. I don't believe that we are seeing
the full picture of how budget these cuts affected negatively with lives
of families, children and at-risk youth. There is more homelessness and
the safety net has more and bigger holes. Communities are asking us to do
more, right when resources have been gouged. The next round of budget
cutting at the State Capitol will affect those with disabilities and
seniors who require ongoing care. Life for these individuals will not be
as hopeful in the future.
Looking Inside
Challenges discovered on the outside create opportunities on the inside.
LSS staff are always looking outward as they make changes to services and
procedures. LSS launched a new, quarterly review system in February called
"Q-Review." Q-Review offers each of the service lines and support function
a systematic opportunity to share their future plans and current
activities before the full LSS Cabinet. The first session, held during the
week of Feb. 16-20, revealed a number of new, creative ways for LSS to
provide new services and enhance existing ones. We found these major
themes emerging from the Q-Review presentations:
-
Intense collaboration across
and within lines of service fuels innovation.
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The need for enhanced
marketing efforts was stressed.
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There is a downward pressure
on revenue and an upward pressure on cost in almost all areas of LSS.
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LSS staff regard technology as
an important tool for innovation.
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Figuring out the "next level"
in each of our disciplines is hard work, and for some of us, new work.
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There's been a substantial
increase in working both with volunteers and congregations in the last
couple years.
-
All of us have a keen
appreciation for the affirmative value of advocacy.
Two of these themes converge
in the development and deployment of Evolv-CS system software: intense
collaboration and a high regard for technology. This new software promised
that data about our clients and services would become more available for
all who need to know, such as program supervisors, managers, line staff,
accounting personnel. Accessing data and reporting on activities already
has become infinitely easier. Home and Community Living Services and the
Family Based/Foster Care group of services are completely "up and
running," with very positive signs that the promise is being fulfilled.
Thanks to the whole group that has made these process improvements
possible, and thanks, too, to those who will be part of the next phases.
Most important, Q-Review
helped us confirm that our vision for all people to have the opportunity
to live and work in community with dignity, safety, and hope is right!
Mark A. Peterson
President/CEO
