Board Gets First
Hand Knowledge Through Site Visits
In the afternoon of March 11,
before the LSS Board of Directors met for its quarterly meeting, some of
the Directors and guests were able to tour LSS sites that offer services
for youth in the St. Paul area.
One group visited LSS
LifeHaven, a residence for homeless teen moms and their babies, located in
St. Paul. Mary Ella Pratte, LSS Major Gifts Officer, said that the staff,
the program components and the overall atmosphere they found made a strong
impression on everyone. "When you consider that there are six young
mothers and six babies all living together in one house, there are lots of
details and personalities to accommodate," she said. "You could easily
sense the well-organized program that provides the support these young
moms require to move from survival mode toward stability for themselves
and their babies."
Sue Pohl, program manager,
provided the guests with an overview of the program and explained the
important role of volunteers from Incarnation Lutheran Church, in
Shoreview. These volunteers provided the labor and materials when the
house was being renovated in 2002 and early 2003. Now, church volunteers
are supplying furniture, diapers, quilts and other supplies as well as
mentoring and baby sitting services. "The program wouldn't exist had it
not been for Incarnation Lutheran Church," she said.
Another group toured LSS
Karibu House, a group home for eight young people who, for a variety of
reasons, cannot live with their parents. The highlight of this visit was
that the board members and guests were able to participate in the
after-school meeting among the staff and young residents. "What surprised
us most," said Mary Harty, LSS Major Gifts Officers, "was how much like
our own children these young people were. The kids thanked us for visiting
and invited us to return."
County social service
directors refer young people to LSS Karibu House because of situations
that range from behavioral problems to child protection issues. Under
professional care and supervision, the young people are able to develop
positive skills in coping with their situations, and seizing opportunities
as they emerge.
