August 2003

The budget decisions made by the Governor and legislature mean bad things for some vulnerable people. Fewer people will be served. There's no getting around that. At LSS, we're committed to serving people in trouble, and we're working to assure that our mission of service continues to extend throughout the State to persons young and old.  Click here to learn more!

If you drive into Pelican Rapids for the first time, you might be surprised by what you see in this small northwest Minnesota town, population 2500. Women in hijabs, or head scarves, men in colorful African dress, and people from many nationalities walk the town's streets. Long populated by Norwegians and Germans, the community now includes Somalis, Kurds, Bosnians, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotians, Sudanese and others from around the world. Stand in the produce aisle at the grocery store and you might hear Vietnamese, Somali and Spanish all at the same time. Click here to read more!

In 2000, LSS set forth goals in its Long-Range Plan to create a stronger focus on mission, to show innovation in service leadership, and to increase its capacity to serve others in the coming five years. LSS is meeting those goals with several process improvement initiatives. Even as financial resources are being trimmed at the state level, LSS is pushing ahead with process improvement because it streamlines services and saves money and time in the long run. Several of these initiatives have been completed, and others are being implemented.  Click here to read more!

The term "renaissance" means rebirth or revival. It is, therefore, an apt name for the LSS Renaissance program, a residential facility for homeless youth in Duluth. Six young people told their stories about having to start over, when a group of LSS donors visited the LSS Renaissance program on June 13. Those who heard these stories quickly realized that young people who cannot live with their own families often find themselves without shelter, resources or hope. But these young people did find help, through LSS, and with help -- they found hope. Click here to learn more!

Across the street from the Oakland Avenue entrance to LSS' Minneapolis Service Center at 2414 Park Avenue, crews are moving quickly on the construction of 12 new, three-bedroom town homes. As part of the LSS Housing First program, these town homes, owned by LSS and sponsored by the Phillips Park Initiative, will offer permanent housing to families who are moving from welfare to self-sufficiency. Click here to read more!

Last year, 132 youth living on the streets in the Twin Cities found shelter, safety, meals and support at the Safe House, a program of LSS located in St. Paul. Effective Aug. 1, youth on the streets will need to look elsewhere. State budget changes resulting from the legislative session mean closure for the 16-year-old program.  Click here to find out more!

During the year-end holiday season, it can be a struggle for financially disadvantaged families to experience joy and hope. Again in 2003, LSS and Catholic Charities will partner in the "Sponsor A Family" program. This holiday gift program connects client families with donors who shop for gifts of clothes, toys, certificates for groceries, and basic household necessities that will be gifts for specific family members. This personal "matching" distinguishes this holiday gift program as one that meets the personal needs and wishes of the recipients. This "matching" gives a message that someone personally cares. Click here to learn more!

News from LSS activities throughout Minnesota. Click here for some of the highlights!