The REACH youth resource center in Mankato has a new name

The REACH youth resource center, which offers supportive services to youth ages 16 to 24 who are experiencing or facing the possibility of homelessness, has a new name: LSS Youth Resource Center — Mankato. Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS), which operates the service, said that the new name is part of a statewide naming structure for all youth services across Minnesota.   
          “Over the years, as youth services were added across the state, names for those services were chosen in a variety of ways. The resulting inconsistency has made it challenging to communicate our services well to the community,” said Karen Kingsley, senior director for Lutheran Social Service. “We believe that a consistent naming convention that describes our service and also includes the geographic location will make it easier for young people across the state to find and access supportive resources they need to succeed in our communities.” 
          Kingsley said that the LSS Youth Resource Center — Mankato remains unchanged and continues to provide the same high-quality services for young people as they seek opportunities to live and work in community with full, abundant lives. 
          Through the resource center, young people have access to career path and employment resources, case worker support and guidance, computer and internet access, connections to community resources, warm meals, behavioral health support, education planning, financial wellness services, housing referrals, food pantry, shower facilities, hygiene supplies, skills classes, group activities and transportation resources. The center also facilitates street outreach, emergency shelter and transitional housing. The LSS Youth Resource Center — Mankato is located at 125 East Liberty Street in Mankato.
          Lutheran Social Service began its work supporting youth facing homelessness in St. Paul in the early 1980s. Today, there are four youth resource centers statewide and a range of services to connect youth to emergency shelter and stable housing. 
          “We’re honored to continue this important work and partner with the Mankato community to ensure that youth who need stable housing and support have what they need to get on their feet,” Kingsley said. Other LSS services available in the region include behavioral health services, financial counseling, crisis nursery, therapeutic foster care and adoption, anti-trafficking prevention, LSS Meals, Deaf and Hard of Hearing services, guardianship options, support for veterans, services for older adults, Host Homes and community residential services for individuals with identified needs.