Thanks to a generous gift from Russ Kennedy, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) now provides individualized support and assistance to an additional 106 individuals with identified needs in southern Minnesota to help them live full and abundant lives in their homes and community. LSS also welcomed 40 new employees from Kennedy’s team to ensure continuity of care for individuals supported. 

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota has teamed up with DoorDash's Project DASH to deliver LSS Meals hot, nutritious meals for homebound older adults in Mankato. WCCO TV highlighted the innovative new partnership that leverages the power of home delivery through LSS' volunteers and DoorDash when community volunteers are unavailable.  

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota has been named one of the Top 200 Workplaces in Minnesota by the Star Tribune. A complete list of those selected is available at startribune.com/mn-top-workplaces. 

Buying a home is a big deal. At LSS, we have a free homeownership counseling service that provides neutral, objective guidance to help prospective homebuyers consider important steps in the homebuying process, what they can truly afford, and programs that might be available to help them.

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.   

Throughout Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota’s history, faith communities have been among our most important partners. The Servant of Christ Award honors congregations that are leaders in social ministry outreach or have contributed to addressing needs in their community in extraordinary ways. LSS team members help recognize the contributions of our congregational partners by nominating deserving congregations.

Have you ever thought about being a foster parent? Catch this inspiring story on WCCO Sunday Morning about a Minnesota man who grew up in foster care and is now headed to the famed Mayo Clinic in Rochester for his residency.

“Statewide, there is a shortage of foster families,” said Candy Picka, with Children’s Home and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, who appeared in a Mankato Free Press story during National Foster Care Month in May. Becoming a foster parent is a meaningful way to serve the community she said. “It’s a way to build relationships with other families in your community,” she shared.

Pathways 4 Youth, 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 — St. Cloud. 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.   

New data out this month from the Minnesota Department of Human Services reports that 9,880 children and youth experienced out-of-home care in 2024. Children’s Home and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota are affiliated organizations seeking foster parents to partner with them to care for children.