It's a special calling for tens of thousands of Minnesota families who are caring for kids that aren't their own.

Lutheran Social Services hosted a conference Saturday to connect the families to unique resources they need to stay together and be successful.

Watch the video segment at ABC 5 Eyewitness News. 

Olive Branch, a supported home for people with disabilities that is operated by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) in Fosston, Minnesota, received an international award recognizing the team’s dedication to person-centered support.

An estimated 68,000 children in Minnesota currently live in the care of a grandparent or relative. These families often struggle to find much-needed services involving emergency or permanent custody, mental health care and financial support.

Many of us don’t recognize ourselves as caregivers, even though we are.

The average U.S. college graduate leaves school with $30,000 in debt and, often, an uncertain plan for how to pay back the sum.

Of course, some students finish with no debt. Others wind up owing over $100,000 for their degree. You’ve likely heard the horror stories of people’s efforts to pay off their debt.

Perhaps you’ve heard of some success stories. But what are the tried-and-true methods for handling college debt?

Two experts joined MPR News host Angela Davis to explain the student debt crisis and advice for college-goers:

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) recently celebrated offering support, personal choice and meaningful relationships to the 150th person supported by Host Homes, LSS’ life sharing service.

The first service of its kind in Minnesota, LSS Host Homes offers individuals the benefits of living in a family home with the support to lead an independent life in their community.

The state of Minnesota awarded $10.9 million in job training grants to 42 agencies this month as part of its effort to boost wages and skill sets among people of color, immigrants and inmates and to reduce economic disparities that are among the worst in the nation.

The Minnesota Pathways to Prosperity program grants range in size from $63,000 to $450,000 and are “part of our equity goal,” said Hamse Warfa, deputy commissioner of the state Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota received $350,000.

There is a growing population of East African families coming from refugee camps to Minnesota, especially to the southern-most counties including Le Sueur, Nicollet, and Blue Earth. The Horn of Africa Aid and Rehabilitation Action Network (HAARAN) estimated that in 2017 there were 200 families in the Saint Peter and Mankato areas supporting 65 elders, ages 50 and over. These elderly people are experiencing social isolation, depression and post-traumatic stress from their experiences in the refugee camps.

Michael Huray has been named Chief Financial Officer for St. Paul-based Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, among the largest human service organizations in Minnesota. Effective October 1, he will be responsible for Finance, Accounting, Information Technology and Property Management.  

With fewer refugee arrivals, Refugee Resettlement organizations like Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota are shifting focus to serving refugees who are already here with increased philanthropic support. Changes are highlighted in a Minnesota Public Radio story.