Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota

Are you passionate about creating positive change in your community? Then, virtually join us for LSS's Legislative Advocacy 101 training on March 4.

Learn how to turn your ideas into laws, run successful legislative meetings, and get others involved in advocacy. Sign up now:

Virtual Legislative Advocacy 101 Legislative Advocacy 101

Voting is an essential part of our democratic process, and at LSS we encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote. This year is a crucial year for elections because we have three elections lined up - the presidential primary in March, the primary election in August, and the general election in November.

The presidential primary on March 5 will help determine who will be on the ballot for president from each of the major parties in November.

Not sure if you are registered to vote? It takes two minutes to register online or double-check if your registration is up to date. So, don't wait until the last minute; register now or check your registration status: https://www.sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting/register-to-vote/

Congratulations to the following Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota employees who received 2023 President’s Leadership Excellence Awards! This award recognizes exceptional employees statewide who demonstrate outstanding leadership, inspire colleagues, drive innovation, and build community.

Alaina Ericksen, senior director, PICS
Jared Griffin, senior director, Camp Knutson
Kathy Sauve, program director, LSS Youth Services in Brainerd
Elizabeth Saevig, senior director, Grants
Shanon Kalbrener, regional director, LSS Disability Services
Kim Prinsen, program director, LSS Housing Services
Melody Raw, designated coordinator, LSS Disability Services
Erin Sutton, senior director, Advocacy

LSS Senior Companion volunteers, age 55 and older, offer friendship and support to older adults.

As a volunteer, you receive a non-taxable stiped with at least 10 hours of service per week.

We are seeking Senior Companion volunteers in communities across Minnesota and North Dakota.

Learn more about becoming a volunteer: lssmn.org/volunteer/seniorcompanion

The 2024 legislative session has officially begun! Each year, LSS employees, our partners, and the people we serve engage in nonpartisan advocacy on policies that inspire hope, change lives and build community for Minnesotans.

This year, our focus will be on policies that strengthen services that respond to community needs, innovate prevention and early intervention services, and invest in healthy, sustainable communities. Read LSS’s 2024 public policy priorities: https://www.lssmn.org/get-involved/advocate

Eager to get involved? The LSS Advocacy team can help make it easy for you to reach out to your legislators and make your voice heard on issues that impact our services and the people we support. Just sign up for our action alerts which offer step-by-step guidance on how to contact your legislators. To sign up, visit https://www.lssmn.org/get-involved/advocate/alerts and join the mailing list.

When you get overwhelmed with too many things to do, be, become, acquire – consider simplifying. Simplifying your life by identifying clear priorities can help reduce stress.

Therapy can help you identify your priorities and build habits to maintain focus on them.

Happy Lunar New Year to all who celebrate! LSS wishes you a year filled with prosperity, joy and good fortune as you celebrate the Year of the Dragon!

If you are looking for celebrations to attend today. Check out these events: https://www.familyfuntwincities.com/lunar-new-year/

Kim Miller, with LSS Financial Counseling, appeared on KARE 11's Your Money show to share tips for couples on how to have conversations about money.

Your Money | Love your money for Valentine's Day Love is in the air for Valentine's Day and Gordon Severson has tips to save money. From advice for couples to romance scams, here are ways to protect your money.

This February, LSS honors the rich heritage, remarkable achievements and contributions of the Black community.

This Black History Month, let’s continue learning, amplifying Black voices and fostering unity.

The Hermanson Family is opening their home in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota to support an individual to lead a more independent life in community.

LSS Host Homes life-sharing service offers a healthy and fulfilling family living environment for individuals with disabilities.

Learn more about the Hermansons and other available providers throughout Minnesota: lssmn.org/availablehosthomes

Anjalee Rhodes joined LSS in August 2021. She first worked as a front desk administrative specialist, became an employment counselor for LSS Employment Services for families with low incomes, and received a promotion to employment service supervisor, her current position.

“As an LSS employee, I value the ability to advance in my career without a degree, the flexibility I have in my schedule and the diverse workforce. Our workplace culture is interesting, fun and motivating.”

LSS is proud to be voted by employees as a Star Tribune Top 150 Workplace in Minnesota. Apply today, or refer a friend! lssmn.org/greatcareers/

The turn of the year can be a difficult time for many people. The happy scene that is prominent in media doesn’t apply to everyone. After the rush of the holiday season, loneliness, grief, depression and other challenges can resurface. Emotional support is available.

Consider talking to a therapist.

Today, as we observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we are reminded of his tireless efforts to eliminate racial inequality and promote social justice.

At LSS, we strive to do our part by fostering a culturally competent and diverse workplace that values and reflects the people and communities we serve.

We firmly believe that embracing racial and social diversity is essential for the growth, enrichment, and strength of LSS and the larger community.

You can make a difference in the life of an older adult by visiting them for just a few hours each week.

We are seeking dedicated volunteers for our statewide Neighbor to Neighbor Companion service.

Visit lssmn.org/volunteer/neighbortoneighbor or call 877.540.9443 to learn more.

🎉🎊 Happy New Year from Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota! As we step into 2024, our mission remains the same: to express the love of Christ for all people through service that inspires hope, changes lives and builds community.

We welcome 2024 with love and gratitude for all our neighbors. May your New Year be filled with blessings and joy.

We wish all who celebrate Kwanzaa a joyous experience, and we encourage individuals and families who are unfamiliar with this holiday to learn more about it and its importance to Black people throughout the world.

Read more from the National Museum of African American History and Culture:

https://s.si.edu/3NG2fHn

🎄✨Merry Christmas from all of us at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota!

On this special day, we pause to reflect on God’s love for all people, which inspires us to serve our neighbors every day.

May the spirit of Christmas guide us in spreading kindness and compassion this season and throughout the New Year. Wishing you a joyous holiday! 🎁🙏

This holiday season, you can help families thrive!

When you give to the Little Red Stocking campaign, you support a variety of services provided by the Adoption Programs of Children’s Home Society of Minnesota and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (CH/LSS), which served more than 7,200 individuals, children, and families last year.

First-time parents Ryan and Lindsay received post-adoption support through CH/LSS’ Family Support Coach program following their adoption of three older children. “We learned so much from our coach about how to be parents,” said Ryan. “She helped us make our family stronger.”

Your gifts to the Little Red Stocking campaign help make post-adoption services like our Family Support Coach program possible.

This year, your contribution to Little Red will have twice the impact, as all undesignated gifts will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $50,000!

Please support the individuals, children and families served by CH/LSS by giving today!

https://chlss.org/donate/little-red-stocking/

Nikki Shonoiki has been with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota for nearly 12 years, primarily supporting the Development team. She is currently a lead database specialist.

When asked about what most meaningful thing is about working at LSS, Nikki says she never feels like she has to compromise her values. “Integrity, transparency, altruism, compassion, inclusivity, philanthropy, are all values I care about and I’m not sure if I could work for any job that doesn’t hold those values as well. Thankfully, LSS proudly honors those values every day, and all their employees showcases those values in every action they take.”

LSS is proud to be voted by employees as a Star Tribune Top Workplace in Minnesota.

Apply today to join a great place to work! lssmn.org/greatcareers/

You know your needs best. PICS - Partners in Community Supports handles the details for individuals with disabilities and older adults who receive waiver funds to stay in their own homes and communities.

PICS, a subsidiary of LSS, is a Financial Management Service (FMS) and licensed service provider for individuals who receive home and community-based services.

Learn more about self-directed services programs supported by PICS: lssmn.org/pics

In search of a new vehicle? You can this holiday season by purchasing or leasing a new Subaru by January 2.

When you do, you help ensure that older adults receive the gifts of nutritious meals and friendly visits from LSS Meals in partnership with .

Learn more: mealsonwheelsamerica.org/sharethelove

LSS Host Homes’ annual satisfaction survey gathers direct feedback from the people we support, their family members/guardians, Host Home providers, and county case managers. We use the feedback provided to make improvements to ensure we are always providing high quality services.

Our 2023 survey results showed that the individuals supported by LSS Host Homes reported feeling supported to live the lives they imagine for themselves.

LSS Host Homes is a life sharing service for individuals with a disability who are looking for some independence with a healthy dose of family-style support. Learn more: lssmn.org/hosthomes

Meet Jack, a 27-year-old with a passion for cars and an exceptional eye for detail.

Jack, who is autistic, views his ability to see details as his superpower. That superpower and the support of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota’s Employment First service helped Jack secure rewarding jobs at Next Dimension Detailing & Ceramic Coating Center and Power Lodge Brainerd.

Employment First is a multi-faceted program that helps individuals with disabilities assess their interests and skills and matches them with appropriate employers. The program also provides coaching and support in job searching, skill-building and on-the-job training to ensure success in the workplace.

Jack's story is just one example of how Employment First changes lives and supports individuals with disabilities to achieve their career goals.

If you or someone you know could benefit from Employment First services, visit their website to learn more and get started on your career journey today: https://www.lssmn.org/services/disability-services/employment

It is with great pleasure we share that Alissa Dott has accepted the role of associate vice president of Community-Based Services at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota.

“I feel privileged to serve in this role to advance our vision that all people have opportunity to live full and abundant lives,” Alissa said. “This is an amazing organization, and I am inspired daily by LSS’ commitment to social justice, prevention, early intervention and social determinants of health to ensure quality of life and better health outcomes for people we support.”

In this new role, she will provide leadership and direction for a wide range of services for people with disabilities, including Host Homes, Partners in Community Supports (PICS), Care Coordination Services, Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services, Camp Knutson, and Knutson Point Retreat Center.

Congratulations, Alissa!

You can assist with providing older Minnesotans with nutritious food this holiday season!

Subaru and its retailers will donate a minimum of $300 to a participating charity, like , as part of the 2023 Subaru Event.

As a member of Meals on Wheels America, LSS Meals will receive a share of the donation raised by Subaru.

Learn more: mealsonwheelsamerica.org/sharethelove

If you're wondering about trying out the "buy now, pay later" option during the holidays, check out the pros and cons offered by Kim Miller with LSS Financial Counseling in a KARE 11-TV report.

Holiday shoppers are opting to 'buy now, pay later' in record numbers, but is it a good idea? Recent survey says Americans spent $940 million on Cyber Monday with plans to pay it back later, it's a 42.5% increase over last year.

LSS Senior Companion volunteers, age 55 and older, share their time and talents — enhancing the lives of older adults to assist them in staying active, healthy, and remaining independent.

We are seeking Senior Companion volunteers in communities across Minnesota and North Dakota.

As a volunteer, you receive a non-taxable stiped with at least 10 hours of service per week.

Learn more about becoming a volunteer: lssmn.org/volunteer/seniorcompanion

This holiday season, help ensure that older Minnesotans receive nutritious and delicious meals. Designate as your charity of choice when you buy or lease a new Subaru by January 2.

Subaru and its retailers will donate a minimum of $300 to a participating charity, like Meals on Wheels America, as part of the 2023 Subaru Event.

As a member of Meals on Wheels America, LSS Meals will receive a share of the donation raised by Subaru.

Learn more: mealsonwheelsamerica.org/sharethelove