LSS of South Dakota

The love of reading and books are a great way to start a friendship. So are cards, sports, finding the best coffee shop and so much more. The key is to find a commonality and LSS Better Together people make some great matches. If you'd like to volunteer now is the time to apply. We likely have a great match waiting for you! https://lsssd.org/what-we-do/better-together/become-a-volunteer.html

"A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it." - Samuel Johnson

Welcome to Better Together, Carolyn and Brenda! These two are excited to learn more about eachother through their shared love of reading! If you'd like to volunteer in this program, please apply today:

https://lsssd.org/what-we-do/better-together/become-a-volunteer.html

We are in need of additional female volunteers. Whether it is reading or any other hobby, we likely have a great match waiting for you!

Thank you Curious Music Collective for spending time with our kids in residential treatment at Summit Oaks Center! Learning the arts is so important and we are grateful to offer this opportunity alongside your creative leadership for the youth at Summit Oaks.

Through our whole-person, family-centered approach to care, individuals, families and communities have access to the support and resources they need to thrive. The proof is in the smiles. To access services, donate or get involved, contact 605-444-7500. https://lsssd.org/

Financial Wellness Wednesday:

Why would you spend hundreds of dollars on a money management course when you could get personalized budget counseling, solid debt management advice and one-on-one guidance for a mere fraction of the cost? Seriously! Put those extra dollars back into your pocket and visit with one of our certified financial counselors today. Call us at 888.258.2227.

Today we recognize Janet Opoien Twedt on her sixth anniversary with LSS. Janet is a Clinical Therapist and supervises the PATH program with LSS Behavioral Health Services. “PATH is a program designed to overcome barriers for children to access mental health services. When provided the opportunity to join LSS and the PATH program, I left private practice to apply my skillset to a heartfelt need for prevention and safety for children. The partnership with LSS and Sioux Empire United Way is addressing the youth mental health crisis in a way that nothing else can.” https://lsssd.org/what-we-do/behavioral-health-services/

Nobody should feel alone during a time of transition and financial strain. Stephanie started her plan following a series of events that drastically changed her life. "It was the kind of thing you just couldn't predict," said Stephanie. "I'm a very independent, 'I don't need your help' kind of person...but after a few months, I realized it was time to swallow my pride and talk to somebody. You don't have to be in a critical situation to seek help, you just have to want to be better." Read her full story https://lsssd.org/who-we-are/all-with-lss/dont-bear-your-financial-burdens-alone.html

One ☝️ Class can lead to confidently buying a Home 🏠.
LSS of South Dakota

Enjoy awesome food and support local children & families - Dine to Donate for LSS at kRav'N 11AM-CLOSE today!

kRav'N is donating10% of sales to LSS of SD to support the CARES Wraparound Program, which provides support to stabilize families in crisis by building skills, working toward goals, and identifying support systems.

Don't forget to Dine to Donate for LSS at kRav'N in Sioux Falls on Monday!

During regular business hours on Monday, August 19th, kRav'N will donate 10% of sales to LSS of SD to support the CARES Wraparound Program, which provides support to stabilize families in crisis by building skills, working toward goals, and identifying a support system.

Enjoy a meal and help children and families right here in Sioux Falls!

Beyond a strong sense of empathy and a passion for improving people's lives, there is not a typical LSS employee. Our unique personal and professional experiences are what make us strong. Browse our openings statewide. LSS might be the right fit for you. https://lsssd.org/who-we-are/employment.html

If you are looking for a reliable schedule with a mission to serve South Dakota communities, you may be LSS. We are looking for a detail-oriented and organized person to join our team of dedicated staff working toward strengthening South Dakota families. Apply today!

Billing Coordinator
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=03de132d-6968-4ae3-ae21-dcee927585f8&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=488730&source=CC2&lang=en_US

Billing Specialist
https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=03de132d-6968-4ae3-ae21-dcee927585f8&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=488703&source=CC2&lang=en_US

Anyone who has been in debt knows the weight it puts on all areas of life. As loans continue to grow, so does the pressure to pay them off. It may seem impossible to catch up. But it's not. LSS Center for Financial Resources provides options and a place to start. Check out how Grace was able to manage it. https://lsssd.org/who-we-are/all-with-lss/free-from-worry.html

Who wants to cook on a Monday? (Hint: the answer is nobody.)

Start your week off right and Dine to Donate for LSS at kRav'N! During regular business hours on Monday, August 19th, kRav'N will donate 10% of sales to LSS of SD to support the CARES Wraparound Program, which provides support to stabilize families in crisis by building skills, working toward goals, and identifying support systems. Enjoy a meal and support local children and families!

Thank you, kRav'N, for giving back to the community.

It's an honor to be part of the Family Stabilization Initiative and provide CARES Wraparound Services, one of its kind in South Dakota. We can take everything we’ve learned in the Results Innovation Lab and through our work with Lutheran Services in America, and transform how we do our work in South Dakota.

Together We Can Lutheran Services in America leads one of the nation's largest and most respected health and human services networks to empower people in America to lead their best lives—so all communities can thrive.

Through our whole-person, family-centered approach to care, individuals, families and communities have access to the support and resources they need to thrive. To access services, donate or get involved, contact 605-444-7500. https://lsssd.org/

Help creat a safe and uplifting environment for students to grow as an after-school assistant with LSS Childcare and Education Services. Check out the most recent openings. https://lsssd.org/who-we-are/childcare-job-opportunities.html

The kids and staff at our Arise Youth Centers are excited to harvest the fruits and vegetables they've grown this summer! Look closely, and you might spot some adorable baby bunnies making themselves at home in the garden. Through Arise, LSS offers alternatives to detention for youth referred by local law enforcement in Minnehaha and Pennington counties. The center provides a safe space for them while they wait for their parents and aims to reduce the likelihood of future justice involvement. https://lsssd.org/what-we-do/detention-alternatives/

"Having a place like LSS where you have trained caring professionals that care about what they do—that's a big deal. Wherever that trip takes you, they walk with you that whole trip." Read more about Craig and Brian’s journey here. https://lsssd.org/who-we-are/all-with-lss/a-familys-story-80-years-in-the-making.html

Please join us in lifting up Amanda DeVries on a milestone anniversary – five years with LSS! Amanda is a Clinical Therapist for LSS Behavioral Health Services in Watertown. “One of my favorite moments is when a client has an “aha” moment; when the work they have done comes to fruition in their own mind and heart. A main goal of therapy is for clients not to "need" their therapist one day, to help them be empowered and strengthened to a place of trusting themselves to walk their journey with confidence and direction. I am grateful that people allow me to be a part of their journey and walk beside them during difficult times.” https://lsssd.org/what-we-do/behavioral-health-services/

Thank you Curious Music Collective for spending time with the youth at Summit Oaks Center! This experience means the world to them and all of us at LSS!

With the unwavering support of the LSS CARES Wraparound team, Tara and her children are working through years of bitterness, abuse, and financial hardship. Her family is now on the path to healing. Read her full story here https://lsssd.org/who-we-are/all-with-lss/family-finds-strength-to-heal-from-chaos.html

Today we celebrate Rod Lipka on his third anniversary with LSS Center for Financial Resources! As a Financial Counselor & Educator, Rod presents personal finance education to groups and meets with clients individually to discuss their specific financial concerns. “A good day at LSS is a combination of things. One, I get a chance to get out in the community and educate. Two, I meet with a client to help them address their current financial situation. I knew LSS was a good fit for me when I had my first scheduling conflict in education classes. I was annoyed that I had to pick one or the other to present. I wanted to do both!” https://lsssd.org/what-we-do/center-for-financial-resources/

Happy Make-A-Will month! Check out this FREE website tool offered by Lutheran Planned Generosity of South Dakota you can create your own personalized will or trust from the comfort of your home. Visit www.lpgsd.org to take care of your loved ones' future and create a gift in support of LSS ❤️

It's here! This August, LPGSD and our partners are promoting Make-A-Will month, encouraging everyone to check out our FREE website tool to create your own personalized will or trust. Visit www.lpgsd.org to take care of your loved ones' future and create a gift in support of the ministries you care about most.
South Dakota Synod, ELCA
Augustana University
Luther Seminary
Wartburg Theological Seminary
LSS of South Dakota
Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota
Bethesda Home of Aberdeen
St Dysmas of South Dakota - Prison Ministry
University Lutheran Center at SDSU
Prison Congregations of America
Heartland Ephphatha Ministry

Through our whole-person, family-centered approach to care, children and families have safe, stable home environments, and maybe a little too much fun! To access services, donate or get involved, contact 605-444-7500. https://lsssd.org/

We are excited to welcome Jacqueline Johnson as the new LSS OARN Program Coordinator. Her knowledge and experience in helping people navigate resources will be invaluable as we continue to work in Douglas and Charles Mix counties and prepare to expand the program into Bon Homme and Hutchinson counties in the coming months. Learn more about Jacqueline and OARN at https://lsssd.org/news-events/news-feed.html/article/2024/07/29/lss-announces-new-oarn-program-coordinator

We are grateful to Jill and Rachael for their dedication to impacting children in our community through our LSS Mentoring Services. We'd also like to express our gratitude to Sioux Empire United Way for their support and for listening to the needs of our community.

Mentors play a significant role in shaping the lives of youth, providing guidance and fostering meaningful, long-term friendships. There's a perfect fit for everyone to get involved!

• In-School Mentoring: Supporting students in grades PreK to 12 right where they learn.
• High School Mentoring: Engaging with students in grades 9 to 12 both in and out of school settings.
• Community Mentoring: Making a difference in the lives of young individuals aged 7 to 14 within our community.

Together, we can inspire and empower the next generation!

"By just being present and listening, you are making a difference in that child’s life," says Jill Chedester 💙

Did you know two of our very own SEUW team members mentored with LSS of South Dakota this year?

It's thanks to dedicated volunteers like Jill and Rachael that LSS's In School Mentoring program continues to make a profound impact on students' lives across the Sioux Empire 🫶🏻

To learn more about their rewarding experiences and how you can get involved, please visit www.seuw.org/blog/empowering-students-benefits-mentoring-lutheran-social-services

Through our whole-person, family-centered approach to care, communities are a welcoming and inclusive place for people of all ages, faiths, races and economic statuses. To access services, donate or get involved, contact 605-444-7500. https://lsssd.org/

Today we celebrate Megan Breitag on a milestone anniversary – five years with LSS! As a Program Supervisor for Childcare & Education Services in Sioux Falls, Megan manages the School Age Program. “I realized LSS was a good fit for me when I had so many parents reach out to me telling me how much the School Age Program has made a difference in their children’s lives.” https://lsssd.org/what-we-do/childcare-education/

Taking the SAFE in our vision “All people in South Dakota will be healthy, safe and accepted” to a whole new level! Thank you, Steven C. Hildebrand and the Promising Futures Fund for making swimming lessons possible for refugee families.