A Tradition of Compassion, Vision, and Leadership
LSS has long been a beacon of hope and healing.
Our roots trace back to the fall of 1920 when a letter from the Norwegian Lutheran Church of America recommended establishing a home for “unfortunate girls” and their children. This letter was shared with Grace Lutheran (now First Lutheran of Sioux Falls), whose positive response led to the formation of the Lutheran Children’s Home Finding Society of South Dakota.
Despite the property's disrepair, church leaders and community members came together to make it a home. They painted, repaired, and decorated, while the women of the church hosted an open house, contributing linens, china, cookware, books, food, and even a grand piano. This transformed the house into a nurturing maternity home for mothers facing unexpected pregnancies.
May 16, 1921, when The House of Mercy opened (the first LSS service) and the first applicants for admission appeared, a tradition of joyful acceptance and service began to unfold. Though they were not the anticipated clients, Bertha Bragstad and the staff warmly welcomed the elderly woman and young girl who needed a home. Little did they likely know at the time, this moment set into motion a longstanding tradition of our Lutheran values in action.
More than a century later, God’s call to serve all people remains at the heart of LSS. From our early focus on supporting women with unexpected pregnancies to the comprehensive services we offer today, our Lutheran values drive our vision: that all people in South Dakota will be healthy, safe, and accepted.
