Changing Lives Today
Celebrate the various cultural communities in Sioux Falls at the 26th Annual Festival of Cultures on Saturday, June 10. LSS Multi-Cultural Center is excited to partner with Levitt at the Falls to provide a centralized space for people to learn, celebrate and share. “Experiencing the different cultures in our community is an important opportunity that […]
Written by Dana Goeman, Financial Counselor and Educator You stroll down the driveway, open up the mailbox and – Alright, sweet! Another wedding invitation! It’s wedding season, folks! Even if you yourself aren’t tying the knot this summer, there’s a good chance you may be invited to a wedding or two. Maybe you’re even […]
A birth mother never gave up trying to make the right plan. She never gave up allowing herself to love. She never gave up trusting. She never gave up believing. She never gave up having hope for the future. She never gave up.
In the early morning hours of March 2, twenty-seven students, four teachers, one caseworker and three volunteers ventured out of Sioux Falls towards Pierre. The students were eager to see the state capital, meet with representatives and witness democracy in action. The students first saw the state capitol building. Several marveled at the beautiful frescos […]
Benjamin Franklin once said, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” While much has changed since Ben Franklin’s time (and thank goodness, can you imagine life with no air conditioning or microwave ovens?), one thing has stuck around—taxes. Paying taxes can be stressful, but with a little bit of planning ahead, tax […]
This April, we honor the history, tradition and vision of LSS through South Dakota CARES, a statewide week of giving featuring program site tours, online giving challenges and social celebrations! Join us and be part of our vision by making a donation during our biggest fundraising event of the year! Go to SouthDakotaCARES.org to learn […]
LSS Adoption Services and Pregnancy Counseling Services At age 17, a young woman found herself in a very difficult situation. She was pregnant. As overwhelming as the news was, she was excited and dreamt of her family, their future together and all of the possibilities yet to come. Unfortunately, life had a different plan in […]
LSS Center for New Americans & Multi-Cultural Center In October 2022, LSS began integrating the Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls (MCC) services with goals of strengthening and optimizing their services. The strong overlap of resources has created great synergy between both organizations. Both LSS Center for New Americans and the MCC have a unified mission […]
LSS Behavioral Health Services Amber fled an abusive marriage and used the LSS sliding fee scale to receive counseling services for herself and her son. “You helped us to get the counseling that we needed. To give my son a fighting chance to be a good man. So, thank you!” Amber married in her early […]
LSS Foster Care Services After many years of struggling to start their family, Hannah and her husband turned to LSS. In the fall of 2016, they were officially licensed as a foster family and adoptive resource. “We are thankful we chose to do this journey with LSS,” says Hannah. “We have been blessed to work […]
Come visit us at LSS April 10 – 14. Meet staff and clients, and hear about how your dollars make an impact. Limited spots are available. Click on the button, call 605-444-7520, or email info@LssSD.org to register. Tuesday, April 11LSS Center for Children & Youth | Sioux FallsSummit Oaks Center, Arise Youth Center & Foster […]
LSS Professional Development The number one priority at LSS is responding to the ever-changing needs of South Dakota communities. Your support enables LSS to continue strengthening its commitment to providing the highest quality of care and services to clients seeking support. The Cutting Edge Care Fund provides broadened opportunities for specialized training to meet the […]
In the spring of 1921, an open house and donation day marked the opening of the House of Mercy, the first service offered at LSS for young women experiencing unintended pregnancies. The next day the House of Mercy welcomed its first applicants for admission—an elderly woman and a seven-year-old girl who needed a home. While […]
If you’re looking for advice or guidance, a mentor can be someone you can turn to for that support. Now one local organization needs your help making sure that help is available to those who may need it most.
At LSS we offer support and help individuals find the confidence to make the best plan for themselves and their babies.
LSS has been putting on free classes to help prospective homebuyers. Rod Lipka, with LSS, joined Dakota News Now on Wednesday morning. Check it out!
Life can be challenging, and it’s easy for families to get overwhelmed when chaos surrounds them. Often, it can be difficult to just approach a situation, let alone solve a problem or make the necessary changes. That’s why LSS CARES Wraparound Services was created. CARES Wraparound is an early-intervention service that coordinates care based on […]
Life can be challenging, and it’s easy for families to get overwhelmed when chaos surrounds them. Often, it can be difficult to just approach a situation, let alone solve a problem or make the necessary changes. That’s why LSS CARES Wraparound Services was created. Read more about how the program helped one local family.
“It’s not about who the child belongs to, but rather who belongs to the child.” - Mari Itzkowitz
LSS is proud to announce the appointment of Valeria Wicker to lead the Multi-Cultural Center in Sioux Falls. Wicker began her new role on November 1. LSS and the Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls began integrating programming in October. Onboarding Wicker is a positive step in the right direction to a full transition by year-end. […]
Darlys Zeller was recognized as our 2022 LSS Distinguished Volunteer of the Year for her work volunteering in our Intermediate Correctional Intervention Program, ICIP, which is a program of LSS Re-Entry Services for women. Darlys often makes special treats for the women in the ICIP program in Rapid City and has become known as “Grandma” […]
LSS Foster Care Services Hannah and Henry joined LSS at our annual donor recognition luncheon in September to share the heartwarming story that brought them together. Henry joined the home of Hannah and her husband as a baby after he had suffered traumatic injuries at just 12 days old. Henry needed a safe and loving […]
The LSS Campus on Eastbank in downtown Sioux Falls has recently been renamed the Fishback Campus for Opportunity in honor of Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback. They served as lead donors for the Campaign for Hope in 2016, and are long-time supporters of LSS. The Campaign for Hope allowed for the purchase and remodel […]
LSS CARES Wraparound Services Life is challenging, and sometimes families need support to make positive changes. That is the premise of LSS CARES Wraparound Services. “Often, families feel stuck while chaos surrounds them, or that success is just out of their reach,” said Program Supervisor Shannalee Mask. “Wraparound services help families make positive changes in […]
To welcome Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s invasion, the U.S. government announced Uniting for Ukraine last April. The program provides a pathway for Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members to temporarily relocate to the United States for a two-year period. Uniting for Ukraine is different than traditional refugee resettlement models. Ukrainians participating in this program must […]
Before she could walk, Cherokee was neglected and physically abused by her parents. She was removed from her home at the age of three and placed with relatives, where she continued to experience neglect as well as physical and sexual abuse until the age of five. Cherokee thought she found a safe haven when she […]
South Dakota CARES, the first annual LSS Day of Giving in May 2022 was a success, raising more than $282,000 for direct care to clients. Success milestones include 22 percent of donors giving their first gift to LSS this year, and 18 percent rejoining LSS by making their first donation in two or more years. […]
Retired teachers typically don’t spend much time on go-karts. Unless, that is, those teachers are mentors. That’s one of Eileen Bergerson’s favorite parts of LSS Mentoring Services. The 68-year-old’s bimonthly outings with 11-year-old Akina Armentrout open her eyes to new experiences, like go-kart excursions, concerts or trips to trampoline parks. The two were matched initially […]
As our kids settle into a new school year, more than 1,000 volunteer mentors are preparing to meet with their students as part of our Youth Mentoring Services. Mentors look forward to the weekly meetings with their mentees. They will come with many questions about their mentees’ summers and look forward to playing board games […]
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - The Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls and Lutheran Social Services are moving into the future together. By next month, the two organizations will be under the same administration.
For as small of an organization the Multi-Cultural Center is, it’s had great impact in Sioux Falls with it’s programming and services. But Interim Executive Director Laurie Knutson knows there’s always challenges ahead.
The LSS of South Dakota Board of Directors and the Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls (MCC) Board of Directors approved the integration of MCC to LSS this week. LSS will transition MCC and its programs, assets and goodwill into LSS and will assume management effective October 1. A full transition is expected by year end […]
Heading to college and being on your own comes with more responsibility. One of those being, finances. LSS of South Dakota stopped by the studio today to share tips that can set your student up for success. If you missed it on today's show, click the link below.
The LSS Campus on Eastbank in downtown Sioux Falls has recently been renamed the Fishback Campus for Opportunity in honor of Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback who served as lead donors for the Campaign for Hope in 2016. The Campaign for Hope allowed for the purchase and remodel of 300 East 6th Street in support of the creation and development of a facility offering multiple LSS services.
Today, LSS services offered through the Fishback Campus for Opportunity include the LSS Childcare & Education Services Here4Youth Program, LSS Re-Entry Services, and the LSS Center for New Americans.
LSS of South Dakota and the Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls (MCC) have signed a Letter of Intent to merge the MCC into LSS. This announcement comes after a 60-day exploration process by the leadership of both organizations.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT/CEO Greetings! As I reflect on our rich tradition of service and prepare for the next century of service, one thing stands out—resilience. The resilience of our communities, donors, staff, volunteers, and business and church partners is astounding. I am humbled and honored to have witnessed the power and strength in […]
YOU CAN INSPIRE ACTION IN OTHERS WHO WANT TO MAKE AN IMPACT BY RESERVING YOUR SPRING SUPPORT NOW! GIVE TO HELP UNLOCK MATCH AND CHALLENGE DOLLARS. Not only will there be exciting matches and challenges within programs and regions, but thanks to our loyal supporter, DeMaris Nesheim, EVERY SINGLE GIFT will be MATCHED up to […]
LSS Behavioral Health Services provides mental health counseling for children, adults, or families who may be struggling with family and relationship conflict, depression, grief, loss, anger, anxiety, abuse, substance use, posttraumatic stress disorder or domestic violence. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. The need for mental health counseling looks different for every person. Examples […]
For birth parents facing an unintended pregnancy and for adoptive parents wanting to grow their family, LSS provides essential information and compassionate support. Support services are a critical step in the process as they equip adoptive and birth parents with the information needed to make the best decision for their families. Your gift to LSS […]
From the window view of my desk, I can see the Big Sioux River thawing. Already I have seen more joggers and bikers frequenting the river walk, and I myself have enjoyed the sunshine and warm weather. Additionally, the great Canadian geese will soon be joined by Mallards, wood ducks, and American coots. They will […]
The number one priority at LSS is responding to the changing needs of communities across South Dakota. Volunteers, staff and donors come together every day to ensure services are accessible to all in need, regardless of age, faith, race and economic status. As a result, LSS is committed to ensuring all staff members are provided […]
In May 1921, an open house and donation day marked the opening of the House of Mercy, the first service offered at Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota. The morning after the House of Mercy opened, the first applicants for admission appeared—an elderly woman and a seven-year-old girl who needed a home. While they were […]
South Dakota CARES is a statewide opportunity for everyone in South Dakota to join together online or in-person to heighten awareness and support critical services at LSS. On May 16, 1921, an open house and donation day marked the opening of the House of Mercy, the first LSS service location. The morning after the House […]
This past month LSS Center for New Americans was host to teachers from across the state and from Sioux Falls as they worked on professional development. The English Language Instructor Development Program (ELIDP) training yields the English as a Second Language Instructor Credential for the State of South Dakota. This program is funded through the […]
This month we have been discussing fire safety in our classes. Though not always the most exciting of topics, it is an important thing to review with students so they, and their families, can be prepared in an emergency. In our lower-level speaking classes, we are reviewing how to call 911 to report a fire […]
Jump at the Sun: The True Life Tale of Unstoppable Storycatcher Zora Neale Hurston, We Belong and With a Star in My Hand: Rubén Darío, Poetry Hero, three books recommend by the NEA for Read Across America. Though warm, spring weather is (hopefully) on its way to South Dakota, we are still in the midst […]
When moving to a new country, one thing that can sometimes be overlooked is learning about the history of that country. This is understandable; immigrants already have so much to learn and adjust to from language to culture to laws that history can sometimes be lost in the mix. I feel, however, that history informs […]
