This spring, LSS raised over $323,000 through their fundraising event, South Dakota CARES. The statewide day of giving was held in support of vital LSS services that have a lasting impact on communities across the state.
"The generosity of our community is incredible," said Vice President of Philanthropy Paige Short. "We are immensely thankful for the financial support of our donors. And so grateful for our employees and staff who work so hard to see clients succeed."
For more than 100 years, LSS has dedicated its services to ensuring every South Dakotan will be healthy, safe, and accepted. South Dakota CARES highlights the powerful generosity of people committed to furthering the mission of LSS and seeing lives transformed.
This work has been especially important for people like Henry, who experienced abuse at only 12 days old and was left with significant trauma to his brain. Henry entered the foster care system where he required constant care, supervision, and medical attention. Henry needed a special person to care for him, and through LSS, he found a forever family in his adoptive mother, Hannah.
“We’ve been lifted up by generous gifts that LSS has connected us with,” says Hannah. “We thank LSS, all the faithful staff and volunteers and giving partners who give so generously to make life better for so many kids. I thank you for your heart, kindness, prayers, and giving. You all make an enormous difference in the lives of kids who would be lost otherwise."
It's stories like Henry's that inspired 282 unique donors to come together for this year's event, offering their gifts to meet the areas of greatest need in South Dakota. This year, programs highlighted include Behavioral Health Services, Foster Care Services, the Center for New Americans and the Multi-Cultural Center, Adoption Services and Pregnancy Counseling, and the Cutting Edge Care Fund.
Donations remove the financial barrier for people who need services, allowing them to receive help with anything from mental health to finding a job or fostering children.
"The heart of LSS is seeing lives changed—for every person to arrive at a place where they're healthy, safe, and accepted. That's our mission. And it's only possible when the members of our community show up for one another. This year, people showed up."
To learn more about LSS and the outcomes of this year's South Dakota CARES, visit SouthDakotaCares.org.
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About Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota LSS responds to changing needs in South Dakota communities. Our mission: Inspired by God's love, we care for, support, and strengthen individuals, families, and communities and believe in the vision that all people in South Dakota will be healthy, safe, and accepted. LSS is one of the largest private non-profit human service agencies in South Dakota serving people of all ages, faiths, races, and economic statuses with professional, confidential, and affordable services statewide.
