Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota

Sheletta Brundidge recently invited Jessica Girard and Ashley Giguere from PICS (Partners in Community Supports), a subsidiary of LSS, to speak about self-directed services on her podcast, "Taking Authority Over Autism." Learn more about why self-directed and licensed services are a lifeline for the families PICS serves: https://lnkd.in/gxDs-ZbZ Listen to the podcast:

Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week! At Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, our volunteers are the heart of our team and help us keep going. Meet Charlie Korinta, a 94-year-old Senior Companion volunteer from Detroit Lakes who has been making a difference in the lives of older adults for 27 years. Charlie visits older adults weekly, offering them companionship, running errands, grocery shopping and providing transportation to appointments. Through his volunteer work, Charlie has not only helped older adults maintain their independence, but he has also formed meaningful relationships with them and gained valuable life experiences. Charlie's story is a great reminder of the importance of volunteering and how it can positively impact not only the lives of those being served but also the volunteers themselves. According to a recent survey, over 90% of volunteers with LSS agree that their volunteer experience has changed their life in a positive way, and almost 85% feel more socially connected because of their service as a volunteer. If you're interested in becoming a Senior Companion volunteer like Charlie, LSS is currently seeking volunteers who can offer at least five hours of volunteer service per week. Volunteers receive an hourly stipend, a chance to stay connected, and a meaningful opportunity to make a difference in the lives of older adults. No prior volunteer experience is needed, and training is provided. Visit https://lnkd.in/gspmF8mF to learn more.

Shannon Doyle, financial education program manager with LSS Financial Counseling, talked with Pam Lundell on 98.5 KTIS Radio's Community Spotlight program about LSS Financial Counseling's wide range of services available, including Debt Management Plans — an effective way to tackle credit card debt — as well as identity theft prevention strategies. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/dgGXSd_7

Hey there, soccer fans! Get ready for an exciting evening of fellowship and fun with LSS! We are excited to announce that on June 8th, we will host 500 friends and supporters at Minnesota United’s match against FC Dallas. But this isn’t JUST another soccer match! When you purchase a ticket for June 8th, you'll also support the fight against youth homelessness; $5 from each ticket purchased will be donated to LSS Metro Homeless Youth Services. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enjoy a great game with friends and help make a difference in our community. Hurry, tickets are limited! Get yours today and join us for an unforgettable night of soccer and giving back. Grab your tickets: https://rb.gy/3qf0m7

Thank you for sharing YOUR love of LSS Meals on Wheels earlier this year! In partnership with neighbors like you, Muscatell Subaru in Moorhead and Subaru of America, Inc., LSS Meals on Wheels received a $5,000 gift through the 2023-2024 Subaru Share the Love campaign! Thank you for your unwavering generosity and support of the older adults we serve. #MealsOnWheelsAmerica

Spring can bring with it the desire to do more with the return of warm, sunny weather. If you find yourself stressed and anxious, slowing down can help. Set priorities and learn new coping skills to support you through busy times with the care of a therapist. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gw3VxkUg

From all of us at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, we wish you a joyful and blessed Eid al-Fitr! May this special occasion bring you and your loved ones an abundance of happiness, peace, and prosperity.

Legislation called the Minnesota Debt Fairness Act is being considered and would ban medical providers from denying non-emergency care to patients with large overdue bills, lower the interest rate on medical debt to zero, and keep medical debt from showing up on credit reports. Listen to a rebroadcast from 2022 as MPR News host Angela Davis talks about medical debt with experts including Kim Miller with LSS Financial Counseling.

An Arkansas community has made progress in bouncing back after a devastating tornado struck last year, claiming five lives, injuring dozens, and leaving 2,600 structures damaged. Camp Noah, a renowned program by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, played a key role in helping young survivors learn resilience and cope with the aftermath of the disaster. Thanks to the quick work of the Camp Noah and Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center teams in Little Rock, just two months after the devastating storms in March 2023, elementary school kids were able to attend Camp Noah programming at a local church and learn strategies to cope with their stress and disordered lives. “A program like Camp Noah is just so valuable,” said Joel Gill, executive director of Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center. “If we would have had to create everything from scratch—a program for our kids that was so badly needed—well, that would have been almost impossible. Camp Noah is a proven resource that’s ready and available for organizations like ours to use when a disaster occurs close to home.” Camp Noah is the only nationwide program that teaches resiliency based on a structured curriculum. Initially, the camp was envisioned as a response to community-wide natural disasters, like a hurricane or a flood. It has evolved to address a range of catastrophes, including violence and social unrest. Discover more about Camp Noah's impactful work: lssmn.org/CampNoah

Matthew shares how he eliminated his #debt with an LSS Financial Counseling Debt Management Plan. Start your debt-free journey: https://lnkd.in/gxrGPCA2 #debtmanagement