Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota received a $3,800 grant from the Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America to repair and upgrade kitchen equipment for LSS Meals in Mankato. 

“We are so grateful to the Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America for their generous gift to support needed improvements in our Mankato kitchen,” said Amy Vajgrt, senior director of LSS Meals. “Their support helps us to ensure that older adults in our community have the social and nutritional support they need to remain living at home longer, and stay healthy, active and independent.”

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is seeking volunteers for its Senior Companion Service, in partnership with AmeriCorps Seniors, a national service agency, to offer friendship and support to older adults in the community.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, also serving North Dakota, was awarded $10,000 by the INSPIRITUS Community Health Foundation as part of its Twice Blessed fundraising campaign. The funds will be used by Lutheran Social Service to continue supporting older adults in the community through the Senior Companion service. 

An innovative, new center is coming to the Frogtown-Rondo neighborhood in St. Paul that will offer comprehensive supportive services for children, youth and families through a major renovation of an existing building on University and Grotto avenues. Called the Center for Changing Lives Frogtown-Rondo, the $7.5 million project of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota will transform the building into a modern, multi-purpose hub with expanded capacity and an array of services in one location. 

Jane Vader, regional navigator for the Safe Harbor Program at LSS, appeared on Kato Living on KEYC-TV to bring greater awareness about human trafficking during Human Trafficking Awareness Month in January. She said that predators often prey on vulnerable children and adults online. “It can happen to anyone,” she said. 

KARE TV reported that a new federal rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will ban medical bills on credit reports, prevent lenders from considering applicants' medical information in loan applications, and help millions of Americans improve credit scores by 20 points, which could make a big difference, said Kim Miller with LSS Financial Counseling.

Kim Miller with LSS Financial Counseling is highlighted in a Star Tribune story on smart methods to pay down your holiday and credit card debt. A Debt Management Plan could be one of the solutions, she said. Learn more and get started on financial wellness in the New Year.

MPR and Northland News TV were among several news organizations that reported on the new youth shelter set to open in Duluth in January, geared specifically for young adults, ages 18 to 24, who are experiencing homelessness. Operated by Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, Another Door will provide a lifeline to up to 12 youth who lack shelter.