Innovative $7.5 Million Center for Children, Youth and Families Coming to St. Paul
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.
The center will feature an early learning center, childcare, transitional housing for youth and young families experiencing homelessness, a youth resource center, financial counseling, parenting education, mental health counseling, and employment services. The location is conveniently situated on the light rail’s Green Line, making services accessible to those who may otherwise face transportation barriers.
“We’re making an investment to bring resources that we know will improve social determinants of health for children and families – economic stability, housing, mental health, employment and community connection,” said Alexis Oberdorfer, senior vice president of services for Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. “This new Center for Changing Lives will provide supportive services focused on prevention and early intervention that will move youth and families beyond crisis to long-term stability. It’s incredibly exciting!”
The Center for Changing Lives Frogtown-Rondo is modeled after landmark ventures in Minneapolis and Duluth operated by Lutheran Social Service, a statewide nonprofit organization. Like those existing sites, Lutheran Social Service intentionally designed a space that is welcoming to children, youth and families that expands the services available in the Frogtown-Rondo community. The vibrant interior design is youth-focused with modern furniture, bright colors and contemporary open spaces. It’s anticipated that the new center will serve 1,100 individuals annually.
A $1 million grant from the Otto Bremer Trust recently catapulted the project past the halfway mark in funding needed. Jesse Stremcha, vice president of development at Lutheran Social Service, shared that the Otto Bremer grant was awarded through a selective process focused on investing larger grants in projects managed by strategic partners.
“It’s a great honor to be selected as one of their strategic partners,” Stremcha said. “We’re deeply grateful to the Otto Bremer Trust for their longtime support investing in and strengthening communities across Minnesota.”
"The Otto Bremer Trust is honored to support LSS's Center for Changing Lives Frogtown-Rondo initiative," said Francis Miley, co-CEO and trustee, Otto Bremer Trust. "The Center will be a vital resource for homeless youth who need transitional housing and will help LSS expand its financial counseling, education, employment support, housing navigation and mental healthcare services."
Groundbreaking of the new Center for Changing Lives in St. Paul is anticipated in the fall of 2025, with a grand opening in late 2026.
About Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota began in 1865 when a Lutheran pastor and his congregation opened an orphanage for children near Red Wing in southeastern Minnesota. Today, with 2,500 employees and 10,000 volunteers, Lutheran Social Service helps one in 63 Minnesotans through services that inspire hope, change lives, and build community. Some services, such as Adoption, Camp Noah and Disaster Services, Financial Counseling, Supported Decision-Making and Guardianship Options, Pooled Trust and Senior Companions support residents in other states as well. Through its mission, the organization seeks to foster safe and supportive homes for children, restore health and wellness in families, empower people with disabilities to live the lives they imagine, and promote health, independence and quality of life for older adults. For comprehensive information about the work of Lutheran Social Service, visit lssmn.org