Lutheran Social Service Enters Into Management Services Agreement with Saint Paul-Based Nonprofit, Lifetrack
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) began providing management services on January 1 for Saint Paul-based Lifetrack, a 70-year old nonprofit organization located in the Promise Neighborhood, which includes Frogtown, Thomas-Dale and the Summit-University neighborhoods in Saint Paul, and which serves communities across the state of Minnesota.
Lifetrack was established in 1948 as the St. Paul Rehabilitation Center, responding to the needs of individuals disabled by polio and by military service during World War II. Beginning in the 1950s its major program areas were developed to include rehabilitation therapies, training and placement services for those facing barriers to employment, and support services for children and their families. Lifetrack has continued to broaden its outreach and today serves Minnesota families striving to overcome the effects of generational poverty and those working to overcome the challenges of physical and mental disabilities. Current Lifetrack services include Families Together, which combines home visiting services and a therapeutic preschool, Employment Services, and Deaf and Hard of Hearing services.
“After several years in a challenging financial position, we determined that it would be in our best interest to pursue a partnership with another organization that would allow us to continue to deliver our current services to the community,” said Curtis Knutson, Lifetrack’s chief executive officer. “We decided to approach LSS as our preferred partner, due to our shared commitment to mission, excellence and innovation.”
Under this agreement, Lifetrack will continue to be a separate entity with its own Board of Directors and brand. Programs will continue, and leadership will remain intact with Knutson as Lifetrack’s executive director.
“The LSS/Lifetrack management agreement is reflective of LSS of Minnesota’s broader commitment to grow services in urban neighborhoods in both Saint Paul and Minneapolis,” added LSS Chief Executive Officer Jodi Harpstead. “We’re particularly excited that the agreement allows for greater efficiencies in service delivery and opens up a broader slate of services for individuals supported by both organizations – offering them both choice and easier access to services.”
For comprehensive information about the work of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, visit www.lssmn.org. For information about Lifetrack, visit www.lifetrack-mn.org.
Contact:
Janine Fugate, LSS Communications Office
651.969.2323, janine.fugate@lssmn.org
Maggie Magradze, Lifetrack Communications Office
651.265.2326, maggiem@lifetrack-mn.org