Michael Huray has been named Chief Financial Officer for St. Paul-based Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, among the largest human service organizations in Minnesota. Effective October 1, he will be responsible for Finance, Accounting, Information Technology and Property Management.  

With fewer refugee arrivals, Refugee Resettlement organizations like Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota are shifting focus to serving refugees who are already here with increased philanthropic support. Changes are highlighted in a Minnesota Public Radio story. 

Like many proud mothers, Cassidy Stumm has a social media profile that’s full of “aw”-inducing photos of the 27-year-old cuddling her baby girl. 

Amidst images of her daughter’s baptism and first birthday party, a picture of Cassidy — lifting up the laughing baby — is superimposed with the words: “I am touched by adoption.” 

Cassidy, you see, doesn’t live with her daughter, Grace, who is 1 1/2 years old.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) named Juliana Keen Senior Director of Advocacy. In her new role, Juliana will oversee Lutheran Social Service’s state and national advocacy initiatives for policies that advance the organization’s vision that all people have the opportunity to live and work in community with full and abundant lives.

Tasha Moulton with The Reach drop-in center, a program of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, was featured on KEYC-TV in Mankato to provide greater awareness about youth homelessness in southern Minnesota and the ways that the community can help.

Nearly half of American adults have diabetes or pre-diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. Complications from diabetes can bring about kidney failure, blindness, stroke and many other serious health issues. Simple lifestyle changes can make a powerful difference for those living with diabetes. To help local citizens address this important health issue, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) is partnering with Juniper, a service of Minnesota’s Area Agencies on Aging, to host Living Well with Diabetes in New Ulm.

 Friends in the Kitchen (FIK) will celebrate its one-year anniversary Thursday, August 8.

Over the past 12 months, FIK presenter Evelyn Fowler of Winsted, and assistant Janna Stigen of Cokato have presented 36 recipes, taste-tested by participants.

Friends in the Kitchen is a free program offered by Lutheran Social Services to anyone age 55 and older. There is no fee to attend.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is seeking volunteers to help meet an increasing need to provide respite to caregivers. As the population of older Minnesotans grows, so does interest in this service.

Elaina Johannessen, a program director with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota Financial Counseling, offered her expertise on raising and maintaining credit scores. 

Both FICO and VantageScore, the two major credit scoring companies, put the most importance on timely payments. A payment that is 30 or more days late can damage your score immediately, causing it to drop by as much as 100 points. You may also be socked with a late fee by your lender or credit card issuer.