Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) is pleased to announce that it has achieved Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from CQL | The Council on Quality and Leadership. This prestigious accomplishment demonstrates that LSS is aligning with some of the highest standards in the human services field. Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation recognizes the organization’s implementation of person-centered practices that have a significant impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.

A new early learning center will open in September on St. Paul’s East Side that will offer an extra measure of support to parents and additional care and attention in the classroom to empower children to be successful in the learning and social environment of a school. 
          

Sometimes, signs of sex trafficking can look like truancy, youth who disengage from others or exhibit unhealthy behavior with a partner.

Radio Mankato talked with Jane Vader who is an LSS program manager and regional navigator for Safe Harbor about statistics and trends regarding sex trafficking in Minnesota, common misconceptions, and how the community can help. 

There is a new trend to help you buy things quickly without cash called buy now, pay later. While it might work for some people, it can be a slippery slope for others. Learn what some of the pitfalls are from Shannon Doyle with LSS Financial Counseling who appeared on KSTP-TV's Money Minute. 

Avery Morkert first came to Camp Knutson in 2017 to participate in a camp for kids with skin conditions through the American Association of Dermatology’s Camp Discovery, one of Camp Knutson's partner groups. Having had an amazing experience as a camper, she now returns as camp staff in the summer. “This is my dream job,” Morkert said. “My parents say that they see the happiest version of me while I’m here. Camp Knutson is the best place on earth, and everyone should know about it,” she said.

The latest survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that it takes more than $5,000 per month for the average American household to pay monthly expenses. It’s recommended that you have three months of savings for emergencies — but how can you save that much? Shannon Doyle with LSS Financial Counseling offers guidance on how to build emergency savings on KSTP-TV's Money Minute. 

Minnesota law regarding original birth records for adult adoptees changed effective July 1, 2024. The new law allows adult adoptees access to original birth records and affidavits of nondisclosure signed by birth parents became invalid.  Lutheran Social Service and Children's Home, partners in Adoption, have established a new Openness Consultation Service to help those impacted by this new law to navigate changes.

Alexis Oberdorfer, senior vice president of Services for Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota and former president of Children's Home Society of Minnesota, appeared on MPR Now with Cathy Wurzer to discuss the Open Birth Records law change in Minnesota, how it affects both adoptees and birth parents and where Minnesotans can find resources and support. Listen now.

If you've fallen behind on your credit card payments, the best thing you can do is to take action and "call your credit card company today to see what they can do for you," said Shannon Doyle with LSS Financial Counseling, who appeared on KSTP-TV's Money Minute. Taking action will help you get back on track and avoid collection calls, which can affect your credit score.