When Lashanique Griffin was growing up, life was hard. Sometimes she would sleep in her car because her home life wasn’t safe or stable, she recalls. “I wasn’t taking care of myself,” she said. “The REACH helped me put myself first.”  Read more about The Reach, a program of Lutheran Social Service in Mankato, in a feature story in the Mankato Free Press and how you can help. 

Did you know that Minnesota ranks third nationally among U.S. states for volunteer involvement? That's up two places from a 5th place ranking in 2019. To help inspire Minnesotans to aim for the top national ranking in volunteerism, the Star Tribune initiated a 3-part story series and volunteer challenge in March.

Wright County Press and News featured a story about the local Crisis Nursery operated by Lutheran Social Service that supports families in crisis. This service seeks to keep children safe and support family wellbeing by connecting families to emergency day care, community resources and basic needs. It is one of five crisis nurseries operated by LSS in Minnesota.

Your credit score can affect your employment, ability to secure loans and gain favorable interest rates. LSS Financial Counseling offers FREE credit report improvement services to help individuals improve their credit. Check out the story in the Tri-County News to learn more about what you can do to boost your credit.

Thanks to members of the local Crosslake community, the annual Iced Tee Golf Event in early March raised $54,000 for LSS Camp Knutson, serving youth and adults with medical conditions and other identified needs. An outstanding 250 golfers participated in the outdoor golf event that included donations by the Bilski family for their famous Bilski Burgers. Read about the event in the Pine and Lakes Echo Journal.

Inflation is rising faster than wages, which means that people are turning to credit cards. According to WalletHub, credit card debt is up significantly. Check out KARE-TV's report with LSS Financial Counseling's Shannon Doyle who offers recommendations for consumers who are facing rising personal debt. 

MPR News guest host Chris Farrell, a senior economics contributor with MPR and American Public Media's Marketplace programs, discussed emotional spending, and how to build a healthy relationship between you and your money. Expert Shannon Doyle at LSS Financial Counseling offered her advice and guidance. Tune into MPR's report.