The average U.S. college graduate leaves school with $30,000 in debt and, often, an uncertain plan for how to pay back the sum.

Of course, some students finish with no debt. Others wind up owing over $100,000 for their degree. You’ve likely heard the horror stories of people’s efforts to pay off their debt.

Perhaps you’ve heard of some success stories. But what are the tried-and-true methods for handling college debt?

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) recently celebrated offering support, personal choice and meaningful relationships to the 150th person supported by Host Homes, LSS’ life sharing service.

The first service of its kind in Minnesota, LSS Host Homes offers individuals the benefits of living in a family home with the support to lead an independent life in their community.

The state of Minnesota awarded $10.9 million in job training grants to 42 agencies this month as part of its effort to boost wages and skill sets among people of color, immigrants and inmates and to reduce economic disparities that are among the worst in the nation.

The Minnesota Pathways to Prosperity program grants range in size from $63,000 to $450,000 and are “part of our equity goal,” said Hamse Warfa, deputy commissioner of the state Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota received $350,000.

There is a growing population of East African families coming from refugee camps to Minnesota, especially to the southern-most counties including Le Sueur, Nicollet, and Blue Earth. The Horn of Africa Aid and Rehabilitation Action Network (HAARAN) estimated that in 2017 there were 200 families in the Saint Peter and Mankato areas supporting 65 elders, ages 50 and over. These elderly people are experiencing social isolation, depression and post-traumatic stress from their experiences in the refugee camps.

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.