Tory Merhar has been named associate vice president of Community Based Services for St. Paul-based Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS), the oldest and one of the largest human service organizations in Minnesota. In her new role, she will oversee PICS (Partners in Community Supports), Host Homes, Care Coordination Services, Camp Knutson and Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.

Minnesota caregivers raising a relative’s or friend’s child now have access to greater support through Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) Kinship Family Support Services. Originally available in the metro area only, LSS has expanded kinship support services to communities statewide. This includes a warmline, one-to-one support and educational trainings and groups to assist in navigating complex financial, legal, medical and mental health systems.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) has recognized a Lutheran congregations in each of the six Minnesota synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as 2022 Servant of Christ Award recipient.  The Servant of Christ Award honors congregations that are leaders in social service outreach or have come forward with extraordinary service to address special needs in their community. The award is extended to one or more congregations in each of the six Minnesota synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. 

Mark Dubbels has been named associate vice president of Community Residential Services for St. Paul-based Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS), the oldest and one of the largest human service organizations in Minnesota. In his new role, he will oversee several divisions that support people with identified needs across the organization and continue to explore technology innovations that improve life quality.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota’s (LSS) Caregiver & Respite Services was recognized as innovative and exemplary for their Emergency Care Planning Service by the ARCH National Respite Network and Research Center. Emergency Care Planning is a newer service that equips family caregivers and their loved ones with a plan in case a crisis or emergency happens.

Camp Knutson, a service of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, will host its signature fundraiser event, Night Under the Stars, on Saturday, July 16. The event will be held in person for the first time since 2019. Night Under the Stars benefits campers with disabilities, medical conditions and other identified needs. The evening features a wine bar, silent auction, dinner, live auction and a program. The online auction will open on July 13, offering bidders a wide variety of options to choose from. Supporters can participate in the online auction whether they are attending the in-person event. To learn more about Night Under the Stars and Music on the Docks, go to campknutson.org/events.

A former youth room on the ground level of Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester has been converted into the new LSS Youth Resource Center that features a training kitchen, a large meeting space with a TV and games and offices for case management meetings and counseling support. Youth will have access to life skills classes, education and career planning, meals, and a food pantry, transportation resources, personal hygiene items, computer and internet access, and referral to other community resources. Support for finding short-term housing is also available.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) is seeking volunteers for its Foster Grandparent program, in partnership with AmeriCorps Seniors, a national service agency, to offer guidance and encouragement to at-risk children and youth in the community. Foster Grandparent volunteers are older adults who traditionally offer one-to-one mentoring in the classroom and other settings to children and youth who may be experiencing academic or social challenges. Their presence and reassurance can help children and youth improve self-esteem, social and emotional development and literacy and math skills.

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) is proud to host its first annual Juneteenth event on Thursday, June 16 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Center for Changing Lives in Minneapolis to recognize the significance of Juneteenth and offer an opportunity to support Black-owned businesses. LSS’ Juneteenth event will be held in the parking lot of the Center for Changing Lives at 2400 Park Avenue and will feature more than a dozen black-owned vendors who will be selling savory and sweet selections from their eateries, artwork, books, clothing, jewelry, purses and other goods and services. LSS Human Resource representatives will be available to discuss career opportunities.