Lutheran Social Services
Since 1865, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota has responded to Minnesota’s changing needs by being wholly committed to making life better for our citizens.
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota traces its history to 1865 when Vasa Lutheran Church opened its church to care for four children in need. Pastor Norelius came up with a community response that inspired hope and changed the life of the community.
Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota traces its history to 1865 when Vasa Lutheran Church near Red Wing, a tiny congregation of barely subsistence farmers, opened its church to care for four children in need.
These new immigrants from Sweden were the four surviving children of Mikola Erikson and his wife. Suddenly, they found themselves without home or family.
Pastor Eric Norelius brought the children to Vasa and arranged care for them in a refurbished church basement. This later became Vasa Children’s Home, Minnesota’s first and oldest orphanage.
Pastor Norelius saw children in need and came up with a community response that inspired hope and changed their lives – and the life of the community.
Two new mental health professionals have joined the Behavioral Health team at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) in Mankato. Kaylie Erickson and Jackie Wood bring a wide range of specialization to LSS Behavioral Health including for individuals, children, families and couples.
“Kaylie and Jackie provide a safe, non-judgmental space to receive support on your journey to wellbeing,” said Amanda Luedtke, LSS Behavioral Health Regional Director. “Both counselors offer a calm presence that puts others at ease so they can better process their thoughts and feelings.”
Working with young people is as challenging as it is rewarding! Our LSS Youth workers support the healthy development of youth, provide supportive shelter and housing options for youth experiencing homelessness, work to restore and strengthen families, and help set youth on a path to success. Youth workers provide a positive relationship with a caring adult that youth can view as an ongoing resource and advocate to positively impact their life.