Within the community of Watertown lies a cornerstone of compassion and service: Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of South Dakota. Established in 1920 as the Lutheran Children’s Home Finding Society, LSS has evolved into the state’s largest and most comprehensive human services agency. Rooted in a mission inspired by God’s love, LSS is dedicated to caring for, supporting, and strengthening individuals, families, and communities across South Dakota.
At the core of LSS's operations are their deeply ingrained values captured in the acronym CARES:
- Compassionate: To be empathetic in interactions with others and non-judgmental in the delivery of services.
- Appreciative: To acknowledge the quality, significance, and magnitude of the contributions of our clients and employees and seek to develop capacity.
- Respectful: To engage in collaborative and professional relationships with our clients, partnerships or organizations, and each other.
- Ethical: To demonstrate the commitment of quality services and high standards in acts, words, and deeds.
- Strategic: To anticipate and respond strategically to service trends and our communities’ needs.
LSS of South Dakota began its journey nearly a century ago with a mission to support young women facing unintended pregnancies. Since then, it has expanded its services comprehensively, offering everything from adoption and mental health counseling to financial counseling, foster care, shelter services for homeless youth, and school and community based youth mentoring.
Perhaps most surprising is LSS's extensive reach and influence throughout the state. Beyond Watertown, LSS operates services that span across South Dakota, catering to people of all ages, faiths, races, and economic backgrounds. They offer mental health counseling through Behavioral Health Services, Family Partner Staff offering family stabilization and support through CARES Wraparound Services, and Foster Care staff offering ongoing training and assessments for foster families in Resource Family Services. This expansive network ensures that essential support is accessible to those who need it most.
For LSS staff, the work goes beyond professional duty; it is about making a meaningful impact in individuals' lives. From offering mental health counseling to supporting foster families and providing critical resources, LSS staff are honored to journey alongside individuals, helping them navigate life's challenges, and celebrate their successes. They serve to be a vessel in helping foster positive change in the lives of others.
When asked what they would like the community to know about Codington Connects, LSS mentioned they have done a great job in fostering collaboration among local agencies and groups. This partnership enhances the community's ability to meet diverse needs effectively.
In summary, Lutheran Social Services stands as an example of hope and support, embodying their mission to care, support, and strengthen. Their dedication to community service, guided by unwavering values and strategic foresight, continues to make a profound difference in the lives of many across South Dakota.