On October 31, 1867, in the town of Berlin, Illinois (now Swedona), community members came together to care for Edward, a child left orphaned by a cholera epidemic. What began as a single act of compassion grew into a group of Lutheran ministries responding to the needs of vulnerable children across Illinois. Over the decades, LSSI continued to grow beyond child welfare services. New programs were developed to support older adults, families, and individuals facing a wide range of challenges. 159 years later, LSSI is one of the largest statewide providers of social services in Illinois and served more than 62,000 people last year. While services expanded, the mission remained the same: bringing healing, justice, and wholeness to people and communities. 📸 1908 C.W. Sandstrom, Moline, IL
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
Non-profit Organizations
Des Plaines, IL 9,923 followers
Responding to the Gospel, LSSI brings healing, justice, and wholeness to people and communities.
About us
Serving Illinois since 1867, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is a statewide, not-for-profit social service agency of the three Illinois synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The demographics of clients served by LSSI generally reflect those of Illinois’ population, with one important exception—more than 80 percent of clients report an annual household income under $15,000, compared to just 12 percent of all Illinois households. The organization provides critical programs for the state’s most vulnerable residents including foster care, mental health services, alcohol and drug treatment, affordable senior housing, residential programs for people with developmental disabilities, and programs that help formerly incarcerated individuals integrate back into society.
- Website
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http://www.LSSI.org
External link for Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
- Industry
- Non-profit Organizations
- Company size
- 1,001-5,000 employees
- Headquarters
- Des Plaines, IL
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 1867
- Specialties
- Behavioral Health Services, Senior Community Services, Children's Community Services, Prisoner and Family Ministry, Foster Care, Affordable Senior Housing, Home-based Care, Mental Health, Addiction Services, Intellectual and Developmental Disability Programs, Family Support Services, Adoption Preservation, and Therapeutic Foster Care
Locations
Employees at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois
Updates
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“When I think about my 30 years at LSSI, the one thing that has remained constant and at the root of everything we do is our mission and that we are called to serve,” said Kathy Hall, Assistant Vice President for Advancement. LSSI celebrates 159 years of serving Illinois and evolving to meet the needs of people and communities. Read what some of our longest-tenured employees have to say about working here and learn more about our founding back in 1867 https://lnkd.in/eE42nDrV
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October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and LSSI would like to recognize all pastors, including our own Pr. Kelly Nieman Anderson, Director of Church and Community Engagement. In her role, Pr. Kelly works with congregations and community groups that support and advocate for LSSI’s programs. “My greatest passion is connecting more people to God’s vison of healing, justice and wholeness for the world,” she said about her work. “LSSI lives that out every day.” She holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Concordia University Ann Arbor, Michigan and a Masters of Divinity degree from Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. #pastorappreciation #pastor
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An election we can all agree on! Our dedicated staff at LSSI’s Shady Oaks group homes in Homer Glen, recently organized an election for residents to vote for council president, mayor, judge, and many more. Activities like this encourage residents to get involved, work together, communicate with staff, and make Shady Oaks feel like home. Explore all of our Intellectual and Developmental Disability Services on our website https://bit.ly/IDDLSSI
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A glimpse into the impact of our Storybook Project... https://lnkd.in/gu2MAzUq
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We've been helping people and communities across Illinois for nearly 159 years, and that longevity is reflected in our longest-tenured employees. We recently celebrated several 5- and 10-year work anniversaries and even a 30-year anniversary at LSSI HQ! We deeply appreciate their dedication, compassion, and years of outstanding service. Whether an employee's time with us is measured in years or decades, each one contributes to transformative care that engages, surrounds, and connects people to the support they need.
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THIS is what “lighting the way” looks like! 💡 Thank you to everyone who supported the 45th Annual True Friend Celebration! 🍗: The Caterist 🌻: Mitchell's Orland Park Florist & Flower Delivery 📸: Genie at Evanston Photographic Studios 🎵: Uptown Rhythm Club 🎤: Raising Paddles LLC ⛪: Epiphany Center for the Arts
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Lutheran Social Services of Illinois reposted this
Some partnerships leave a lasting impact, not just on the organizations involved, but on the communities they serve. Last night, I was honored to represent BMO US at the Lutheran Social Services of Illinois True Friend Celebration, where BMO received the Partner in Service Award, recognizing partners who exemplify service, leadership and generosity. This recognition is especially meaningful to me as LSSI's mission hits close to home. As a member of LSSI's Board of Directors, I've seen the compassion, dedication and purpose that drive the organization's work every day. LSSI's commitment to strengthening individuals, families and communities continues to make a profound difference across Illinois. I'm proud of the partnership we've built together over the years. This recognition reflects the many BMO colleagues who bring our Purpose to life through their commitment to the communities we serve. Thank you to LSSI for your leadership, your partnership and the incredible work you do every day. BMO US - https://lnkd.in/gwF2_SEM LSSI - https://lnkd.in/gcf2ZBFb
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Let's celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, histories, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino individuals whose influence continues to strengthen our communities and our nation. As a social services organization, we believe that every person possesses inherent dignity and worth. Honoring and valuing this unique cultural background helps us better understand the experiences of those we serve and strengthens our ability to provide compassionate, respectful, and culturally responsive support. Learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 - Oct. 15) https://lnkd.in/gER_J9e4 #HispanicHeritageMonth
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Such an inspiring evening at the 45th Annual True Friend Celebration! Many thanks to everyone who joined us to help "light the way" for children, families, and communities. Stay tuned for more photos and videos! LSSI.org/TrueFriend
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