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Changing Lives Today

Our past experiences profoundly shape how we interpret the world and the people around us. For those who carry deep hurt or trauma, the instinct to build walls or maintain control often can lead to inflicting pain on others. At LSS, these individuals find grace as they grow in self-awareness and learn to move forward — building a future where they can feel healthy, safe and accepted in their relationships. This story rings true for Marie.

When Hohman started with LSS Mentoring Services, he had one mentee, Dakhym, whose twin brother, Payton, was being mentored separately. Over time, Hohman stepped in and offered to mentor both boys together. He became a stable presence and a dependable friend to the boys. Of course, their younger brother had to come along too. ‘I’m not going to let them down’

In October, a group of students at LSS Center for New Americans went to Siouxland Libraries Downtown Library. The purpose of the trip was for students to explore the library, see the different resources available, talk to librarians and of course, get library cards and check out books. At the library, the students were greeted […]

Since before Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, Americans have gathered together to feast and give thanks. Recently, a group of students, teachers and volunteers at LSS Center for New Americans came together to talk, play games, eat delicious food and most importantly, express their thanks. This year, the party was planned […]

Written by Dana Goeman, Financial Counselor and Educator October is full of the stereotypical scary things—goblins, ghouls, and the like. You know what scary thing you don’t hear as much about, though? Debt. When we hear that interest rates are rising we often think about mortgages or car loans, but credit card interest is also […]

You often get a glimpse of life stories from the people we serve—a quote, a few paragraphs, rarely a full story of their challenges and successes. Joe’s life story answers why our vision is that all people in South Dakota will be healthy, safe and accepted.

At LSS, we connect people with the resources to help them be their best selves. That means we work with community partners to help meet client needs and ensure our whole person family-centered approach is carried out successfully.

We are excited about the collaboration between Leadership Aberdeen and LSS to bring mentoring into the Aberdeen School District.

We listen to individuals and families about their strengths, challenges and what they need to succeed.

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'” -Fred “Mr.” Rogers Every year we ask LSS employees why they choose to stay with the organization. Every year one of the top […]

Over time, families grow and change, and encounter new and complex challenges. At LSS, these families find strength as they learn to communicate and work through obstacles, each member receiving the support they need to be healthy, safe and accepted.

Andrea came to the United States to escape violence and corruption. Now, as a mother of four, she works hard to provide for her children. She sacrifices her own comfort to see them succeed because education is so important to her. Andrea never imagined her children would get into serious trouble, so when she received a call that her oldest daughter had been picked up by law enforcement and brought to the Arise Reception Center, she felt devastated.

Healthy families celebrate their blessings and support one another during life’s challenges. That’s why LSS is dedicated to providing services to families to make sure everyone is healthy, safe and accepted.

For Beth and Scott Boyens, starting their family took a long time. They spent seven years trying before their oldest child, Anna, entered the world. And when the couple encountered even more difficulty trying for their second, they went looking for medical help.

Thousands of people recently gathered to celebrate the 2023 Festival of Cultures—some local community members and others from abroad. Although this was the 26th annual event, it was the first year following the integration of the Multi-Cultural Center into LSS. The partnership between LSS and the Levitt honored the tradition of the festival while elevating […]

June 19 is Freedom Day Today we recognize Juneteenth – Freedom Day. Juneteenth commemorates the final emancipation of enslaved African Americans after the Civil War. At LSS we have made a commitment to work toward racial equity: “LSS acknowledges racial and ethnic differences because of the profound impact they have on individuals, groups, communities and […]

June 20, 2023 is World Refugee Day. Join LSS for a free panel conversation at the Coliseum (515 North Main Avenue) from noon to 1 pm to learn more about the refugee resettlement process and resettlement in South Dakota. Hear directly from former refugees about their experiences. The event will include a panel moderated by […]

Written by Dana Goeman, Financial Counselor and Educator   In case you haven’t heard, June is National Homeownership Month! If you’re like me and you’re currently renting but oh-so-excited to someday sign on the dotted line and get the keys to your own home, it can be tempting to jump into being a homeowner when […]

Celebrate the various cultural communities in Sioux Falls at the 26th Annual Festival of Cultures on Saturday, June 10 at Levitt at the Falls. WHOMembers and visitors of the Sioux Falls area are invited to celebrate the cultural diversity in our community. The Festival of Cultures is a FREE and family-friendly event.  WHATEnjoy live music, […]

Celebrate the various cultural communities in Sioux Falls at the 26th Annual Festival of Cultures on Saturday, June 10. LSS Multi-Cultural Center is excited to partner with Levitt at the Falls to provide a centralized space for people to learn, celebrate and share. “Experiencing the different cultures in our community is an important opportunity that […]

Anyone who has been in debt knows the weight it puts on all areas of life. As loans continue to grow, so does the pressure to pay them off. Feelings of guilt rise up with every small purchase. It seems impossible to catch up.

But even when facing the most massive financial burdens, the LSS Center for Financial Resources provides options and a place to start — using measurable goals to help people sort out their finances, ensuring they are healthy, safe and accepted.

Written by Dana Goeman, Financial Counselor and Educator   You stroll down the driveway, open up the mailbox and – Alright, sweet! Another wedding invitation! It’s wedding season, folks! Even if you yourself aren’t tying the knot this summer, there’s a good chance you may be invited to a wedding or two. Maybe you’re even […]

A birth mother never gave up trying to make the right plan. She never gave up allowing herself to love. She never gave up trusting. She never gave up believing. She never gave up having hope for the future. She never gave up.

In the early morning hours of March 2, twenty-seven students, four teachers, one caseworker and three volunteers ventured out of Sioux Falls towards Pierre. The students were eager to see the state capital, meet with representatives and witness democracy in action. The students first saw the state capitol building. Several marveled at the beautiful frescos […]

Benjamin Franklin once said, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” While much has changed since Ben Franklin’s time (and thank goodness, can you imagine life with no air conditioning or microwave ovens?), one thing has stuck around—taxes. Paying taxes can be stressful, but with a little bit of planning ahead, tax […]

This April, we honor the history, tradition and vision of LSS through South Dakota CARES, a statewide week of giving featuring program site tours, online giving challenges and social celebrations! Join us and be part of our vision by making a donation during our biggest fundraising event of the year! Go to SouthDakotaCARES.org to learn […]

LSS Adoption Services and Pregnancy Counseling Services At age 17, a young woman found herself in a very difficult situation. She was pregnant. As overwhelming as the news was, she was excited and dreamt of her family, their future together and all of the possibilities yet to come. Unfortunately, life had a different plan in […]

LSS Center for New Americans & Multi-Cultural Center In October 2022, LSS began integrating the Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls (MCC) services with goals of strengthening and optimizing their services. The strong overlap of resources has created great synergy between both organizations. Both LSS Center for New Americans and the MCC have a unified mission […]

LSS Behavioral Health Services Amber fled an abusive marriage and used the LSS sliding fee scale to receive counseling services for herself and her son. “You helped us to get the counseling that we needed. To give my son a fighting chance to be a good man. So, thank you!” Amber married in her early […]

LSS Foster Care Services After many years of struggling to start their family, Hannah and her husband turned to LSS. In the fall of 2016, they were officially licensed as a foster family and adoptive resource. “We are thankful we chose to do this journey with LSS,” says Hannah. “We have been blessed to work […]

Anyone who has been in debt knows the weight it puts on all areas of life. As loans continue to grow, so does the pressure to pay them off. Feelings of guilt rise up with every small purchase. It seems impossible to catch up.

But even when facing the most massive financial burdens, the LSS Center for Financial Resources provides options and a place to start — using measurable goals to help people sort out their finances, ensuring they are healthy, safe and accepted.