Healing Communities
ADDICTION RECOVERY DOES NOT HAPPEN ALONE
For over a century, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS)has offered programming that compassionately removes barriers to recovery for those struggling with addiction. LSS has provided successful addiction treatment throughout the state for more than 40 years, and recently, identified a gap in affordable Medically Monitored Treatment services for the community.
What We Are Doing
LSS is responding to the opioid crisis. In collaboration with Waukesha County. LSS will provide comprehensive substance use treatment at a newly renovated, 23,000 square foot residential care facility with capacity of up to 34 beds at 2000 West Bluemound Road. LSS Aspen Center will offer a wide range of psychosocial rehabilitation and therapeutic services focused on addiction treatment for men and women, modeling the programming at LSS Fahrman Center in Eau Claire.
Find out more about the lives we have touched because of your generosity and Help Heal Communities.
Watch our Virtual Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening Tour of LSS Aspen Center.
LSS ASPEN CENTER Video Messages
Please share your words of encouragement and hope with residents and staff at the LSS Aspen Center. Please record a short message on your phone or computer and send to communications@lsswis.org or email for texting options. We will share these messages online so check back regularly!
Phone recording tips:
- Record in a space with a lot of natural light on your face
- Consider having another person hold the phone or use a phone tripod to keep the picture steady
- Begin your recording by introducing yourself
- Video should be no more than :30 long
- If you have an older phone, consider recording yourself on Zoom
Please enjoy these messages from Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes and some other friends and partners of LSS.
Strengthening Families
A New Vision for School Mental Health Services
All children and families deserve access to culturally appropriate, comprehensive and preventative mental health services that partner with schools and families to prepare Wisconsin students for academic success and successful transition into adulthood.
The Partners of Change (PoC) committee is a coordinated group of individuals, community organizers, schools, coalitions, donors and healthcare providers committed to improving children’s mental health in Wisconsin. We believe in action, not just discussion. This is an urgent issue, and we are using our collective expertise to influence policy change at the state level — including Medicaid changes, and increased funding.
Why do we need Mental Health in Schools?
When schools can provide mental health supports to identified students we see these outcomes:
• Increased academic success
• Decreased behavior concerns or time out of the classroom
• Reduce the dropout rate
• Foster a school climate that supports learning
Even with adequate funding, the role of a social worker, school counselor, and/or community partner would be insufficient to meet the needs. We believe our children and families deserve better.
Find out more about the families we have supported with your help. You can Help Strengthen Families
Creating Avenues for Belonging
Having a place to call home is something most people take for granted. For others, it’s often only a dream.
LSS Housing programs are designed to provide a number of services that help individuals and families gain the skills and confidence for self-sufficiency. Strategies include housing identification, financial assistance with move-in and rental costs, and case management support services. If you’re struggling with homelessness, our programs can fill the gaps to get your life back on track.
Housing participants are provided with assistance in housing identification and placement, as well as rental assistance. Participants also receive case management services to assist in person-centered planning to achieve goals and gain independent housing stability.
Find out more about the homes we have created with your support. Partner with us to Create Avenues for Belonging.
Stories of Impact
LSS believes in the infinite worth of every person, serving with compassion and courage to co-create change. Read more about how your support and the impact of over 800 colleagues ignites a spirit of hope across communities in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.