Demystifying Social Services: Pathways Beyond Healthcare That Lead to Sustainable Well-Being for All
Kathy Markeland, Executive Director, Wisconsin Association of Family & Children’s Agencies (WAFCA)
Kathy joined the WAFCA staff in January 2007 bringing a diverse public policy and member services background. In 2019, she was selected to serve as Executive Director to guide the continued growth of the Association and increase member capacity to deliver outstanding human services that help Wisconsin’s children and families to achieve their full human potential.
Prior to joining WAFCA, Kathy served as an associate director for the Wisconsin Catholic Conference, the public policy voice for Wisconsin’s Roman Catholic bishops. In her eight years with the Conference, Kathy advocated on a wide range of issues from environmental matters to human concerns and health care policy. In addition, she followed state developments related to welfare reform, services for the vulnerable and state and local finance.
In her early career, Kathy spent seven years serving the Wisconsin Counties Association, providing both member support and public policy advocacy services to elected representatives on Wisconsin’s 72 county boards. Her experience with the counties introduced her to a wide range of county services and programs and advanced her knowledge of state and local funding relationships. Her policy focus included human services, nursing homes, county organization and environment and land use management.
She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Behavioral Science and Law in 1992 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Watch Demystifying Social Services: Pathways Beyond Healthcare That Lead to Sustainable Well-Being for All
Reflection on Derek Chauvin Verdict
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LSS Selected Milwaukee’s 2021 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For®
Organization receives high marks in a majority of areas, including diversity and inclusion, employee recognition and achievement, and company performance
WEST ALLIS, Wis. (February 16, 2020) – Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) has been officially recognized as one of the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR). The non-profit social services provider earned the 2021 award as an organization that delivers “exceptional human resource practices and an impressive commitment to their employees.”
LSS was one of 47 Wisconsin companies to receive this award based on the assessment of numerous categories, such as diversity and inclusion, employee enrichment, community initiatives, compensation, benefits, and many others. According to the NABR, through determination, exceptional leadership, and daily ingenuity, these workplaces are seen as ideal organizations that “epitomize Better Business. Richer Lives. Strong Communities.”
“We are extremely excited to be recognized as one of the best companies to work for,” said LSS President and CEO, Héctor Colón. “Every day, the people in our organization work hard to create a Servant-Leadership culture that focuses on a commitment to the growth of our clients and one another, and building community throughout our two-state reach. We are humbled to receive this honor and will continue to strive towards becoming a Workplace of Choice.”
Overall, LSS scored above the median 60 percent of the time across all categories when compared to thousands of companies in its region. Among the variety of areas assessed to determine the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For,” LSS received some of its highest scores in the following categories:
- Recruitment, selection, and orientation
- Employee achievement and recognition
- Communication and shared vision
- Diversity and inclusion
- Work-life balance
Meanwhile, in the “Strategic Company Performance” category, LSS was rated 83 percent above the median – the largest margin over its peers. This is due in large part to the LSS financial turnaround in recent years. For the three-year period prior to Colón becoming CEO at LSS, the organization incurred losses of $4.3 million. During the subsequent three-year period with Colón (2018-2020), LSS has had operating gains of $8.1 million – a cumulative $12.4 million turnaround.
Nominations for the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” are accepted across the United States and broken down by various regions. Employees then complete a survey to calculate an organization’s score to compare with its peers in a particular geographic location.
https://thebestandbrightest.com/events/milwaukees-2021-best-and-brightest-companies-to-work-for/
Chippewa Valley nonprofits hope for Giving Tuesday boost
EAU CLAIRE — With needs up and the ability to conduct traditional fundraisers down amid the COVID-19 pandemic, officials from some local nonprofits are hoping for a boost from the global Giving Tuesday movement.
Giving Tuesday, which started in 2012, encourages charitable giving on the Tuesday after the holiday spending sprees associated with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday. The efforts are often promoted on social media with the designation #GivingTuesday.
“A lot of nonprofits are struggling more than usual this year, so Giving Tuesday is a great time to start thinking about supporting local charitable causes,” said Sue Bornick, executive director of the Eau Claire Community Foundation.
Chippewa Valley nonprofits are experiencing a surge in demand for services this year in response to economic fallout from the pandemic that includes higher unemployment, lost wages and reduced hours for many workers.
“The needs are real, and they’re right here in the community,” Bornick said.
Andy Neborak, executive director of United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley, agreed that it’s been a tough year for many people who are struggling financially and for a number of the nonprofit agencies that serve them.
“Some people are needing to ask for help for the first time in their lives,” Neborak said. “That’s where we see higher demand for some of the basic needs stuff.”
Financial contributions are important this year in particular, he said, because nonprofits are facing unprecedented challenges including cancellation of in-person fundraisers because of health risks, higher costs for sanitization of facilities and paying staff for duties previously performed by volunteers, who may be opting out for safety reasons.
While the local United Way is promoting Giving Tuesday, it is focusing more on December as a giving month in a digital marketing campaign seeking donations for its effort supporting 29 different programs in the Chippewa Valley.
“Everything we do stays local,” Neborak said. “Any charitable contributions that can stay local are really important. It doesn’t need to be a huge amount because we’re able to combine those smaller gifts and really make a big impact.”
Among other local organizations seeking to tap into Giving Tuesday generosity are L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library, which is seeking support for its Story Builder library expansion campaign; Boys & Girls Clubs of the Greater Chippewa Valley, which is continuing to serve local youths despite the pandemic; and Positive Avenues, a Lutheran Social Services program that converted its daytime resource center into a 24-hour-a-day shelter this year, in combination with the Sojourner House homeless shelter, to give the unsheltered population a safe place to go.
The pandemic also brought higher costs for Positive Avenues for increasing staff, providing more meals, acquiring personal protective equipment for staff and guests, buying more cleaning supplies and toiletries, and moving locations twice to enable guests to practice social distancing, said Stephanie Pritchard, Lutheran Social Services’ west regional director for community-based services.
“This year, more than ever, donations are important to our program and to the people we serve,” Pritchard said. “Our guests have more needs now than ever. Trying to stay safe during a pandemic is hard for everyone, but it’s especially difficult when you are homeless.”
For donors who can’t decide which local nonprofits to support but want their charitable dollars to stay close to home, Bornick said the Eau Claire Community Foundation’s Community Fund offers a Giving Tuesday opportunity The fund addresses what she called “the Eau Claire area’s greatest needs” by supporting grants to a diverse array of nonprofits.
Earlier this year, the foundation and United Way created Response and Recovery Funds that awarded grants totaling nearly $1 million for local nonprofits responding to needs generated by the pandemic.
The CARES Act offers an incentive to be extra generous this year, Bornick said, noting that donors can take a deduction of $300 beyond the standard deduction and that a qualified charitable deduction allows traditional IRA owners to lower their adjusted gross income by deducting distributions on tax returns.
Contact: 715-833-9209, eric.lindquist@ecpc.com, @ealscoop on Twitter
Ahead of winter, shelter asks for Giving Tuesday donations
EAU CLAIRE (WQOW) – Many non-profits are thinking ahead to Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to donating to local charities.
When the pandemic began, Positive Avenues and Sojourner House teamed up to become a 24/7 shelter. Positive Avenues manager, Katie Petska, said in the months since they have found working together has allowed the non-profits to do more than working separately.
During this challenging year, the team has had to move facilities twice, now located at the old Hansens IGA off Clairemont Ave. Petska said going into winter, they expect to see a lot more people using the shelter so the non-profits need donations to help people experiencing homelessness during the frigid months ahead.
“Individuals who are experiencing homelessness, when they have personal supplies shampoo, conditioner, new clothes shoes, things like that even just a new pair of socks, just quickly changes someone’s day and even could change someone’s life,” Petska said.
On Tuesday, f you donate to Lutheran Social Services, which operates Positive Avenues, your donation will be matched up to two thousand dollars.
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan: Opens community-based residential facility in Waukesha as needs increase
CONTACT: Steve Jagler, steve@kanecommgroup.com or news@lsswis.org, 414.405.8398
LSS Aspen Center offers diverse treatment options for substance abuse
WEST ALLIS, Wis. (Oct. 15, 2020) – Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS), in partnership with Waukesha County, opened the LSS Aspen Center, a comprehensive medically-monitored treatment center for women and men from throughout southeastern Wisconsin. The 23,000-square foot community-based residential facility is located at 2000 W. Bluemound Road, Waukesha. LSS Aspen Center will begin accepting referrals immediately.
The 22-bed center offers a wide range of substance use disorder rehabilitation and therapeutic services in two gender-specific wings with the capacity to grow to 34 beds based on need. LSS Aspen Center anticipates serving approximately 125 individuals from Waukesha County and southeastern Wisconsin annually.
“LSS believes healthy communities happen when we eliminate barriers to services and resources for those in need,” said Héctor Colón, President and Chief Executive Officer of LSS. “As we see substance abuse increasing at dramatic rates locally and nationally, now is a critical time to be providing accessible and affordable drug and alcohol treatment offerings to our Waukesha residents.”
The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that COVID-19 presents unique challenges for people with substance use disorders and in recovery. The pandemic has heightened stressors for many individuals and disrupted daily routines and health care services, causing many Americans to turn to substance use. The Wisconsin Department of Health reported that deaths in Wisconsin related to drugs have been increasing over the past decade. Substance misuse and addiction pose significant health, social, public safety and economic problems in Wisconsin.
LSS Aspen Center serves as a residential substance use disorder treatment center for both men and women. Previously, women were referred to locations outside of Waukesha County due to a lack of affordable, high-quality options in the area.
“Many of our female clientele who we work with during their treatment for substance use are responsible for children, household obligations and work commitments,” said John Kettler, Human Services Supervisor for the Waukesha County Department of Health and Human Services. “When you compound those challenges with women who choose to leave their own community to get help in a treatment facility far from home, it is clear why opening the LSS Aspen Center here in Waukesha will be exceptionally helpful.”
LSS Aspen Center provides the needed space and resources for successful treatment such as:
- Trauma-informed, trauma-responsive treatment
- Supportive services including housing, employment, family education and counseling, continued education and more based on individual needs. Many of these services are being offered virtually due to COVID-19 precautions.
- Individual, small and large group counseling spaces
- Fitness and quiet rooms for physical and psychological needs including an outdoor walking path, seating and recreation area
- Co-occurring disorders groups and gender-specific support groups
“More than ever, these types of services are needed in our community as our residents face compounding crises and substance use is on the rise,” said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow. “While individuals are on their road to recovery, it’s so important to have them close to their support networks and a community they call home. We’re especially glad that LSS Aspen Center provides refuge for women so they can receive treatment in our county.”
LSS Aspen Center is an evolution of the Genesis House in Waukesha, a 12-bed residential treatment facility for men. Individuals currently at the Genesis House will now receive support at the LSS Aspen Center.
Click here to download more images of the LSS Aspen Center.
Photo credit: Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan.
About Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc.
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan strives to build healthy communities filled with people using their God-given gifts to serve. For more than 100 years, this has been our goal. At LSS, we value compassion, co-creation, change and courage, instilling these core values in every community and residential program we offer. We believe in the infinite worth of every individual and because of this, we are committed to the growth and empowerment of others. To learn more about how LSS acts compassionately, serves humbly and leads courageously, visit www.LSSwis.org.
Champion boxer now champions the needs of others
Someone once said, if you are given the opportunity, be the change you wish to see in the world.
That could describe the extraordinary journey of Colón from being bullied as a child, to becoming a national boxing sensation to becoming the President CEO of Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, one of the largest nonprofits in the Midwest.
He grew up in poverty on Milwaukee’s south side. He lost two close friends to drug addiction, and as a young Latino, he experienced the ever-present challenges of bullying and prejudice
At the same time his mother was working three jobs, his father left home when was Héctor was twelve, and his sister suffered from drug addiction and co-occurring mental illness.
As a result of the challenges surrounding him Colón says his Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) score was six. “According to research, this would indicate that I had a 1200% likelihood of having depression and a 200% likelihood of committing suicide, but fortunately I was able to overcome these disadvantages.”
The Hector Colón story is detailed in the author’s memoir, From Boxing Ring to Boardroom-5 Essential Virtues for Life & Leadership (August, 2020). (hectorcolonmke.com)
“If you want inspiration then you owe it to yourself to read Héctor Colón’s life story. From humble beginnings to a champion boxer to the boardroom. Héctor weaves a wonderful story about life’s challenges and rewards,” Howard Behar, Retired President of the Starbucks Coffee Company
Profound Personal & Professional Journey
Living in a poor neighborhood, and seeing up close the needs of his family, these experiences propelled Colón to make a difference with his life. These experiences not only helped shape his strong work ethic, later on it led to his relentless efforts in helping others through strong leadership.
Earlier this year Colón’s leadership was recognized when Gov. Tony Evers appointed him to the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents
He also served as the boxing and mixed martial arts commissioner for the state of Wisconsin from 2009 to 2011. Colón holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Occupational Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
Today, he is known as a bold visionary as leader of Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of Milwaukee and Upper Michigan. The organization provides aid to about 40,000 individuals through dozens of programs including mental health, addiction, foster care, disabilities, and family services for youth to seniors.
Boxing Makes a Difference
Sometimes, looking back, there’s a definitive moment in time that leads you in the direction to where you are today.
In his memoir Colón clearly describes that moment. “On a summer day when I was nine, Adam sent me home crying and bleeding from being bullied. That same day my father marched me into the boxing gym.”
He says the person he is today was shaped by tough trials growing up as well as those first tentative steps he took into the boxing ring and the decade of hard work that followed.
“I recall being pushed in front of a mirror and shown some basic boxing combinations by my coach, Shorty, his first and only boxing coach. “After I started boxing, he turned to my father and said, “Héctor is a natural. He will become a champion.”
“I have known Héctor since he was nine years old and have witnessed him grow and develop into a man who lives every day with the virtues of magnanimity, humility, courage, perseverance and temperance. Héctor is a champion in and out of the ring. This memoir is charming yet inspiring; find out what it takes to be a champion in life,” Ricardo Diaz, Executive Director, United Community Center
Colón’s childhood trials led to the United Community Center boxing program and seven subsequent USA National boxing titles. This same fierce determination to succeed nurtured the virtues of magnanimity, humility, courage, fortitude and temperance – deep-rooted virtues that he continues to embrace as CEO and president of LSS.
“The transition from boxing ring to the boardroom is not a common path,” Colón says “All odds were against me. Research would indicate that someone with my background would have a difficult time succeeding,” he says.
Today, he is an independent director on the board of USA Boxing with a focus on inspiring athletes to discover their own path towards personal and professional greatness.
Life Lessons
In his memoir Colón describes and emphasizes five essential virtues for life and leadership.
Magnanimity — Strive for greatness.
Humility — “I learned what it meant to be served by my coach, through boxing,” Colón says.
“He sacrificed long hours in the gym with me. He delayed or cancelled vacations to attend my boxing matches. And he accepted me into his house where he fed, loved and cared for me when I was 16. Through him, I learned what it meant to be a servant leader and I try to live out this approach in my personal and professional life — serving and putting others first.”
Courage — Fight to do the right thing in the midst of significant challenge, odds and opposition. “Be not afraid
Perseverance — It’s okay to fail –it will make you stronger. If you fail that means you are stretching yourself to do challenging things.
Temperance — We need to exhibit measured responses to difficult, challenging and trying circumstances to yield good outcomes for yourself and others.
He credits the moral teachings of his father, the humility and love from his mother and the pride of his culture as contributing to the person he is today.
This is what he tells those who have trouble visualizing a better future for themselves.
“My journey continued with challenges, low expectations by others, set-backs, opportunities, and successes. Undeterred, I applied the same dedication, determination and discipline that it took to become a champion boxer to my new life striving for excellence in everything I do, whether it be as a husband, father, or CEO.”
https://www.hngnews.com/sun_prairie_star/article_67327c67-3755-5d14-89fa-82d4dbe2733f.html
Funding available for eviction support
Funding available for eviction support
County residents can receive up to $3K in housing assistance
By Nikki Brahm
nbrahm@conleynet.com 262-513-2651
WAUKESHA — Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS), in partnership with Waukesha County, announced on Thursday they received $295,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding through the CARES Act to offer residents rental, utility and eviction support.
The growing need for housing assistance comes during the COVID-19 pandemic, as residents are facing new challenges, including the end to the extra $600 per month in unemployment benefit assistance, which expires today amid disagreement in Congress about how to prolong it. The statewide eviction moratorium put in place during COVID-19 expired in late May and the moratorium on utility disconnections during COVID-19 expired July 25.
LSS will work in collaboration with Waukesha County to offer residents services that will address these concerns.
Waukesha County residents experiencing housing instability or eviction due to COVID-19 can apply for up to $3,000 in rent and utility payments while grant funding lasts.
Eligible households must live in Waukesha County, have an annual household income that is 80% of the area median income and must have proof of a W9 signed by the landlord and a landlord agreement that financial assistance is needed.
This funding will support about 100 households.
Vice President for Housing Services/Facility and Asset Management Dennis Hanson said the role of LSS is to receive the initial applications, ensure the individual and their place of residence are qualified, and help provide the funds to have the individual remain in their current home.
“We’ve been encouraging individuals that we work with all along, even during the moratorium, to be in contact with their landlords and to try to work out payment arrangements,” Hanson said. “We’re really just trying to make people aware that the moratorium really did not forgive the funds that were owed; it just put a limited period where no action could be taken.”
Hanson said individuals who are evicted have a harder time getting another rental due to screening.
“I’m sure that there’s going to be more need than the 100 households that can be served at present,” he said. “I do not anticipate any problem filling all 100 slots.”
LSS provides other services as well, including housing services and skills programs.
To access these funding resources tenants can call 855-397-9520 or visit www.waukeshacounty.gov/communitydevelopment to begin the process. They are encouraged to leave a message and LSS staff will call them back to walk them through the next steps.
For more information on LSS housing programs, visit www.lsswis.org/housing.
“The county has been a wonderful partner in this and we’re just thrilled to be working with them to impact the residents of Waukesha County in a positive way,” Hanson said.
Servant Leadership Informs Inclusion
Racial injustices, such as the murder of George Floyd, often lead to discussions about equity, diversity and inclusion.
Full Statement:
How Servant-Leadership Informs Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
by Héctor Colón
June 19, 2020
How Servant-Leadership Informs Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Racial injustices, such as the murder of George Floyd, often lead to discussions about equity, diversity and inclusion. Well-intended business leaders change policies, develop affinity groups, and require training. Research literature demonstrates that these traditional workplace programs do not significantly achieve intended goals.
At Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS), we look to Servant-Leadership and Larry Spears’ ”Ten Characteristics of Effective, Caring Leaders” for inspiration. This article offers ideas on how to enhance your program with five of these characteristics: Awareness, Listening, Healing, Empathy and Commitment to the Growth of people.
Awareness involves understanding individual strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, and biases. The better you know yourself, the better you can foster meaningful connections with others. Self-awareness is foundational to authentic relationships requiring meaningful dialogue and a willingness to grow and change.
To create an environment that encourages awareness for others, self-reflect on your own personal behaviors and biases and make a commitment to learn about how to change them for the better.
Listening includes actively receiving someone’s words, feelings and body language. In order to discover and meet the needs of others, we need to listen rather than mandate a top-down approach to solutions for all.
Co-create a diverse and inclusion
ve environment with your employees through active listening and asking questions. Reach outside of your organization for help with facilitating these meaningful conversations
Through open dialogue, listening and awareness, you can hear when a person needs to heal from past hurts. Without healing, wounds and scars might resurface unless addressed.
Find your safe places and people with whom you can share your wounds and scars. Then work to create a trustworthy environment for employees that offers healing and opportunities to become their best selves.
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another without judgment. It expresses awareness of what it’s like to live in the shoes of others and offer support to aid in their healing.
Find ways to connect with others that have faced experiences different from your own. You can show empathy by expressing a desire to know someone more deeply so you can better understand their challenges and pain.
When addressing a commitment to the growth of people, Servant-Leader Founder Robert Greenleaf shares the following: “Do those served grow as persons? Do they, while being served, become wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants? And what is the effect on the least privileged in society…?”
Employees will know of your commitment to their growth when you choose to self-reflect, actively listen, make space for healing and show empathy. Putting others’ interests before your own will help unleash the greatness of individuals, your organization and the community at large.
A Servant-Leadership approach develops a culture over compliance, awareness over assumptions, and leadership over legislation. Join me in this movement to respond to the racial and ethnic disparities that exist in our society today.
About the Author and LSS:
Servant-Leader, Héctor Colón, is the current President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS). Within his first two years at LSS, Mr. Colón co-created with his leadership team and boards of directors to realize a significant $4 million financial turnaround for the social services organization. Colón was named 2019 Nonprofit Executive of the Year by BizTimes Media in Milwaukee. He currently serves on the University Of Wisconsin Board Of Regents and is an independent director on the board of USA Boxing. Mr. Colon is set to release his first book, “From Boxing Ring to Board Room” later this summer.
LSS empowers people to live their best lives by offering a path to recovery from addiction or mental illness, a home that’s safe and affordable, a family to thrive in, independence and a life that is truly their own. Every year, nearly thirty thousand people in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan come to LSS with incredible odds stacked against them. LSS innovates services and compassionately delivers them with…
- Experience: LSS has 138 years of proven results as a social service provider.
- Effectiveness: Over 90% of the people served say that LSS improved the quality of their lives.
- Efficiency: LSS beats the industry average on the percentage of dollars raised that are applied to client care.
To support LSS and their work with clients especially impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic, please visit www.lsswis.org/responsefund or Text LSSGIVE to 41444. For questions, please contact Jackie Harcourt at jackie.harcourt@lsswis.org or 414-246-2701.
LSS and Waukesha County Continue to Provide Critical Birth to 3 Services During COVID-19
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Katharine Foley
katharine@kanecommgroup.com or news@lsswis.org
414-635-7008
Waukesha County residents receive essential child support during public health pandemic
Waukesha, Wis. (July __, 2020) – Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) continues to offer Birth to 3 early intervention services for Waukesha families with children experiencing developmental delays and disabilities during this public health crisis.
“As more parents and guardians work from home and spend increased time with their children, they may recognize signs of developmental delays exhibited by their young loved ones,” said Héctor Colón, President and CEO, LSS. “We want people to know our Birth to 3 program remains an available program individuals can turn to for developmental screening and support.”
The LSS Birth to 3 Program offers families in Waukesha County with resources including, but not limited to, screening, eligibility evaluation, ongoing assessment, and service coordination. It is free to call and individuals can speak with a clinical specialist who will answer their questions and determine if their child qualifies for services. Referrals are welcome from anyone with concerns about a child’s development, including but not limited to, parents and guardians, friends, doctors, neighbors and childcare providers.
“During these challenging times, it’s important that parents and guardians feel supported and have someone to talk to about their concerns,” said Linda Wetzel, Birth to 3 Program Manager, LSS. “Our families throughout Waukesha County build strong relationships with our early intervention team and we’re thankful that we can continue offering resources to the community.”
LSS takes a holistic approach dictated by each child’s individual development opportunities. The Birth to 3 program currently offers telehealth visits with service coordinators, speech, physical and occupational therapists, and early education teachers who work with parents and guardians on strategies and activities to help their child reach various developmental milestones.
“Our son, Elijah, was diagnosed with epilepsy and we noticed he was showing signs of developmental delays around the eight month mark,” said Meghan Kuehl, a Birth to 3 client. “Our doctor recommended we work with a Birth to 3 program and since we began working with LSS, Elijah has made tremendous progress. While the telehealth visits with our PT and OT therapists look a little different, it has allowed us to be more engaged and hands-on in the therapy process.”
“Waukesha County values the strong partnership we’ve built with LSS over the years, working together to seamlessly provide support to families and children in need of critical early intervention services,” said Lisa Roberts, Children & Family Services Manager for the Waukesha County Department of Health & Human Services. “Now it’s more important than ever to work with our community and make sure they’re aware of the resources available.”
In order to receive services, children must meet the following eligibility requirements: age birth to third birthday; diagnosed condition that is likely to result in a developmental delay or exhibits a delay of 25% or more in one area of functioning (cognitive, physical, communication, social and emotional or self-help skills) on standardized developmental testing or demonstrates atypical development that is likely to affect overall development.
If you are a Waukesha resident and have questions about your children’s 0 to 3 development, please call 262-548-7212 or visit www.lsswis.org/LSS/Programs-Services/Youth-Programs/Birth-to-3 to learn more about resources available. There is no cost to call or have your child screened.
About Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc.
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan strives to build healthy communities filled with people using their God-given gifts to serve. For more than 100 years, this has been our goal. At LSS, we value compassion, co-creation, change and courage, instilling these core values in every community and residential program we offer. We believe in the infinite worth of every individual and because of this, we are committed to the growth and empowerment of others. To learn more about how LSS acts compassionately, serves humbly and leads courageously, visit www.LSSwis.org.
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