Our Story

For more than a century, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) has stood at the forefront of urgent community needs, responding with courage, compassion, and conviction. Built on a legacy of faith in action, we remain nonpartisan and unwavering in our belief in the infinite worth of every person.

You can live your passion. 

You Are Part of a Legacy of Hope.

You will Empower change. 

Advocating for People’s Well-Being

We work across sectors and alongside leaders from all backgrounds to advocate for what matters most: the well-being, dignity, and opportunity of the people we serve. As a trusted voice in policy conversations, we help shape systems that are more responsive, equitable, and compassionate, ensuring that public resources and community solutions reflect real human needs.

Family

Taking Action on Today’s Most Urgent Challenges

Today, we are mobilizing expertise and compassion to confront the opioid epidemic, expand mental health care, address the housing crisis, and champion accessibility and independence for all.

Inviting You to Be Part of the Change

By learning our story, meeting our people, and understanding our approach and outcomes, you will see how every day matters in the drive for real change.

2025 Best and Brightest Logo Square - 1 MB

5x Regional and 3x National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For™ Winner

A Legacy of Faith in Action

In 1882, the roots of our organization took hold when a Lutheran pastor in central Wisconsin responded to the needs of his isolated community. There he established a home for orphaned children and elderly individuals, beginning by serving five people in need of connection and belonging.

 

From those humble beginnings, LSS has grown into a vital social services agency supporting individuals and families across every stage of life. Today, we proudly serve nearly 30,000 people throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, building upon a legacy of care and compassion.

+
Years of service across Wisconsin and Upper Michigan

1882

Year the first Homme Home was founded in Wittenberg, Wisconsin.

Family and congregation members who relocated to help launch the mission.
+
Individuals served by LSS each year.

Our culture in action

At LSS, our commitments are lived out in every interaction…with clients, colleagues, and communities. We lead with empathy, collaborate with intention, and challenge each other to grow. Rooted in Servant-Leadership, our culture is one of hope, belonging, and purpose.

You’ll see it in the way our teams show up for one another—in the office, in the field, and in the heart of the community. From shared celebrations to moments of quiet courage, our colleagues embody the mission every day.

Learn why LSS is recognized as one of the Best & Brightest Companies to Work For®

Meet the Leaders Behind the mission

Explore Our Leadership

The strength of LSS lies in our values and culture, and in the people who guide our vision forward.

Our executive team, operating board, and foundation board bring deep expertise and an unwavering commitment to the communities we serve.

Together, they steward our mission with integrity, innovation, and heart.

Leadership Clean - 1MB