LSS’ plans to reopen L.E. Phillips Libertas facility move forward

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis. – February 5, 2025 – Last night, the Chippewa Falls City Council unanimously approved a special use permit for Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) to repurpose the former L.E. Phillips Libertas building as a facility for substance use disorder treatment.

L.E. Phillips was closed last year, and LSS saw a critical need in the community for substance use disorder treatment. LSS plans for the facility to offer a range of services similar to those currently offered at other LSS facilities in the area, and services similar to those formerly offered at L.E. Phillips Libertas.

LSS is calling on individuals, businesses, and philanthropic foundations who are passionate about supporting the community to join the effort. Contributions of any size are welcome, and naming opportunities will be available for major donors. Those interested in learning more should contact Paul Peterson, LSS Manager of Donor Advising who lives in the Eau Claire community at (262) 606-8993 or Paul.Peterson@lsswis.org.

You can learn more about last night’s vote here and here.

City Council grants special use permit to LSS for operations out of former L.E. Phillips Libertas Building

For Immediate Release

City Council grants special use permit to LSS for operations out of former L.E. Phillips Libertas Building

The Wisconsin non-profit will expand its program to fill a critical service need in the area.

CHIPPEWA FALLS, Wis., Feb. 4, 2025 – The Chippewa Falls City Council voted unanimously (5-0) to approve a special use permit allowing Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) to utilize the former L.E. Phillips Libertas building for much needed substance use disorder treatment services. The L.E. Phillips building has been shuttered for the past year.

“We are thrilled to receive the City Council’s support,” said Tara Treglowne, LSS Vice President of Adult Residential & Long-Term Care. “We’ve said from the beginning that we will need the help and support of this community, and tonight’s vote is a great first step.”

LSS plans to offer a range of services like those previously provided at L.E. Phillips Libertas and that are already available through the organization’s existing programs.

“We hope this expansion will help bridge a gap in treatment and recovery services,” said Treglowne. “These are vital services that many individuals and families need.”

LSS is calling on individuals, businesses, and philanthropic foundations who are passionate about supporting the community to join the effort. Contributions of any size are welcome, and naming opportunities will be available for major donors. Those interested in learning more should contact Paul Peterson, LSS Manager of Donor Advising who lives in the Eau Claire community at (262) 606-8993 or Paul.Peterson@lsswis.org.

“LSS has operated in the Chippewa Falls area for nearly 40 years,” said Treglowne. “This project is a chance for LSS to grow our mission and make an even greater positive impact on our community. We look forward to continuing this process.”

There is no word yet on when services will be available at that site.

ABOUT LSS
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is made up of nearly 700 professional treatment teams and peer specialists, the majority of whom are right in your community. Programs across our two-state reach address needs around housing, adoption, disabilities, refugee resettlement, mental health and substance use. LSS programs empower individuals to address life’s toughest challenges outside of a hospital or other institution. LSS’ expanded system of care offers short and long-term solutions for recovery, personal development, and independent living through safe, stable, and loving environments.

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MEDIA CONTACT
George Kmetty, Public Relations Specialist
George.Kmetty@lsswis.org
262-693-6825

LSS Refugee Program Director featured in Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – January 31, 2025 – LSS Refugee Resettlement Program Director Omar Mohamed was interviewed in an article in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. While the article highlights different groups working with Refugees throughout the area, Omar spoke to LSS’ proactive stand amid a federal order to stop funds for refugee resettlement services.

Omar highlighted the unprecedented nature of the current directives but spoke about LSS’ strong “moral obligation” to continue refugee services.

Anyone interested in supporting refugee efforts can visit www.lsswis.org to donate, or volunteer.

You can read the entire article by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Reporter Sophie Carson here.

LSS Refugee Resettlement Program In the News

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – Jan. 28, 2025 – Ever since President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order halting the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) the landscape around refugee resettlement services has been rapidly evolving. Two news reports in Madison and Milwaukee highlighted Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan’s (LSS) steadfast commitment to supporting refugees.

WMTV 15 in Madison highlighted LSS’ extensive history in refugee resettlement, having helped resettle 11,000 refugees over the past 50 years. The report notes that LSS reaffirms its core belief in the infinite worth of every person and remains dedicated to assisting individuals and families fleeing war and persecution.

TMJ4 in Milwaukee spoke about how amid a halt in federal assistance, LSS stands out as a reliable partner. LSS released a statement emphasizing that, despite uncertainty, they are reviewing information from their partners and remain committed to providing necessary assistance to their active refugee caseload.

Both reports underscore LSS’ longstanding and unwavering commitment to refugee support, and how LSS’ experience, collaborative efforts, and dedication hope to provide stability and reassurance to refugees.

 

LSS explores plans to acquire shuttered L.E. Phillips facility

For Immediate Release

LSS explores plans to acquire shuttered L.E. Phillips facility

 The local non-profit seeks to expand services with new facility acquisition

EAU CLAIRE, Wis., DEC. 18, 2024 – An encouraging step toward addressing a critical need in substance use disorder treatment services for the Chippewa Valley, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan (LSS), a trusted provider in the area for nearly 40 years, has announced its desire to purchase the former L.E. Phillips facility.

“We are committed to meeting the urgent need for comprehensive SUD treatment in our community,” said LSS President & CEO Héctor Colón. “Acquiring this facility would allow us to expand our existing services while honoring the work that was previously done at this location. However, we can’t do this alone. We need the community’s support to make this dream a reality.”

LSS is calling on individuals, businesses, and philanthropic foundations who are passionate about supporting the community to join the effort. Contributions of any size are welcome, and naming opportunities will be available for major donors. Those interested in learning more should contact Paul Peterson, LSS Manager of Donor Advising who lives in the Eau Claire community at (262) 606-8993 or Paul.Peterson@lsswis.org.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for our community to come together and reclaim a vital resource,” added Colón. “With your support, we can restore this facility and provide the critical care that so many individuals and families need.”

The organization plans to reopen the facility under its own name and operations, offering a blend of services similar to those previously provided and those already available through LSS’ existing programs. LSS’ expansion will help bridge the gap in treatment and recovery services, offering hope and healing to individuals and families in the area.

LSS’ current services and locations will continue to operate as usual. The acquisition of the facility will allow the organization to expand its reach and impact without disrupting its existing programs.

“This project represents a chance to grow our mission and better serve our neighbors,” said Colón. “It’s a privilege to be part of this effort, and we hope to make significant progress toward the purchase of the facility in the near future.”

ABOUT LSS
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is made up of nearly 700 professionals and peer specialists, the majority of whom are right in your community. Programs across our two-state reach address needs around housing, adoption, disabilities, refugee resettlement, mental health and substance use. LSS programs empower individuals to address life’s toughest challenges outside of a hospital or other institution. LSS’ expanded system of care offers short and long-term solutions for recovery, personal development, and independent living through safe, stable, and loving environments. 

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MEDIA CONTACT
George Kmetty, Public Relations Specialist
George.Kmetty@lsswis.org
262-693-6825

In the Ring Season 3 Episode 11: “Knocking Out excess cost in Pharmacy” with Dr. Connie Perry

WATCH NOW: Héctor and Dr. Perry take on rising pharmaceutical costs

This month Ethica Pharmacy Advisors’ Managing Director, Dr. Connie Perry, sits down with Héctor to tackle the rising costs of prescription drugs, the role of pharmacy benefits, new innovations in pharmacy, and more!

M3 Insurance
Beth Skogen Photography – www.bethskogen.com

Connie Perry is the managing director of Ethica Pharmacy Advisors. In her role, Perry leads the Ethica Pharmacy Advisors team, using her clinical background as a PharmD and decades of experience in the PBM space to offer a comprehensive pharmacy solutions stack for employers and pair it with Ethica’s signature transparent and independent approach. Ethica’s solutions stack incorporates pharmacy consulting services, custom RFP services, and financial audits.

Perry’s experience spans across various sectors including clinical roles in hospitals, academia and key positions in the launch of a Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) at Walgreens Health Initiatives.

Perry was a lead consultant for national insurance brokers before leading Ethica Pharmacy Advisors. As a seasoned leader, she has successfully led national pharmacy practices and played a pivotal role in launching a pharmacy coalition tailored for mid-market employers.

In The Ring Season 3 Episode 10: “Beyond Rhetoric: The Truth about Immigration and Refugees”

WATCH NOW: Héctor and Krish get “In the Ring”

Héctor talks with Global Refuge President & CEO Krish O’Mara Vignarajah. In a hot political climate, the two CEOs dispel rumors surrounding immigration and refugees.

Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, President and CEO of Global Refuge, has dedicated her life to championing the rights of vulnerable communities. As leader of the largest faith-based national nonprofit dedicated to serving children, refugees and other immigrants, Krish works every day to help newcomers find safety, support, and a share in the American dream – the same dream her family pursued decades ago when they fled Sri Lanka with her as a baby. 

 

Krish’s immigrant experience sparked a lifelong commitment to public service.
From her role as Policy
Director for First Lady Michelle Obama to her strategic work as Senior Advisor at the State Department on foreign policy to her tireless work in refugee resettlement at Global Refuge, Krish leads with the heart of an ally, the fight of an advocate, and the insight of someone who knows firsthand the difference a warm welcome can make.

Krish speaking at the I95 Women of Influence Conference

She has been recognized as one of The Daily Record’s “Top 100 Women” and “Most Admired CEOs,” and The Hill’s Changemakers.

LSS among contributors to new Medicaid Expansion Study

The Wisconsin Policy Forum released a new study supported by Lutheran Social Services of WI and Upper MI along with American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Community Care Services, Jewish Family Services, and the Wisconsin Medical Society. 

The report finds that expanding Medicaid in Wisconsin would add fewer enrollees compared to other non-expansion states but deliver significant fiscal benefits. While about half of the targeted group is already enrolled in Medicaid, the state could save $1.5 billion over the next two years.

These savings could be used for healthcare improvements, other priorities, or tax reductions. However, expansion would shift some residents from Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans to Medicaid, potentially reducing federal subsidies and reimbursement rates for providers.

Wisconsin’s partial Medicaid expansion in 2014 covered low-income residents but didn’t fully adopt ACA incentives. Full expansion could ass 72,000 to 92,900 enrollees, mainly benefiting rural areas. Providers could see lower reimbursement, but this impact could be mitigated if the state increased Medicaid rates using savings.

The report explores various policy options, including maintain the status quo, full Medicaid expansion, or adopting a non-traditional approach like other states. Moving forward would likely require bipartisan cooperation.

Click here to read “The Picture of Health? Considering Medicaid Expansion in Wisconsin.

LSS Podcast puts Senate Candidates In the Ring on Healthcare

For Immediate Release

LSS Podcast puts Senate Candidates In the Ring on Healthcare

WEST ALLIS, Wis., Sep. 24, 2024 – In the Ring with Héctor Colon podcast is excited to announce a special “On the Issues” double-episode featuring Wisconsin’s candidates for U.S. Senate. The podcast, a creation of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS), is known for its content and high-profile guests. This month, Democratic incumbent Senator Tammy Baldwin and Republican challenger Eric Hovde talk about their Health and Human Services platforms.

LSS President & CEO and podcast host, Héctor Colón asked each candidate the same questions in the same order on topics including Wisconsin’s fentanyl crisis, expanding early intervention & prevention for children and families, Affordable Healthcare and Medicaid reimbursement, and healthcare partnerships. He also asked for their ideas on how to bridge our nation’s two-party political divide.

Episode Highlights:

Héctor Colón, a former boxer turned nonprofit leader, brings his unique perspective, engaging both candidates in meaningful discussions about the future of mental health services, addiction recovery, support for vulnerable populations, and beyond.

“We are thrilled to provide a platform where voters can hear directly from the candidates on vital issues,” said Colón. “Our goal at LSS is to support the health and well-being of the communities we serve, and these conversations will ensure voters are informed about key issues that directly impact Wisconsin and the nation.”

Both episodes are available now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@intheringwithhectorcolon1073/videos

And can be streamed on all major podcast platforms.

For more information on In the Ring with Héctor Colón and to listen to the episodes, visit:

www.lsswis.org/inthering

 

ABOUT LSS
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is made up of nearly 800 professional treatment teams and peer specialists, the majority of whom are right in your community. Programs across our two-state reach address needs around housing, adoption, disabilities, refugee resettlement, mental health and substance use. LSS programs empower individuals to address life’s toughest challenges outside of a hospital or other institution. LSS’ expanded system of care offers short and long-term solutions for recovery, personal development, and independent living through safe, stable, and loving environments. 

###

MEDIA CONTACT

George Kmetty, Public Relations Specialist

George.Kmetty@lsswis.org

262-693-6825

In the Ring Season 3 Episode 8: “Scalable Solutions That Empower America’s Youth” with Jim Clark

WATCH NOW: Héctor gets “In the Ring” with Jim Clark, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Jim Clark
President & CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America

As leader of the nation’s largest facility-based youth development organization, Mr. Clark directs a 115-year old network of 4,700 Boys & Girls Clubs that serve 4.6 million young people annually in all 50 states and on U.S. military installations worldwide.

Since joining BGCA in 2012, Mr. Clark has spearheaded a major restructuring of the organization and introduced an exciting new strategy to allow more youth to achieve positive outcomes in three priority areas: academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. To support Boys & Girls Clubs in fostering these vital outcomes, Mr. Clark emphasizes the importance of building organizational capacity, improving program quality and consistency, expanding the Boys & Girls Club national network and positioning BGCA as the nation’s leading advocate for youth.

Under Mr. Clark’s leadership, BGCA originated a national youth outcomes study that supports continuous quality improvement and demonstrates the impact of the Club experience in the areas of education, leadership and health outcomes, as documented in the organization’s annual National Youth Outcomes Report. BGCA continues to introduce programming that supports the three outcome areas, including STEM initiatives, summer learning loss programs and workforce readiness programs.

With a commitment to support local Club success, Mr. Clark is leading efforts to strengthen digital capabilities within Boys & Girls Clubs. This includes MyFuture.net, a web platform where youth can learn digital skills; YD Toolbox, a mobile communications app for Club staff; and MyClubHub, a comprehensive site management system. Additionally, BGCA supports local Club success with training and consultations to augment key areas including child safety, executive and board development, high school graduation rate and childhood obesity.

For these and similar efforts, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranks BGCA the top youth-serving organization. Notable milestones during Mr. Clark’s tenure include: Boys & Girls Clubs serving nearly 470,000 youth daily in 2019 – up more than 20% since he joined BGCA in 2012 – and a record $2.1 billion in revenues in 2018, an increase of 46% since 2012.

Mr. Clark began his career at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 1979, where he served senior leadership roles in distribution, marketing and customer service operations and advanced to senior vice president. In 2004, he departed the media company after 24 years to become president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee, which he served as a board member for 10 years. Under his direction, the organization benefitted from seven consecutive years of revenue growth, added 17 new service locations, realized a 30% increase in membership and more than doubled staff during his seven-year tenure.

Mr. Clark holds a business administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He and his wife, Samantha, live in Atlanta with their two sons.