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.

###

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

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. 

###

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

LSS Foster Care Going Strong, Needs Loving Parents

Eau Claire, WI – There are more than 5,000 foster kids needing a home in Wisconsin, and  Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan (LSS) is doing everything they can to provide loving parents across the state through foster care.

WEAU 13 in Eau Claire recently ran a TV news story featuring LSS Foster Care by speaking with Alissa and Art Broughton, foster parents who themselves were raised in a foster care system. The Broughtons have fostered children for 15 years and understand the vital need for willing parents, especially in Wisconsin where the number of children in need far outweigh the available homes that are available.

Many people are unsure if they can handle being a foster parent, but Alissa says in the story, “It’s not as scary as it sounds. And the paper work looks like a lot and the classes look like a lot, but when it comes down to it, it really is just for the children.”

Heather Yeager, Regional Director of LSS, told WEAU 13 that they receive referrals on a daily basis for foster care, but there just aren’t enough homes right now to place children. Yaeger added, “We have kids from all dimensions of diversity, we need foster homes that are divers to work with the children, too.”

You can click the link below to watch the news story and see the wonderful benefits of becoming a foster parent. There are thousands of wonderful children in need of homes and they all have a unique story.

https://www.weau.com/2021/07/14/lutheran-social-services-facing-foster-parent-shortage/

If you have interest in becoming a foster parent or just want to get some information, contact LSS at 888-746-2850 and they will be happy to give you all the details you need and even walk you through the process.