LSS awarded $75,000 grant to help meet transportation needs of older adults

WEST ALLIS, Wis., Mar. 13, 2024 – Lutheran Social Services of WI and Upper MI (LSS) is proud to announce it has been awarded the Elderly Endowment Grant from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Lutheran Services for the Elderly. $75,000 over a span of three years will go to expand and enhance LSS’ volunteer driver program “Make the Ride Happen” as well as its Cycling Without Age program in Waupaca, Outagamie, Winnebago, and Calumet counties.

These projects help to meet the mobility needs of the low-income, older adult population and adults with disabilities, the majority of whom live alone or lack reliable transportation. Each year, the LSS Make the Ride Happen call center receives nearly 3,900 calls from individuals requesting information and assistance with their transportation needs. Volunteer drivers accompany the elderly to medical appointments, grocery shopping, or other errands as needed.

“Transportation is one of the key Social Determinants of Health the older population struggles with,” said Héctor Colon, President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services. “By collaborating with transportation stakeholders, human service providers, and private & public transportation providers, LSS is aligning its efforts to improve the health and well-being of the elderly by addressing this key need.”

Elderly populations are often at risk of social isolation, which can negatively affect physical and mental health and well-being. Through these programs LSS seeks to expand dependable and safe ride options. With this increase, LSS hopes these individuals will be able to live independently, engage with others, and remain connected to their communities.

“Our synod includes many rural communities, where lack of transportation can lead to isolation and other challenges, especially for people who are elderly and people with disabilities,” said the Rev. Anne Edison-Albright, Bishop of the East Central Synod of Wisconsin and LSS Board Member. “LSS provides a lifeline and an opportunity for connection to those most in need, and that connectedness is so important to us as people of faith.”

For more information on Make the Ride Happen call (920) 225-1719 or go to lsswis.org/service/disabilities/make-the-ride-happen

ABOUT LSS

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is made up of nearly 800 Servant-Leaders including licensed therapists, professional social workers and counselors, and certified peer specialists located throughout our two-state reach. Every year, our colleagues strengthen families, inspire recovery, and empower independence & belonging for nearly 30,000 individuals and families at every stage of life. Driven by the belief in the infinite worth of every person, LSS provides affordable housing & homelessness services; public adoption & foster care; long-term care & disability services; refugee resettlement; residential treatment for substance use disorder & mental illness; and additional supportive community-based services.
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LSS receives $100,000 Vaping Prevention and Treatment grant from Wisconsin DHS

For Immediate Release

LSS receives $100,000 Vaping Prevention and Treatment grant from Wisconsin DHS

Funding will go to programs in four school districts throughout the state of Wisconsin

WEST ALLIS, Wis., Feb. 16, 2024 – Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) was awarded a $105,354 grant from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to reduce and prevent vaping among adolescents, an activity that has seen a steep rise in recent years.

LSS will use the funds over two years to endow programs in three school districts in western Wisconsin and one in Milwaukee County. The project will include three primary programs: small group intervention, parent intervention, and student-led advocacy groups.

With small group intervention, schools will refer students that have struggled with vaping use. LSS staff will lead a discussion using evidence-based education in an environment that empowers change instead of punishing mistakes.

Additionally, LSS will empower parents by providing access to an online support platform. This will give parents resources and education for working with their child to either prevent or stop substance abuse.

Finally, students will have the opportunity to create their own student-led events and programs that promote healthy behavior. LSS and school staff will support youth in taking leadership roles, and the grant will provide funding for student-led events. Héctor Colón, LSS President & CEO, believes empowering youth is the key to lasting change:

“LSS strives to support the youth and families in our communities,” said Colón. “This project allows us to reach youth and empower them to make choices that will set them up for success.”

Colón says the grant is a good start, but stresses more must be done to stem the tide of youth vaping:

“Addressing this issue is going to take effort from a variety of places, schools, parents, and community organizations. LSS tries to bring together as many as possible, but the issue of ease of access still needs addressing.”

Funding for the grant comes from a $14.7 million settlement between Wisconsin and JUUL Labs, a leading manufacturer of vaping devices. The settlement addresses harm caused by JUUL’s predatory marketing practices.

ABOUT LSS

MEDIA CONTACT

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

LSS awarded $400,000 Community Impact Grant by the Wisconsin Partnership Program

For Immediate Release

LSS awarded $400,000 Community Impact Grant by the Wisconsin Partnership Program

The non-profit will share part of the grant with its academic partner UWM.

WEST ALLIS, Wis., Jan. 10, 2024 – Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is excited to announce it has been awarded a Community Impact Grant by the Wisconsin Partnership Program (WPP) at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. The $482,228 grant is for the initiative “Improving Social Determinants of Health Factors Through Utilization of a Family Coach.”

Social Determinants of Health, as defined by U.S department of Health and Human Services, are conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, worship, and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. They are things like income, educations, job security, transportation, childhood development, food security, health services, and housing.

Through this project, LSS, and its academic partner the Institute for Child and Family Well-Being, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, will seek to improve the mental health crisis facing youth in historically impoverished communities in Milwaukee County. LSS will implement family coaching services and community engagement to address these social stressors and structural barriers that contribute to poor health and wellness outcomes.

LSS introduced the family coach in 2018 as part of its School Centered Mental Health program. Family coaches offer direct service to families, including mental health education, skill development, and assistance in navigating social systems to access resources like employment, housing, and food. However, LSS President & CEO Héctor Colón says they do so much more:

“Family coaches are walking, riding the bus, and going grocery shopping with families — to better understand and address their issues like homelessness, job loss, and food insecurity. Family coaches even help with things like enrollment paperwork and phone calls. With these burdens eased, families can focus on other aspects related to wellness, and mental health.”

LSS colleagues know the impact communities have on improving mental health. “This community impact grant allows LSS to bring together members of the community to address the struggles in meeting everyday needs,” said Amanda Krzykowski, LSS Director of Performance and Quality Improvement, “We see the community as the experts, the problem solvers. We want to establish meaningful partnerships that will guide us to help advance health equity in Milwaukee.” Kathy Markeland, Executive Director at the Wisconsin Association of Family and Children’s Agencies (WAFCA) acknowledged LSS’s commitment to innovation and advocacy in the social services sector.

“As a founding member of our association, LSS has long been a force for innovation and a strong voice for the human services sector and the people we serve,” said Markeland “the Family Coach model holds promise for broadening the pathways to meaningful careers in community health – valuable work that is not currently funded through our traditional school, health care and public health systems.”

Over the past three years, LSS has served 240 families in Milwaukee, with 200 of them receiving direct support from one or more of the organization’s programs. Colón expressed the organization’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by families dealing with mental health issues.

With the Community Impact grant, Lutheran Social Services says it is one step closer to its vision of creating healthy communities filled with people using their God-given gifts to serve. LSS extends its gratitude to the WPP and looks to utilize the grant to make a lasting positive impact on the lives and communities it serves.

ABOUT LSS

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

Third Year in a Row! LSS Named Best and Brightest Company to Work For

For Immediate Release

Lutheran Social Services Named Winner of Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® in Milwaukee for Third Year in a Row

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (April 19, 2023) – For the third consecutive year, 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). LSS is one of only 15 Wisconsin companies to earn the 2023 award, which goes to organizations that provide “exceptional human resource practices and an impressive commitment to their employees,” according to the NABR.

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® identifies LSS as a Milwaukee-area organization that displays “a commitment to excellence and employee enrichment,” areas the NABR identifies and honors as part of the program. Organizations are assessed on several categories, including diversity, work-life balance, communication and many more. Through determination, exceptional leadership, and daily ingenuity, the Best and Brightest like LSS are seen as ideal organizations that “epitomize Better Business. Richer Lives. Strong Communities.”

“I am so appreciative of everything our LSS colleagues do each and every day throughout our two-state reach to serve people who have incredible odds stacked against them,” said LSS President and CEO Héctor Colón. “Because of them, we are able to do this great work now and in the future. They care so much about one another and the nearly 30,000 people we help each year. The leadership team and our board are focused on ensuring LSS is a Workplace of Choice today, tomorrow and for many years to come.”

In 2022, LSS commemorated its 140th year of Servant-Leadership. Across three centuries since its inception in 1882, LSS has empowered people to live their best lives offering a path to recovery, safe and affordable homes, forever families, and independence.

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. Historically about 10% of all nominations received make the winners list.

ABOUT LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES

LSS is called to serve with compassion and courage. Every year, tens of thousands of people in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan come to LSS with incredible odds stacked against them. With 140 years of proven results as a social service provider, more than 90% of the people served say LSS improves the quality of their lives. For more information, visit LSSwis.org.

MEDIA CONTACT

Tim Muma, PR Specialist

Tim.Muma@lsswis.org

414-840-6551

LSS Hires Mara Dučkens, Strategic Thought Leader Philanthropic Advocate, as Chief Advancement Officer

Milwaukee, WI – Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is pleased to welcome Mara Dučkens as the organization’s first Chief Advancement Officer (CAO) beginning March 23. Dučkens’ proven track record of leading successful multi-million-dollar campaigns within philanthropic circles established her as a recognized leader, mentor, and innovator in the industry.

“LSS has been an organization that has drawn my interest because of its compassionate approach to positively impacting children, adults, and families in need,” Dučkens said. “In fact, it’s the multifaceted programming…that most appeals to me. As the chief fundraising strategist for the organization, helping donors understand the power of the programs within LSS – and their combined impact – will be my top priority.”

Mara’s experience in fundraising has shaped her into a strategic relationship-builder and advocate perfectly suited for the LSS leadership team. It is another step forward as LSS continues its strategic plan around new growth and innovation.

Héctor Colón, LSS President and CEO, and key driver of a multi-year, $30 million turnaround for the organization, explains, “I am excited about working with Mara and LSS leadership to enact a robust philanthropic plan that will yield strong donor partnerships around helping people live their best lives and thrive. Her demonstrated strategic approach to fundraising will certainly grow our capacity to better serve the nearly 30,000 individuals and families that seek support from LSS each year.”

José Olivieri, LSS Operating Board Chair, and Pat Wesner, LSS Foundation Board Chair, agree with Colón, “Mara brings the passion and empathy for others we value and admire in all our colleagues. We are confident in her ability to increase giving for LSS and grow the endowment to support the organization’s important mission work in perpetuity. We are grateful that Mara has chosen to continue her esteemed career with LSS and to support our vision of healthy communities filled with people using their God-given gifts to serve.”

Héctor Colón Honored to Accept Titan 100 CEO Award

Milwaukee (January 11, 2023) – Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) is pleased to announce Héctor Colón, President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS), as a 2023 Wisconsin Titan 100. Titan CEO and headline sponsor Wipfli LLP recognizes Wisconsin’s Top 100 CEOs & C-level executives as the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry using criteria demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion. Colón will be honored at the annual Titan 100 awards celebration on January 12th, 2023, at Fiserv Forum and published in a limited-edition Titan 100 book and profiled exclusively online. Honorees also will have the opportunity to interact and connect multiple times throughout the year.

As President and CEO, Héctor Colón has utilized his visionary, Servant-Leadership approach to position LSS for greatness by adapting new models and business strategies to increase impact and viability for

staff, clients and the organization. Before the start of Colón’s tenure in 2017, the organization had not met its budget for four consecutive years. During Colón’s first three years, LSS grew from over $4 million in losses to $8 million in gains resulting in a $12.4 million financial turnaround. Previously, as Executive Director of the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services, Colón led several countywide initiatives, including efforts to reform the juvenile justice system, end chronic homelessness, transform mental health care, and end a 30-year waitlist for disabilities services.

“The Titan 100 are shaping the future of the Wisconsin business community by building a distinguished reputation that is unrivaled and preeminent in their field. The group recognizes the Titan 100 for their successes and contributions. The 2023 Wisconsin Titan 100 and their companies employ more than 100,000 individuals and generate $36 billion in annual revenues. “We know that they [WI Honorees] will have a profound impact that makes an extraordinary difference for their customers and clients across the nation,” says Jaime Zawmon, President of Titan CEO.

“What a remarkable honor to be named a Titan 100. Although the recognition falls on one person, I only succeed in serving others thanks to the wonderful people at LSS, who demonstrate compassion and courage through their God-given gifts,” Colón said. “I feel such heartfelt gratitude and respect to be chosen for this distinction by an esteemed organization. It is my pleasure to use this as further motivation to lead LSS to empower the lives of everyone we touch throughout Wisconsin.”

Héctor Colón Appointed to Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. Board of Directors

Nicolet Bank Board

The holding company for Nicolet National Bank confirmed its appointment of Héctor Colón to its Board of Directors.

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. sent out a July 20 press release announcing the addition of Colón, the President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin & Upper Michigan.

According to Bob Atwell, Executive Chairman of Nicolet, “Héctor is a great addition to our board. He brings a strong track record of organizational leadership in the governmental, educational and not-for-profit sectors.”

Click the link below to read the full press release and learn more:

Nicolet Bankshares, Inc. Appoints Héctor Colón to Board of Directors

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.

https://thebestandbrightest.com/events/milwaukees-2021-best-and-brightest-companies-to-work-for/

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.

Servant Leadership Informs Inclusion

Racial injustices, such as the murder of George Floyd, often lead to discussions about equity, diversity and inclusion.

https://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2020/07/10/servant-leadership-informs-diversity-inclusion.html

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.