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.
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 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
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
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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MEDIA CONTACT
George Kmetty, Public Relations Specialist
George.Kmetty@lsswis.org
262-693-6825
Gov. Evers, Héctor Colón Speak at LSS Aspen Center About Opioid Treatment
Waukesha, WI — On July 6, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers held a press conference at the LSS Aspen Center site regarding a new law that would help fund opioid abuse treatment services and funding through Act 57.
Héctor Colón, LSS President and CEO, kicked off the press conference in front of a host of TV, radio and print media, many of whom included LSS in their stories. Colón also spoke with WTMJ-TV and was featured on their story, which you can see below:
Aside from Colón and Gov. Evers, Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow and Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley also spoke during the approximately 20-minute media gathering.
You can see the full press conference below, as posted on Milwaukee’s CBS 58 news site:
You can also find additional information from the using the links below: