LSS Awarded $1 Million to Reopen Libertas Treatment Center in Chippewa Falls

Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS) will receive $1 million in state funding to renovate and reopen the L.E. Phillips Libertas Treatment Center in Chippewa Falls.

State Senator Jesse James (Left) and State Representative Clint Moses (Right) the two authors of the provision granting LSS $1 million. Courtesy: Facebook

The funding, a provision to the state budget authored by State Senator Jesse James (R-Thorp) and State Representative Clint Moses (R-Menomonie), follows the closure of major behavioral health facilities in the region, which left a significant gap in mental health and addiction treatment.

The new LSS-operated facility will offer 50 beds for medically monitored and transitional residential treatment.

“This grant is proof that strategic public-private partnerships can bring meaningful change to our communities,” said Héctor Colón, President and CEO of LSS. “Thanks to the leadership of Sen. Jesse James, Rep. Clint Moses, and all who supported this bill, LSS can help preserve and expand behavioral health and substance use treatment in the Chippewa Valley. These are much needed services for the community right now. LSS is ready to rise to the occasion.”

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.”

“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