LSS: Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota, nonprofit

Impact Stories in Our Community

From Adversity to Achievement: Simeon's Transformation

From adversity to achievement Simeon's story of transformation is inspiring. Simeon slept through most of his freshman year of high school. His battle with anxiety and depression reached a crisis point that made even the most basic tasks feel insurmountable. Today, will be attending college this fall on numerous scholarships and says “I have a constant desire to learn.” Read more about his story here Read more about his story here.
Strengthening Families Starts with a Meal and Good Conversation

Families, who initially might feel isolated, begin to form supportive networks. The program’s strength comes from the curriculum, but the momentum and energy come from the community it builds. We give families practical skills to implement at home when things aren’t going as planned. Over time, families begin to feel like they can do something in a situation where they maybe didn’t feel like they could before. Read more about how families are doing it.
Finding a Forever Home After Financial Loss

The home-buying process is full of emotion, from excitement to stress, from falling in love with a home to second-guessing it entirely. However, the gravity of this decision is even more profound for families like Shanna’s, who aren’t just seeking a house— they’re aiming to reestablish a home they once lost. Read more about Shanna’s story here Read more about his story here.
National Collaborations Impact South Dakota Families

LSS of South Dakota engages in various cohorts at both regional and national levels. Many of these cohorts fall under the umbrella of LSA, a network comprising 300 health and human service agencies in 1,400 communities across the nation. Read more about how families are impacted.
A Family’s Story—80 Years in the Making

"Having a place like LSS where you have trained caring professionals that care about what they do—that's a big deal. Wherever that trip takes you, they walk with you that whole trip." Read more about Craig and Brian’s journey here.
Multilingual CO.STARTERS Business Accelerator

From Cambodia to California and now to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Stev Meas and Chenda Chou recently celebrated the ribbon cutting and grand opening of their second business location, Mr. Donuts. The LSS Center for New Americans is delighted to be a part of their journey to thriving in the community they now call home. Read how their story unfolds.
Ku OUR MAGICAL KID

Ku is thriving because of the love of the Hornick family. "I can't imagine life without our foster kids. They are part of us. Our purpose is to love them. Because of LSS I have a family." Every day Ku surprises everyone with his words and actions. Read more about the Hornick’s family journey here.
Overcoming Childhood Trauma—This May Have Saved My Life

Many people go through life masking the pain of childhood trauma. People like Lisa. But they are not alone and they don’t have to go through it alone. “It is a beautiful thing to witness someone break free from the impact of their childhood trauma.” Read more of Lisa’s story here.
Support Through Vulnerable Moments: Their Stories—Our Purpose

We share stories about the people whose lives have changed through our work and your support—more so leading up to our Day of Giving now through April 27—South Dakota Cares. The story of LSS is written by each person who walks through our doors. “Why we exist at LSS—it’s to meet people where they are when they finally have the courage to pick up that phone or walk in asking for help.” Read more about the courage of those first steps here.
Don’t Bear Your Financial Burdens Alone

Nobody should feel alone during a time of transition and financial strain. Stephanie started her plan following a series of events that drastically changed her life. "It was the kind of thing you just couldn't predict. I'm very independent...but after a few months, I realized it was time to swallow my pride and talk to somebody. You don't have to be in a critical situation' to seek help, 'you just have to want to be better.' Read Stephanie's full story here.
Beyond Domestic Violence For Those With History of Abusing, Vulnerability Can Meet Accountability

Our past experiences profoundly shape how we interpret the world and the people around us. For those who carry deep hurt or trauma, the instinct to build walls or maintain control often can lead to inflicting pain on others. Read Marie's full story here.
LSS Offers Unique Training Opportunities for Employees

“The kids come into our program when they’ve had serious struggles and are not successful in their home environment anymore. They often come to us after multiple hospitalizations and suicide attempts. The majority of our kids have a lot of trauma in their background, and we focus on helping them work through that in therapy. ” There is so much more to this story, check it out!
Family Finds Way Forward Through LSS Alternatives to Detention

Over time, families grow and change, and encounter new and complex challenges. At LSS, these families find strength as they learn to communicate and work through obstacles, each member receiving the support they need to be healthy, safe and accepted. See how this family learns to move forward.
A ‘Little Angel on Your Shoulder’ Helps Families Find Their Strength

Life can be challenging, and it’s easy for families to get overwhelmed when chaos surrounds them. Often, it can be difficult to just approach a situation, let alone solve a problem or make the necessary changes. That’s why LSS CARES Wraparound Services was created. Read how the program helped one local family.
Families Become Lifelong Friends Through Open Adoption

"It was the biggest decision of my life." In college, expecting twins, she chose open adoption – which proved to be the entirely right decision for her." Read their full story.
Mentors Build Friendships and Expand Horizons

Enjoy this wonderful reminder of the difference four hours a month can make — both for mentor and mentee. Read how their story unfolds.
Foster Care Creates ‘One Miracle After Another’ for Children, Families

The path to parenthood is unique to each family. Some will arrive suddenly, while others plan the birth of a child years in advance. But when years of planning and anticipation don’t go as hoped, some will feel called to pursue a different path through fostering or adoption. Read their full story.

Where Life Stories Take Shape

Last year, LSS helped to transform the lives of South Dakotans with diverse and vital services statewide. But to see the whole picture and truly understand LSS, you have to see what is missing. You may know us as one specific service, but there is so much more. LSS helps individuals, families and communities of all shapes and forms. All have a place at LSS.

LSS is accredited by the Council on Accreditation, a ministry of the South Dakota Synod, ELCA, a member of Lutheran Services in America, a United Way agency and licensed by the State of South Dakota.

LSS Services
Adoption Services • Alternatives to Detention • Behavioral Health Services • Better Together • Center for Financial Resources • Center for New Americans • Multi-Cultural Center • Childcare & Education • Disaster Response Services • Foster Care Services • Independent Living Services • Kinship Services • Mentoring Services • Pregnancy Counseling Services • Re-Entry Services • Residential Services for Children & Youth • Resource Family Services • LSS Cares Wraparound Services

News & Events

January 30, 2026

‘Those things that last’: Mentoring relationships create positive impact on both participants

byLSS of South Dakota and Pigeon605

Mentoring generally connects two people who typically would never have met otherwise. They discover connections as they spend more time together and build a relationship.

January 7, 2026

From refugee to global philanthropist, Sioux Falls woman brings powerful voice to LSS board

byLSS of South Dakota and Pigeon605

“This is the place that helped me to become who I am.” Her story is incredible. Now, she hopes to help others write their own version.

December 22, 2025

City of Sioux Falls Eliminates Funding for Multi-Cultural Center

byLSS of South Dakota

LSS of South Dakota was notified by the City of Sioux Falls on Friday, December 19, that the City would no longer financially support the Multi-Cultural Center. Current funding ends December 31. The elimination of financial support creates significant uncertainty for the future of the Multi-Cultural Center and the annual Festival of Cultures.

View the Archives

YOU CAN BE HEALTHY,
YOUR FAMILY SAFE,
YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS ACCEPTED.

THROUGH OUR WHOLE-PERSON, FAMILY-CENTERED
APPROACH TO CARE, AND CONTINUUM OF SERVICES.

Individuals, families and communities have access to the support and resources they need to thrive. Children and families have safe, stable home environments. Our community is a welcoming and inclusive place for people of all ages, faiths, races & economic statuses.

Impact Stories in Our Community

Where Life Stories Take Shape

News & Events

‘Those things that last’: Mentoring relationships create positive impact on both participants

From refugee to global philanthropist, Sioux Falls woman brings powerful voice to LSS board

City of Sioux Falls Eliminates Funding for Multi-Cultural Center

Administration

YOU CAN BE HEALTHY, YOUR FAMILY SAFE, YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS ACCEPTED.

THROUGH OUR WHOLE-PERSON, FAMILY-CENTERED APPROACH TO CARE, AND CONTINUUM OF SERVICES.

Individuals, families and communities have access to the support and resources they need to thrive. Children and families have safe, stable home environments. Our community is a welcoming and inclusive place for people of all ages, faiths, races & economic statuses.

Impact Stories in Our Community

Where Life Stories Take Shape

News & Events

‘Those things that last’: Mentoring relationships create positive impact on both participants

From refugee to global philanthropist, Sioux Falls woman brings powerful voice to LSS board

City of Sioux Falls Eliminates Funding for Multi-Cultural Center

YOU CAN BE HEALTHY,
YOUR FAMILY SAFE,
YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS ACCEPTED.

THROUGH OUR WHOLE-PERSON, FAMILY-CENTERED
APPROACH TO CARE, AND CONTINUUM OF SERVICES.