History
LSS History
Lutheran Social Services adoption roots trace back to the 1880s when Pastor E.J. Homme opened a home for orphaned children in central Wisconsin. Services to families, children and those in need have continued to be the mission of LSS through the years. LSS' domestic adoption program grew out of these beginnings and now supports over 350 birth parents each year that are seeking to make a parenting plan for their child. Our domestic program also assists adoptive families in their efforts to build their family through adoption.
In the 1960s, LSS developed international welfare relationships in different regions of the world, including Russia, Mongolia and the Philippines. These relations remain strong today. LSS also works in conjunction with other placing agencies in China, India, Vietnam, Romania and Guatemala to find parents within the United States for children without permanent families in their native country.
In addition to our adoption services, LSS serves people of all faiths and backgrounds throughout Wisconsin, Upper Michigan and the world. Our staff of over 2,500 offers services at over 250 sites that can be categorized into the following areas:
- Addictions & Corrections
- Adoption & Foster Care
- Counseling
- Children, Youth and Family Services.
- Housing Services
- Older Adult Services
- Persons with Disabilities
- Prison Ministries
- Urban Ministries
To learn more about specific LSS programming and services in your community, please click here to connect to the main LSS web site.
Our Mission:
Motivated by the compassion of Christ, we help people improve the quality of their lives.
Our Vision:
Change the world- one grace-filled life at a time.
LSS Historical Timeline:
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1880s: |
The origin of LSS can be traced to 1882 when Pastor E.J. Homme opened a home for orphaned children in Wittenberg, Wis. |
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1960s: |
Until the 1960s, the organization primarily provided child welfare services and programs for single mothers. Then, about 45 years ago, LSS contracted with state and local governments to help people in need. This partnership initiated a rapid expansion of offerings to the community. |
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1970s: |
In 1973, we opened our first group home, which served older children who required treatment foster care. |
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1980s: |
In 1980, LSS initiated programs to assist persons with chronic mental illness. Services for those with developmental disabilities began in 1984. |
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1990s: |
The 1990s saw an increased focus on international adoption. In 1997, LSS started the Family Partnerships Initiative in response to requests from rural communities. This innovative program is designed to creatively meet the needs of troubled adolescents and their families and keep them together. |
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2000s: |
LSS opened Homme-Neillsville, as part of LSS' Homme Youth and Family Programs. Homme-Neillsville serves teens with emotional, behavioral or addiction issues in Neillsville, Wis. LSS contracted with the state to provide service coordination for nearly 180 children with autism with the Children's Long-Term Support Waiver administered by the Department of Health and Family Services. The program spans 12 counties in Wisconsin. With the closing of the Northern Center - a state-run institution, LSS opened residential facilities for people with special needs. These facilities house up to 40 individuals, many of whom will live in their own homes for the first time. Seeing a need and lack of availability of specialized therapy for children suffering from attachment disorders led LSS to develop an attachment therapy program. LSS is proud to offer this service to families in multiple office locations throughout Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. LSS was proud to partner with the Thompson Community Center in Appleton, Wis. to run a variety of older adult programming out of that location. Today, LSS programs continue to grow and adapt to meet the ever-changing needs of our society. Most recently, LSS has developed new lines of service to better serve our communities. These include Urban Ministries and Prison Ministries. |
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Adoption Facts
There are many grants available for families that need help defraying the costs of an adoption.
Adopted from Russia at age nine
Koyla was adopted from Russia at age nine. He is now sixteen and has written about his thoughts, feels and experiences for you.
Make an Impact
Partner with us to help a child discover the love of a forever family.
Let Us Help
Our staff has over 60 years of adoption service experience - both here and abroad. We can answer any questions you may have.