Lutheran Social Services of Southern California (LSSSC) Working to End Poverty in Southern California

Social Services

Helping clients with many needs through case management, LSS operates 40 specialized programs. Supporting many causes they range from:

• Support for the aging and disabled
• Resources for veterans
• Transitional and permanent affordable housing
• Job training and financial literacy
• Mental health services
• Family services of all types
• Disaster preparedness and emergency response
• and many others

LSSSC respect each individuals experiences as being uniquely their own. Our number one goal is to equip them with tools and access to resources. We provide help for their family at different points along the continuum of care. This empowers them to move toward independence and find encouragement.

LIST OF SERVICES

Please note that all programs/services are NOT available at every LSS location. Please call ahead to verify available services.

Aging & Senior Programs

Senior Companions – Serves infirmed seniors in the community by pairing them with volunteer companions who can assist with errands and other household tasks, or simply provide conversation and friendship

Locations: San Diego County

Caring Neighbors – Provides minor home care and repair for low income seniors or persons with disabilities

Locations: San Diego County

Support & Referral Services

Referral Services – helps clients gain access to healthcare, food, shelter, childcare and education resources available in their communities. This includes assistance with MediCal insurance applications and CalFresh applications.

Locations: Big Bear Lake, Central City Lutheran Mission (future home of the Community Wellness Campus), Long Beach/South Bay, Orange County, Riverside County, San Fernando Valley, Avanti/San Gabriel Valley, San Diego County, Ventura County

Case Management – Collaborative process of assessment, planning, facilitation, care coordination, evaluation, and advocacy for options and services to meet an individual’s and/or family’s comprehensive mental and/or physical health needs.

Locations: Central City Lutheran Mission, Long Beach/South Bay, Orange County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, San Fernando Valley, Avanti/San Gabriel Valley, Ventura County

Individual & Family Counseling – A branch of psychotherapy that works with individual, families and couples in intimate relationships to nurture change and development

Locations: Orange County

Ambassadors are short-term volunteers who open doors for our organization in the community, introducing new people at our bi-monthly Fostering Community Care event. These are one hour awareness events only (no solicitations are made) to expose people to the great work of LSS Community Care. To become an Ambassador here are your responsibilities:

1 – Attend at least one Fostering Community Care event during the calendar year
2 – Host or invite and bring 10-15 guests to one Fostering Community Care event within 3 months of your attending one yourself.
3 – Inform your invited guests of what the Fostering Community Care meeting will be about, and let them know that they will receive a follow up call from the organization
4 – Ambassadors will complete their commitment after bringing 10-15 persons within the 3 month time period. An Ambassador has the option to complete after one term, continue for another 3 month term or move into another role on the team.

Become an Ally

Allies are community members who want to be in a supportive, intentional, befriending relationship with an individual or family working to get out of poverty.

Other ways to help the Southern California Family Support Initiative

Be an Ad-Hoc Ally – share your special skill or talent
Be a member of your local Community Leadership Team
Assist with weekly Child Care/Children’s Programs
Be a Community Spokesman – talk about the initiative and recruit others to join
Financially Sponsor a Family Leader
Facilitate/assist with Training Our Leaders and Allies
Behind-the-scenes work – internet research, graphic design, writing

We are actively seeking individuals and groups to be a part of our on-going mission to serve those in need. LSS administers over 50 specialized programs and services throughout the Southern California region. Contact your nearest LSS Center to hear about the local opportunities they have available.

Be a positive role model
Give back to others and help change lives
Transform communities
Spend your time doing something rewarding
Meet new people
Have fun
Learn new skills, share your talents, build your resume

The life you change most – may be your own!