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

Ventura pier

Ventura County

Located in the city of Thousand Oaks, LSS Ventura County operates and manages emergency assistance programs throughout Conejo Valley. We provide short-term emergency assistance, addressing the immediate needs of marginalized and underserved communities, while promoting a sense of self-reliance and community among all persons.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Mission

Ignited by faith, we live out God’s love by embracing, equipping and empowering vulnerable people in Southern California.

Vision

Sharing the love of Christ, we are a community to care and be cared for…where the vulnerable are safer and stronger; where the dependent are self-sustaining; where the isolated dwell in community; where the weary will be given hope.

OUR SERVICES

Emergency Services
(Embrace)

Social Services
(Equip)

Transitional Services
(Empower)

LSS Ventura County offers drop-in services for homeless and low-income individuals, providing access to food, showers and laundry facilities. We also offer rental and housing assistance in addition to intensive case management services. Our outreach partnership with the Ventura County Sheriff’s department allows us to meet those in need where they are and provide solution based options for short and long-term recovery.

Emergency Services

Food, Clothing, Hygiene, Utilities, Motel Vouchers and Rental Assistance

Community Education and Support Services

Housing Counseling

Care Coordination Services

Street Outreach Program

Housing Services

Rapid Re-Housing

Apply For Emergency Assistance

CONTACT INFORMATION

Gerald’s Story

Gerald Brower should be enjoying a steady retirement. He should have had his feet kicked up and been chatting with his buddies about tee times. Gerald is almost 70 years old. In an idyllic world, this is what Gerald’s life would have looked like. Gerald worked for 37 years in the Mortgage Banking business, and earned a stable income doing so. According to plans, he should have reached that idyllic lifestyle of cozy retirement.

Life does not always go according to plan though. Plans are subject to change, and subject to change at the mercy of life. The position many older adults find themselves in, Gerald was the primary caregiver for his mom and dad, and he lived by their side in his childhood home until they died. This was far from ideal, but it is a reality that many grown children are faced with. But life was not done with Gerald.

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CONTACT

Dichele Harris, M.P.P.A., Area Director

Email: vcinfo@LSSSC.org

Office: 805-497-6207

Fax: 805-497-6207

80 E. Hillcrest Drive #101

Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

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!