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

OVERVIEW

Lutheran Social Services of Southern California began in December 1944 when a group of Lutheran congregations in San Diego came together to discuss how to better assist families in need. They began discussing how to form a Welfare Commission. Their vision expanded when they came together with another group of Lutheran congregations in Los Angeles having the very same conversation. Lutheran Social Services of Southern California was officially incorporated in 1946 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit social service agency. The mission has stayed true to its earliest beginnings, to be a servant to those in need.

Today LSSSC serves thousands of individuals and families throughout Southern California with over 70 different programs/services at nearly 20 different locations. We are part of the Lutheran Services in America (LSA) network and strive to serve those in need with dignity and respect.

We Embrace…

We Equip…

We Empower…

…those in crisis, with short-term, emergency services.

…individuals and families, with program resources to help them on their journey.

…people to break the cycle of poverty, live with dignity and become self-sufficient.

“History judges every civilization by the same criteria: how far they allow the poorest among them to fall” – Arnold Toynbee

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!