Our Mission

Creating a better world by serving people in need.

Food, clothing and shelter are the basic needs of all people. Due to unforeseen circumstances, sometimes people are unable to obtain these basic needs. That’s why Lutheran Social Services (LSS) offers a continuum of services to lend a helping hand. Through our programs, we reach 26 counties in Ohio with select services offered statewide. From single adults to extended families, our mission is to create a better world by serving people in need.

Our Values

Faith Based

We treat those we serve, regardless of religious background or beliefs, under the guidance of the scriptural principle of “love your neighbor as yourself.”

Integrity

We act in an ethical, honest, transparent and respectful manner in dealing with one another and those we serve.

Compassion

We offer programs and care to those we serve that promote awareness and a thoughtful and empathetic response toward alleviating struggle.

Stewardship

We respectfully and appropriately apply all resources entrusted to us toward fulfilling our mission.

Leadership

We are committed to initiating positive and effective change, improving the lives of those we serve and offering this knowledge as a resource for the betterment of the human services field.

Innovation

We embrace and promote meaningful and creative change that enhances systems and transforms programs to improve the lives of those we serve.

Excellence

We will do things right the first time and commit to doing them better the next.

Visionary

We will think beyond the conventional and ask “why not?”

lutheran social services mission and history

Our Purpose

Each Life Fulfilled. Each life deserves it. A chance to be fulfilled. Safe. Nourished. Comfortable. Loved. Confident. In response to God’s call to love our neighbor, we reach out and we help.  One person, one family at a time. Without regard to the who or the why.  Through each and every act, a meal.. a bed.. a gift.. a smile.. fulfillment is found. With respect. With dignity. With the belief that these efforts help to make the world a better place.

Our Historic Timeline

lss mission and history
1912

Lutheran Inner Mission League founded

lss mission and history
1914

Incorporated to “carry on general charitable and religious work and maintain a hospice” as a residence for young Christian women

lss mission and history
1920

A six room house at 148 S. Belle St. was opened as League headquarters and a settlement house.

lss mission and history
1926

Builds and moves its operations to 106 S. Gift St. in downtown Columbus. The building becomes known as the Lutheran Evangelistic Center.

lss mission and history
1927

Establish feeding program

lss mission and history
1945

Name changed to Lutheran Welfare League of Central Ohio.

lss mission and history
1957

A thrift store opens at 209 S. Broad St in Lancaster.

lss mission and history
1965

Lutheran Senior City (later known as Lutheran Village of Columbus) dedicated.

lss mission and history
1969

Adoption services begin.

1970-lssco logo
1970

Name changed to Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio.

lss mission and history
1976

The first black adoption program in Ohio, Black Adoptions Services, was started.

lss mission and history
1987

The Fairfield County Emergency Shelter opens in Lancaster.

lss mission and history
1992

The first LSS affordable housing community, Stone House Place in Bridgeport, Ohio, opens.

lss kensington place mission and history
1993

Kensington Place is dedicated.

lss the good shepherd
1997

The Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Healthcare Campus in Ashland joins Lutheran Social Services.

mission and history
1998

Disaster Response services are offered.  Faith Mission becomes a part of Lutheran Social Services.

lss lutheran village-mission and history
2000

The Faith Mission Resource Center and Clinic are opened as well as Lutheran Village of Ashland.

Faith on 8th
2001

Faith Mission on 8th Avenue opens.

Fairhaven Lawn Care logo
2009

Fairhaven Lawn Care, the first social enterprise, launches.

lss mobile food pantry-truck
2009

The first mobile food pantry in Ironton starts.

Lutheran Social Services Network of Hope
2013

LSS Home Health Care launches.

help line
2014

CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence joins Lutheran Social Services

Lutheran Social Services Logo A a Network of Hope Logo
2017

Lutheran Social Services updates logo and incorporates LSS Network of Hope

food pantry clients
2018

LSS Food Pantries transitions to online ordering and increases mobile distribution.

Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio is a United Way agency, a member of Lutheran Services in America and a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Copyright © 2016 Lutheran Social Services. All Rights Reserved.

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