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?”
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
1912
Lutheran Inner Mission League founded
1914
Incorporated to “carry on general charitable and religious work and maintain a hospice” as a residence for young Christian women
1920
A six room house at 148 S. Belle St. was opened as League headquarters and a settlement house.
1926
Builds and moves its operations to 106 S. Gift St. in downtown Columbus. The building becomes known as the Lutheran Evangelistic Center.
1927
Establish feeding program
1945
Name changed to Lutheran Welfare League of Central Ohio.
1957
A thrift store opens at 209 S. Broad St in Lancaster.
1965
Lutheran Senior City (later known as Lutheran Village of Columbus) dedicated.
1969
Adoption services begin.
1970
Name changed to Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio.
1976
The first black adoption program in Ohio, Black Adoptions Services, was started.
1987
The Fairfield County Emergency Shelter opens in Lancaster.
1992
The first LSS affordable housing community, Stone House Place in Bridgeport, Ohio, opens.
1993
Kensington Place is dedicated.
1997
The Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Healthcare Campus in Ashland joins Lutheran Social Services.
1998
Disaster Response services are offered. Faith Mission becomes a part of Lutheran Social Services.
2000
The Faith Mission Resource Center and Clinic are opened as well as Lutheran Village of Ashland.
2001
Faith Mission on 8th Avenue opens.
2009
Fairhaven Lawn Care, the first social enterprise, launches.
2009
The first mobile food pantry in Ironton starts.
2013
LSS Home Health Care launches.
2014
CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence joins Lutheran Social Services
2017
Lutheran Social Services becomes the LSS Network of Hope
2018
LSS Food Pantries transitions to online ordering and 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.