LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES DEDICATES NEW BUILDING TO HELP PEOPLE THRIVE

Smiles, hugs, handshakes, blisters and prayer opened the doors of the new Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota building in March. A history rich in giving throughout North Dakota laid the foundation.

The building, according to CEO Jessica Thomasson, is the Center for Healing, Help and Hope. This building has a big job – it not only gives a home for the people who work and come there as clients, it is a beacon of hope to everyone who passes by on I-94.

Prominently displayed above the door is the dove, a bird used as the symbol of LSS ministry for decades. Thomasson believes the dove was adopted because it is almost universally understood to show the hand and presence of God in the world.

At the grand opening, in a sunshiny room filled with people waiting for the dedication and tours, Board Chairman Mark Strand of West Fargo talked about this “dream come true.” He said his first meeting with the board was seven years ago. At that meeting, the board moved to purchase the land. “We want North Dakotans of all ages to thrive,” he said.

The new facility includes both staff offices and a spacious conference center, which is available for public use. The Scandinavian- inspired architectural design and color palette within the building honor North Dakota’s heritage, while offering modern, flexible work spaces that allow staff and clients to collaborate easily in a mix of both private and shared spaces.

Other offices are located in Grand Forks, Minot, Williston and Bismarck.

Gov. Jack Dalrymple spoke, lauding LSS leadership. He said the direct partnership LSS has with the state to provide affordable housing is critical. Creating the new Housing Incentive Fund with LSS as the number one partner showed LSS determination, know-how and ability to cut through red tape.

Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney took a philosophical yet practical approach in his comments. “More and more people need hope,” he said, “and Lutheran Social Services helps the city in housing, behavioral health, senior citizens and so many areas.”

Rick Blilie, superintendent for contractor Roers Construction, likes the building. “This was a smooth project. This building is built to last,” he said.

His words echo Thomasson when she said LSS made its stake for the next century. “Many things had to connect. This building holds services that have to interact, just like a family interacts. It’s a privilege to see how the pieces fit together on a daily basis.”

“I am excited for us to be part of the community conversations that are happening around change. Our organization’s unifying goal is to help people thrive. We know that one way we can help people thrive is by helping people to connect in new ways –the simple act of connecting can actually help build community,” she said.

“North Dakota is filled with good-hearted people. We are so blessed.”

Bishop Terry Brandt of the Eastern North Dakota ELCA Synod, whose offices are colocated at the new building, led prayers along with Bishop Mark Narum of the Western North Dakota ELCA Synod.

LSS statistics

LSS is a statewide social services ministry providing nonprofit housing, food, disaster recovery, counseling and therapy and other services to our neighbors in need.

The agency, initially founded in 1919 as an adoption organization, has a long tradition of charting new growth based on the needs of people living in North Dakota.

A staff of more than 330 employees across the state, and hundreds of volunteers, help Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota deliver healing, help and hope to individuals, families and communities in need.

From its beginnings as a child placement service provider and re-settler of European refugee children after World War II to its current incarnation as a state leader in affordable housing, behavioral health care and innovative services for children and seniors, Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota’s focus is always on helping people thrive.

[AWM]