The Lutheran Social Service of Willmar supports youth in the Willmar area who are at-risk or experiencing homelessness with nonjudgmental support and assistance and are committed to providing young people with the resources they need to launch into productive, healthy and independent lives.
LSS of Willmar’s Independent Living Services Program includes an Education & Training Voucher which provides money to students who have aged out of foster care to pay for college tuition/fees, room/board, book/supplies and personal/living expenses. Their Seeking Experiences with Attitudes, Relationships, Community & Home (SEARCH) program provides guidance and support to youth ages 16-22 who have been in out-of-home placement and are preparing to find their own living situation.
Their Sexually Exploited Youth Program serves youth or young adults up to age 24 who have been sexually exploited or trafficked. LSS’s Teen Parents program is a supportive group for youth ages 21 or younger that provides guidance for achieving success within a family context. The purpose of the Youth Leadership Council is to be a voice for other foster youth, promote and educate about the foster care system and work for positive change. Under their housing programs, the Permanent Supportive Housing program provides a housing service for youth up to age 24 who have a documented disability and are experiencing homelessness.
The Youth Supportive Housing program supports homeless and at-risk youth to establish and maintain an independent household, while preventing future occurrences of homelessness. Finally, the Willmar Street Outreach/Basic Center Service provides confidential, nonjudgmental support and assistance for youth who have run away from home or are without a stable place.
