Infrastructure and Capacity
Creating spaces that empower what’s possible
Empowering what’s possible means ensuring services are provided in up-to-date, modern and easily accessed facilities in the communities that need them. When we invest in service infrastructure, we are investing in the communities we serve.
Adapting our buildings to meet the current and future needs of our neighbors goes hand-in-hand with our capacity to evolve our services. Taken together, these enhancements allow for more seamless service delivery that help our neighbors — and neighborhoods — to thrive.
Center for Changing Lives — Frogtown-Rondo
(in progress)
Offering safe and supportive space for youth and families is a hallmark of LSS — and we see an opportunity to expand services in Saint Paul’s Frogtown Neighborhood, at our University Avenue building. Through a planned $7.5 million renovation, this facility will be a flagship location for service innovations, expansion and measurement initiatives of the campaign.
First floor renovations will include expanded spaces to serve Early Learning Center — Frogtown-Rondo students and their families as well as spaces to provide employment services, financial counseling and education, housing services and behavioral health services. Second floor renovations will provide expanded housing for youth and young families experiencing homelessness. Once complete, the Center for Changing Lives — Frogtown-Rondo will offer an array of integrated support services in one location.
LSS Early Learning Center – East Side
(complete)
LSS’ Early Learning Centers help young children establish a strong foundation that includes healthy caregivers as well as affordable and high-quality early childhood education. In August of 2024, LSS was thrilled to open a second Early Learning Center, housed in a reimagined space at Grace Lutheran Church in the Greater East Side Neighborhood of Saint Paul. Through the educational model offered at our Early Learning Centers, LSS is serving two generations — parents and kids — multiplying the impact of our work in pursuit of brighter futures.
Fischer Cabin at Camp Knutson
(complete)
To ensure that LSS’ Camp Knutson continues to be a nurturing and safe place for people with medical conditions and other identified needs, we opened Fischer Cabin in June of 2023. The 4,467 square-foot cabin was thoughtfully designed to serve more campers with an enhanced experience. The $1.4 million project was made possible by a lead gift from the Dave & Marie Fischer Family along with the generosity of the Camp Knutson community of supporters.
LSS Bethany
(complete)
LSS has operated shelter services for children and youth in Duluth for more than 100 years. In 2022, our 50-year-old shelter — housed in a single-family home — was rebuilt to better support children and youth. The beautifully updated $3.3 million shelter also has space for services that support families. These expanded services include parent support offerings, education and coaching, behavioral health, family visitation, reunification support, and referrals to community services.
Contact Us
If you have questions about how you can get involved and support Empower What’s Possible, please contact our development team at: Development@lssmn.org and 651.529.8899.