LSS Youth Resource Center Open House
The Community is invited to an open house on April 13th at the LSS Youth Resource Center in Willmar. There will be tours of the facility, which is located at Bethel Lutheran Church, to celebrate its one-year anniversary.
Since the LSS Youth Resource Center in Willmar opened one year ago in April, team members have supported 146 youth who have made 423 visits for a safe place to connect with others, get food and hygiene items, enjoy warm meals and get emotional support from caring adults.
Program Director Angie Mateski says every number represents a young person navigating challenges no one should face alone. She says many are experiencing housing instability, family conflict, exploitation, or the overwhelming pressure of trying to meet their own basic needs.
The resource center, located at Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar, serves youth from eight
counties in Southwestern Minnesota – Kandiyohi, Big Stone, Chippewa, Lac qui Parle, McLeod,
Meeker, Renville and Swift counties. It supports young people up to 24 years old, particularly
those experiencing homelessness.
The space, originally built for Sunday school, was renovated to offer a safe space and
welcoming environment for youth, where they can access community support and essential resources, and build trusting relationships.
Ongoing support with basic needs supplies is a way the community can support youth at the LSS
Youth Resource Center – Willmar. Lutheran Social Service invites the community to the open house to learn more about services, tour the facility and meet the staff on Monday, April 13th, at 411 Becker Avenue SW in Willmar. Visitors can enter Door 3 and go to the third floor.
