Lutheran Social Service earns accreditation for helping those with disabiltiies

After an intensive review of its services to people with disabilities, Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS) received a quality “seal of approval” by the Council on Quality and Leadership (CQL), renewing the organization’s four-year accreditation status.

The accreditation distinguishes organizations that provide person-centered, quality supports to people with disabilities and also certifies that they engage in an ongoing process to measure satisfaction and improve services. Statewide, LSS supports 1,400 people with developmental disabilities. In Douglas County, LSS supports individuals in five homes to help them lead full lives in the community.

“Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota continued to show a deep commitment to its mission of positively changing lives and building community for all people,” said Jill Westring, consultant for the Council on Quality and Leadership. “Congratulations to Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota in continuing a partnership with CQL by achieving a four-year accreditation.”

To achieve the four-year accreditation, organizations participate in a comprehensive process that includes self-assessments to evaluate values, services, mission and vision. CQL consultants also conduct a four-day, onsite visit with meetings that include people with disabilities, employees and community members to determine ways to build on the organization’s strengths.

“It was great being able to have a conversation with our staff, individuals that we support, and community stakeholders,” said Nancy Rosemore, senior director with Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. ”We received wonderful feedback on things we are doing well, and ways we can improve.”

Rosemore added that the Council also recognized and supported an initiative introduced by LSS this year called “My Life, My Choices”. This new service design provides people with disabilities greater control and choice in their lives—and at less cost.

For more than 40 years, CQL has been a leader in working with human service organizations to continuously define, measure and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and build communities that provide inclusion for all people.

In addition to the CQL accreditation, Lutheran Social Service is also accredited by the Council on Accreditation, an international and independent family services accrediting organization.

Each year, Lutheran Social Service helps 100,000 Minnesotans statewide by providing safe and supportive homes for children, counseling to restore health and wellness in families, community living for people with disabilities and options that help seniors maintain well-being and independence. For more information, please visit www.lssmn.org

Tags: minnesota news, updates, lss, disabilities