LSS-SW Division Services
CommunitY Development
Community Development engages individuals, families and congregations in the progression of social, economic, health and other asset development activities that build and lead to community empowerment.
Community Development seeks to empower individuals, families and congregations through the process of providing creative and enterprising ways to transform the communities where they are located.
After School Program for Instructional & Recreational Education (ASPIRE)
The ASPIRE program is offered free of charge to elementary and middle school students in Mesa and Tucson. Students receive help with homework and individualized tutoring. Recreation, field trips, crafts and other activities are provided in a safe, nurturing environment to help children overcome social, language, and cultural barriers. The program goal is to foster the love of learning and making good choices so children can achieve long-term academic and social success.
Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging Program (I-HELP)
Each year between 2.5 and 3.5 million people experience homelessness for some period of time.
I-Help, through the assistance of the faith community, Mesa United Way, The City of Mesa, and community based organizations provides lodging, food, comfort, hope and opportunity for homeless women in Mesa and the East Valley.
In addition, I-HELP also provides other supportive services such as case management, clothing and employment services to homeless single women. Women served through the program are encouraged to develop “Life Plans” in which they set attainable goals leading to a greater level of self sufficiency.
JobNet for Neighbors
Seeking employment can be a daunting process. Our staff provides personalized assistance and counsel to unemployed or underemployed individuals. Career assessment and aptitude testing, resume preparation, job leads, resource materials and networking are offered in Maricopa County and Tucson. JobNet is linked to Pima County One-Stop and Maricopa County Workforce Connection database of jobs. The JobNet staff provides client access and training on effective use of these resources.
Partners in Caring
“I am my brother’s keeper” is in the forefront of our work at the Partners in Caring Food Program in Maricopa County. Donors, community agencies and volunteers collaborate to provide emergency food assistance to low-income individuals, families, and the elderly. Volunteers assemble and distribute food supplied by congregations and community food banks. We also work with these caring partners to provide emergency rent and utilities assistance to those in crisis.
Youth Services
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) Juvenile Justice Services are dedicated to serving youths and families involved with the court system by partnering with the probation department in diverting and intervening at crucial times to assist them in making better decisions that will keep them from further court involvement.
Girls Circle
Girls Circle is a gender-specific, structured group that is supportive. It is a safe place for girls ages 9-18 years of age that are court involved and is designed to bring about self-esteem, identify their capacity, self expression through sharing and to help them connect with their peers and positive women in the community. The circle accomplishes this through creative activities and other engaging exercises included in a comprehensive curriculum.
Girls Circle teaches the importance of positive decision-making, appropriate friendship, valuing oneself, identifying strengths, respecting others and ultimately respecting self.
The agency understands that this model is effective with juvenile justice populations from the early intervention level through the prevention level.
Pathways For Improvement (PFI)
Pathways For Improvement utilizes the Thinking for a Change (T4C) model provided by the National Institute for Corrections (NIC). This program is evidence-based and has proven to be an effective tool in decreasing re-offense behavior (recidivism) in youths engaging in delinquent activity. The T4C program focuses on cognitive restructuring, social skill development as well as problem solving and decision making skills.
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) understands that by becoming involved in the lives of youths and their families, a partnership is created where restorative justice can begin. Restorative justice focuses on reparation. The harm caused by crime is the piece targeted for repairing. The restorative justice model is unique in that it takes the offenders, victims of crimes and community members and has them work together. When this is accomplished, all involved are transformed.
Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency (ROSS)
The ROSS program serves elderly, disabled and / or mentally challenged residents in several public housing complexes in Tucson. ROSS staff work with partnering agencies, volunteers and area congregations to develop programs and activities. Services such as transportation and social activities reduce self-isolation, maximize independence, and promote the physical well being of each resident. Health care partners offer health literacy education programs to promote exercise, nutrition, and good health choices.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest will make reasonable accommodations to all persons with a disability so that they may participate in program services or activities.
