Lutheran Social Services celebrates birthday

Wednesday, June 4, 1997 | 10:33 a.m.

LSSN was formed earlier this year from what was Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, whose governing board is out of state.

"Being a Nevada nonprofit corporation, run by Nevadans, gives us more focus and renewed energy to do more for people in need here in our state," says LSSN Board President Duane Berglund.

LSSN's outreach programs include the Help Care Center, open weekdays, and Weekend Emergency Assistance Program, a weekend emergency food program. WEAP is operated in conjunction with the United Methodist Social Ministries. The Help Care Center provides emergency food and other assistance to people with referrals from other agencies.

Vicky Parham, executive director of LSSN, says the number of people coming to receive temporary help is increasing dramatically, partially due to the new restrictions in the Federal Food Stamp Program. Last year, with about 100 volunteers, these two programs served more than 26,000 people, nearly 60 percent of whom were children.

LSSN is investigating how best to meet other area needs through expanding these programs or creating new ones.

"Anyone who looks around can see that the needs are great," says Berglund. "It is time to expand our programs. And we feel that people in the congregations and in the community at large are ready to join with us to provide more care for people in need."

The Moonstruck Gallery event will include a celebration and recognition of volunteers as well as community agencies that work closely with LSSN. Entertainment will be provided by May Palmer, a professional songstress, and Tara Unger, a young singing talent.