History of LSS Foundation, Inc.
Our Origins
The LSS Foundation, Inc. (Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) which exists to support Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan (LSS). Through multiple programs and services, LSS impacts thousands of lives annually in the areas of Children and Families, Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders, Housing, and Residential and Disability Services. Gifts to the Foundation are invested to increase their value. Through regular disbursements to LSS and funding of innovative projects, the Foundation supports LSS in the present and in the long term.
The LSS Foundation, Inc. owes its origins to A. Bela Maroti (1930-2022) who founded the DePaul Rehabilitation Hospital, one of the first residential treatment centers for veterans struggling with addiction and homelessness, in Milwaukee in 1958.
LSS Foundation, Inc. Timeline
1974
Formation
Formation of the De Paul Hospital Foundation, Inc. (predecessor to LSS Foundation, Inc.) to support the long-term treatment for persons experiencing substance use disorders.
1976
Incorporation of LSS Foundation, Inc.
Articles of Incorporation filed with the State of Wisconsin.
1985
Ben Gjenvick Fund
Ben Gjenvick Fund created to honor
the memory of former LSS President Ben A. Gjenvick for his integration of social work and faith.
1993
Acquisition
Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc. acquires all assets of De Paul Hospital, Inc. and De Paul Hospital Foundation.
1993
Roger Hack Voices of Youth Fund
The Roger Hack Voices of Youth Fund established primarily to support LSS programs for homeless youth in Upper Michigan, especially for troubled young men and women in their high school years, and particularly for substance abuse, school, home, and parental problems.
1994
LSS Endowment Fund
The Martinus E. and Vera Silseth LSS Endowment Fund established to honor the Silseths’ service to LSS.
1995
Support for LSS Programs
Verdayne T. John Endowment established in memory of Mr. John to support LSS programs.
1996
Grottveit Endowment
Lowell Grottveit Endowment established in memory
of Lowell Grottveit (deceased in 1996) for his work for LSS in adoption and refugee services. The fund supports new and ongoing programs of LSS.
1997
The Paul and Elaine Groth Fund
The Paul and Elaine Groth Fund created in honor of Paul Groth, LSS Board member, and his wife Elaine who were killed in an auto accident. The Fund was established to support the work of LSS.
1997
Martin Luther Children's Home Fund
Martin Luther Children’s Home Fund established in honor of the tradition and mission of the Martin Luther Children's Home founded in 1889in the Madison/Stoughton area.
1999
Robert and Marilyn Duea Fund
Robert and Marilyn Duea Fund established for LSS general use in honor of the Duea’s service to LSS. Robert Duea was the President and CEO of LSS of WI and Upper MI from 1985 to 2002. Prior to that he was President of LSS of Oregon and Southwest Washington for nine years. Bob and Marilyn were active in the Lutheran Adoption Network for many years, traveling abroad to facilitate adoptions from many countries.
2001
Christopher David Boerke Fund
Christopher David Boerke Fund established for general use, especially for persons with special needs.
2002
Leona Cloud Fund
Leona Cloud Fund established to assist with adoptions and for general use.
December 1, 2003
Renamed LSS Foundation, Inc.
Foundation renamed LSS Foundation, Inc. with a revised mission to support the ministries of Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Inc.
2003
Children, Youth and Family Services Fund
Children, Youth and Family Services Fund established from a bequest from the estate of Gertrude Eichstaedt with principal restricted to support LSS new and existing programs that serve the many needs of children, youth, and families
2004
Ester Erickson Fox Fund
Allen Fox of Sparta, WI created the Ester Erickson Fox Fund to honor his mother Esther by supporting programs that encourage and strengthen families in La Crosse and Monroe counties.
2007
Lotti Bierman Fund
Lotti Bierman Fund established for general LSS programming.
2011
Maroti Family Endowment
Maroti Family Endowment created to support LSS programming, especially in the areas of substance use treatment and mental health services.
2014
Gary and Terri Steinhauer Fund
Gary and Terri Steinhauer Fund established for general use.
2015
Strategic Initiative - Seed Funding for Connections
LSS Foundation, Inc. provided seed funding and financial guarantees to launch state-wide Connections program supporting adults with disabilities and frail elderly to remain in their own homes and community settings.
2016
William and Rosalyn Hamrick Scholarship Fund
The William and Rosalyn Hamrick Scholarship Fund to further education for youth receiving LSS Adoption or Foster Care Services established. Scholarships are distributed annually.
2016
Stockbridge Homme Professional Development Fund
A bequest to support professional development for Homme Youth and Family Program staff created the Carolyn Stockbridge Homme Professional Development Fund. The Fund has supported such training as Crisis Intervention Training for staff.
2016
A bequest in honor of Joan Paulson
A bequest in honor of Joan Paulson, differently abled English teacher, established an endowment, especially to support programs that provide education and training programs for people with physical and mental disabilities.
2018
Strategic Initiative - Seed Funding for School Centered Mental Health (SCMH) program
LSS Foundation, Inc. joined other Milwaukee area foundations to provide 3-year seed funding that launches the School-Centered Mental Health (SCMH) program serving vulnerable children and youth in some of Milwaukee’s most-impoverished neighborhoods.
2019
Strategic Initiative - Seed Funding for Aspen Center
LSS Foundation, Inc. made a challenge grant to renovate and open the 8th LSS substance use disorders (SUD) treatment facility, Aspen Center, in Waukesha. The facility is the first affordable residential treatment program in Waukesha County to admit women.
2023
Strategic Initiative - Seed Funding for Deep River Treatment Center
Building on the prior LSS success with SUD treatment facilities, LSS Foundation, Inc. provided needed funds to renovate an LSS-owned site in Neillsville, WI to expand residential treatment to a 9th location, Deep River.
2024
LSS Foundation celebrates 50 years
LSS Foundation, Inc. celebrates 50 years of supporting the ministries of LSS and assets more than $30 million.