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A History of Service
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) had its beginnings in 1867 with the founding of The Lutheran Home for Children in Andover. An orphanage, The Lutheran Home for Children was the first Lutheran charitable institution in Illinois and one of the earliest in the nation. The first social ministries to which LSSI traces its roots were primarily homes for orphaned children and aging adults.

Since the first home opened in 1867, a tradition of caring has been passed on, which now extends through a vast network of social service programs to people of all ages, races, religions and economic classes throughout Illinois.

Today, LSSI reaches out to tens of thousands of people each year. But behind the wide scope of today's services lies a cluster of community-based, church-related missions that arose in response to varying needs in each community. LSSI's history is a tale of grassroots response to human needs by diverse groups of people whose common characteristic was -- and is -- concern for others. We invite people who share that concern to consider becoming an LSSI advocate, volunteer, donor or staff person by emailing Info@lssi.org

Mission Statement
Responding to the Gospel, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois brings healing, justice and wholeness to people and communities.

Vision Statement
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, as one agency with many expressions, will create community by graciously serving as both the employer and provider of choice.