Lutheran Social Services of Nevada celebrates 20 years of support to the community

It was 1985 when local Lutheran churches saw a need in the community and opened a clothing closet to fill that gap. But as the need continued to grow, so did the agency helping people. Twenty years ago, Lutheran Social Services of Nevada became an independent, nonprofit society, and its role in the community has grown to meet the needs of today.

“We are not a church, we are independent and serve the entire community. No one is ever asked their religion. If they need help we are there for them,” said Armena Mnatsakanyan, executive director.

“Lutheran Social Services is a vital provider to prevent homelessness and reduce the number of people who have nowhere else to turn for help.”

LSS is best known for its food pantry, which is set up like a grocery store where clients can shop for free food once a month. All food comes from donations. They also offer seniors a free hot lunch program five days a week at two locations. But their services don’t stop there.

In emergency situations they can provide temporary rent and utilities, and help clients to find their way to becoming self sufficient again. “We treat them with respect,” she said. “We are like a family here. Our mission is to express the love of Christ by serving and caring for people in need.”

Through all of its programs the agency helps about 15,000 to 20,000 people each year.

One person who knows exactly how LSS can help is Joe Smith, who now volunteers with the agency. About a year ago he found himself homeless. He had paid for two funerals and he had eye surgery.

After recovering from surgery he found the store where he had worked was closed. “I didn’t know what to do. My bank account was drained, my life savings was gone. So with no rent, no job and nowhere to turn I ended up on the streets.

For eight months he fought his way through life day by day.

“You never knew what you were going to eat, and it was impossible to save enough money to make a down payment on an apartment,” he said.

“Everything was a struggle. You had to keep all of your stuff with you all the time, and at night things get stolen while you’re asleep.

“It’s hard to go on any job interviews when you’re carrying around all your stuff and you haven’t had a shower for a month. It was like being a hamster going around on a wheel, you can’t get out,” he added. “When you’re homeless you just sit on the street day after day.”

But after eight months, Smith had reached his breaking point. “I just couldn’t take it anymore. I decided to give up the struggle, I didn’t care what happened. I just turned it all over to God.”

That’s when his life changed. “It was a godsend,” he said. “One night a policeman said there were some people here who could help me. He took me over to meet a woman who was from LSS. They were there that night just talking to people and cleaning up the streets.”

The next thing he knew he was living in his own apartment where the rent and utilities were paid by the agency. He had access to other programs to help him get back on his feet and become self-sufficient.

But it wasn’t just the financial assistance that turned him around, it was the people he met. “It’s just like a family here,” he said “

Now a volunteer, working in the food pantry he has found a new calling. “I just love this place. Thank God for the people here who have made me part of their family. I’m only scheduled to work once a week, but I’m here almost every day. I just love it.”

One of his new friends is another volunteer, Nancy Starkey. She also started as a client and about a year ago began volunteering and helping whenever she can.

“The people here are so wonderful,” she said. “They are helpful and so encouraging, and now I’m a part of the team.”

Starkey works at the food pantry and helps out with the senior lunch program. “After struggling from month to month to feed my family, it was great when I found LSS and could get help. Now I just really enjoy helping others.”

Lutheran Social Services of Nevada has plans for a new building, among other improvements as it moves forward.

For more information about its services, call LSS at 702-639-1730. Requirements vary for each program.