Sept. 22, 2022

LSS and the Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls are moving forward with their integration.

The boards of both organizations approved a plan this week to transition the Multi-Cultural Center and its programs, assets and goodwill into LSS on Oct. 1. A full transition is expected by the end of the year.

The interim MCC executive director Laurie Knutson and the MCC board of directors will continue to govern the organization through the transition as needed.

“The MCC leadership believes that LSS’ mission aligns with and supports the MCC mission. Programs and services will thrive with the added stability and leadership offered by the LSS organization,” Knutson said in a statement. “We believe a new synergy will develop with bringing our valued people and financial resources together — allowing us to serve our constituents and community more effectively.”

Aligning efforts will result in better outcomes for the diverse communities of Sioux Falls, leaders of both organizations said. That includes removing the duplication of administrative functions to create an operational efficiency and a programming synergy to better respond to client and community needs.

“The mission for LSS and the MCC have great synergy. LSS is excited to have an opportunity to provide administrative and leadership support of MCC to propel the work into the future. There will be more exciting developments to come,” said Rebecca Kiesow-Knudsen, LSS president and CEO

“The transition of the MCC into LSS also aligns with the LSS vision statement that ‘all South Dakotans will be healthy, safe and accepted.’ We are all committed to making Sioux Falls and South Dakota a welcoming community for individuals and families of all backgrounds.”

LSS was founded more than 100 years ago and offers a variety of services, including behavioral health, the Center for Financial Resources, adoption and pregnancy counseling, foster care, residential services for children and youth, child care, education and mentoring.

The LSS Center for New Americans “has developed solid relationships with several ethnic communities and provides robust support for many who are settling in our community,” the organization said.

“LSS will continue the work of the MCC serving various immigrant populations and working with Native American populations to celebrate cultural diversity within the Sioux Falls community. The partnerships with the city of Sioux Falls and Minnehaha County will strengthen, and its focus on community engagement will continue to offer opportunities to build on community interests around cultural diversity. Events like the Festival of Cultures will continue to bring people together in education and celebration.”