listen live
watch live
Lutheran Social Services is seen Friday, Jan. 15, at 3911 20th St. S., Fargo.
Michael Vosburg / Forum Photo Editor
Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota CEO and President Bob Otterson told employees in a company-wide video meeting Friday, Jan. 15, that the 102-year-old agency will be closing its doors.
In an emotional exchange, Otterson who has only been in the position for 45 days told employees that, due to the heavy drain on resources caused by LSSND s housing department, the agency could no longer survive. Otterson said the ongoing financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic also compounded the agency s financial difficulties.
Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota has suspended programs and begun to lay off staff due to a financial crisis with its affordable housing program, the nonprofit announced on its website Friday.
A total of 283 full-time and part-time staff will be laid off, as well as several long-term contractors, the agency said. About 40 positions are based in Bismarck.
The decision was largely prompted by continued financial struggles of Lutheran Social Services Housing, an affiliated program that started in 2009, said Bob Otterson, who began Dec. 1 as the agencyâs president and CEO.
âLSS Housing in recent years has been draining the reserves of the affiliated agency,â Otterson said in a statement. âThis financial pressure has hampered the ability of an essential, faith-based organization to serve its clients, specifically those in primary mission areas such as services to children, families, seniors and others.â
The following press release comes from Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota: Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota a non-profit agency with predecessor organizations dating to 1919 has suspended programs and issued layoffs as part of a controlled liquidation plan. The agency’s Board of Directors, after accepting reports from staff leadership, external advisers and