LSS Disability Services in Massachusetts

Who Are We?
Lutheran Social Services of New England (LSS) brings a 135-year history of human care to the field of service to persons with developmental disabilities. 

Whom Do We Serve?
The individuals we currently serve are referred by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Retardation (DMR).

How Do We Serve?
LSS encourages people with developmental disabilities to live life on their own terms. We work closely with each individual, family and DMR, to develop a system of supports to assist persons towards greater independence, work opportunities and participation in community activities.  Our programs include consumer directed services, supported employment, community support and staffed residential homes. 

For persons able to live independently within the Worcester community, the Forsberg Independent Living Program provides the support necessary to maintain self-sufficiency.  Other individuals require round-the-clock staff support in a traditional group home setting at the North Ashland Street program in Worcester.  Eight persons live at the Lutheran Creative Living residence in Andover, where our staff supports their daily needs while helping them to develop skills that will increase their independence and enhance their quality of life.  

Forsberg Independent Living Program (FILP)

The Forsberg Program is a unique model that enables and empowers persons with developmental disabilities to live on their own terms in the Worcester  community.  Funded by the Mass. Department of Mental Retardation (DMR), this program assists participants with their finances, helps them improve their skills for the activities of daily living and encourages self-reliance in decision making.  Case workers visit their clients, monitor their progress, and serve as a constant resource and support in all life situations. Participants enjoy the dignity of being fully integrated and valued members of society. The program is named for David Forsberg, founder of the program and a well-known figure in public life in Massachusetts.

North Ashland Street Residence

The North Ashland Street residence is a family home for five adult men with developmental disabilities.  The program, which is funded by the Mass. Department of Mental Retardation, provides all necessary support for the residents while fostering an environment of individuality and autonomy, as determined by the individual and various caregivers on their therapeutic team. 

The home is located in a Worcester neighborhood, where membership in the community reinforces residents’ sense of belonging and strengthens the community by providing opportunities for citizenship, friendship and participation.

FORSBERG INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAM
NORTH ASHLAND STREET RESIDENCE
39 Whitmarsh Avenue
Worcester, MA 01606
(508) 849-2152
Info@LSSNE.org

Lutheran Creative Living

Lutheran Creative Living, Andover, Mass., which was dedicated in November 2006, resulted from a unique partnership among HUD, the Mass. Department of Mental Retardation, Lutheran Social Services and Creative Living, a community based respite program for adults with developmental disabilities.  This new residence for eight adults with developmental disabilities is comprised of eight private apartments, a large common room and two sitting rooms.  It is staffed by professional care staff who help residents to work on life skills that will enable them to live with dignity in their apartments while participating in the life of their residential community. Residents are also involved in a wide range of activities within their community.

LUTHERAN CREATIVE LIVING
368 Rear South Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
(978) 409-6268
Info@LSSNE.org