Board approves continuation of state-funded youth STAY program with Lutheran Social Service partnership

Kandiyohi County Health and Human Services presented a continuation of a fiscal‑host contract on July 1 that would pass state award funds to Lutheran Social Service (LSS) to run the STAY program, which focuses on independent‑living skills for youth in out‑of‑home placement.

Director Caroline Khan told the board the award amount is $111,600 — the same as the prior year — and that the county acts as fiscal host to disburse the funds to Lutheran Social Service for programming. She described STAY programming elements, including lessons on car maintenance, budgeting and other practical life skills, and said staff visited an LSS youth resource center where county officials observed program activities.

The board moved and seconded approval of the purchase‑of‑service agreement and adopted the contract by voice vote. Khan said the county will continue to administer the state funds and monitor program delivery through LSS.

No further conditions or amendments were added to the contract in the meeting.