Vasa Home will move residents

Vasa Children’s Home, which houses and cares for young people with developmental disabilities, will be moving residents from the historical Anderson Building near Red Wing into supported-living homes in the community.

Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota, which operates Vasa, said residents will be moved by June 15.

LSSMN officials said that moving the residents into smaller homes will help them have more independence while still receiving care.

“Thirty years ago, Minnesota made the right decision to move individuals out of state-run institutions and into group homes with five or more people in the community,” said LSSMN CEO Jodi Harpstead. “Now, as a state, we are helping individuals move toward full independence by supporting them in even smaller homes. … Our employees will continue to provide the same kind of competent and compassionate care they always have.”

Vasa has the capacity to house 24 residents, though it’s not immediately clear how many residents currently live in the Anderson Building and how many will be moved.

Lutheran Social Services got its start in Vasa when the Rev. Eric Norelius created a home for four orphaned immigrant children in 1865.

The Anderson Family donated lands and funds to construct the Anderson building in 1929. In the early 1990s, LSSMN considered closing Vasa Children’s Home, but decided to keep it open.

The agency said it now plans to use the building for staff offices, a historical exhibit and meeting spaces.

Tags: news, minnesota