Since its origin, CES has provided high-quality direct service to persons in need and now serves over 55,000 people annually.  The clients largely consist of low-income households, single parent families, the elderly, mentally/emotionally handicapped persons and recent immigrant groups.

Through direct aid relief, advocacy, referral, guidance and prayer support if desired, CES seeks to strengthen families and individuals.  The desire of CES is to move them beyond crisis to financial stability, emotional health and personal and spiritual strength and growth.

CES was organized in 1971 as a ministry of Augustana Lutheran Church under statutes of their Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity under the Internal Renenue Code and the laws of the State of Minnesota.

The organization's formal name is Community Emergency Service of Augustana Lutheran Church.  Throughout this report, the name CES, the acronym reference by which the organization is commonly known, is used.  CES' parent organization, Augustana Lutheran Church, is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

CES operates out of the old Emanuel Methodist Church located on the corner of 11th Avenue and 19th Street with the main entrance on the 19th Street side.  Augustana Lutheran Church owns this approximately 10,000 square foot space.

Standing out for having leadership that helped establish the organization over 35 years ago, CES offers a broad range of crisis services without excluding the spiritual dimension.  Matters of faith or "religion" are not forced or pressed on anyone.  All are served equally regardless of race, color, creed or sexual preference.