kansas city office - Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri

A Path To Progress: LFCS’ 2023 Accomplishments

beanstalk — Fri, 08 Dec 2023 21:54:15 +0000

This year was an exceptionally successful year for Lutheran Family and Children’s Services. From regional expansion to new offices, grants to graduations, LFCS has been blessed to increase our impact throughout Missouri. As we close this year out, we wanted to reflect on the memorable moments that took place; as well as look ahead to what’s in store for 2024.

Each region experienced a momentous occasion this year. First and foremost, we were proud to open our brand new office in Kansas City! We have been expanding our K.C. staff throughout the year and will continue to plant our roots in the communities of Northwest Missouri. In Southwest Missouri, we moved our Joplin staff into a much larger, more accessible space. Clients can now be seen in house and we can respond to the increased demand for services. Not to be outdone, our Columbia office is also moving into a new space. Both Springfield and Cape received grants to improve their current locations. These renovations have allowed us to see more clients, provide more programs, and hire more staff to answer the call for help.

Hilltop had an exceptional year this year. They were awarded the Light of St. Louis award from Pathfinder Church for their exceptional program model. Thanks to the Cornelsen Charitable Foundation, They were able to renovate their outdoor playground for kids to enjoy for years to come. Twenty-six preschoolers graduated this past May, with parents and staff cheering them onto kindergarten. We are so proud of the Hilltop staff and their dedication. Thank you to everyone who supports their mission to provide community-changing services through child and family development.

Celebrations were everywhere in 2023. Our Cape Girardeau office celebrated it’s 50th anniversary. The donor wall will stand as a grateful homage to everyone who helped make out services a staple in Southeast Missouri. This year marked the 40th annual LFCS dinner and auction in St. Louis. Friends of LFCS, dressed to impress, dined and danced the night away; all while generously donating to help our services continue to expand. Our Columbia office received the Pacesetter Ward from the Heart of Missouri United Way. This award highlighted their commitment to improving their community through program impact and innovative ideas.

Finally, LFCS was able to honor the Lutheran churches that have supported our mission throughout the years. Through implementing the Caring Congregation award program, we were able to thank 45 different congregations for their advocacy, donations, and support of our services.

We are so thankful for everyone who helped make this year such a success. More importantly, we are not staying complacent in our achievements. Next year, we have more big changes coming: expanding mental health services, upgrading our website, a larger presence in the media and the community and much more. LFCS has heard the outcry for more services from churches, families, schools, and community leaders. We plan to continue to provide our proven services to all families in need, but we can’t do it without your help. If you are fortunate enough, please consider donating to LFCS this holiday season at www.lfcsmo.org/christmas. Thank you for supporting our mission and may God bless you in the new year!

2023 LFCS Highlights

Opening of new office in Kansas City
Cape Girardeau 50^th Anniversary
40^th Annual LFCS Dinner & Auction
New Columbia Office
New Joplin Office
New Hilltop Playground (Thanks to the Cornelsen Charitable Foundation)
Expanding Behavioral Health services in Mid-Missouri
Springfield receives $10,000 grant for adoption/parenting services
Columbia office received the Pacesetter Award from the Heart of Missouri United Way
Published a new Adoption Resource for our clients “Road Map : Through Your Loved One’s Adoption Journey” (available for purchase on Amazon)
Highlighted 45 Lutheran congregations through our Caring Congregation awards
26 kids graduated from Hilltop in 2023
Began offering free pregnancy testing at any LFCS office
Hilltop received the Light of St. Louis award from Pathfinder Church

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LFCS Historical Highlight: Regional Expansion

beanstalk — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 04:33:38 +0000

For the first 100 years of our existence, LFCS experienced a mix of struggles and successes. From multiple fires demolishing our buildings to adding multiple services to support families, it was an unforgettable journey. In fact, it wasn’t until 1968 (exactly 100 years since Rev. Buenger made that initial promise) that we took on the name Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri. This name change was important because it marked the beginning of our next big endeavor: providing our life-changing services throughout the state of Missouri.

Local church leaders discuss opening of new LFCS office in Cape Girardeau

Prior to 1968, LFCS only provides services for those in the St. Louis area. It was during this name change that our agency expanded our care for children and families across this great state. After five years of planning, fund-raising, and partnering, LFCS opened its first satellite office in Cape Girardeau in 1973. This September makes the 50^th anniversary of providing parenting services & parenting education, youth prevention, and counseling services for Southeast Missouri. Since its opening, LFCS has become a pillar of the community in Cape Girardeau. We have had unwavering support from the Lutheran churches, community leaders, and clients who have experienced sustainable change in their lives.

Since the opening of the Southeast Missouri office in 1973, LFCS has been on a mission to truly be a statewide agency. After seeing the resounding success of our services in Cape, we began our 50-year journey to provide our services in every geographical area across the state. Thanks to your faithful support, we have been able to open offices in Columbia (1995), Springfield (1998), Franklin County (2010), Joplin (2011), St. Charles County (2012) and Kansas City (2023). We are proud to support every area of Missouri with services that save lives, strengthen families and enrich communities.

Our ability to expand is a direct reflection of the support we received from these communities. Lutheran churches, local advocacy & fundraisers, partnerships and individual donors worked together to address the issues plaguing their communities. Their dedication, hard work and generosity are the reason why LFCS is able to care for children and families throughout Missouri. On behalf of Lutheran Family and Children’s Service, thank you for allowing us the privilege to serve within your community!

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Kansas City Here We Come!

beanstalk — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 20:48:12 +0000

Since 1868, LFCS has provided comfort to struggling children and families during their greatest time of need. Since our founding, we have expanded our offices to provide life-changing services to communities in St. Louis, Southeast Missouri, Mid-Missouri, and Southwest Missouri. In 2023, we are excited to announce that LFCS is on the move again. We are heading to Kansas City!

Our Adoption, Parenting, and Pregnancy services will now be available in Jackson County. From parenting education to case management, home visitations to creating forever families, LFCS is thrilled to help Northwest Missouri build a better tomorrow. Overcoming challenges, creating sustainable change, and empowering communities. That’s what we do at LFCS and that’s what we are bringing to Kansas City!

“This is a major step for the agency in accomplishing our
goal to be the recognized leader for parents and families who
want solutions to help children thrive throughout the entire
state.”
Matthew BricklerPresident, LFCS Operating Board

Meet Brookelyn Morris,
Kansas City’s Inaugural Staff Member

“When I first started at LFCS, all of the staff
made sure I felt welcome and supported.
This is very vital as we are new to the
KC area. We are so excited to bring an
organization that is well needed to Kansas
City!”
– Brookelyn MorrisLFCS Social Worker