Nellie Miller (Grandmother of our dear LFCS Friend & lifelong supporter, Rae Mohrmann) – was the first of five generations to become involved with Lutheran Family and Children’s Services, formerly known as the Lutheran Children’s Home in Des Peres, Missouri.  Born in 1890, Nellie was the youngest of seven kids, as well as the only girl, so she had no choice but to grow up tough with six older brothers! She started her college journey right after high school, a bold move for a woman of her time. Nellie was determined to get an education and have a meaningful life.

After college, Nellie went on to marry William A. Miller who owned Miller Elevator Co.  Unfortunately Nellie’s husband William passed away in 1939, leaving her a widow. Because Nellie’s husband died during the Great Depression, she knew she had to be a fighter and get a job to survive on her own.

Despite having a college education, Nellie’s job opportunities were limited. She eventually found work as a matron at the Lutheran Children’s Home. She began her journey at the orphanage by performing cleaning duties and steadily advancing as a cook. Nellie worked extremely hard and became a reliable, loving force in the lives of the children of the orphanage, and became integral in the daily operations of the organization.

The Miller Family – far right – with the kids at the Lutheran Orphange- Circa 1940’s

Through all of her hard work and commitment, one thing always remained the same – her love and impeccable care of the children at the orphanage. Her steadfast compassion and commitment to children and families spanned three decades, culminating in her retirement as Assistant Director at the age of 78. Today, Nellie’s profound impact on LFCS is commemorated with a plaque at Des Peres City Hall, which once housed the orphanage she dedicated her life to. In the late 1960s, the Lutheran Children’s Home became Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS).

Nellie Miller at the Orphanage – 1965

Continuing her legacy, Nellie’s children also devoted their time and efforts to LFCS, carrying on her commitment to helping others. Nellie’s granddaughter, Rae, would often join her parents and visited the orphanage to volunteer. Those early memories of giving back introduced a love of service and a lifelong commitment to honoring the LFCS mission- one to which she is still very much committed. Rae’s son Gregg and his wife Kara are also dedicated supporters, and her hope is for her grandchildren to become the next generation to follow in the family tradition of serving the children and families in our community.

This family’s story is a testament to the enduring power of giving. For over 80 years, they have dedicated their time, talents, and resources to empower children and families, helping them overcome challenges today to build a better tomorrow. Their legacy of service is an inspiration to us all.

The post Five Generations of Service to LFCS – Honoring the late Nellie Miller first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

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.

The post A Path To Progress: LFCS’ 2023 Accomplishments first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

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.

The post LFCS Historical Highlight: Regional Expansion first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Rev. Buenger came from a family of Lutheran pastors that dated back to the Reformation. Born and raised in Germany, he came to America in 1839 and began his life of service. Before founding LFCS, Rev. Buenger also:

• Co-Founded Log Cabin College (Altenburg, MO)
• Presided over Trinity Lutheran (St. Louis) and Immanuel Lutheran Church (Olivette, MO)
• Helped establish the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in 1847 (St. Louis, MO)
• Assisted in the creation of The Lutheran hospital of St. Louis in 1858. (St. Louis, MO)

In 1844, Rev. Buenger married Rosa Mueller and together they had three children. Tragedy struck the Buenger family in1849 when a cholera epidemic took the lives of Rosa and all three of his children. In spite of his loss, Buenger remained faithful to his mission of serving God through serving others. He eventually married Joanna Reissner and was father to Johanna, Catherine, Maria, and Agnes.

In 1868, during the Civil War, a wounded Union solder made a plea to Rev. Buenger to care for his 10-year-old-son. The boy’s mother had died and the solder knew it would be months before he would be well enough to care for his son. Rev. Buenger promised to help. He used his Lutheran network to find a schoolteacher to care for the boy, but needed $10 per month to provide adequate care. The story of the soldier’s son spread and soon donations from all over arrived to help care for this child. This is how LFCS was born.

Courageous faith, impeccable integrity, service excellence, strong teams, and innovative ideas. These are the five core values of Lutheran Family and Children’s Service of Missouri and are directly inspired from our founder’s life. Happy Birthday Rev. Buenger! We are honored to carry on the legacy you began 155 years ago.

Buenger Portrait

The post Happy Birthday, Reverend Buenger! first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.