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.

In real life, things simply aren’t that black and white, and problems are rarely fixed by a good guy swooping in to save the day. Instead, it is on every person’s shoulders to protect those who are unable to protect themselves, to step up, to do the right thing.  Advocacy doesn’t get glorified quite the way that you may have thought it did when you were a child, but that doesn’t make it any less important. There are so many people that need help.

When you advocate, first you identify something as unfair or wrong, then you recognize that the people it impacts cannot fix it by themselves. Lastly, you make a commitment to helping them. When some people hear that, they respond “That sounds like a lot of work.”  I’ll be honest with you, it is a big job, but here’s the thing: the more people who commit to advocacy, the easier making change gets.

A great way to advocate is through contacting your policymakers. Joining Lutheran’s Online Advocacy Network makes it easy! Notifications will allow you respond to Action Alerts when your voice can make a difference for children and families. Doing so will protect and grow programs that make such an impact in the lives of vulnerable children and families.

Want to share the opportunity to get involved? Try a post like one below on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Do you want to be an advocate for foster children, at-risk families, pregnant women, individuals with mental health concerns, or those impacted by natural disasters? I am, and Lutheran Family and Children’s Services’ Online Advocacy Network makes it easy. I get Action Alerts when my voice can make a difference. Join at http://bit.ly/advocateonline

#Iadvocate for kids & families, and you can too! Join Lutheran Family & Children’s Services’ Online Advocacy Network at http://bit.ly/advocateonline

The post Join Our Advocacy Network first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

To learn more about LFCS Foster Care Services or to become a Foster Parent, click here!

The post Celebrating Foster Parents first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

The post Portraits of Grace: Older Children Needing Forever Homes first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

“I remember the first time I heard about LFCS.  I was literally homeless.  It was me and my 5 year old son at the time and my daughter whom at the time was still in a carseat.  I didn’t have a place to live.  I was living from hotel to hotel.  I came into LFCS and met my social worker.  She was so sweet, kind, caring and understanding of my situation.

She began helping us by reaching out to shelters and finally got us a room at the Salvation Army.  Then it didn’t stop there.  She provided us with bus passes, transportation, and hope that we would soon find a place of our own.  She not only helped me get a 3 bedroom apartment but she provided clothes, diapers, bus passes, and eventually things I needed for our apartment.

Without my worker and the help of LFCS, I don’t think I would be where I am today.  Thank God for such a wonderful person and a great establishment.  I love this place and I hope that more families can be helped and experience the joy and help I have experienced.

Sincerely, Cammie”

Are you pregnant and in a tough spot? LFCS’ Pregnancy, Parenting, and Adoption Services are here to help you! LFCS is available to offer case management services to you whether you are planning to parent or make an adoption plan. Either way, we will be by your side to help you prepare and make decisions for you and your family.  Pregnancy can be scary, but you are not alone!  

The post Cammie’s Story: Homeless, Unemployed, Parenting and Pregnant first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

CLICK HERE to read the article.

The post Challenge Your Views About Adopting from Foster Care first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.