The post Empowering Families: Inside Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri’s Parenting Program first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Kaitlynn was assigned as Breanna’s LFCS caseworker, and the two developed a great relationship. Kaitlynn provided education and support throughout Breanna’s pregnancy. Later that year, Breanna gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Ellie. She began attending the LFCS Parenting Cafes, which are a wonderful opportunity for clients to take a break and visit with other parents while their children play together under the supervision of the LFCS staff.

“You get to hang out with other friends and other parents and talk about being a parent. It is a comfortable and safe space to talk about any feelings you may have with no interruptions and learn about different parenting topics.”

Breanna, her family, and Kaitlynn pose during a parenting cafe event last fall.

Breanna with Cece and Ellie on graduation day

“I would like to let people know that it’s a huge stress relief to work with LFCS- any worries you might have, they help you with.”

During Breanna’s pregnancy, her mother was diagnosed with dementia. Kaitlynn provided information about resources in the community to assist them through that difficult situation. When Breanna’s third daughter Freya was born, Kaitlynn continued providing support through home visits with Breanna and her children.

When Freya was 3 months old, Kaitlynn encouraged Breanna to pursue her high school diploma through the Goodwill Excel Center in Springfield, MO. Kaitlynn gave her the motivation that she needed to finish her diploma, and ensured that she had the resources she needed so she would be able to focus on her coursework.

“Kaitlynn is like a cheerleader, and she has supported me through so much.”

The post Congratulations To LFCS Parenting Client Breanna! first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Now, at age 34, Mia stands as a living testament to the resilience, hope, and transformative impact of LFCS.

Mia’s story is one of determination and growth, marked by her commitment to creating a better life for herself and her three children, ages 10, 6, and 2. Her connection with LFCS began when she was just 21 and expecting her first child. During this period, Mia grappled with the daunting prospect of single motherhood while struggling to find the support and guidance she desperately needed.

“I was a hot mess,” said Mia. “I did not know what to do. I didn’t have much support, and I felt completely lost.”

At this challenging juncture, Mia was referred to LFCS’s Springfield, Missouri office, marking the beginning of a life-altering partnership.

A Supportive Alliance

LFCS counselors stepped in to provide Mia with the support and resources she required throughout her pregnancy and as she faced the reality of single motherhood. Their guidance and support enabled her to acquire essential coping skills, manage her relationship with her child’s father, and explore options, including adoption.

One exceptional aspect of Mia’s experience was LFCS’s ability to tailor its support to her needs. Recognizing her anxiety about becoming a mother, Mia requested a lifelike infant simulator to help her prepare for parenthood. LFCS went above and beyond to fulfill her request, ensuring she had the tools to confront the challenges ahead confidently.

A Brighter Future

Following the birth of her child, LFCS counselors continued to provide invaluable assistance, helping Mia secure a crib, car seat, and the support of a doula. These resources facilitated her transition into motherhood, allowing her to concentrate on nurturing her child’s development.

LFCS counselors continued addressing immediate needs and helped Mia develop crucial life skills. Budgeting became an integral part of her journey, equipping her with the knowledge to manage her finances effectively. Moreover, the LFCS team encouraged Mia to explore career opportunities aligned with her goals, even as she pursued her dreams in art and entrepreneurship.

Empowering Lives

Throughout Mia’s collaboration with LFCS, guided by compassionate counselors, she discovered the importance of confidence, resilience, and self-empowerment. Mia uncovered her inner strength and mustered the courage to chase her dreams. Today, she not only stands as a mother of three incredible children, with another on the way but also as a burgeoning entrepreneur and founder of a nonprofit.

Mia is the driving force behind the Pacific Community Garden, a nonprofit that aims to teach minorities in Springfield how to cultivate independence through gardening while providing a therapeutic outlet. Her establishment serves as the heart of this initiative. Mia also co-founded the United Community Change, a racial awareness group dedicated to fostering positive change in the community.

A Powerful Reminder

Mia’s remarkable transformation from a young, uncertain mother-to-be to an empowered entrepreneur and community leader exemplifies the life-changing influence of LFCS. Through their collective efforts, LFCS not only helped Mia succeed but inspired her to pay it forward, making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Mia’s message to anyone facing a challenging situation is hope and encouragement. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Contact LFCS and let them guide you towards your needed resources and support. You’ll build relationships that last a lifetime, gain valuable skills, and discover your strengths.”

The post From Uncertainty to Empowerment: Mia’s Story first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Too often, we underemphasize the role of “Dad” when it comes to raising a family. Traditionally, Mothers are presumed to take on more responsibilities and have higher expectations than Fathers do, with regard to child-rearing. The role of the Father Figure has evolved over time, and today’s Fathers are stepping up in ways that other generations previously haven’t. While family dynamics are subjective for each couple, overall, Fathers are more present, more attentive, and more involved in the lives of their children than in previous years. With Father’s Day quickly approaching, LFCS wants to highlight the importance of Fathers and Father Figures to the health and stability of the modern family.

Unlike previous generations, many fathers today are equally involved in parenting of the children and upkeep of the household. This not only gives their children a healthy example of what a balanced relationship looks like, it also improves the connection between the husband and wife. In a study of married couples who just had their first child, there was an overall decrease in stress for both partners when the father took the time to contribute to the tasks of raising a newborn.* This equal involvement helps lighten the expectations of the mother while creating more bonding opportunities between the father and their baby.

During one’s early years, the Father serves as one of the  most important role models for their kids. A child’s brain is extremely observant and sensitive to early relational experiences; making a child’s relationship with their father critical during this time. These early interactions between a baby and their father develops a standard for what relationships should look like moving forward. Healthy Father-Child relationships tend to build higher levels of self-esteem and confidence in the child, which leads to more stable relationships in adulthood.** Unhealthy Father-Child relationships create more distress, trauma, and anxiety, which can lead to trouble forming healthy relationships throughout a child’s life.

With research showing the importance of both parents being present and involved early in a child’s life, Fathers are redefining their traditional expectations. Fathers are not only being more involved, they are opening up to being emotionally available. A 2018 study conducted by BYU & Ball State of over 2,100 fathers across the nation found that the majority of men engaged more with their children than their fathers did and they viewed “exhibiting warmth to their child” as a characteristic of their personality. “Today’s dads spend more time, provide more care and are more loving to their kids than ever before,” says study co-author Kevin Shafer. “Most dads see themselves as playing an equally important role in helping their children as mothers do.”

“As current social trends are pushing for men’s increased familial involvement, we see more fathers stepping up to engage more actively in their children’s lives in various ways.”
Lee Essig
BYU Study Co-Author

Whether it’s Dad, Step-Dad, Grandpa or another title, the role of the Father Figure is becoming more and more important. Men may shy away from this responsibility or feel like they are not able to be the Father they envision for their child. Remember: progress, not perfection! Change is about moving forward and today’s fathers should be applauded for their development. Thank you to all the Father and Father Figures out there! LFCS is proud of you and everything you do for your family.

The post An Ode To the Modern Dad first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

• According to the Missouri Department of Social Services, there were over 58,000 reported incidents of child abuse and neglect in Missouri in 2022.
• Of the over 58,000 reported incidents,  over 77,000 children from every socio-economic background, ethnicity, religion, and gender were involved.
• Last year, child abuse and neglect was responsible for the death of 49 children in Missouri.

While these statistics show just how many kids experience abuse and neglect, LFCS understands that parents are equally in need of support. “I am a firm believer that being a parent is one of the toughest jobs in the world,” says Heather Wall, Director of Parenting Services for LFCS. “Now imagine being a parent that is facing risk factors such as a limited support system or living in poverty, then your job just became twice as hard.” Our staff doesn’t judge any parent seeking our help for a better life. Instead, we provide support and empower our clients to do the work needed to make sustainable change.

We believe it is our mission to provide high quality care for children and families in need, in an effort to stop the cycle of abuse and neglect. LFCS  social workers and case managers take a proactive and holistic approach, resulting in a lasting impact for generations to come.

Our staff addresses the risk of child abuse and neglect in several different ways. Our parenting services provide moms and dads with the skills and resources they need to overcome challenges, develop resilience, and create a safe and loving environment for their children. In 2022, over 93% of parents attending LFCS parenting education classes said they developed improved parenting skills.

Our pregnancy services support women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy with non-judgmental support and resources, whether they choose to parent or make an adoption plan. Our compassionate case workers help pregnant women gain access to prenatal care and ensure healthy birth outcomes.

Together we can strengthen families and end the cycle of abuse and neglect. With your support, we can ensure that every child and family in need will have access to these life-changing services. Please visit www.lfcsmo.org/donate to help keep kids safe across Missouri.

The post Child Abuse and Neglect: A Closer Look first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

After getting sober and finding the strength to leave an abusive relationship, Sabrina found herself without a place for her and her two young sons to call home. When she learned that she was pregnant with her third child, she knew she needed help to create a better life for her children.

While looking at Facebook, Sabrina learned that a longtime friend was working with LFCS. She was attending parenting classes and getting resources to help support her new baby. This motivated Sabrina to reach out to LFCS for support and guidance during her own pregnancy. While she was scared to ask for help, she knew that she needed to be strong and do what as best for her family.

Sabrina began working with her LFCS case worker, Shirley, who provided her with supportive counseling, parenting education, and resources to help her and her children. She was able to secure transitional housing and receiving prenatal care regularly thanks to Shirley’s help.

After Sabrina welcomed her beautiful baby boy, Mykia, she made arrangements to leave transitional housing and stay with a family-friend. Unfortunately she was met with yet another challenge. Plans fell through, and she and her children were once again homeless, this time on Christmas Eve.

Sabrina didn’t allow herself to be discouraged. She made the decision to treat all of her obstacles as a learning experience. She was determined to do everything in her power to create a better life for her kids. Shirley, her LFCS case manager became like family to her.

Sabrina was given a referral for emergency housing assistance, and continued to utilize all of the resources that LFCS had to offer, helping her feel empowered to turn things around for the better.

“Shirley is amazing! I love that woman. She was so down to earth and kind, and always made me feel so encouraged after our meetings.”
SabrinaLFCS Parenting Client

One year later, Sabrina celebrated Mykia’s first birthday, and she and her boys are thriving. She now has a home of her own where she lives with Alex (11), Jaydon (8), and Mykia  (1). She is excelling in her job, and is in line for a managerial promotion. Even more inspiring, she is pursuing a college degree in social work, so that she can help other women overcome the same kinds of challenges that she has faced.

Sabrina acknowledges that being a single mom is tough, and there are still hard days, but she will keep moving forward to ensure a safe and happy life for her kids.

” I am beyond proud of Sabrina. She came form a lifestyle that a lot of people never make it back out of.”
Shirley SmithLFCS Case Worker

The post From overcoming challenges to overwhelming success; this is Sabrina’s story first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

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

The post Kansas City Here We Come! first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

To begin your journey to parenthood through foster care, contact us today! Learn more here.

The post Journey to Parenthood first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Samantha and Drew are just 20-years old. They met shortly after graduating high school and married before turning 19. To most, their odds at a happy and successful life together seemed unlikely for so many reasons.

Neither had been raised with much love or stability. Drew spent much of his childhood alone; his father a single dad who preferred to throw punches and insults rather than support his son. Likewise, Samantha rarely felt loved. Her stepfather abused her for as long as she could remember and when she finally had the courage to speak up, Samantha’s mother refused to believe her.

Children who are victims of domestic violence are 3 times more likely to repeat the cycle in adulthood, as growing up with domestic violence is the most significant predictor of whether or not someone will be engaged in domestic violence later in life.

UNICEF. “Behind Closed Doors”

Before making the choice to marry, Samantha and Drew committed to ending the cycle of abuse. They vowed to be better parents for the children they would raise. They found the support they needed to be successful through LFCS.

When they began receiving services, Mariah was just three-weeks old. Samantha was staying home, forced to quit her part-time job to care for their daughter. Drew was also unemployed following a near-fatal car accident five months prior to Mariah’s birth. He needed multiple surgeries to repair his injuries and was unable to work as a result. While struggling with the realities of life, Samantha and Drew sought help.

LFCS was able to provide parenting education for both Drew and Samantha to reduce the risk of abuse and neglect for Mariah. Drew was connected with the local Career Center to assist with his resume and job search following his recovery. Samantha received support and guidance as she explored job training opportunities and daycare recommendations for Mariah when classes began.

Today Samantha is ready to apply for a medical assistant program and Drew is working full-time in manufacturing. Their marriage is strong and they are proud to be loving parents to their sweet little girl.

Click here to read more about LFCS Parenting Services and all the ways in which we aim to end the cycle of abuse through education and counseling.

The post Love Wins for Baby Mariah first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Cecelia walked into the LFCS office overwhelmed with anxiety. She was pregnant for the first time without anyone but her husband to support her. She was new to the area and had not made many friends yet. Cecelia’s mother had passed away two years before and she had no siblings or other family close by. As excited as she and her husband were to become parents, Cecelia was struggling with all of the unknowns that lie ahead.

After assessing her needs, Cecelia’s LFCS caseworker suggested she attend the monthly support group for young moms. There she was able to meet several other women who understood her circumstances. They shared their experiences of pregnancy, birth, what to expect at the hospital, parenting an infant and more. She met with her caseworker regularly, following an evidence-based parenting education curriculum to prepare for her role as a new mom. Two months after enrolling in the program, Cecelia delivered her daughter.

As the first weeks past, Cecelia felt more and more detached from her baby. “What’s wrong with me?” she thought. Cecelia had planned and prepared, so why wasn’t it all coming naturally? Her caseworker called to follow up and noticed Cecelia didn’t seem like herself. “Come by the office Wednesday. I’d love to meet the baby and talk to you more.” the caseworker requested.

Wednesday came and Cecelia arrived at the LFCS late in the afternoon. She was disheveled and noticeably upset. While sitting in her caseworker’s office, she broke down in tears sharing her fears and questions once more. Fortunately, LFCS was able to provide additional support to Cecilia through counseling services that directly addressed Cecelia’s detachment and post-partum depression.

With regular counseling, Cecelia began to recover and bond with her child. She continued to attend the support group for new moms which helped her understand she was not alone and that many of the challenges she was facing were normal in the baby’s first year of life. Today, Cecelia is parenting with confidence and her daughter is thriving at 16 months.

If you’d like to help create safe and stable home environments for families, like Cecelia’s, make a gift to LFCS today. Your contribution will make generations of children and families across Missouri safer and stronger together.

The post Finding Support during Pregnancy first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.