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.

• 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.

Fortunately, I found Lutheran Family and Children’s Services. I was assigned a pregnancy counselor and we met monthly. She was happy to listen to my problems and helped me make a plan to fix them. Her guidance gave me the tools to make positive decisions when so much around me seemed to go the other direction. As I got closet to my due date, LFCS made sure that I had everything the baby needed before my son arrived; clothes, diapers, a crib and a car seat.  They even helped me prepare for what to expect during delivery, in the hospital and during the first few months of motherhood. They shared information about other community agencies that could help me with physical and emotional needs once the baby was born. Because of the help I was given, my son made it into this world healthy and I was a better mom.

So many community agencies offer help, but I have never had true one-on-one support like I received from LFCS! Once I finish college and I am able to get back into a good job, I can’t wait to give back to LFCS. No other agency has committed time and resources like they have!  You can truly see Christ’s love through them, unconditional and graceful.

Thank you to everyone who donates to Lutheran Family and Children’s Services! It truly is appreciated by clients!

The post Support through my Unexpected Pregnancy first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Little Jake found a forever loving home, because of friends like you!

Jake’s birth parents knew they were not in a position to raise a child and had turned to LFCS to find a loving home and family. Jake was born prematurely at just 29 weeks and weighed less than three pounds! Meanwhile, Christy and Christopher, who had struggled with infertility, had also turned to LFCS. Jake’s birth parents selected the couple to adopt their tiny newborn. “All of this would not have been possible without the help of LFCS,” says Christy. “Melyssa was so kind, helpful, and very patient with us. Our little guy is now almost 5 years old and we can’t imagine life without him.”

Help other families by donating today!

The post Meet Jake first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

The post LFCS Making a Difference! first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.