Our social workers are the living embodiment of our values. They lead with integrity. They treat every person as valued. And through steady, consistent presence, they create lasting value in the lives of children and families across Missouri.
No one chooses this work because it is easy. They choose it because something in them will not look away. From kitchen tables to courtrooms to quiet therapy offices, they show up in the moments that matter most, often when families are carrying more than they ever expected.
National Social Work Month gives us a chance to recognize the profession. It is also an invitation to hear from the people on the front lines every day.
We asked five members of our LFCS team a simple question: Why do you serve? Their answers remind us that social work is not just a career. It is a calling.
Voices From Our Team
“I became a social worker because I wanted to have a career where I could help and serve others in some way. I think that we all experience times in our lives when we need a little bit of help, and I love getting to be that support person for clients. Sometimes we just need someone in our corner who we know is rooting for us and standing by our side, and it is so fulfilling to me to get to do that every day!”
Erin Doughten, MSW, LMSW, Social Worker
“I chose Social Work as my avenue to pursue clinical therapy because the social work code of ethics outlines all of my personal beliefs and I appreciate how the discipline considers the client as a person, their environment, and how social systems impact them.”
Stephanie Kippenberger, LCSW, Behavioral Health Supervisor
“My life has been better since I became a social worker- as I am able to meet people where they are at in life, walk beside them, and offer support in a non-judgmental fashion, while helping them to discover their own strength from within.”
Ruth Downs, LCSW, Lead Therapist
“I became a social worker because I believe every person deserves to be seen, heard, and valued, especially in their hardest seasons. I was drawn to this field by a deep commitment to advocacy, healing, and creating systems that truly support children, families, and communities. Social work allows me to combine compassion with leadership to create meaningful, lasting changes in the lives of others.”
Anastasia Wexler, LCSW, Assistant Director of Behavioral Health
“Social work became a later-in-life dream of mine when I realized that supporting and empowering people was my biggest passion. I love loving on people, but what I have discovered is that being a social worker goes way beyond doing something I love. My work is making me a humble and compassionate human who gets the privilege of knowing everyday heroes doing the hard work of getting up each day and trying again..”
Kathleen Gamble, LMSW, Provisionally Licensed Therapist
What That Calling Looks Like in Real Life
The heart behind this work shows up in quiet, consistent ways. In 2025, our team served families in every corner of Missouri, walking alongside them during some of life’s most difficult seasons.
Our 2025 Impact:
- 4,600+ households served statewide.
- 65,000+ service engagements, including Counseling, Adoption and Foster Care Support, Pregnancy Support, and advocacy.
- 94% of clients achieved documented progress toward safety, stability, or emotional wellness goals.
These numbers are not just statistics. Explore our Annual Report to see the full picture of what your support makes possible. Whether through these core services or our specialized Parenting Education programs, our team turns compassion into measurable, lasting change.
One Mission. Five Regions. One Calling.
While these professionals serve in different communities, they are united by the same values. Social work is demanding work. It asks for patience, resilience, and the willingness to sit with uncertainty. But seeing a child feel safe, a parent regain confidence, or a family move toward stability makes every challenge worth it.
We are incredibly proud of the compassion, professionalism, and steady leadership our team brings to Missouri families every single day.
Help Us Continue the Mission
If these voices moved you this Social Work Month, consider making a gift to ensure we can reach even more families in 2026.
Join the Team
Are you looking for a mission-driven culture where your work is valued and your “why” matters? We are always looking for passionate people to join our statewide family.