Blog
A Path To Progress: LFCS’ 2023 Accomplishments
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. Finally, LFCS was able to honor the Lutheran churches that have supported our mission throughout the years. Through implementing the Caring Congregation award program, we were able to thank 45 different congregations for their advocacy, donations, and support of our services.
We are so thankful for everyone who helped make this year such a success. More importantly, we are not staying complacent in our achievements. Next year, we have more big changes coming: expanding mental health services, upgrading our website, a larger presence in the media and the community and much more. LFCS has heard the outcry for more services from churches, families, schools, and community leaders. We plan to continue to provide our proven services to all families in need, but we can’t do it without your help. If you are fortunate enough, please consider donating to LFCS this holiday season at www.lfcsmo.org/christmas. Thank you for supporting our mission and may God bless you in the new year!
2023 LFCS Highlights
- Opening of new office in Kansas City
- Cape Girardeau 50th Anniversary
- 40th Annual LFCS Dinner & Auction
- New Columbia Office
- New Joplin Office
- New Hilltop Playground (Thanks to the Cornelsen Charitable Foundation)
- Expanding Behavioral Health services in Mid-Missouri
- Springfield receives $10,000 grant for adoption/parenting services
- Columbia office received the Pacesetter Award from the Heart of Missouri United Way
- Published a new Adoption Resource for our clients “Road Map : Through Your Loved One’s Adoption Journey” (available for purchase on Amazon)
- Highlighted 45 Lutheran congregations through our Caring Congregation awards
- 26 kids graduated from Hilltop in 2023
- Began offering free pregnancy testing at any LFCS office
- Hilltop received the Light of St. Louis award from Pathfinder Church