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.

Make a Gift to LFCS

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.

Explore Our Current Career Opportunities

February is filled with candy hearts and sweet sentiments, but at LFCS, we deal with the kind of love that is a matter of survival. For a child who has lost everything, “love” isn’t about a card or a box of chocolates. It is the only thing standing between them and a total collapse of their world. When a family is in crisis, a healthy, stable relationship isn’t just a Valentine’s wish; it is the fundamental requirement for children and families to heal and move forward.

“The major benefits of having healthy, stable relationships,” states Heather Wall, LFCS parenting program director, “are improved mental health, physical health, and resilience.” Heather also notes that when clients develop a healthy attachment with their case manager, “they are more likely to take risks and grow.”

Measuring Wellness by Our Relationships

According to A PLOS medical study, having no friends or poor-quality relationships is worse for your health than smoking 20 cigarettes per day. Another study showed loneliness has been proven to increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even early death.

While loneliness wears the body down, long-term loving relationships help people thrive. The Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on human health, has followed participants for more than eight decades. Its findings show positive relationships help people stay healthier, happier, and live longer. As Harvard Prof. Robert Waldinger explains, “Warm, connected relationships protect us from life’s challenges and from getting old.”

How do we know if our relationships are healthy or unhealthy? The answer lies in how both parties view what’s important.

Healthy relationships are rooted in mutual respect, trust, honest communication, shared power, and clear boundaries. Unhealthy relationships may be one-sided, lack honesty, or disregard boundaries, leaving people feeling unsafe, unheard, or taken for granted.

Founded with the importance of trust, respect, and honesty, LFCS has built its approach to care around healthy relationship values:

• We model respect, boundaries, and active listening to their clients.
• Provide trauma-informed approaches that help clients heal.
• Teach skills that help build healthy relationship habits.
• Guide clients as they grow their own healthy connections.

We recognize that healing takes time and consistency. By modeling healthy relationships, LFCS helps clients move toward stronger connections.

Teaching Clients to Trust Again

Trust isn’t something we can just ask for. It must be earned. Many clients come to us after years of being let down, making it hard to trust anyone. Herman Thomas, director of LFCS foster care, knows how critical this process is for long-term success.

“Many clients come to foster care with histories of trauma, loss, and involvement in systems that may make trust and respect difficult,” Herman said. “Case managers approach these relationships with patience, empathy, and consistency, knowing that trust is earned over time rather than expected immediately.”

In many cases, a client’s first meeting with LFCS staff may be the only example of safe, respectful relationships they’ve ever experienced. “By modeling healthy relationships, “Herman explained, “clients learn how to express needs, manage conflict, and engage with others constructively”.

Once trust is established, the healing process can finally begin. Clients begin to address emotional or complex challenges knowing they will not be abandoned. Rebuilding trust becomes a spark that motivates clients to pursue their goals, no matter how difficult their path forward.

Our values help build the foundation for health and happiness, but they cannot be shared without you. Your support allows us to provide ongoing, affordable services regardless of client’s ability to pay. You can spread the love this Valentine’s Day by donating to LFCS.

If you are looking for alternative ways to provide meaningful support to LFCS programs:

• Become a respite foster care family, especially for children in minority communities who need culturally responsive care.
• Share adoption information with women who may be considering adoption and need trustworthy guidance.
• Inform families in Boone County, Jefferson County, and Jackson County that LFCS is providing free counseling services for children ages 3 to 19.

This February, let love be measured not by dinners or roses, but by the relationships that support health and happiness.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a season for hope, gratitude, and reflection on the powerful difference one life can make. Few stories capture that spirit better than Frank Capra’s 1946 classic film, It’s a Wonderful Life.

Inspired by George’s revelation, we asked ourselves a similar question: What would life look like for Missouri families if Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) had never existed?

It’s a chilling thought.

When the Safety Net Disappears

In this imagined world without LFCS, the consequences are immediate and heartbreaking for vulnerable children and families across Missouri.

Safe Homes Left Behind

Picture a child needing emergency placement after abuse or neglect. Without LFCS’s foster care services, the network of caring, well-trained foster families we recruit, and support would be gone. That child, instead of finding comfort and stability, might languish in a state office or be moved far from home, prolonging their trauma.

Compassion Taken Away

Think of a young woman facing an unplanned pregnancy—frightened, uncertain, and alone. Without LFCS’s free, confidential pregnancy support, she would have no nonjudgmental space to explore her options or access ongoing support. The courage and love we celebrate in birth parents would be replaced by isolation.

Children Struggling for Support

Now imagine a middle schooler battling intense anxiety after a family crisis—or a teenager sinking into depression. Without LFCS’s accessible counseling and wellness services, their path to healing would disappear. That young person’s potential would be dim without the professional guidance they need to recover and grow.

Parents Without Guidance

Imagine a parent struggling to navigate the challenges of raising children—overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. Without LFCS’s parenting services, families would lack the tools, guidance, and encouragement needed to create nurturing, stable homes, leaving children without the benefits of confident, informed caregiving.

The Wonderful Reality We Build Together

Thankfully, this bleak vision is only a story—a “world without LFCS” that will never come true. Because, like George Bailey’s return to Bedford Falls, we see the difference that hope, and compassion make every day. Because of our dedicated supporters, volunteers, and staff, LFCS continues to be there for those who need 

us most. You are all Clarences, guiding families back toward hope and helping us make sure that safe homes, compassionate counseling, and strong foundations never disappear.

As you look toward your year-end giving, help us keep this “wonderful life” promise real for Missouri children and families. Click here to donate. For more information, please visit our website or help@lfcs.org

As July begins, we turn our attention to National Minority Mental Health Month – a crucial time dedicated to understanding and addressing the unique mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority communities across the United States. This month is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a vital opportunity to spark conversation, dismantle barriers, and champion equitable mental health support for everyone.

At Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri,  we believe that mental well-being is a fundamental component of a healthy life, and access to quality care should never be determined by one’s background or socioeconomic status.

Unpacking Mental Health Disparities

The data paints a clear and challenging picture. While mental health concerns affect all communities, racial and ethnic minority groups often face significant hurdles in getting the care they need. For instance:

• As recently as 2023, among adults with any mental illness, Black (39%), Hispanic (36%), and Asian (25%) adults were significantly less likely than White (52%) adults to receive mental health services. (Source: KFF, 2023 Survey of Racism, Discrimination, and Health).

• • Even more recent data shows that Asian Americans are significantly less likely to receive mental health treatment than non-Hispanic Whites. (Source: Office of Minority Health).

Understanding the Barriers

We recognize that individuals from Black, Hispanic, Asian, and other racial and ethnic minority backgrounds often face unique hurdles in accessing care. It’s unacceptable that such gaps persist, and at LFCS, we are determined to close this gap and ensure everyone has access to quality care, regardless of their background.

The reasons behind these disparities are complex and multifaceted. They include:

• Systemic discrimination. Experiences of racism and discrimination can contribute to mental health conditions and create a deep mistrust of institutions, including healthcare.
• Cultural stigma. In many cultures, talking about mental health is taboo, leading to silence, shame, and a reluctance to seek professional help.
• Lack of culturally competent providers. Finding a therapist who understands one’s cultural context, speaks their language, and can relate to one’s lived experiences is crucial but often challenging.
• Access issues. Minority groups are often less likely to have health insurance, face higher out-of-pocket costs, and experience longer wait times for appointments.

LFCS’s Commitment: Bridging the Divide

We believe in meeting people where they are by making mental health support accessible and responsive to community needs:

• We’ve expanded our services directly into schools in the St. Louis and Kansas City areas, making mental health support more accessible to young people who might otherwise go without care.
• Understanding that summer often leaves a critical gap in support, LFCS is currently offering free summer counseling and psychiatric services for youth ages 3-19 in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Franklin County, ensuring vital care continues when school is out.
• We are also offering free mental health services to kids 3-19 in Jackson County this summer.

The need for accessible mental health support is clear. In 2024 alone, LFCS provided counseling services to 10,454 children and their family members across Missouri, delivering over 30,331 service hours. These services often make a profound difference, showing the journey towards hope and healing. We are inspired by stories like Emily’s, exemplified in her courageous essay about her mental health journey.

Alarming trends further underscore the urgent need for youth mental health support: in 2023, non-Hispanic Black or African American female students in grades 9–12 were nearly two times more likely than non-Hispanic Black or African American male students to attempt suicide (Source: CDC, 2023 High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data). For a deeper dive into this vital topic, please read our article, “Addressing Mental Health Challenges Among Black Youth and Teens.”

For more information about LFCS’s mental health services, visit lfcs.org, call 866-326-LFCS, or email help@lfcs.org.

Missouri’s Mental Health Rankings: A Wake-Up Call

Recent studies have made it clear—Missouri is facing a mental health crisis:

• According to data from Mental Health America, Missouri ranked 44^th in the list of states with the best mental health care. (https://mhanational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-State-of-Mental-Health-in-America-Report.pdf)

• Missouri children between the ages of 14-18 have a 22% higher suicide rate than the national average (https://www.kff.org/statedata/mental-health-and-substance-use-state-fact-sheets/missouri/)

• 23,301 children and adolescents reported having a serious emotional disturbance in 2024, with depression, anxiety disorders, and trauma/stress disorders being the three most common. (https://dmh.mo.gov/sites/dmh/files/media/pdf/2024/12/sr2024-section-a_0.pdf)

• Data from a Quote Wizard study revealed that 23% of Missourians have a mental illness, but only 11% of those with mental illnesses received care. The study also revealed that 19% of Missourians with a mental illness do not have insurance. (Best States for Mental Health Care – QuoteWizard).

• The lack of qualified mental health providers, affordability of services, and underfunding mental health has made it difficult for those with mental health issues to seek treatment. (https://www.stltoday.com/news/local/column/aisha-sultan/missouris-mental-health-ranking-is-among-the-worst-in-the-country-why-and-how-can/article_d378d82e-fe44-5a35-85d0-242ae68ffa47.html)

These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent our friends, neighbors, children, and loved ones who cannot afford or are unable to get the support they need.

LFCS Is Answering the Call

At Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri, we recognize the urgency of Missouri’s mental health needs—especially among children and adolescents—and we are working tirelessly to respond.

“Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being,” said Lindsay Jefferies, Director of Behavioral Health at LFCS. “During Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to emphasize that LFCS is here to support and guide those struggling. We believe everyone deserves access to quality mental health care.”

Since the pandemic, LFCS has:

• Expanded our mental health services statewide, reaching more families in both urban and rural communities.

• Opened new offices in Kanas City & updated our Columbia & Joplin offices, giving clients in these regions more offices & places to connect with our therapists.

• Launched and strengthened telehealth options, making therapy accessible to those unable to travel to an office.

• Kept our services low- or no-cost, so that financial limitations are never a barrier to care.

• Made an aggressive push to hire new therapists, to help meet the growing demand for behavioral health support.

We understand that access to care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether someone is experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, or just needs someone to talk to, LFCS is here to help.

“We are committed to breaking down barriers to mental health care and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” said Jefferies. “We encourage anyone who feels they could benefit from mental health support to contact us.”

Mental health struggles among youth and teens are a growing concern across the nation, but the impact within the African American community is especially alarming. Despite making strides in raising awareness about mental health, systemic inequities, cultural stigmas, and a history of mistrust in healthcare systems continue to pose barriers to access and care.

New federal data reveals even more troubling trends among Black youth. In 2022, the suicide rate among Black youth aged 10 to 19 surpassed that of their White peers for the first time. Since 2018, the rate for Black youth has surged by 54%, compared to a 17% decrease for White youth. From 2007 to 2020, the suicide rate among Black adolescents aged 10 to 17 rose by 144%, making this one of the fastest-growing mental health crises among racial and ethnic groups. (Sources: SAMHSA, Watson Coleman Taskforce Report)

The Unique Challenges Facing Black Adolescents

Black adolescents face unique risk factors that exacerbate their vulnerability to mental health challenges:

• Lack of Access and Utilization of Mental Healthcare Disparities in access to mental health services often prevent timely and effective treatment. Historic mistreatment of Black Americans in healthcare has bred mistrust, leaving many hesitant to seek professional help.
• Exposure to Racism and Discrimination Experiences of racism and discrimination can lead to feelings of hopelessness and depression. Yet, Black adolescents are significantly less likely than their peers in other demographic groups to receive care for depression.
• Economic Inequality Financial hardships and living in impoverished conditions increase stress and limit access to mental health resources, perpetuating cycles of untreated mental illness.

• Community Violence and Trauma Exposure to violence within communities can result in trauma, a significant risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
• Mental Health Stigma Many Black families address mental health issues privately, rather than seeking external professional help, due to stigma and mistrust of the healthcare system. Adolescents may also fear being teased by peers for receiving mental health treatment. (Source: Newport Academy)

LFCS: Committed to Every Child’s Mental Health

LFCS recognizes the impact that mental health conditions have within the African American communities in Missouri. We are committed to being part of the solution and will continue to answer the call for those seeking help during their most difficult days. Every child deserves access to mental health care; which is why we offer little to no-cost mental health services throughout the state.

Our services include:

• Outpatient Therapy: Personalized care to support children and families.
• Telehealth Options: Accessible mental health care for those unable or not comfortable visiting in person.
• School Counseling: In-school services in St. Louis and Kansas City area schools to meet children where they are.

Whether a child is struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health concerns, LFCS is here to provide evidence-based, compassionate care. Together, we can create a brighter future for every child in Missouri.

Counseling is ideal for addressing issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Stress Management, Relationship Challenges, Disruptive Behaviors and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Sessions are typically held weekly or bi-weekly, fostering a continuous, supportive relationship between the counselor and the client. This process helps clients navigate life’s challenges and build resilience over time.

At LFCS, our counseling services are tailored to children and families’ unique needs, ensuring evidence-based care that promotes growth and healing. Learn more here.

Psychiatry is particularly effective for managing conditions such as ADHD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Psychotic Symptoms, and Anxiety. Psychiatrists conduct comprehensive evaluations and develop personalized treatment plans, which may include prescribing medications to stabilize symptoms. Follow-up sessions are typically less frequent than counseling sessions and focus on reviewing and adjusting treatment as needed.

LFCS psychiatry services provide children and adolescents with access to specialized care, including evaluations, medication management, and care planning. Learn more here.

At LFCS, we are proud to offer a range of mental health services tailored to meet the needs of children and families. Our counseling services are available in most areas across Missouri, providing therapeutic guidance and support wherever it’s needed. Additionally, we offer psychiatry services, including medical intervention, exclusively in St. Louis County and Franklin County. Please call us at 866-326-LFCS (5327) for availability of our behavioral health services in your area.

If you or someone you know is seeking mental health support, LFCS is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and take the first step toward a brighter future.

How Music Therapy Supports Healing And Growth

Many children in North St. Louis face challenges that include complex trauma, and for these young individuals, music therapy is an invaluable tool. By reducing hyper-arousal and avoidance behaviors, music therapy creates a safe environment where kids can engage socially, develop new skills, and build supportive relationships. Providing this service allows our students to relax and open up, making it possible for them to express themselves and form positive connections with peers and mentors.

Benefits of Music Therapy

Music Therapy Adds To Our Wrap-Around Approach To Care

Every note played, every rhythm felt, and every song sung is a step towards healing and self-discovery. This holiday season, we are immensely grateful to offer the gift of music therapy, knowing that its positive impact will resonate in our children’s lives long after each session.

Thanks to Midwest Music Therapy and St. Louis County Children’s Services Fund for their support in making this transformative program possible. Together, we’re building brighter, stronger futures for the children of Hilltop Child and Family Development Center!

With September being both National Suicide Prevention Month & National Self-Care Awareness Month, LFCS wants to share six different types of self-care strategies you can easily implement into your daily routine:

Physical Self-Care: Laying the Foundation

Physical self-care is the foundation of overall well-being. It involves activities like regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and attending to any medical needs. When we prioritize physical health, we enhance our ability to cope with stress, which can significantly reduce feelings of hopelessness and despair. Encouraging individuals to engage in physical self-care can be a powerful step in suicide prevention, as it directly influences both mental and emotional health

Mental Self-Care: Stimulating the Mind

Mental self-care focuses on stimulating and engaging the mind in positive ways. Activities like reading, solving puzzles, or engaging in creative hobbies can help keep the mind sharp and alleviate feelings of boredom or restlessness, which can sometimes contribute to depressive states. By promoting mental self-care, we encourage people to find joy and fulfillment in intellectual pursuits, which can provide a valuable buffer against suicidal thoughts.

Social Self-Care: Building and Maintaining Connections

Social connections are crucial to our mental health. Social self-care involves nurturing relationships with friends, family, and community. Isolation is a significant risk factor for suicide, so fostering a strong support network can be life-saving. Encouraging social self-care helps individuals feel connected and valued, reducing the sense of loneliness that often accompanies suicidal ideation.

Spiritual Self-Care: Finding Meaning and Purpose

Spiritual self-care involves seeking a deeper sense of meaning, whether through religion, meditation, or spending time in nature. A strong sense of purpose can provide individuals with the motivation to keep going, even in difficult times. By supporting spiritual self-care, we help individuals find peace and direction, which can be vital in preventing suicide.

Practical Self-Care: Managing Everyday Responsibilities

Finally, practical self-care focuses on managing everyday responsibilities, such as organizing finances, maintaining a clean living environment, or setting and achieving personal goals. When individuals feel in control of their daily lives, they are less likely to feel overwhelmed by stress. Practical self-care empowers people to handle life’s challenges more effectively, reducing the risk of reaching a breaking point.