Our Young Professinoals board brings fresh leadership to support Missouri families across the state. Established in 2025, the group is cultivating a new generation of advocates dedicated to serving the St. Louis area and other communities statewide. Now in 2026, the YPB is laying an even stronger foundation to advance our mission.

We spoke with Anna Kappel, Program Coordinator at Guardian Angel Settlement Association and President of the Young Professionals board, about how they are putting our core values into action.

 

Q: What specific moment made you want to lead the Young Professionals board?

“The moment happened about a year ago at a networking event. What stood out was the unique opportunity to help shape a new board from the ground up for an organization doing such meaningful work. As a social worker, the idea immediately resonated. It felt like an exciting way to serve the community in a different capacity than my day-to-day work with older adults. Working alongside our Vice President, Natalie Sullivan, I realized that this experience would support my own professional growth while creating a space for other young leaders to deepen their connection to the community.”

 

Q: A core theme for LFCS in 2026 is the ‘Three Vs.’ How is the Young Professional’s board championing these principles?

“I see our values in how the group operates. There is a strong sense of compassion and purpose that guides us. Integrity also plays a big role. We share an understanding of accountability and transparency that ensures our work feels respected and meaningful. We are also uniquely positioned to champion Value. We create a space where individual skills and field-specific experiences are intentionally used. By combining diverse professional backgrounds, we turn individual strengths into shared impact.

At its core, feeling valued starts with our culture. Because we are in the early stages, we can set clear expectations for how we treat one another, recognize contributions, and ensure every member has a voice. We want an environment where people feel seen for who they are, not just what they offer.”

Q: What is the one legacy you want this year’s board to leave behind?

“A strong foundation. Everything we are focused on in 2026, from building clear structures and defining committees, is about making sure the board feels stable and intentional. Our success this year will be measured by the strength of the foundation we build for the future.”

 

Q: You have a busy year ahead. What is on the calendar for Young Professionals in 2026?

“We are kicking off with our first formal board meeting in February to launch our committees. In March, we’re hosting a St. Louis networking event for young professionals. Throughout the summer, we have volunteer opportunities planned so members can experience LFCS’s impact firsthand.”

Ready to make a difference? Join the Young Professionals board today to volunteer, network, and build a lasting impact in your community. Take the next step and get involved! Contact Rachel Hinz at Rachel.Hinz@lfcs.org.

Adoption is a loving option for many families, and transracial adoption is a significant part of that landscape. While specific numbers fluctuate, it is estimated that nearly 30 percent of adoptions in the United States involve children of a different race or ethnicity than their adoptive parents. “Those numbers underscore the importance of resources and support for families navigating the unique aspects of transracial adoption,” said Melani Engel, Director of Adoption Services for LFCS. “It’s a journey that requires understanding and openness to embrace the challenges and beauty of blending cultures.” To guide families considering or navigating transracial adoption, LFCS has created a checklist of what adoptive parents should know to help their child feel loved, accepted, and thrive in their care:

√ Become an expert in your child’s care. If your child’s hair needs special care or styling, dedicate time to learning from professionals or practicing with tutorial videos online.

√ Learn about challenges common to your child’s cultural community. Educate yourself about racism, discrimination, micro-aggressions, and other challenges your child may face as they grow older. Find age-appropriate ways to teach them how to respond when they experience negative comments or attitudes.

√ Look to the birth family for cultural support. Nurturing a positive post-adoption relationship with the birth family can be a valuable source of information and connection to the child’s heritage.

√ Seek professional help. LFCS offers a variety of adoption services for families. Consider expert guidance from our counselors and therapists.

Expanding Adoption Opportunities: A Call for Diverse Families

In addition, to ensure that expectant and birth parents have a diverse pool of families to consider when making an adoption plan, LFCS is currently welcoming adoptive families, with a special emphasis on African American and Hispanic families, to help meet the needs of children in our community. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us for more information about the adoption process and available support services. For information about LFCS’s adoption services, call 866-326-LFCS or email help@lfcs.org.