Youth Programs - Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri

Celebrating L’tanya Harris: Over 30 Years of Service at Hilltop Child and Family Development Center

david — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 20:08:51 +0000

In preparation for this story, we asked the current staff of Hilltop Child and Family Development Center to share any insights, stories, or memories they have of L’tanya Harris. The most common sentiments shared were:

Truly loves the kids and the staff of Hilltop
A great role model
Always willing to help
Has everything you need or knows all the answers to your questions
Goes above and beyond
Humble
Consistent

For three decades, L’tanya Harris has been a cornerstone of Hilltop Child and Family Development Center, touching countless lives with her unwavering dedication, kindness, and passion for early childhood education. As she celebrates 30 years with Hilltop, we honor her incredible journey and the profound impact she has made on the children, families, and staff in our community.

L’tanya’s story begins in Monroe, Louisiana, where she was born into a family of educators. Inspired by her mother, the first college graduate in her family and a teacher herself, L’tanya developed a deep appreciation for the transformative power of education. After moving to St. Louis at the age of seven, she carried this legacy forward, ultimately joining Hilltop as a Pre-K teacher after first experiencing the center as a parent.

“I first came to Hilltop when my daughter Mykell started there at age three, and my son Michael II at age two,” L’tanya recalls. Shortly after, she received an opportunity that she could not pass up. “The director [at Hilltop] asked me if I knew anyone that wanted a job. I told her I did!” Ever since then, L’tanya has been a Pre-K teacher for the children at Hilltop. This started her journey of making Hilltop her home and positively impacting the children in her care.

Throughout her tenure, L’tanya has cherished the sense of family that permeates Hilltop—not just because three of her children now work there, but because of the genuine care and connection among her colleagues. “The coworkers are like family and enjoy working with each other,” she says. “It’s a nurturing environment where people truly care about the children and their families”

For her children currently working with her at Hilltop, the were always raised with their mother being the consummate educator. “Sometimes, people were just made to do things”, says Mykell, her youngest daughter, “She was made to be a teacher”. Alyssa, her 2nd youngest daughter, shares the same sentiment. ”She’s been caring for the kids [of Hilltop] pretty much my whole life,’ Alyssa recalls, “She always goes above and beyond but she never thinks she is… its just naturally what she does.”

Latreese - Hilltop Teacher

“She has really challenged me to come out of my comfort zone: to learn more, to do better, and has taught me how to incorporate all of the things she has learned.”

Alyssa - Daughter

“She is the person in our building where if you need something, people are like, ‘Go ask Ms. Harris’… or are like ‘Go ask Ms. Harris, she can help you’. That’s what type of person she is “

Cynthia - Hilltop Teacher

“She has a strong personality and she is a good-hearted person. She loves what she does… I can tell. She is passionate about her job.”

Traci - Case Manager

“Ms. Harris is a very dedicated professional. She make sure the kids have everything they need and she also looks after the staff as well.”

Tristan - Hilltop Teacher

“Ms Harris is a really great role model and always has all the supplies!”

Mykell - Daughter

“She has encouraged me to be the best teacher… I tell people, ‘Sometimes, people were made to do things. She was made to be a teacher.’ I have never met or had a teacher like her in my life.”

Christopher - Hilltop Teacher

“She reminds me of my grandma! She always has everything you need and is always willing to help.”

L’tanya’s commitment to the children at Hilltop has left an indelible mark. She finds immense joy in witnessing her students’ growth and development. “The children who leave the biggest impression on me are those who show tremendous growth,” she shares. “When a child comes into my class barely able to communicate and leaves speaking in full sentences, expressing their feelings and wishes, I feel so proud.”

Her love for teaching is matched by her determination to provide the best for the children at Hilltop. When asked if she ever considered leaving for a “real school” after earning her bachelor’s degree, her response was resolute: “Don’t the children at Hilltop deserve qualified teachers who care?”

Over the years, L’tanya has faced challenges with grace and resilience. She reflects on overcoming obstacles by focusing on what truly matters: “I don’t sweat the small stuff. I ask myself, will this matter next week or next year? If not, I let it go and keep my focus on the children.”

Her favorite memories at Hilltop highlight her warmth and humor. From making personalized sweatshirts for the staff to heartwarming moments with the children—like a little girl singing about her zipper or a curious student questioning why Pete the Cat’s shoes didn’t turn purple when he stepped in blue and red—L’tanya’s stories remind us of the joy and wonder in early childhood education.

As L’tanya reflects on her 30+ years at Hilltop, she hopes to be remembered as someone who treated everyone equally while always being a helper. “I hope I’m remembered as someone who is always willing to help wherever I’m needed…” She says, “as being a fair person and treating all with dignity and respect, regardless of personal feelings.”

Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri extends our deepest gratitude to L’tanya Harris for her extraordinary service. Her integrity, passion, and care for children serve as an inspiring example for us all. Thank you, L’tanya, for making Hilltop Child and Family Development Center a place where children and families thrive.

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LFCS Rallies Around Kids During This Election Season

beanstalk — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 16:14:09 +0000

As election season approaches, we encourage you to focus on what truly matters: the well-being of children and families in our community. While we may be passionate about our politics, there’s one thing we can all agree on—every child deserves the chance to thrive. Lutheran Family and Children’s Services stands at the forefront of providing life-changing support for all children, couples, and families across Missouri.

Abuse, neglect, infertility or depression doesn’t care about who you vote for. These challenges can affect anybody, anywhere. LFCS offers critical services like pregnancy testing and support, parenting education, counseling for children and families, adoption services, foster care, and child development programs. These services aren’t just important; they are essential in helping children grow up safe, supported, and empowered.

By choosing to support LFCS, you’re casting your vote for a brighter future where every child has the tools, love, and care they need to succeed. Your gift is a direct endorsement of hope and healing for families who rely on LFCS to overcome the hardships they face.

In a time when divisions run deep, let’s unite over something that transcends politics: the well-being of our children. Please consider donating to LFCS to help us address the issues that are plaguing our communities. This year, vote with your heart. Choose kids. Choose LFCS.

Make a Gift

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Homeschooling

beanstalk — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 01:11:16 +0000

Homeschooling is uncharted territory for many parents. If you are feeling overwhelmed by this unexpected challenge, you aren’t alone and LFCS is here to help you along the way.

Keeping a consistent routine is important and key to success. Follow this homeschool daily schedule to establish a “school away from school” routine. Also, be sure to check out helpful homeschooling resources like ABC Mouse (abcmouse.com) and Scholastic (classroommagazines.scholastic.com). Many of these companies are offering free services in this time of crisis.

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Beating the odds

beanstalk — Mon, 04 Mar 2019 18:24:27 +0000

Shawn is growing up surrounded by crime, violence and poverty. His mom works two jobs to pay rent, utilities, and very few extras. As a single parent, she does her best to be present for her children and to give them a place to call home, but the neighborhood can be rough. Over the years, Shawn has watched relatives and neighborhood friends fall into the cycle of drug abuse, gang activity, jail sentences and living on the streets. Opportunity beyond these struggles is uncommon for the many people in Shawn’s life.

Fortunately, Shawn is learning to face the challenges of his environment in new ways through LFCS Community Prevention Services. This program aims to support at-risk youth through evidence-based life skills education and interventions. Areas reviewed include day-to-day challenges, self-esteem, substance abuse, violence, and other risky behaviors. Although new to the program, Shawn is beginning to see the opportunities beyond the familiar. And, for the first time in his life, Shawn has a male role model in his program mentor.

This positive experience has set Shawn on a new path. He is ready to beat the odds – to overcome any challenges that may come his way today so that he may build a better tomorrow.

Did you know poverty, single-parent households, and trauma are factors that impact a child’s success?

The poverty rate for single-mother households is 31%.
Poverty reduces a child’s readiness for school because it leads to poor physical health and motor skills, diminishes a child’s ability to concentrate and remember information, and reduces attentiveness, curiosity, and motivation.
30% of children raised in poverty do not finish high school.
People who do not earn a high school diploma by age 20 are seven times more likely to be persistently poor between the ages of 25 and 30. [1]
When a child experiences a traumatic event, the effects can have a life-long effect. As the number of traumatic events experienced during childhood increases, the risk for the following in adulthood increases: depression, alcoholism, drug abuse, and suicide attempts.[2]

[1] ChildFund. 2015. https://www.childfund.org/Content/NewsDetail/2147489206/

[2] Mental Health Connection. Recognize Trauma. Statistics. http://www.recognizetrauma.org/statistics.php

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Promoting Positive Norms: Living Drug-Free

beanstalk — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 16:01:00 +0000

Society and the media often promote negative social norms in regards to substance abuse. As a result, children and teens can be misinformed on the subject. They often overestimate the number of people who use drugs. Young people may also relate drug use to being acceptable or even cool. These perceptions can undermine a child’s sense of safety, autonomy, belonging, and hope for the future. They can also increase the likelihood that a young person will use drugs.

Reinforcing positive norms can correct these misconceptions teaches children to be resilient and to ultimately make choices to live drug-free. LFCS uses an evidence-based program called Too Good for Drugs to introduce a series of skills that will prepare kids to make healthy choice and resist unhealthy behaviors. Below are some examples of what we teach.

Positive Norms about Drug-Free Living

My family and community expect me to be drug free.

I am unique and special. It is important to be myself.

I know how to resist negative peer pressure.

I can find many ways o have fun without using drugs.

Stress is normal; I am learning healthy ways to relax.

Taking care of my body will help me stay healthy

I can participate in decisions that affect my life.

I can show I am grown up by using self-control and mastering many skills.

I am learning many ways to get what I want and need without using tobacco, alcohol or other drugs.

I am valued as someone who is learning to make important contributions to my family and community.

I am connected to my family and community. What I do affects other people who care about me.

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Building Self-Confidence

beanstalk — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 20:06:10 +0000

During his 4^th grade year, Eric participated in the LFCS program, Project STEPUp . After completing the 10-week Botvin LifeSkills program with the rest of his class, Eric’s teacher referred him for one-on-one follow up coaching. He was showing very little motivation in school and was having a hard time making friends. Although Eric was a very sweet kid, he was lacking self-confidence. He would say things like, “I’m just not the kind of kid who has friends,” or, “I’m just not the kind of kid who does well in school.”

During one-on-one visits, an LFCS LifeSkills Facilitator spent time with Eric working on positive self-talk. When Eric would say something negative, it would be pointed out and he would be asked to change it into a positive statement. He really enjoyed this, and over time, he was saying more and more positive statements about himself. Near the end of his 90-day one-on-one coaching, LFCS received an email from Eric’s teacher saying, “You are awesome! Thanks for all you’ve done with Eric. I’ve seen a change in his attitude toward school. Did he tell you he made homework club? He turned in EVERY homework assignment for the whole month!” Other teachers he worked with made similar comments. Eric was really proud of himself, too.

By the end of the thirteen meeting program, Eric had achieved both of his program goals! His grades were improving and he was making more friends in class. Overall, Eric was just one of the many students who really benefits from the extra support to achieve academic, behavioral and social goals in school.

To learn more about STEPUp, click here.

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Your Opinion Matters!

beanstalk — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 18:39:56 +0000

Your opinion matters at LFCS!

The mission of Lutheran Family and Children’s Services is to help families, children and individuals experience greater hope and wholeness of life. One way we achieve this mission is through advocacy, but we need your help! What issues matter most to you? Affordable health care? Mental health services? Or maybe, pregnancy assistance? Tell us! Your feedback will allow LFCS to be effective in our advocacy efforts.

Please complete this brief survey to help us determine our focus in the upcoming years.

Thank you for helping LFCS raise public awareness about issues in our communities! Together, we can be the voice for those that cannot be heard.

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Afterschool Activities

beanstalk — Fri, 07 Oct 2016 17:31:39 +0000

What do your kids do after school each day? More than 26 percent of school-age children are on their own after school, according to the Afterschool Alliance. The hours between 3-6pm are reported as the peak times for juvenile crime and experimentation with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and sex. Lack of funds seem to be a main factor in kids being unsupervised during this time. Parents need to work and often cannot afford to send their children to afterschool activities, which can be expensive.

However, the benefits of afterschool activities are extensive. Studies show that quality afterschool programs can lead to improved attendance, better behavior, and higher grades. Teens not involved in afterschool programs are nearly three times more likely to skip classes, use drugs, smoke, drink, and engage in sexual activity.

If money is an issue, see what your child’s school district offers in terms of free or low-cost afterschool activities. Ask about possible scholarships for different sports and extracurricular activities. Depending on your child’s age, perhaps have them spend their afternoons at a friend’s house where a parent will be present. If your teen has to be unsupervised, make sure you know where they are and who they are with.

Learn More

The Afterschool Alliance is a national organization working to ensure that all children have access to affordable afterschool programs. Visit their website for much more information and see how you can help with this effort.

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Join Our Advocacy Network

beanstalk — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 16:00:45 +0000

“Why don’t you pick on someone your own size?” In Hollywood playgrounds, it’s easy to spot the villain, because they’ll be bullying someone who can’t defend themselves. The hero immediately steps in to deliver justice, saying their good guy catchphrase. The hero’s actions ensure that the victim is given the right to eat their lunch, play sandlot baseball, or not have a wedgie, just like everyone else. Advocacy. It’s simple, right?

In real life, things simply aren’t that black and white, and problems are rarely fixed by a good guy swooping in to save the day. Instead, it is on every person’s shoulders to protect those who are unable to protect themselves, to step up, to do the right thing. Advocacy doesn’t get glorified quite the way that you may have thought it did when you were a child, but that doesn’t make it any less important. There are so many people that need help.

When you advocate, first you identify something as unfair or wrong, then you recognize that the people it impacts cannot fix it by themselves. Lastly, you make a commitment to helping them. When some people hear that, they respond “That sounds like a lot of work.” I’ll be honest with you, it is a big job, but here’s the thing: the more people who commit to advocacy, the easier making change gets.

A great way to advocate is through contacting your policymakers. Joining Lutheran’s Online Advocacy Network makes it easy! Notifications will allow you respond to Action Alerts when your voice can make a difference for children and families. Doing so will protect and grow programs that make such an impact in the lives of vulnerable children and families.

Want to share the opportunity to get involved? Try a post like one below on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Do you want to be an advocate for foster children, at-risk families, pregnant women, individuals with mental health concerns, or those impacted by natural disasters? I am, and Lutheran Family and Children’s Services’ Online Advocacy Network makes it easy. I get Action Alerts when my voice can make a difference. Join at http://bit.ly/advocateonline

#Iadvocate for kids & families, and you can too! Join Lutheran Family & Children’s Services’ Online Advocacy Network at http://bit.ly/advocateonline

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Keep Your Child Learning This Summer!

beanstalk — Fri, 03 Jun 2016 16:28:24 +0000

10 St. Louis Activities to Keep Your Child Learning This Summer

Yay, it’s summertime! This is what most school age children are yelling at the top of their lungs right about now. This is exciting for parent as well, but also a little nerve wrecking. Our children have learned so much throughout the school year, and we don’t want that to stop. For some kids, a few months off in the summer can lead to loss of knowledge and lowered test scores. While our kids are definitely in need of a break to recharge for the upcoming school year, we can also make sure they have fun & learn all summer long! Here are 10 great ways to do just that!

Summer Reading Club Kick-off: Start off the summer by getting signed up for the summer reading club! This extravaganza event is fun for the whole family. There will be face painting, snow cones, a climbing wall, and more. It will be held at St. Louis County Library Headquarters, on Saturday, June 4^th from 1:00-4:00. If you can’t make that, be sure to stop into your local County Library to get your child signed up for a summer full of reading & prizes! We all love incentives! For more information: http://www.slcl.org/content/summer-reading-club-kick.
Visit the St. Louis Science Center! They have wonderful summer events for kids of all ages. From free weekly Story Times, to Dino Mysteries & the Teen Science Café, there is something for everyone! For more information: http://www.slsc.org/kid-family-activities.
Amazing Animal Encounters and the World Bird Sanctuary: Free, fun, family-friendly environmental education programs are presented by the naturalists using snakes, parrots, birds and mammals. You and your kids will learn about the amazing creatures that share our planet, and what we can do to help them survive. For more information: http://www.worldbirdsanctuary.org/events/amazing-animal-encounters/.
Planetarium Shows play daily at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park, including: The Little Star That Could, Live Sky Tonight/Mission Mars & The Constellations. After the show, you can take a self-guided tour of the Boeing Space Station to learn about living and working in space. For more information: http://www.slsc.org/planetarium-show.
A-MAZE-ing Cockroaches: Kids ages 7-12 will replicate a famous study by zoologist Charles Henry Turner. Working in teams, kids will build a maze out of play dough and run live cockroaches through it. Part of the StArt@Your Library series at the St. Louis County Library. Free, but registration is required. Learn more and register at slcl.org.
Space Travel: Kids can race a balloon rocket and design their own car engine as they learn about space travel. They’ll see the principle of propulsion at work in a real rocket launch, and build their very own Shuttle Copter to fly to the skies! Presented by Mad Science of St. Louis. For ages 6-11. Part of the StArt@Your Library series at the St. Louis County Library. Free, but registration is required. Learn more and register at slcl.org.
Building the Arch: Kids will use their hands and brain to engineer their very own arch made out of everyday materials at this free workshop. Part of the StArt@Your Library series at the St. Louis County Library. For ages 7-11. Free, but registration is required. Learn more and register at slcl.org.
Stop Motion Animation: Learn how to create a stop motion film with an iPad app. iPads provided. Ages 10–14. Part of the StArt@Your Library series at the St. Louis County Library. Free, but registration is required. Learn more and register at slcl.org.
Family Days and the World Chess Hall of Fame: Explore the current exhibitions during a kid-friendly tour, take part in hands-on activities for kids, and play and learn about the game of chess at these special Saturday Family Days. These events are designed for families with children ages 5 to 12. Each day has a different theme. Admission is $5 per child for non-members. For more information: http://www.worldchesshof.org/news-events/event-calendar/event/2016/06/04/family-day-/.
Faust Historic Village Open House: Experience St. Louis County as it was a century ago. Tour the 1850s Conway House, and its period herb garden and outdoor kitchen. Also tour the circa 1848 log cabin of Ludwig and Salome Mertz, a dye and insect repellent garden, German vegetable garden, smokehouse, outhouse and woodshed and the Davis House. On occasion, visitors may see a blacksmith at work in the Yokel barn. Guides in period dress will be available to answer questions. This is a free event is at Faust Park in Chesterfield. For more information: http://www.stlouisco.com/Portals/8/docs/Document%20Library/parks/PDFs/Faust/CalendarofEvents.pdf

We hope you and your children have a blast learning together all summer long!

For additional activities across the St. Louis region, visit blueprint4summer.com. Create an account an plan your summer one activity at a time!

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