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

When Rayna Ewell joined Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) in 1996, “HR” meant one coordinator, a stack of paper checks, and a lot of institutional faith. Nearly three decades later, LFCS is a statewide organization, and Rayna helped build the infrastructure that made that growth possible. Her leadership has always been rooted in our values, in making sure every employee feels valued, and in building systems that create lasting value for the families we serve. We sat down with Rayna to reflect on her journey, the grit required to navigate a global pandemic, and why truly knowing your people is the foundation of any strong organization.

You have been with LFCS since 1996. What did the landscape look like when you started compared to your role as chief administrative officer today?

It’s funny to look back. When I started, there was no formal HR department; there was only a coordinator position. Everything was paper-driven and manual. I remember telling my supervisor, “We aren’t meeting legal compliance; we need a structure.” He gave me free rein to build it, and I just started creating. Since then, we have grown from a small, local team into a true statewide organization. My role has evolved from managing files to sitting on the senior leadership team, helping shape strategy for our entire workforce.

You mentioned moving away from paper. What was the “game-changer” for how LFCS operates behind the scenes?

Implementing our first Human Resources Information System (HRIS). Before we had this specialized software to manage our data, we did payroll entirely in-house, printing physical checks ourselves. It was a lot of pressure because tax and employment laws change so fast. I advocated for a digital system because we needed to be proactive. That shift allowed us to standardize our processes as we expanded into more regions. It took the “mystery” out of HR and gave us time to focus on what mattered most, supporting our employees.

Every leader is tested at some point. Which period required the most “grit” from you and your team?

COVID. The laws were changing daily, and as an essential business, we had to figure out how to keep social workers safe while they visited homes. There was no manual for that. It took a village. Our HR team and senior leadership team were in the trenches together every day. It forced us to rethink what “flexibility” really means. We realized our people could work effectively in a hybrid setup, and that shift has been a long-term win for employee welfare.

For an industry where burnout is common, what is a specific moment that reminds you why you’ve dedicated 30 years to this agency?

It is how we care for our own. Years ago, a staff member lost her son in a tragedy. I saw this organization step in beyond anything I had ever seen in the corporate world. The agency supported her financially, and our staff even donated their own vacation and sick time so she could grieve without the weight of work. That’s where our values come to life. It’s about making sure every person feels valued in their darkest moments.

You’ve mentored many people who are now HR directors and leaders elsewhere. What is your philosophy on leadership?

I’ve always wanted my legacy to be “bringing people up.” Because we are a relatively flat organization, I know that for some of my team, moving up eventually means moving on. I view that as a success. If I can coach someone from generalist to director, I have added value to their life and to our industry. My advice to my younger self would be to “slow down and enjoy the process.” Early on, I was so focused on building the future that I did not always stop to appreciate the amazing things we were setting up in that moment.

You are also very active in the community. How do you spend your time outside of office hours?

I love helping people find their path. For years, I’ve volunteered at my church, helping folks with resumes and interview skills. I also worked with a local veteran organization on Verterans Day. Helping a veteran translate their military service into a resume that a civilian manager understands is a passion of mine. It is just another way to use what I’ve learned here to serve others.

Explore Careers at LFCS If you are looking for a mission-driven culture where our values are lived out every day, where every employee is truly valued, and where your work creates lasting value for Missouri families, we invite you to 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.

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.

The work we do at Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) is rooted in purpose and sustained by the real progress of the families we serve. As we begin 2026, we know the challenges facing children and families are growing, especially as rising costs for essentials like food and housing leave many Missouri families just one unexpected bill away from a crisis. Meeting these needs requires not only compassion, but a straightforward approach to how we use our time and resources.

In 2026, we’re embracing three interconnected ideas: Values, Value, and Valued. It’s a fresh lens for how we think about our work and our mission. Rather than just a formal theme, this framework helps us focus on what matters most: staying grounded in our principles, maximizing community impact, and ensuring that every person connected to LFCS continues to feel respected and appreciated.

Our Foundation: Clear, Consistent VALUES

Our values are the fundamental principles that guide every decision, from how we support our team to how we serve our clients. For more than 150 years, LFCS has responded to the changing needs of Missouri families, guided by compassion, dignity, and adaptability.

On the ground, these values mean showing up for a family when things are at their most difficult. It means treating every person with the respect they deserve and giving families the tools they need to build their own path forward. When we do that, every interaction reflects the heart of our mission.

We saw these values showcased through a recent feature story on St. Louis Public Radio, where we discussed the urgent need for foster families and our commitment to fixing the system that supports Missouri’s children. These shared values anchor our decisions and ensure that our legacy of service continues to evolve. You can see how these principles shape our mission on our Who We Are page.

Our People: Making Sure Everyone Feels VALUED

The work of caring for others is demanding and stays with you long after the day is done.

In 2026, we’re putting even more focus on taking care of the people who take care of Missouri. Our focus was recently spotlighted in a news feature celebrating National Social Work Month, where LFCS was recognized for the vital role our team plays in stabilizing the St. Louis community.

In 2026, we are deepening our commitment to the people who care for Missouri. A recent news feature celebrating National Social Work Month recognized LFCS and others who play vital roles in the St. Louis community.

But we know that recognition is not enough. It must be backed by the kind of advocacy that creates lasting change. That’s why we have led efforts to address the “quiet crisis” facing Missouri nonprofits, pushing for the health and sustainability of social service agencies.

Just as we advocate for our team, we are equally committed to ensuring every client feels valued, meaning everyone who walks through our door is welcomed with dignity, listened to without judgment, and seen as a person, not a case number.

If you’re looking for a place where your work matters and you are valued, please explore our career opportunities.

Moving Forward Together

Strong Values lead to greater Value, which ensures every person connected to LFCS feels genuinely Valued. As we head into the new year, our three Vs provide a road map, helping us move forward with even more purpose.

Stay Connected with LFCS

• See what we do year-round: lfcsmo.org
• Support Our Mission: If you share our Values, consider making a gift today to help us deliver even more Value to Missouri families.
• Follow the journey: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

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

November is a time to celebrate the beauty of adoption, yet birth parents, often the most courageous part of the adoption story, are frequently overlooked.

At Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS), we are dedicating National Adoption Month to raising awareness of the free, confidential counseling and lifelong support we provide to honor and care for those who make the selfless decision to place their child for adoption.

The True Meaning of Courage and Love

Choosing adoption is one of the most profound and loving decisions a parent can make. It’s a choice made from love and the desire to give a child their best possible future.

“For birth parents, the adoption journey is an act of incredible courage and love,” said Melani Engel, Director of Adoption Services for LFCS. “It’s a decision rooted in deep care for their child’s future, and our mission is to support them before, during, and long after placement.” This perspective reframes the adoption experience. It turns a narrative of loss into one of empowerment and strength.

Modern Adoption: Embracing Openness and Partnership

Adoption has evolved. Today, most adoptions include ongoing relationships between birth and adoptive families, reflecting a more compassionate and connected approach.

According to the National Council for Adoption (NCFA), approximately 95 percent of domestic infant adoptions now include some degree of openness, allowing for continued communication and mutual respect between families.

LFCS’s commitment is strengthened through its partnership with BraveLove, a national nonprofit dedicated to equipping professionals and agencies with resources to better support birth parents.

“Every woman deserves access to the resources and support she needs to make a well-informed decision about her pregnancy and continued care after placement,” said Janelle Basham, Executive Director of BraveLove. “We’re proud to partner with Lutheran Family and Children’s Services in honoring the courage and love shown through adoption, this month and every month.”

Free, Lifelong Support from LFCS

Our commitment extends far beyond the moment of placement. LFCS provides comprehensive, nonjudgmental services for birth parents at every step of their journey:

• Free, confidential counseling: A safe, supportive space for women and men considering adoption to explore their options and emotions.
• Guidance and education: Clear, step-by-step guidance through the adoption process so parents feel informed and supported.
• Post-Placement counseling and support: Ongoing counseling and support groups promote healing and long-term emotional well-being.

To reach more families across Missouri, LFCS is expanding its video library and digital outreach, complementing BraveLove’s powerful stories like:

“We want every birth parent in Missouri to know that they are not alone,” said Engel. “There are compassionate professionals ready to listen, to help them heal and to support their future with dignity and care.”

Ready to Listen and Help.

For more information about Lutheran Family and Children’s Services, including adoption services and support for birth parents, visit https://lfcsmo.org/, call 866-326-LFCS, or email help@lfcs.org.

New data reveals a concerning rise in cyberbullying, with more than half of teens reporting they have experienced some form of it. Platforms like YouTube, Snapchat, and TikTok, which are central to modern social life, are often where this emotional harm unfolds. Unlike traditional bullying that might end at the school bell, cyberbullying is a 24/7 issue that can follow a child into the safety of their home, leading to severe anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

One of the most insidious forms of digital bullying is a phenomenon known as “relational bullying.” This is not about a physical threat but about a strategic and hurtful campaign to damage a person’s social standing. It often takes the form of spreading rumors, sharing embarrassing photos or screenshots, or, perhaps most painfully, intentionally excluding someone from online group chats and social circles. In a world where a child’s social life is increasingly lived online, this kind of exclusion can be devastating.

At Lutheran Family and Children’s Services, our mission is to empower children and families to overcome challenges today so they can build a better tomorrow. This includes helping parents and kids navigate the complex and often painful

So, how can you help?

• Talk, and more importantly, listen. Create a safe space where your child feels comfortable sharing their digital life, including both the positive and the challenging aspects. Ask open-ended questions about their friends, what they’re seeing online, and how specific platforms make them feel.
• Set healthy boundaries. Work with your child to establish a family media plan. This isn’t about punishment but about setting healthy habits. Consider “device-free” times, or having all devices charged in a common area overnight.
• Know the signs. Be aware of changes in your child’s behavior. Are they becoming withdrawn or secretive about their device use? Are they showing signs of depression or anxiety? These could be red flags that something is wrong.
• Be a digital role model. Show your children what respectful online behavior looks like. Think before you post, and model kindness and empathy in your own digital interactions.

A Strong Call to Action

Bullying in any form is unacceptable. This October, let’s use National Bullying Prevention Month as an opportunity to educate ourselves and our children about the unique challenges of the digital age. By working together, we can empower our kids to be resilient, compassionate, and safe, both online and off.

If you are a parent or caregiver and are concerned about the mental health of your child, LFCS is here to help. Our behavioral health therapists and counselors offer compassionate and professional support for families navigating the challenges of anxiety, depression, and other emotional distress caused by bullying. You don’t have to face this alone.

For more resources and to learn how our behavioral health services can support your family, please get in touch with us at lfcsmo.org or help@lfcs.org or call 866-326-LFCS (5327).

A new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) brings a critical issue into national focus: the mental health of young people. The AAP now recommends that all children and teens receive annual screenings for mental and behavioral health concerns—a step that Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) fully supports. A full copy of the AAP’s new report is available here.

This new report arrives at a critical time, as September marks Suicide Prevention Month—a time to break down stigma and open the door for conversations that can save lives. The AAP’s findings align with a crisis we see every day in our communities. In Missouri, the situation is particularly urgent: suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 19, and the state’s suicide rate is 48% higher than the national average. For years, LFCS has witnessed these struggles firsthand, working with children and families on the front lines of this crisis.

“Screening is the first step, but it’s only effective if young people have access to care,” said Lindsay Jeffries, Director of Behavioral Health at LFCS. “It’s crucial that children and teens have a place where they can be heard and connected with the right support to address their mental health needs.”

Knowing the warning signs can empower us to take action before a crisis escalates. Some of the most common indicators include:

• Expressing hopelessness or feeling like a burden
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Talking about death or giving away possessions

For a more detailed examination of these signs, visit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

At LFCS, suicide prevention isn’t just a focus for one month—it’s part of our counseling and support services year-round. Our team of licensed counselors provides safe spaces for young people to share their struggles. We help teens and their families uncover hope and build resilience. We understand that mental health does not exist in isolation; family stress, trauma, or identity struggles can all contribute to a sense of hopelessness. By addressing the whole picture, we help individuals move from crisis toward stability and strength.

How You Can Make a Difference

Suicide prevention is not the responsibility of professionals alone—it takes all of us. Here are a few ways you can help:

• Start conversations. Ask your loved ones how they are doing. Do not shy away from talking about mental health.
• Share resources. Remind people that help is available. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by calling or texting 988.
• Reduce stigma. Challenge harmful myths and encourage open discussions about mental health in your family, school, and community.
• Support organizations. Your donations and volunteer hours make it possible for agencies like LFCS to provide counseling and support. For more ways to support, you can read our blog on Giving Resources for National Suicide Prevention Month.

An essential part of prevention is also being proactive. To learn more about how self-care can be a powerful tool in suicide prevention, you can read our previous blog post here: Self-Care Awareness and Suicide Prevention: A Unified Approach.

For more information on LFCS’s services, or to seek help, please visit lfcsmo.org or call our toll-free number at 866-326-LFCS (5327).

August is here, and with it comes National Wellness Month. It serves as a valuable reminder that proper health means more than just physical fitness. It encompasses our emotional resilience, social connections, and the overall well-being of our families. While August shines the spotlight on these crucial aspects, at LFCS, we believe that wellness is a year-round journey. We are dedicated to supporting Missouri families every day, regardless of the challenges they face.

Support Without Roadblocks

Unfortunately, accessing vital mental health and wellness support can often feel like an uphill battle. Common roadblocks like excessive costs, the stigma surrounding mental health, or simply a lack of awareness about available services prevent many families from getting the care they need.

At LFCS, we are actively breaking down these barriers. We believe that wellness should not depend on your income or where you live. We offer free and low-cost support across Missouri, ensuring that families can access essential care without roadblocks. Our mission is to make sure every family feels safe, supported, and connected.

As a leader in mental health and family wellness, LFCS provides comprehensive wraparound services tailored to support the entire family. We offer a wide range of programs to meet diverse needs, ensuring that help is always within reach. From counseling for individuals and families to parenting support and educational resources, we are here to walk alongside you. To see how our parenting support makes a real difference, read the inspiring story of William and Elise’s family. For more strategies on building family resilience and coping skills, resources like the Devereux Center for Resilient Children can offer helpful activities and insights.

“Wellness starts with feeling safe, supported, and connected. That is what we provide at LFCS,” said Lindsay Jeffries, Director of Behavioral Health for LFCS. “Our team is dedicated to fostering environments where every family member can grow, heal, and flourish.”

As August begins, take a moment to reflect on your family’s journey toward well-being. Remember that support is available year-round.

Connect with LFCS Today!

We are here to support Missouri families with free and low-cost services that break down barriers to mental health and wellness. To learn more about our parenting services, please visit our parenting section on our website. You can also contact us at 866-326-LFCS (5327) or email help@lfcs.org.