Our Faithful Promises

We promise to help families navigate life-altering changes.

“For it is God who is working in you, enabling you both to desire and to work out His good purpose.” – Philippians 2:13

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James is a retired carpenter and loving grandfather to two beautiful kids, Emma and Abby. He has always had a big heart and positive attitude, which has helped him through life’s struggles. These qualities sustained him last summer when he faced a challenge that would change his life forever.

It was a Wednesday morning, and his daughter Erica called him in a panic. She had struggled with substance abuse for years and the added stress from the pandemic had caused her to relapse.  After losing his job, her boyfriend had also recently begun to struggle with alcoholism. His temper while under the influence had worsened and started to really scare Erica and the kids. Through her tears, Erica asked her dad to come pick up her daughters, so that they would be in a safe place away from the turmoil while she could try to get help. James rushed to his daughter’s home and found his granddaughters waiting for him on the porch, bags in hand.  They looked scared, but seemed happy and relieved to see their grandpa.  “How about we go get some ice cream?” James said, hoping to distract the kids from the sounds of their parents arguing just inside.

James determined it was best for his granddaughters to remain with him. He was happy that they were safe, but he was also nervous because it had been twenty- plus years since he had a child in his home full-time.  He lost his wife last year, and he knew that unexpectedly taking care of two school-age children alone would be challenging.  James needed support. He was not prepared to handle their emotional or development needs, and didn’t want them to fall behind. Small things kept coming up that caused unexpected difficulties for James, such as the task of fixing the girls’ hair.  Emma desperately wanted her hair braided, but the well-meaning grandpa wasn’t even sure where to start.

He called Lutheran Family and Children’s Services, and was offered emergency assistance right away.  Since he had unexpected expenses, including setting up bedrooms for the kids, he needed some help with a utility bill.  LFCS also provided help enrolling the kids in school. James began meeting with a case worker to get parenting advice and resources. He and the girls also received counseling support to help them cope and begin to rebuild their relationship with Erica.  Much to Emma’s delight, an LFCS staff member even gave James a quick lesson in hair braiding.

James is becoming more comfortable in his new role every day, and is proud he’s been able to keep the children in his home where he can provide safety and stability. Their opportunity to stay with him would be unlikely without the assistance that he received from LFCS. James has kept his positive attitude, and he is hopeful for his family’s future.

With the help of our generous donors, LFCS will continue to support thousands of Missouri children and families just like James, Emma and Abby, and help them safely navigate these ongoing challenges

 

Learn more and donate to the Faithful Promises Campaign