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

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.

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.”

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.