Joel’s history teacher was concerned. In recent months, he had missed days of school and when he was in class, Joel seemed on edge and disinterested in classroom activities. The previous semester, Joel had been very engaged and had even shared his hopes to attend college to study ancient history. “What happened?” Joel’s teacher thought.

The school counselor was notified and after a conference call with Joel’s father, they all agreed Joel needed to talk to someone. The school counselor recommended Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) in addition to regular meetings at school.

Joel began meeting with his LFCS therapist weekly. As their relationship developed, his therapist discovered that Joel’s behavior-changes began when he learned about his father’s drug use and criminal activities. This knowledge overwhelmed Joel with fear and anxiety.

A hotline call was made, and following an investigation, Joel’s father was arrested. His grandparents welcomed him into their home, providing Joel with stability and safety he hadn’t felt in nearly a year.  With prescribed mediation and the implementation of communication and coping skills he learned in counseling, Joel’s anxiety and depression were under control.  He soon began to flourish in his new school and environment.

Now 16 years old and driving, Joel feels like he is right where he needs to be.  He passed all of his classes last year and is starting to look at nearby colleges.

The post Promise of Childhood first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Rachel began meeting with an LFCS social worker regularly. She was taught to make her needs a priority and to set realistic goals. Rachel’s first major goals: find a job and a place to live in town. While she focused on looking for work, LFCS helped her with infant care items and connected her to other community resources.  Rachel soon had access to a wealth of resources including housing coaching, resources for a car seat and crib, GED practice tests, bus vouchers, and clothing vouchers.

Once Rachel found part-time work, LFCS reached out to a local community agency that offered assistance to domestic violence victims. With their assistance, Rachel received assistance with a deposit and rent on an apartment for six months.  She was finally able to move in to her own home close to work.

Rachel’s daughter was born in November, happy and healthy.

Since then, the LFCS Maternal Mental Health program provides additional support to address Rachel’s her post-partum needs. She attends bi-weekly support group meeting with other young mothers at LFCS. Together they share parenting concerns and ask questions that they all learn from.

Rachel is currently looking for safe and reliable child care so she can return to work.  She is saving money to buy a car which will increase her independence and allow her to get back and forth to work.  Rachel’s current focus is to obtain her GED while she provides a safe and stable home for her daughter.  She is succeeding, thanks to you!

Learn more about LFCS Pregnancy and Parenting services.

The post Pregnancy, Abuse and Depression first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.