family services - Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri https://lfcsmo.org Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:59:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://lfcsmo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Favicon-150x150.png family services - Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri https://lfcsmo.org 32 32 Celebrating Wellness Month: Why LFCS’s Support for Missouri Families Never Stops https://lfcsmo.org/celebrating-wellness-month-why-lfcss-support-for-missouri-families-never-stops/ Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:59:00 +0000 https://lfcsmo.org/?p=3949
Celebrating Wellness Month: Why LFCS’s Support for Missouri Families Never Stops

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.

social worker Case Manager
Therapist with Child Counseling
Therapy office woman counseling
Back-to-School Balance: Support When Stress Levels Rise

With August comes the anticipation (and often, the stress!) of the back-to-school season. This is a significant transition for both children and parents, typically bringing a surge in stress levels, new anxieties, and intense emotions. It is the perfect time for families to hit the “reset” button and build strong mental wellness foundations. For additional tips on managing this transition, you might find valuable advice from sites like HealthyChildren.org.

LFCS understands these unique pressures. We offer crucial support for families navigating academic stress, social adjustments, and emotional regulation. Because we recognize that school success begins with mental wellness, we offer resources and guidance to help your children (and you!) thrive during this busy period.

Wrap Around Services
Wraparound Services: Holistic Support for Your Family

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.

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]]> Child Abuse Prevention Month 2018 https://lfcsmo.org/child-abuse-prevention-month-2018/ Tue, 03 Apr 2018 01:05:39 +0000 https://lfcs.beanstalkweb.com/child-abuse-prevention-month-2018/ Did you know 5,141 children in the Missouri were involved in substantiated claims of abuse or neglect in 2017? April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. At LFCS, we want to talk about this public health issue and what we can do to address it. Here are just a few of the staggering statistics: One in 4 children experience some […]

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]]> Did you know 5,141 children in the Missouri were involved in substantiated claims of abuse or neglect in 2017?

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. At LFCS, we want to talk about this public health issue and what we can do to address it.

Here are just a few of the staggering statistics:

  • One in 4 children experience some form of child abuse or neglect in their lifetimes.
  • Thirty-two Missouri children died from abuse or neglect in 2017, 70% of whom were two years old or younger.
  • Parents, stepparents or other primary caretakers account for the majority of perpetrators in child abuse and neglect cases.
  • Poverty, on-going community violence, and weak connections between neighbors are related to a higher risk for child abuse and neglect
  • The estimated average lifetime cost per victim of nonfatal child abuse and neglect was $210,012
  • The total lifetime economic burden resulting from new cases of fatal and nonfatal child abuse and neglect is $124 billion

LFCS provides several areas of support to prevent child abuse and neglect as well as manages the social and behavioral ramifications of cases that were not prevented. We do so through our two pillars of service: Foster Care and Family Services & Behavioral Health and Community Prevention Services.

Foster Care and Family Services programs provide education to parents and care for children to decrease the risk of child abuse or neglect. Services include:

  • Respite Foster Care
  • Foster Care Case Management
  • Pregnancy and Parenting Services
  • Home Visitation

Behavioral Health and Community Prevention Services programs are available in 15 offices statewide on a sliding fee scale, as well as 60 schools in eight Districts across the St. Louis area. Services include:

  • Counseling
  • Child Psychiatry
  • STEP-UP, a youth development program

 

If you find yourself in need of any of the above services, please contact LFCS. Together we can save children and families in Missouri.

 

April 6, 2018 is Wear Blue Day. Show your support and help spread awareness by wearing blue. Take a photo and share it on the social media with #GreatChildhoods and tag @LFCSMO.

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