Samantha and Drew are just 20-years old. They met shortly after graduating high school and married before turning 19. To most, their odds at a happy and successful life together seemed unlikely for so many reasons.

Neither had been raised with much love or stability. Drew spent much of his childhood alone; his father a single dad who preferred to throw punches and insults rather than support his son. Likewise, Samantha rarely felt loved. Her stepfather abused her for as long as she could remember and when she finally had the courage to speak up, Samantha’s mother refused to believe her.

Children who are victims of domestic violence are 3 times more likely to repeat the cycle in adulthood, as growing up with domestic violence is the most significant predictor of whether or not someone will be engaged in domestic violence later in life.

UNICEF. “Behind Closed Doors”

Before making the choice to marry, Samantha and Drew committed to ending the cycle of abuse. They vowed to be better parents for the children they would raise. They found the support they needed to be successful through LFCS.

When they began receiving services, Mariah was just three-weeks old. Samantha was staying home, forced to quit her part-time job to care for their daughter. Drew was also unemployed following a near-fatal car accident five months prior to Mariah’s birth. He needed multiple surgeries to repair his injuries and was unable to work as a result. While struggling with the realities of life, Samantha and Drew sought help.

LFCS was able to provide parenting education for both Drew and Samantha to reduce the risk of abuse and neglect for Mariah. Drew was connected with the local Career Center to assist with his resume and job search following his recovery. Samantha received support and guidance as she explored job training opportunities and daycare recommendations for Mariah when classes began.

Today Samantha is ready to apply for a medical assistant program and Drew is working full-time in manufacturing. Their marriage is strong and they are proud to be loving parents to their sweet little girl.

Click here to read more about LFCS Parenting Services and all the ways in which we aim to end the cycle of abuse through education and counseling.

The post Love Wins for Baby Mariah first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Missy was a dedicated, single mother of a nine-year-old boy and two daughters, ages three and seven. She worked overnights so that she could be there for breakfasts before school, family dinners, homework, and bedtime prayers. Her unconditional love for her three little ones was evident. She beamed when she talked about them and always put their needs ahead of her own. But it was not easy and she had very little support from family.

One summer day, Missy discovered she was pregnant with baby number four. Loving another baby would be easy, but how would she provide for the needs of an infant? She had nothing extra as it was, without the expense of additional diapers, formula, clothing, medical bills and more. The future seemed uncertain.

Missy continued to work and set aside any money she could to prepare for the baby. Her son and daughters were excited to have a new sibling and shared their name choices almost daily. In her seventh month of pregnancy, Missy was forced to leave her job because the physical demands were too much. Fear for their future soon set in. Bills started to pile up. She wasn’t sure how she would make rent, buy diapers for her toddler or put gas in her car. She was terrified of having her utilities shut off, or even worse, being evicted. Missy needed help.

At church on Sunday, she read a bulletin announcement about the services provided at Lutheran Family and Children’s Services. First thing Monday morning, Missy called LFCS. She was connected with a caseworker and together they discussed Missy’s needs. They established a course of action to help her continue paying her bills until after the baby came, set up financial assistance from LFCS during those hardest months when she wasn’t able to work, and made a plan to make sure she didn’t fall behind finacially. To prepare for the baby’s arrival, Missy was connected with other services providers to receive a pack n’ play and other supplies she needed.

During one LFCS counseling session, Missy shared an interest in returning to school to further her education and have higher earning potential. She wanted a better life for herself and wanted to show her kids a better life too. Her caseworker helped her enroll in a degree program that she could complete after the baby arrived and while working full-time.

Within weeks of making that first phone call, so much had changed. She was now ready to share her unconditional love with her fourth child and she had a plan for their future. Missy knew she and her children would be okay thanks to the help she received from LFCS.

For more information on Parenting Services through LFCS, click, call 866-326-LFCS (5327) or send us an email.

To support LFCS Parenting Services and to keep other families, like Missy’s, from living on the streets, make a gift today.

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