The post Why Do You Serve? Creating Lasting Values for Missouri Families first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

The post Values, Value, and Feeling Valued: A Fresh Lens for LFCS in the New Year first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Additionally, the number of new donors is dropping, and donor retention is declining across the board. A recent report described the current landscape as a “quiet crisis”—where dollars may be up, but the number of people giving is going down. This trend is not sustainable, and it threatens the long-term health of social service organizations.

Meanwhile, the communities we serve are experiencing the same economic stressors. Families are struggling to pay rent, put

The post Why We Must Meet the Moment: LFCS’ Call to Action Amid Crisis first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Social workers are the foundation of strong communities, dedicating their time and expertise to helping individuals and families overcome obstacles and build brighter futures. Their efforts often go unnoticed, yet they are essential in providing support, advocacy, and life-changing services. At Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri, we are proud to recognize and celebrate our social workers during National Social Worker Appreciation Month for their unwavering commitment to those we serve.

A Commitment to Transforming Lives

“Our social workers are the backbone of our organization and the heart of our mission,” said Mike Duggar, President and Chief Executive Officer of LFCS. “We are honored to celebrate their tremendous contributions during March and throughout the year.”

LFCS social workers play a vital role in providing critical services such as adoption, pregnancy support, parenting services, and mental health counseling. In 2024 alone, they have made a remarkable impact:

• Provided nearly 67,333 parenting service hours.
• Provided approximately 25,719 pregnancy service hours.
• Provided 3,347 adoption service hours to connect children with loving families.

These numbers reflect the dedication and hard work of LFCS social workers in ensuring families receive the support they need to thrive.

The Essential Role of Social Workers

According to the National Association of Social Workers, millions of families across the United States face challenges that impact their well-being, from economic hardship to mental health struggles. Social workers serve as advocates, helping individuals navigate complex systems and access the resources they need.

One such advocate is Latizia Williams, who has been with LFCS for 18 years and now serves as Assistant Director of Parenting Services.

“Every day in social work is different, and that’s what I love about it,” said Williams. “From helping a child find a loving adoptive home to supporting a parent struggling with addiction, we have the chance to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Knowing that my work contributes to stronger families and healthier communities is what motivates me.”

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Now, at age 34, Mia stands as a living testament to the resilience, hope, and transformative impact of LFCS.

Mia’s story is one of determination and growth, marked by her commitment to creating a better life for herself and her three children, ages 10, 6, and 2. Her connection with LFCS began when she was just 21 and expecting her first child. During this period, Mia grappled with the daunting prospect of single motherhood while struggling to find the support and guidance she desperately needed.

“I was a hot mess,” said Mia. “I did not know what to do. I didn’t have much support, and I felt completely lost.”

At this challenging juncture, Mia was referred to LFCS’s Springfield, Missouri office, marking the beginning of a life-altering partnership.

A Supportive Alliance

LFCS counselors stepped in to provide Mia with the support and resources she required throughout her pregnancy and as she faced the reality of single motherhood. Their guidance and support enabled her to acquire essential coping skills, manage her relationship with her child’s father, and explore options, including adoption.

One exceptional aspect of Mia’s experience was LFCS’s ability to tailor its support to her needs. Recognizing her anxiety about becoming a mother, Mia requested a lifelike infant simulator to help her prepare for parenthood. LFCS went above and beyond to fulfill her request, ensuring she had the tools to confront the challenges ahead confidently.

A Brighter Future

Following the birth of her child, LFCS counselors continued to provide invaluable assistance, helping Mia secure a crib, car seat, and the support of a doula. These resources facilitated her transition into motherhood, allowing her to concentrate on nurturing her child’s development.

LFCS counselors continued addressing immediate needs and helped Mia develop crucial life skills. Budgeting became an integral part of her journey, equipping her with the knowledge to manage her finances effectively. Moreover, the LFCS team encouraged Mia to explore career opportunities aligned with her goals, even as she pursued her dreams in art and entrepreneurship.

Empowering Lives

Throughout Mia’s collaboration with LFCS, guided by compassionate counselors, she discovered the importance of confidence, resilience, and self-empowerment. Mia uncovered her inner strength and mustered the courage to chase her dreams. Today, she not only stands as a mother of three incredible children, with another on the way but also as a burgeoning entrepreneur and founder of a nonprofit.

Mia is the driving force behind the Pacific Community Garden, a nonprofit that aims to teach minorities in Springfield how to cultivate independence through gardening while providing a therapeutic outlet. Her establishment serves as the heart of this initiative. Mia also co-founded the United Community Change, a racial awareness group dedicated to fostering positive change in the community.

A Powerful Reminder

Mia’s remarkable transformation from a young, uncertain mother-to-be to an empowered entrepreneur and community leader exemplifies the life-changing influence of LFCS. Through their collective efforts, LFCS not only helped Mia succeed but inspired her to pay it forward, making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

Mia’s message to anyone facing a challenging situation is hope and encouragement. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Contact LFCS and let them guide you towards your needed resources and support. You’ll build relationships that last a lifetime, gain valuable skills, and discover your strengths.”

The post From Uncertainty to Empowerment: Mia’s Story first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Our Adoption, Parenting, and Pregnancy services will now be available in Jackson County. From parenting education to case management, home visitations to creating forever families, LFCS is thrilled to help Northwest Missouri build a better tomorrow. Overcoming challenges, creating sustainable change, and empowering communities. That’s what we do at LFCS and that’s what we are bringing to Kansas City!

“This is a major step for the agency in accomplishing our
goal to be the recognized leader for parents and families who
want solutions to help children thrive throughout the entire
state.”
Matthew BricklerPresident, LFCS Operating Board

Meet Brookelyn Morris,
Kansas City’s Inaugural Staff Member

“When I first started at LFCS, all of the staff
made sure I felt welcome and supported.
This is very vital as we are new to the
KC area. We are so excited to bring an
organization that is well needed to Kansas
City!”
– Brookelyn MorrisLFCS Social Worker

The post Kansas City Here We Come! first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Cecelia walked into the LFCS office overwhelmed with anxiety. She was pregnant for the first time without anyone but her husband to support her. She was new to the area and had not made many friends yet. Cecelia’s mother had passed away two years before and she had no siblings or other family close by. As excited as she and her husband were to become parents, Cecelia was struggling with all of the unknowns that lie ahead.

After assessing her needs, Cecelia’s LFCS caseworker suggested she attend the monthly support group for young moms. There she was able to meet several other women who understood her circumstances. They shared their experiences of pregnancy, birth, what to expect at the hospital, parenting an infant and more. She met with her caseworker regularly, following an evidence-based parenting education curriculum to prepare for her role as a new mom. Two months after enrolling in the program, Cecelia delivered her daughter.

As the first weeks past, Cecelia felt more and more detached from her baby. “What’s wrong with me?” she thought. Cecelia had planned and prepared, so why wasn’t it all coming naturally? Her caseworker called to follow up and noticed Cecelia didn’t seem like herself. “Come by the office Wednesday. I’d love to meet the baby and talk to you more.” the caseworker requested.

Wednesday came and Cecelia arrived at the LFCS late in the afternoon. She was disheveled and noticeably upset. While sitting in her caseworker’s office, she broke down in tears sharing her fears and questions once more. Fortunately, LFCS was able to provide additional support to Cecilia through counseling services that directly addressed Cecelia’s detachment and post-partum depression.

With regular counseling, Cecelia began to recover and bond with her child. She continued to attend the support group for new moms which helped her understand she was not alone and that many of the challenges she was facing were normal in the baby’s first year of life. Today, Cecelia is parenting with confidence and her daughter is thriving at 16 months.

If you’d like to help create safe and stable home environments for families, like Cecelia’s, make a gift to LFCS today. Your contribution will make generations of children and families across Missouri safer and stronger together.

The post Finding Support during Pregnancy 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.

When my wife and I answered the adoption call on our lives, we enthusiastically jumped into our first training on the weekend of my 34th birthday.  We were blessed to have 2 beautiful, healthy children and they were excited to add a sibling to the gang!  As an elementary teacher and principal, my wife and I knew first-hand the need for loving families to adopt right here in our own community.  Arrogantly, I assumed we would be matched quickly due to our backgrounds, education and the gleam in our kid’s eyes anticipating their new little brother or sister.  However, patience and learning to wait on God’s timing was a lesson to proceed placement.

During our 5 year “commercial break” of the adoption process, our family experienced highs and lows that left us hurt and wanting to quit.  During the first 2 years without a placement, we experienced the hurt and disappointment facing many couples seeking adoption.  We were shocked and elated to find out Lori was expecting, only to find out months later that the pregnancy failed and we lost the baby.  While we had not experienced fertility issues, we had family and friends facing this hurt and challenge.  We felt the Lord was doing a work to help us love and support others going through this process in a deeper way.  Still committed to the adoption calling, we were even more surprised to find out Lori was expecting again a few months later.  The pregnancy was going well and we were eager to welcome another baby girl to our family when Lori was hit head-on by a lady talking on her cell phone.  After a scary night in the hospital and many faithful prayers, Lori was pronounced healthy and released from the hospital.  Two months later, we welcomed a full bundle of joy and life (Ava) to our family.  Even as our hearts sang over this new addition, we were still anchored to this call on our lives to adopt, but we couldn’t figure out why we were 3 years into the process and still had not received a placement.  When the new school year started, the Lord made an opportunity for 2 foster boys connected to my school to live with us. Even though this opportunity came through a different agency, our efforts in the adoption process helped secure placement for the boys with us.  Jumping from 2 kids to 5 kids over the course of a few months had many growing pains.  After 4 months, the boys were reunited with their mother, however, this left an even bigger hole for the missing piece to our family.  In addition to these major life events, we were also experiencing changes in caseworkers, being placed in a holding pattern for placements, and being rejected for reasons we couldn’t fully understand.  With 5 years of prayer, emotions, unanswered questions and money poured into the process, frustration and disappointment led Lori and I to ask for a meeting with our caseworkers to withdraw from the adoption process.  Against the desires of my broken heart, I yielded to Lori and agreed to wait the process out until August 1st.  After a few more rejections, we received a call from our caseworker informing us of a matching for a baby boy with a due date of July 31st.  (Insert every sermon, story, anecdote you have ever heard about God’s timing and waiting on His timing …here…).  With excited and guarded hearts, we moved forward with the matching and welcomed the birth of our son, Evan, on July 24th.  (In case you are curious, Evan means God is gracious.)

Today, the commercial break is over and we have rejoined our regularly scheduled programming.  We are enjoying the most beautiful, joy-filled blessing that could have ever completed our family. I don’t know where you are in your adoption journey, but our prayer is you will trust in God’s timing and be looking for how He is preparing you, this child, and the birth family during your commercial break.  For some, the commercial break may last so long you just want to turn the television off (or chuck it out the window).  Be patient.  Have faith.  Even though the commercial break lasted longer than we ever wanted or expected, it was definitely worth the wait!

Shane & Lori, Juhlin, Gavin, Ava and Evan (because adoption is a family affair!)

The post Worth the Wait first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

Kayla was referred to LFCS by her mental health counselor. She was 18 and pregnant, living with her mom who also struggles with mental illness. Her boyfriend Matt was trying to finish his senior year of high school. While Kayla and Matt were excited about the pregnancy, they also knew they weren’t really ready for a baby.

Kayla and Matt met with their LFCS pregnancy counselor regularly throughout the pregnancy to receive counseling, support, and encouragement. LFCS was able to get them connected with other community resources, shared educational information on pregnancy and parenting, and helped to make sure they had everything they needed for the baby before he arrived.

Their baby is now 6 months old, and he is doing great. Matt graduated from high school, and both Matt and Kayla have jobs. They work different shifts so that one of them is most always available to care for their baby, and Kayla’s mom steps in to babysit as needed. Kayla and Matt recently had their last session with their LFCS pregnancy counselor, and they have met most all of the goals they set together at the beginning of their services with LFCS: increases in education, employment, mental health, parenting knowledge, and improved family relationships mean a more stable and secure environment for their baby and the entire family.

The post Meet Kayla: An LFCS Crisis Pregnancy Client first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.