Across Missouri—and the country—nonprofits are facing an urgent and unprecedented reality. Operational costs are rising due to inflation, while government contracts and fixed grants have lost their purchasing power. Organizations like Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri are being asked to do more with less, at the exact moment when more people than ever are turning to us for help.
We launched the Meet The Moment campaign to rally support around this growing crisis, because the truth is: when nonprofits can’t meet the needs of their communities, real lives are impacted.
A Sector Under Pressure
We are not alone in this struggle. According to the 2025 State of the Nonprofit Sector Report:
- 65% of nonprofits report that staffing shortages are impeding their ability to deliver services.
- 77% have seen an increase in demand for their programs.
- Three out of four have been forced to reduce staff or cut programs.
- 87% report increased demand for mental health services, even while struggling to find the staff to provide them.
- Nearly half lack the funds needed to meet client demand.
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
food on the table, and access mental health care. Without adequate support, these challenges ripple into our broader society—increasing emergency room visits, straining school systems, and deepening systemic inequality.
How LFCS Has Responded
Despite these challenges, LFCS has not stood still. Over the past several years, we have made bold, intentional decisions to grow in response to community need:
- Expanded in-person capacity through office renovations, allowing us to see more clients face-to-face.
- Opened new offices in Kansas City, extending our reach to children and families in Northwest Missouri.
- Prioritized the hiring of counselors, case managers, and social workers to make sure clients are not left waiting for the help they desperately need.
- Expanded our parenting program to strengthen the family unit and reduce the risk of abuse and neglect.
These changes weren’t optional. They were necessary to meet the real needs of Missouri families. But they come at a cost—and that’s where we need your help.
Help Us Meet the Moment
The Meet The Moment campaign is a call to action. It’s a call to everyone who believes in the importance of mental health care, strong families, and children growing up in safe, loving homes.
At LFCS, we are committed to:
- Addressing Missouri’s mental health crisis
- Reducing child abuse and neglect
- Empowering clients to overcome heartbreak and trauma
- Supporting families navigating infertility
- Making an impact (view our 2024 annual report here to see how)
Guided by Jesus’ call to love one another, serve those in need, and be a light in the world, we are asking you to partner with us in this mission.
Our goal is to raise $150,000 by June 30. These funds will go directly to programs that are making a difference every single day.
When we fail to meet the moment, our communities suffer. But when we rise together—when we choose to act—real healing happens.
Join us. Give today. Help us Meet the Moment. Donate Today