CAPE GIRARDEAU – A remarkable journey of transformation, service, and expansion spanning half a century will be commemorated as Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS) celebrates its golden anniversary in Southeast Missouri next month.
Known for its life-changing services, LFCS will recognize five decades of dedication to the region during a special 50th anniversary celebration from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 7 at the LFCS Southeast office in Cape Girardeau, Mo., 3178 Blattner Drive. Two ribbon-cutting ceremonies will kick off the commemoration, followed by the unveiling of a 50th Anniversary Honor Wall, a blessing and re-dedication address by the Rev. Joshua Schmidt, and a courtesy resolution from Rep. Jason Smith’s office. The celebration is open to the public and refreshments will be served.
“The Cape LFCS office exists today because of the diligence and hard work from over 200 pastors and churches as well as community leaders who saw the immediate need to bring impactful and critical services and programs to Southeast Missouri,” says Christy O’Neal, LFCS Development Officer. “The LFCS Auxiliary has also played a huge part in supporting our office and past and present Advisory Board members, ambassadors, volunteers, event committees, various Directors, businesses, organizations, and caring individuals from the communities we serve. We cannot thank them enough.”
The oldest nonprofit social services organization in Missouri, LFCS began offering counseling and child welfare services for families in Southeast Missouri in 1973 in a small space above Craftsman’s Office Supply at the 800 block of Broadway. LFCS then moved to a larger office on Breckenridge before settling into its current location at 3178 Blattner Drive, where the nonprofit continues to make an indelible impact.
Leading the charge in 1973 was the Rev. Richard Eissfeldt, who served as LFCS regional director from 1973-1975. The Revs Walter J. Keisker, Louis Launhardt, and Earl Weis also played instrumental roles in bringing LFCS to the area and served as effective advocates for the organization for many years.
Through their dynamic leadership, the Cape office opened 30 family service cases and provided eight-week parenting classes in Cape Girardeau, Perryville, and Sikeston. In addition, the Cape Girardeau location offered clergy consultations to five groups and 10 individuals and Communications and Family Life Education workshops for youth, adults, and pastors.
Since those humble beginnings, LFCS has continued to expand its reach and services, offering a light of hope and sustainable change for thousands of children and families in Southeast Missouri communities.
Serving families in 18 counties throughout Southeast Missouri, LFCS now provides four critical areas of support: Adoption, Pregnancy Services, Parenting Education, and Behavioral Health. All four programs empower children and families to develop healthy, supportive foundations for life.
“There’s such a big reward to helping disadvantaged kids,” says Vernon Kasten, a long-time LFCS supporter and volunteer and member of the Advisory Board. “We’re transforming lives through our work. We can have a positive impact and intervene during tough situations. And we can help them be successful and a positive influence on others.”
About LFCS
Lutheran Family and Children Services (LFCS), is a statewide agency with headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri; regional offices in Columbia, Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Joplin, and Kansas City; and numerous satellite counseling sites. LFCS serves Missouri families from all walks of life in their greatest times of need. The nonprofit social services organization provides four key support areas to help children and families in Southeast Missouri—Adoption, Behavioral Health, Parenting Education, and Pregnancy Support. The programs offered in these areas empower individuals and families to develop healthy, supportive foundations for a lifetime. Services are open to anyone regardless of race, faith, national origin, gender, or age.