ST. LOUIS – With the expansion of new offices and services, significant grants, and two meaningful awards, Lutheran Family and Children’s Services (LFCS), one of Missouri’s oldest social service agencies and a trusted provider of life-changing services for children and families, marked another successful and impactful year for children and families throughout the state.
“As we reflect on the past year, we are proud of the positive impact we’ve had on Missouri’s children and families,” said Mike Duggar, Chief Executive Officer for LFCS. “Our dedicated staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to provide hope, healing, and care to those in need, and we are grateful for their strong commitment to our mission.”
Before the New Year unfolds, here’s a look back at LFCS’s accomplishments in 2023.
Reaching the Hilltop in St. Louis
In St. Louis, LFCS secured a major grant from the Cornelsen Charitable Foundation to fund the construction of a new playground at the Hilltop Child and Family Development Center in North St. Louis. The new playground was dedicated during a July ribbon-cutting ceremony. In addition, LFCS graduated 26 students from Hilltop, which provides children 6 weeks to five years with various skills to lay the groundwork for a successful future. Summer brought more good news as LFCS was awarded the prestigious Pathfinder Church Light of St. Louis Award for its outstanding contributions to the St. Louis community. In October, LFCS held its 40th Annual LFCS Dinner & Auction, which helps support the organization’s critical services for children and families across Missouri.
Celebrating Golden Service in SEMO
In September, a remarkable journey of transformation, service, and expansion spanning half a century was commemorated as LFCS celebrated its golden anniversary in Cape Girardeau. Known for its life-changing services, LFCS recognized five decades of dedication to the Southeast Missouri region with a special 50th anniversary celebration highlighted by the unveiling of a 50th Anniversary Honor Wall.
Setting the “Pace” in Mid-Missouri
In recognition of exceptional community service and collaboration, LFCS in Mid-Missouri received the prestigious Pacesetter Award from the Heart of Missouri United Way. The award underscored LFCS’s ability to partner with local organizations, businesses, and individuals to address critical community needs, including expanding essential mental health services for children, adolescents, and families across the region.
On the Move in Joplin, Missouri
To better serve children and families in the area, LFCS relocated its office to a new location in Joplin. Four times larger than the previous location, the new office provides more space and amenities to deliver even more comprehensive services to clients in Joplin and the surrounding communities. LFCS celebrated the move with an open house in October.
Revving Up Support in Springfield, Missouri
LFCS received a $10,000 grant from O’Reilly Auto Parts for two annual charitable golf tournaments to support adoption and parenting services in Springfield. LFCS was one of 34 local charities to receive grants from a nationwide business based in Springfield.
Enhancing Lives Statewide
Throughout 2023, LFCS marked significant milestones across the state, recognizing churches with Caring Congregations Awards for their contributions to community service. To improve accessibility, LFCS implemented free pregnancy testing at all its offices, empowering women to make informed decisions. The successful completion of the Council on Accreditation (COA) reaccreditation process firmly established LFCS’s commitment to upholding the highest quality standards in its practices. Additionally, the agency blazed a trail in supporting adoptive families by introducing the “Road Map: Through Your Loved One’s Adoption Journey” guide, offering invaluable assistance during this transformative path.
About LFCS
Lutheran Family and Children Services (LFCS) is a statewide agency headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, with 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 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.