A Message
From the President and Board Chairman
As we reflect on another year of service, we are filled with gratitude for each and every person who made our mission possible. Together, we have answered the call to serve those in need, embodying the spirit of compassion that defines our organization.
We find inspiration in Isaiah 6:8: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I; send me!’” This verse reminds us of our duty to respond when called upon to help others. It encapsulates our commitment to act as instruments of hope and provide holistic support and empowerment to the children and families of Missouri.
Throughout the past year, our dedicated staff has worked tirelessly to provide essential services to families facing adversity. From counseling and pregnancy and parenting support to foster care and adoption, we strive to meet the needs of the whole family unit with our wraparound approach.
LFCS achieved several significant milestones in 2023. In our efforts to expand our ability to meet the growing need across the state of Missouri, we began offering Pregnancy and Parenting support in Kansas City, making us a truly statewide organization. Our dedicated Parenting staff began offering free pregnancy testing in each of our offices, providing a safe space for clients to receive caring, non-judgmental support and information about next steps. We also secured a new office space in Joplin, equipped with additional space to serve more families in Southwest Missouri. These accomplishments are a testament to the dedication and generosity of our supporters and partners, without whom none of this would be possible.
Looking ahead, let us renew our commitment to answer the call for help with even greater enthusiasm. We will continue to grow and expand, broadening our reach and making a longterm investment in the communities that we serve. Together, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most. Thank you to our board, staff, partners, and funders, for your unwavering support and dedication to our mission.
Mike Duggar, President and CEO
Matthew Brickler, Chairman of the Board
Our Mission
Our Vision Our Values
Our Impact
Through Christ’s love, we empower children and families to overcome challenges today so they can build a better tomorrow.
Generations of children and families across Missouri are safer and stronger together.
• Courageous Faith
• Impeccable Integrity
• Service Excellence
• Strong Teams
• Innovative Ideas
30,354 children and families benefited from the critical services that we provide. In 2023,
Service Locations
In 2023, LFCS answered the call for statewide care. We began offering Pregnancy Support, Parenting Services, and Adoption Services for children and families in Kansas City. Thanks to Peace Lutheran Church for providing a space for us to serve our clients!
We also upgraded to a new office space in Joplin, providing us with more space and amenities to deliver comprehensive services to our clients in Southwest Missouri.
• St. Louis
• St. Charles
• Franklin County
• Hilltop Child and Family Development Center in North St. Louis
• Cape Girardeau/ Southeast Missouri
• Columbia/ Mid-Missouri
• Kansas City
• Springfield/ Southwest Missouri
• Joplin
• 60+ Missouri schools and churches
Accreditations
• Council on Accreditation
• National Association for the Education of Young Children
• Licensed by the State of Missouri as a Child Placing Agency for Adoption and Foster Care
2023 Board of Directors
• Matthew Brickler, Chair
• Annie Kowert, Vice Chair
• Louis Johnson, Secretary
• Scott Dallman, Treasurer
• Eric Breuer, Strategy
• Dion Garrett, Leadership
• James Gibeaut
• Mike Griswold
• Tom Hohenstein
• Thomas Kapp
• Pilar McGraw
• Stephen Newell
• Mary Ann Peckitt
• Lynell Peebles
• Steven Pozaric
• Aaron Telle
• Sarah White
As I talked to my case worker, I felt this calming sensation. I was like, ‘I can do this. I don’t want to lose my child, I want to take care of her’...I grew up in a very bad home, so I never really had bravery, and I couldn’t speak my own voice. My case worker has given me the confidence to do that.
Brianna LFCS Client
Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect:
Parenting Education and Pregnancy Support Services
In 2023, the State of Missouri received 61,712 reports of child abuse and neglect. LFCS answered the call through Parenting and Pregnancy Support services. We provide education, training, and resources to empower parents and help them create safety and stability for their children.
As part of our effort to provide holistic support in the communities that we serve, we began offering free pregnancy testing for current and prospective clients at each of our offices in 2023.
3,312 families served through this program
26,519 total service hours provided 7.4 average number of months clients received care 94% of moms and dads reported improved parenting skills
“Since coming to therapy, I have learned a lot about myself, and that the mind is a very powerful thing. Thoughts can influence your behavior and how you feel and act. I have learned to be less critical of myself and learned how to relax, especially when I am having difficult emotions. We have also worked on making friends and talking to other kids my age.
James LFCS Client
Addressing the Children’s Mental Health Crisis:
Counseling/ Behavioral Health Services
In 2023, half of all kids and young adults reported symptoms of anxiety and depression. LFCS answered the call by offering professional mental health counseling to children and families in St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Franklin County, Columbia, and Cape Girardeau.
3,230 clients served across Missouri
10,357 children impacted through school-based support
29,986 total service hours provided
31,102 total number of counseling sessions provided
88% of kids showed improvement in their mental health symptoms
“We have been foster parents for about 7 years. We would like to express our gratitude for the LFCS staff, who have maintained an unmatched level of professionalism, and have ensured that our foster children have a safe environment for visits. They go out of their way to support our family with any needs.
Hannah Foster Parent
Caring for Foster Kids:
Foster Care Case Management Services
In 2023, Missouri ranked in the top 10 for the number of children in foster care in the U.S. LFCS answered the call by providing critical case management services for kids in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and Franklin County who are in state custody due to child abuse and/or neglect. Our staff identify the needs of the child and work with the court systems to ensure that they are in a safe and stable environment.
In 2023, LFCS continued our partnership in St. Louis Partners, which is a collaborative effort between LFCS, Good Shepherd, and Bringing Families Together.
12,790 children are in foster care in Missouri
22.3 average # of months kids spend in foster care
181 children were served through LFCS Case Management
The stigma can be so negative for birth moms, and just knowing that there are people like LFCS, that are there for birth moms- these women are making a very hard decision but they are not alone, and they are still moms.
Andrea LFCS Client
The Heart of Adoption:
Serving the Whole Adoption Triad
LFCS is proud to be a leader in adoption education and resources for all members of the Adoption Triad: birth parents, adoptive families, and adoptees. We realize how complex the process of Adoption can be, and we answer the call through specialized resources and support during and after placement, for as long as necessary.
In 2023, LFCS published a new Adoption resource in support of our clients and their families entitled Road Map: Through Your Loved One’s Adoption Journey.
665 families touched by Adoption
4,461 total service hours provided
51 birth families served
46 children placed in their forever home
32 home studies provided
The developmental process here has helped my daughter to become a greater student and the staff has had a great impact on her. I highly recommend coming to Hilltop.
Justina “
Hilltop Parent
Early Child Development:
Hilltop Child and Family Development Center
Hilltop Child and Family Development Center has served the highly vulnerable area of North City and County known as the Promise Zone, for over 50 years.
In 2023, Hilltop continued to answer the call to eliminate barriers for families in this community by offering highquality early education and one-of-a-kind intervention services to lay the groundwork for a successful future. Wraparound services include professional behavioral health care, case management, parenting education, and medical care for the families that we serve.
In 2023, Hilltop was awarded the “Light of St. Louis” Award from Pathfinder church, to recognize our outstanding contributions to the greater St. Louis region.
157 children enrolled at Hilltop
532 family members impacted by Hilltop
207 onsite medical visits provided for Hilltop families
101 hearing tests administered to kids at Hilltop
99 vision tests administered to kids at Hilltop
2023 Highlights:
LFCS Celebrated 50 Years of Serving Southeast Missouri
LFCS celebrated our 50th anniversary in Cape Girardeau in September 2023. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the unveiling of the 50th Anniversary Honor Wall, a blessing and rededication by the Rev. Joshua Schmidt, and a courtesy resolution from Rep. Jason Smith’s office.
Debbie Colyott and LFCS President and CEO, Mike Duggar, with the Proclamation.
LFCS President and CEO, Mike Duggar, at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
LFCS Development Staff Trueman Orson, Christy O’Neal, and Laura Kelly with the LFCS Honor Wall
Cheers to 40 Years: LFCS Celebrated our 40th Annual Dinner and Auction Event
Over 300 of our closest friends joined us at the Ritz-Carlton in St. Louis for the 40th Annual LFCS Dinner and Auction. This event is a testament to our commitment to creating lasting and multigenerational change in the communities we serve.
Auction Chairs Brian and Annie Kowert
Guests enjoying dinner and fellowship at the event at the Ritz-Carlton
Guests utilized mobile bidding in the Silent Auction
A New Playground for the Children at Hilltop
In 2023, the Cornelsen Charitable Foundation provided generous support to completely rebuild the playground at Hilltop Child and Family Development Center, with new brightly colored equipment and sun shades to keep the kids cool in the warmer months. Hilltop and LFCS are so grateful to the Cornelsen Foundation for providing a safe outdoor recreation area for the kids in our care.
We were also so proud to welcome volunteers from Pathfinder Church, who generously assisted with the event, as well as special guests from Youth in Need and the Urban League!
Brent St. John, St. Louis Alderwoman Pam Boyd, Casey St. John from the Cornelsen Foundation, and LFCS CEO and President Mike Duggar during the ribbon cutting ceremony
The Hilltop Kids enjoying their new and improved playground, along with a volunteer from Pathfinder Church.
Honoring our Caring Congregations
In 2023, LFCS presented the “Caring Congregation” Award to the following churches, for their generous support of our mission:
St. Louis Caring Congregations:
• Holy Cross Lutheran Church
• Trinity Lutheran Church- Chesterfield
• Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church
• Lutheran Church of the Atonement
• Living Lord Lutheran Church
• Epiphany Lutheran Church
• Glendale Lutheran Church
• St. Thomas Holy Spirit Lutheran Church
• St. Paul Lutheran Church- Des Peres
• Lord of Life Lutheran Church
• Concordia Lutheran ChurchKirkwood
• King of Kings- Chesterfield
• Pathfinder Church
• Zion Lutheran Church
Mid-MO Caring Congregations:
• Immanuel Lutheran Church
• Salem Lutheran Church
• Trinity Lutheran Church- Jefferson City
• Trinity Lutheran Church- Cole Camp
• Trinity Lutheran Church- Columbia
• St. Andrews Lutheran Church
• Campus Lutheran Church
• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
SEMO Caring Congregations:
• Concordia Lutheran Church
• Hanover Lutheran Church
• Immanuel Lutheran Church- Jackson
• Immanuel Lutheran Church- Perryville
• Immanuel Lutheran ChurchAltenburg
• Salem Lutheran Church
• Sargent’s Chapel Lutheran Church
• St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church
• St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church
• St. Mark Lutheran Church
• St. Paul Lutheran Church
• Trinity Lutheran Church- Altenburg
• Trinity Lutheran Church- Cape
• Trinity Lutheran Church- Jackson
SWMO Caring Congregations:
• Faith Lutheran Church
• Immanuel Lutheran Church
• Messiah Lutheran Church
• Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
• Redeemer Lutheran ChurchSpringfield
• Redeemer Lutheran Church- Nixa
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
• Trinity Lutheran Church
Caring Congregation Award Presentation at Immanuel Lutheran- Altenburg
Thank you
to our partners, our funders, our Board Leadership, and all of our individual donors who have contributed so much to help children and families in need.
Funders:
• Ameren Charitable Trust
• Arnold and Elfrieda Strickert Family Foundation
• Bernhard and Anna Nuessli Fund
• Boeing
• Boone County Children’s Services Fund
• Cape Girardeau Mental Health Tax Board
• Carl E. and Audrey B. Scheidker Trust
• Central States Synod
• Children’s Trust Fund
• Cornelsen Charitable Foundation
• Department of Economic Development
• Emerson Charitable Trust
• Enterprise Holdings, Inc.
• Franklin County Area United Way
• Franklin County Community and Children’s Resource Board
• Heart of Missouri United Way
• Jefferson County Community Mental Health Fund Board
• Jefferson Foundation
• Kolpin Foundation
• Missouri Department of Economic Development
• Missouri Early Care and Education Connections
• Neeb Family Foundation
• O’Reilly Auto Parts
• Perry County Youth Tax Board
• Pott Foundation
• Raymond and Grace Harmon Charitable Foundation
• Rushing Family Trust
• State of Missouri Children’s Division
• St. Charles Community and Children’s Resource Board
• St. Louis City Mental Health Board
• St. Louis County Children’s Services Fund
• Sunderland Foundation
• United Way of Greater St. Louis
• United Way of Southeast Missouri
• Veteran’s United Foundation
Partners:
• Bringing Families Together
• Catholic Charities of Kansas City- St. Joseph
• Diaper Bank of the Ozarks
• Family Forward
• First Chance for Children
• Good Samaritan Boys Ranch
• Good Shepherd
• Missouri Baptist
• Our Little Haven
• Saints Joachim and Ann
• St. Louis Area Diaper Bank
• Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
• Youth in Need
Thanks to the Heart of Missouri United Way for honoring the LFCS Columbia Office with the 2023 Pacesetter Award!
Financial Overview
For Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2023
