Welcome to our newsletter. This is a one-stop place to find out what is happening Inside Lutheran Family Services (LFS). From events to programs insights, it is here.
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Get Involved – Order a Well-being Box
Have you ever thought about how you can directly impact the lives of children and refugees? One great way to help is by requesting a Well-being Box and collecting and donating our most essential items. By doing so, you can provide crucial support to those who need it the most. The best part is that we will work with you every step of the way to ensure that these items get to the people who truly need them. If you’re interested in ordering your Well-being Box, please contact Holly Kaffenberger at hkaffenberger@onelfs.org.
September Events
- 9/5 – 11/28 – Nurturing Parenting Classes
- 9/9 – Refugee Health Community Day
- 9/11 – LFS Golf Outing
- 9/23 – Fall TIPS-MAPP Foster Care Training
- 10/12 – Future of Human Care Symposium
- 10/13 – 10/14 – Replanted Adoption Conference Simulcast
Mental Health First Aid Training Success
LFS has been making great strides in our Mental Health First Aid Training (MHAT) program, which is now in its second year of a five-year SAMHSA grant. This program has already trained almost 700 people from various organizations across Nebraska. The MHFA program is designed to teach people how to recognize the signs and symptoms of possible mental health or substance use challenges and then provide them with the tools to start a conversation about these challenges. Additionally, LFS will be adding QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training in the fall, which is a suicide prevention training that helps people recognize the signs and symptoms of suicide and provides the tools to start those conversations as well. Overall, the MHAT program is a valuable resource for anyone looking to learn more about mental health and substance use challenges, and LFS is committed to making it accessible to as many people as possible throughout the state. Learn more.
Anti-trafficking Work at LFS
Did you know that LFS is an organization that is actively involved in supporting victims of human trafficking? The Trafficking Victim Assistance Program (TVAP) offers a range of services, including case management and trauma counseling, and works closely with community partners to ensure that survivors get the help they need. One of their success stories is that of Samuel, a labor trafficking survivor who came to LFS seeking assistance. His three children were still in danger in their home country, but thanks to the hard work of LFS’s dedicated team, they were able to bring them safely to Nebraska. LFS provided them with everything they needed, from clothing to healthcare services, and even helped to resolve their mother’s immigration status. With the aid of TVAP staff, Samuel was able to regain his health and keep his work permit. Today, thanks to the support of LFS, Samuel’s children are thriving in school and have a stable home. Learn more.
Foster Care Closet Provides a Sense of Normalcy
The foster care closet is a lifesaver for kids placed with Lutheran Family Services. It’s always open, providing a sense of normalcy and essential items to those who need it. Foster families can arrange for employees to pick out items, or they can come to the closet and “shop” for what they need. The closet has everything from clothes to baby gear, toys, and self-care items. However, the biggest need is for teens, and boots of all sizes. If you would like to donate new items to the closet, please contact Katherine Spoon at katherine.spoon@OneLFS.org. It’s a great way to make a difference in the lives of foster care children.
