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The Immanuel Children’s Home opens on the campus of the Immanuel Deaconess Institute in Omaha.

“This is the entire Immanuel Deaconess Institute along Meredith Avenue. The deaconess living quarters are in the middle, the Bethlehem Children’s Home is on the right, and the first hospital is on the left.” –Adam Fletcher Sasse

“This is the entire Immanuel Deaconess Institute along Meredith Avenue. The deaconess living quarters are in the middle, the Bethlehem Children’s Home is on the right, and the first hospital is on the left.” – Adam Fletcher Sasse

Refugee Resettlement Begins During the Vietnam Era.

The North Platte office opens, marking our furthest west office (so far).

Ruth (Rexin) Henrichs named President and CEO. She trailblazed a path of innovation and expansion into Behavioral Health, Integrated Health, and Substance Abuse Therapy, plus launched groundbreaking work in trauma and addressing sexual abuse. Ruth lead with integrity, dignity and strength for the next 34 years.

The agency’s name is changed to Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Inc.

Lutheran Family Services begins RSafe Sexual Abuse Treatment programs. These programs offer support for families and children impacted by sexual abuse.

LFS purchases the Omaha Church at 25^th and Dodge for its new headquarters and downtown counseling center.

Lutheran Family Services marks 100 incredible years of service to community with Centennial celebrations across the state. The LFS Foundation is established.

The agency received its first accreditation by the Council of Accreditation.

The first Center for Healthy Families opens in Council Bluffs, providing evidence-based services and support for young families facing challenges in establishing safe and healthy homes. Additional Centers are later added in Fremont and Omaha.

LFS launches its first Crisis Response program in three counties, plus specialized programming for members of the military and veterans. LFS remains a regional leader of these programs today.

LFS opens Behavioral Health offices at Kountze Commons in Omaha. Kountze Commons provides services to the city’s most vulnerable members. In this location, clients also have access to medical and dental services, plus a food pantry.

LFS was awarded a CCBHC Expansion grant paving the way for growth and expansion of mental and behavioral health services.

LFS responded to crises in Afghanistan and the Ukraine by opening two new sites in Lexington and Council Bluffs to serve the sudden influx of war refugees. Additionally, the pandemic drove exponential growth in the use of Telehealth services through the entire LFS service region.

Christopher Tonniges is named President and Chief Executive Officer.