About LFS
Lutheran Family Services offers caring and supportive programs focused on children, community, and behavioral health.
Our Mission
Lutheran Family Services expresses God’s love for all people by providing quality human care services that build and strengthen individual, family, and community life.
We Achieve Our Mission Through These Broad Service Areas
Behavioral Health
Supporting individuals and families through the highs and lows of life.
Children Services
Providing for the needs of children and teens through Prevention and Early Intervention and Permanency and Well-Being.
Family Services
Building stronger families through parent education, child support, and early detection and intervention.
New Americans
Welcoming refugees and immigrants through career, housing, legal, and translation support.
Learn More About Us
Our Leadership Team
Meet the people who help shape how LFS serves for the well-being of all people.
Our Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors lead LFS by providing fundraising and financial oversight, strategic direction, and vision.
21755
Clients Served in 2021
330
Employees
131
Years of Service
30
Languages Spoken by LFS Staff
Our History
1893
Pastor Peter Graef dedicates an orphanage (Lutheran Children’s Home) in Fremont in 1893.
Around the same time, Pastor Erik Fogelstrom of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Omaha founds Immanuel Children’s Home.
1901
The Immanuel Children’s Home opened on the campus of the Immanuel Deaconess Institute in Omaha.
1918
1922
The Orphan Home Park is dedicated in Fremont
1927
Lutheran Children’s Home begin offering complete adoption and foster care services
1934
The Immanuel Children's Home in Omaha launches a foster parent program
1958
Lutheran Children’s Home becomes Lutheran Family Service
1961
Immanuel Children's Home becomes Immanuel Social Service
1970's
Behavioral health programs are introduced
First-time programs included marriage and family counseling, family life education and domestic violence support
1971
Immanuel Social Service and Lutheran Family Service merge to become Lutheran Family and Social Service of Nebraska
Thomas Irwin appointed Executive Director
1976
Willard Richardson is named Interim Executive Director following the death of Rev. Eugene Jobst and his wife in the Big Thompson Canyon flood in Colorado. Later that year, Curtis Anderson and Rev. Robert Greene are appointed Co-Executive Directors.
Offices open in Norfolk, Columbus, Grand Island and Ogallala.
1980's
Programs for substance abuse treatment, outpatient mental health and home-based services begin
1984
Ruth Henrichs is named Executive Director.
Ruth would serve as the LFS Executive Director and then President & CEO for more than 40 years.