LFS Spotlight Story: Fatherhood Initiative
Johny and Loki’s Story
Loki really loves her stuffed animals. And she has a LOT of them.
When we visited, she made a game out of pushing her toy stroller into her bedroom and coming back with another favorite to show. As each cuddly toy arrived, it was unceremoniously dumped onto the living room floor, right beside the last one.
“One more!” she declared and rushed her stroller back into her bedroom for another load.
Loki’s dad, Johny, looks on proudly and claps along with each new delivery. Until he finally says — “Hey, honey. The pile is big enough now. Let’s play blocks!”
So they do.
As they quietly chat and build a block tower, Johny and his little girl are the picture of happy and healthy. Johny had to fight for this. Hard. In his words, “Lutheran Family Services (LFS) was the only place that would even listen to me.”
LFS first met Johny through its Fatherhood Initiative, a program that supports dads in their efforts to build and maintain relationships with their children. Loki was in a crisis situation, and Johny had rushed to Nebraska to gain custody of her. In the process, he lost everything—his job, his work tools, his home. With help and persistence, he now has his own place and visits Loki every other week.
The Fatherhood Initiative Helped Johny
Since its inception in 2021, the Fatherhood Initiative has served over 200 men who want to maintain, reconnect, or grow their relationships with their children through LFS programs like parenting classes, case management, and employment readiness and career planning. Research shows it’s a motivator for fathers to create stability for their children, and the children are more successful when their dads are involved in their lives.
As we celebrate the fathers and father figures in our lives this month, we hope you will join us in supporting LFS programs that are breaking generational cycles and bringing harmony to homes. Donate today.
To learn more about the Fatherhood Initiative, visit us.
Hire a Refugee: LFS Resettles Refugees in Nebraska and Iowa
Attention Employers!
Are you looking for dedicated, dependable, and hard-working employees? Let us help you diversify your workforce and fill positions with great candidates.
Many Refugees are Highly Skilled
Many refugees arrive with higher education and valuable work experience. As a result, they can become vital contributors to a company. They have lower turnover rates, bring in many transferable skills, can strengthen a company’s brand, and positively influence financial performance.
LFS Assists Refugees who are Ready to Work
Lutheran Family Services (LFS) clients arrive under the sponsorship of the U.S. Government and have passed all security clearance and background checks. They have proper immigration documents and employment authorization cards. They are eager to make good and lasting impressions as new members of our society. As a result, your new potential employees are highly motivated and possess an excellent work ethic.
How Job Placement Works
Lutheran Family Services will:
- Assess candidates’ skills and employment history.
- Prepare candidates for job interviews.
- If needed, assist with transportation to work (based on program enrollment).
- Provide interpretation services for orientation and training.
- Teach a mandatory job readiness course on United States work culture.
- Assist with onboarding paperwork.
- Maintain communication with employers to enhance the onboarding experience for new hires.
- Ensure ongoing engagement with clients and incorporate employer feedback into upcoming training sessions.
Have questions? Contact us at HireARefugee@OneLFS.org. To learn more, visit us.
Interested in our Refugee Programs? Check them out here.
LFS Annual Golf Tournament is September 11
Join us at the 2024 LFS Golf Tournament sponsored by the Cpl. Daegan Page Foundation.
Lutheran Family Services (LFS) offers 40+ programs to bring real help and hope to those needing behavioral healthcare, refugee assistance, and children’s services. Our Military and Veterans Services program provides confidential counseling, peer support, and care and service coordination to active military personnel, veterans, and their loved ones.
Help us commemorate the 9/11 Anniversary by celebrating and standing with those who have served our nation.
- Date: Wednesday, September 11, 2024
- Location: Iron Horse Golf Club 900 Clubhouse Drive. Ashland, NE 68003
