LFS Headquarters Renamed in Honor of Longtime Supporters
The headquarters of LFS now bears a name that reflects the deep generosity and unwavering support of two of our most devoted champions: Coyner and Donna Smith.
We are proud to announce that the building at 7929 West Center Road is now officially named The Coyner and Donna Smith Center—or simply, the Smith Center.
The Smiths’ support of LFS has been steadfast, showing up for our mission again and again when it mattered most. So when it came time to choose a lasting name for our headquarters, the decision was clear.
The location itself holds special meaning: it was once home to Better Business Equipment, the company Coyner founded in 1968. Now, that same space is a hub of hope, healing, and support for communities across Nebraska.
Beyond their support of LFS, the Smiths are passionate advocates for education and equity. In 2021, they launched the Smith Diversity Scholarship, which awards five full-ride scholarships annually to Nebraska high school seniors from underrepresented backgrounds. Thanks to their generosity, future engineers, doctors, and attorneys are achieving their dreams.
Their dedication also extends to our refugee programs, which they support in honor of their adopted daughter, Leemah, and Leemah’s mother.
We invite you to witness the incredible day we celebrated this milestone together: Watch the dedication ceremony.
The Smith Center stands not just as a building but as a testament to compassion, legacy, and the power of community.
Smart Gen Society Joins LFS
In a move to strengthen prevention and education efforts across Nebraska, Smart Gen Society (SGS) has officially joined Lutheran Family Services (LFS). Known for its dynamic programs, workshops, and community presentations focused on digital safety, SGS brings a wealth of knowledge and experience around digital wellness for all ages—especially youth, parents, and seniors.
“Joining LFS just makes so much sense,” said Erin Aliano, Board President of Smart Gen Society. “Both organizations are deeply committed to intervention and prevention. There are strong parallels in how education can act as a firewall that stops bad things from happening.” That firewall is needed now more than ever.
In 2025, the average age at which a child receives a smartphone is just ten years old. Nearly half of teenagers report feeling addicted to their devices and acknowledge being online almost all the time. The consequences are severe: a generation facing record levels of anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation, driven in part by the constant exposure to digital content.
“We see the results of this in the children and families we serve,” said Chris Tonniges, President and CEO of LFS. “Children and families have always been at the heart of what we do. Part of our mission is to create and restore safe and happy childhoods, and the integration of Smart Gen Society into LFS is a powerful step toward education and prevention.”
By joining LFS, SGS’s expertise will expand wraparound services, equipping families—especially parents—with the tools and knowledge to confidently support their children online as part of a holistic approach to mental health and well-being.
One recent case highlights the importance of this work: A Wisconsin teenager was found in Sarpy County after being missing for two months, believed to have been abducted by a man she met on social media. Thankfully, she is now safe and back with her parents—but the story underscores just how real the dangers are.
As digital threats evolve, so too must our approach to prevention. LFS and SGS are now walking that path together—offering real help and real hope in a digital age.
Learn more about Smart Gen Society here.
Swing for a Cause at the 2025 LFS Golf Tournament!
Join Lutheran Family Services (LFS) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the scenic Iron Horse Golf Club in Ashland, Nebraska, for a day of golf and giving back. This annual event, proudly sponsored by the Corporal Daegan Page Foundation, supports LFS’s 40+ programs, including vital services for veterans, refugees, children, and families across Nebraska.
Event Details:
- Date: September 11, 2025
- Time: Registration at 9:00 AM | Shotgun Start at 10:00 AM
- Location: Iron Horse Golf Club, 900 Clubhouse Drive, Ashland, NE 68003
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a newcomer to the sport, this tournament offers a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a day on the greens while making a meaningful impact. Proceeds from the event help fund LFS’s comprehensive services, ensuring that individuals and families receive the support they need to thrive.
Ready to Tee Off?
To register or explore sponsorship opportunities, please visit the LFS 2025 Golf Tournament for more information.
