The Alphabet Soup That Changes Lives: LFS, DHHS, and CCBHC
So many letters — so much impact! Lutheran Family Services (LFS) recently learned it will be one of only seven organizations joining the state in developing a model for Nebraska’s future. LFS Lincoln was named a “Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic” (CCBHC) four years ago, then Fremont — and now, LFS is working with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to go statewide.
What is CCBHC?
CCBHC is a remarkable model of care that encourages a holistic view of each person seeking help. When someone becomes a client, care coordinators assess and address the person’s situation. For example, the person may have substance use issues but may also need groceries. They may need mental health therapy but also have untreated high blood pressure. With CCBHC, coordinators work with community partners, medical providers, the justice system and others — to deliver a long-term solution for that person, rather than a band aid approach.
Comprehensive Care Through CCBHC
One great example is a young man treated in Fremont. We’ll call him “Mark.” Mark was in his late teens and trying to avoid his problems with drugs and alcohol. After he ended up in jail, he came to LFS for treatment. He’s now been clean and steady for a couple of years and credits his care coordinator for his success. Mark is now much happier – a productive employee with regular accountability check-ins and a bright future.
CCBHCs expand timely access to mental health and substance use care and crisis services. They open services to underserved children, and proactively address unmet needs that impact health, including stable housing. CCBHCs are especially focused on serving veterans, those experiencing homelessness, and those at risk of criminal activity.
Next steps for LFS include identifying new or expanded locations with a go-live date no later than January 1, 2026.
November is Adoption Month!
There may be nothing more “LFS” than adoption. After all, it’s how we got our start 132 years ago! Our drive to ensure children have safe and loving families is baked into our DNA, so every match and finalization symbolizes our commitment to growing children and families.
Adoption is what we know. We use our years of experience to best support and prepare our adoptive families for the lifelong journey of adoption. Our President and CEO began his journey with LFS’s adoption program, and three children later speaks proudly of his kids and our infant adoption program. He and other adoptive families graciously and regularly share their stories with waiting families so no one feels alone and everyone feels prepared for their future in adoption.
Click here and follow us on our social media platforms this month to learn more about our adoption legacy and everything we are thankful for!
Harvest Time with Global Roots!
One of our newer programs here at LFS has quickly “grown” into one of our favorites (sorry about that). We love the life-saving work of the entire organization, but harvest time with Global Roots is always special. Just look at that smile!
The program started in 2020, giving hundreds of former refugees the opportunity to grow their cultural foods and create income by selling them.
Global Roots works closely with Whispering Roots to provide fresh produce to local low-income families.
This year, 50 farmers participated, selling $62,000 of fresh food, including pea tendrils, garlic, squash, cucumber, chili peppers, corn, beans, and squash blossoms.
In the spring, each farmer gets a 50×50 foot plot, access to tools and equipment, and technical agricultural support from the LFS team. Since it began, Global Roots has enrolled over 200 farmers who have produced over three tons of fresh and healthy food.
Although there is a waiting list for the program, please contact sage.wilder@OneLFS.org if you’d like more information about volunteering or engaging in some other way. Learn more on our website as well.
