Category Archives: Children & Families

Supporting Refugees through Unique Partnerships

Months after the great Afghan evacuation, many refugees are still trying to find their way in the United States.

An Unlikely Turnaround

She stood by as her older brother became addicted to drugs as a tenth grader. A few months later, he dropped out of school.

A Book of a Lifetime

Bess the Book Bus is a mobile library that travels around the country giving free books to young children. The service answers a critical need, because it turns out that the single greatest determinant in a child learning to read is having access to reading materials.

Heartbreaking Loss, Family Support

Erica Schlissel– an HR manager at Lutheran Services Florida– lost her sister-in-law to COVID. And the story of how it happened still haunts her.

Evicted And Alone

She came through the door with the support of her walker, and it was clear she was distraught, frustrated.
Simeon—an Early Childhood Service Coordinator at a Children’s Board Family Resource Center, managed by LSF– knew there was something wrong, and prepared himself to offer support.

The Gas Station Reunion

Erick Scott never forgets a face, especially if it belongs to one of the young people he’s worked with at the Oasis Youth Shelter.

More Than A Helping Hand

She was thrilled but exhausting after delivering her new baby girl, but after a few moments, she noticed something was… off.

Finding Confidence in The Barbershop

It was getting a little out of control, but he didn’t trust that anyone could help.
Dalton, a teen at the Oasis Youth Shelter in Fort Myers, needed a haircut, but there were obstacles.
“My hair had grown out bad but I didn’t have no money to get [a haircut].”

Unlikely Horse Whisperers: A Therapy Success Story

The teens were less than thrilled when they arrived.
Looking out at the dusty scene, five teenagers reluctantly exited the car and walked onto the hot, dirt-filled path.

“Miracle” Campaign Helps Restore Youth Shelter

“Lord, we are so thankful for the way you pour out your generosity…”

Pastor Jim—Senior Pastor at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church—opened the ceremony with a prayer of gratitude as those gathered around him bowed their heads in agreement, closing with an emphatic “Amen!”