Category Archives: Testimony

LSF Health Systems Developing a New Weapon to Combat Florida’s Opioid Epidemic

A powerful new weapon is emerging in the fight against the opioid epidemic in Florida. It’s not a new overdose antidote, treatment therapy or zero tolerance law. It’s people who have experienced drug addiction or mental illness now trained and certified to help others recover, and it's a game-changing movement for those on the frontlines

This Easter, Help Build Vibrant Communities.

Imagine never experiencing Christmas or Easter. No family gatherings, church services, or holiday traditions. No opportunity to experience the love and awe that surrounds the most significant days of the life of Christ. Instead, these holidays are exactly the same as every other day – filled with worries about the future and the challenge of meeting basic necessities.

Cleaner Classrooms and Rising Scores: With Tighter Oversight, Head Start Shows Gains

As published in the New York Times. By Jason DeParle JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — When federal officials inspected this city’s Head Start program five years ago, they found moldy classrooms, exposed wires, leaking sewage, a sagging roof and trash-strewn playgrounds littered with safety hazards. A teacher had jerked a student so hard she dislocated the girl’s shoulder.

LSF collects enough shoes for foster children for the next 15 months

As seen on Tampa Bay Newspapers. Read full article here. LARGO – During the month of May, Lutheran Services Florida partnered with 25 community organizations to host Step for Success, a shoe drive. The shoes were donated to Eckerd Connects Raising Hope, a store-front like room filled with necessities for foster kids. The goal was to

A Safe Place

By Janie Rodriques Janie Rodriques, 16, sought shelter at Oasis twice. I lived at Lutheran Services Florida’s Oasis Youth Shelter on and off the past two years. I wasn’t sure at first how this safe place would help me, but it did. I am sharing my story during National Safe Place Week (March 19-24) to