Fort Myers, FL – Times are certainly stressful for parents – layoffs, virtual school and heighten anxiety are just some of the side effects coronavirus is causing among families in Southwest Florida.

Families can connect with Lutheran Services Florida (LSF), a nonprofit supporting families in crisis who have found creative ways to connect with clients remotely and offer strategies through our family crisis counseling and mental health programs.

Stop Now and Plan program (SNAP) is our program dedicated to children’s mental health and teaches kids to stop and think before they act. The safe at home measures put in place leaves children with idle time, which can be hard for parents dealing with challenging behaviors.

“We understand the challenges parents, youth and families are facing during these uncertain times.  Lutheran Services Florida is open and here to assist our community with the struggles and challenges the community may be facing,” Shareet Pennino Director of LSF Southwest Region said. “As of now, our counseling, case management, and Oasis runaway and homeless youth shelter are in full operation.  We are ready and here to  guide you in these troubling times in the right direction.”

SNAP is a preventative model that intervenes before kids enter the juvenile justice system. LSF partners with and accepts referrals from local law enforcement agencies, the Juvenile Assessment Center and all schools in District 20 as well as directly from parents in need.

To learn more about SNAP and crisis counseling services provided by LSF in Southwest Florida, please contact the administrative office at 239-278-1030.

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Media Contact:

Terri Durdaller, LSF Associate VP of Communications

Terri.durdaller@lsfnet.org

813-802-8790