SUMMER 2007

Whether someone is facing an unexpected pregnancy, challenges with infertility or life after a natural disaster, LFCS provides the silver lining. Each year, our Helping Hands Auction raises significant funds to help us continue offering adoption, mentoring, child care, disaster relief and many other services to Missouri families. And in 2007, the Helping Hands Auction celebrates its Silver Anniversary!

Scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 8, we will celebrate in grandeur at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at Union Station. The evening will begin at 5:00 PM with a silent auction, followed by dinner and the oral auction in the grand ballroom.

As we commemorate the 25th anniversary of this important event, we also will honor those whose support and commitment to the auction have grown it into our largest fundraiser every year. Some of you may remember the first auction we held in 1983 at the Holiday Inn Westport. Our goal was to raise $50,000, but we made more than $70,000 that year. Thanks to many of you, the auction has grown in size and scope. Last year’s auction raised $325,000, and our Silver Goal for 2007 is our most ambitious ever – $400,000.

To meet this goal, we have added some high-ticket items to the oral auction this year. Golfers will have the opportunity to bid on an all-inclusive package at Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill in California, complete with airfare, rental car, meal and hotels. A lucky bidder could drive home in a 2007 Toyota Camry Solara convertible or Vespa GTS 250 i.e. Other items include a pool table from A.E. Schmidt Billiard Co., a 42-inch plasma television, a seven-piece suite of furniture for a budding baseball fan and Waterford crystal. And, of course, we

will continue to have a number of other vacation packages and novelty items.

For those who aren’t ready to commit to a convertible, our silent auction will feature a plethora of sports memorabilia, ticket packages, gift baskets and more. From large to small, each of these auction items makes an impact on LFCS’ ability to “grow hope” in Missouri families. Even purchasing your ticket to the event makes a difference.

There are many ways you can help. Call Janice Raeber for an information packet at 314-754-2786 or 866-326-LFCS.

Helping Hands Auction Celebrates Silver Anniversary

Upcoming Events at a glance

TRAININGSSpaulding Training – see page 8

LAN Training – see page 8

EVENTS

SeptemberLFCS Helping Hands Auction

St. Louis - September 8, 2007

Mind and Body Wellness for Women St. Louis – see page 8

OctoberNational Depression Screening Day St. Louis - October 11, 2007

MARK YOUR CALENDAR12th Annual Festival of Trees Mid-Missouri - November 28 – December 1

We also extend a very heartfelt thank you to our Silver Anniversary Auction Council and to everyone who has supported the Helping Hands Auction since 1983. Thanks to all of you, we expect this year’s auction to be the biggest fundraiser in the history of LFCS!

LocaL RestauRants Give suppoRt to KindRed connectionsDid you know that the LFCS’ Springfield location offers a FREE 12-week support group for pregnant

and parenting women called Kindred Connections? The successful spring session of this group recently

concluded, with the generous donations of lunch by a variety of local restaurants. Each restaurant provided

a complimentary hot meal for 20-30 participants. Jimmy Johns even covered two sessions for us. LFCS

wants to give a special thanks to Fire and Ice, Olive Garden, Subway and New York Pizzeria. It is because

of donations like these that LFCS can fund and provide additional services to Kindred Connection clients

such as childcare, transportation, and attendance prizes for clients and their children.

Check us out on the web.

Visit www.lfcsmo.org

Mark your Calendar – Saturday, September 8 at 5:00pm

Hyatt Regency St. Louis at Union Station

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After serving a three-year term as

chairperson of the LFCS agency board,

Don Vogel is stepping down from this

volunteer leadership position within the

agency. LFCS wants to thank Don for

his leadership, time and commitment

to the children and families served

by LFCS.

From the President…

Suvarna, Kristen Anderson, Scott Homan, Ken Ohlemeyer, Lynn Rawlings, Karen Smitt and Kim Stark are running for second terms.

• I’m sure you’ve heard the news that Highway 40 is going to be closed for two to three years. Given the location of our corporate offices the agency is in the process of identifying and opening new offices so that client services are not disrupted. We are planning on seeing clients at our Clarkson Road office, in Chesterfield, Kirkwood and Glendale. Office locations will be posted on our web site in September.

• Lastly, the 25th anniversary of the Helping Hands Auction is September 8th! Mark your calendars

now. A very special thank you to Mr. Earl Lindenberg who is chairing this special anniversary event for the agency!

On behalf of the boards and staff of Lutheran Family we wish you a

continued safe and healthy summer. Thank you for holding this ministry in your heart.

Cordially,

Rev. Alan M. Erdman President/CEO

Dear Friends of Lutheran Family and Children’s

Services of Missouri:

Having just celebrated Pentecost I am reminded of the importance of the title of this newsletter, “Spirit!” It is the Spirit of our God that brings families together. It is the Spirit of our God that helps individuals to heal and find

hope in the midst’s of very traumatic events. It is the Spirit of our God that creates families through adoption. It is the Spirit of our God who comforts and builds the hearts of brave women who place children for adoption. Read through the pages of “Spirit!” God at work among his people, building, healing, growing and celebrating life and its possibilities.

Looking into the future:

• A special thank you to Don Vogel who completed his term as chair of the agency operations board in June. For the next three years the board will be chaired by Al Huning and Marilyn Brickler will serve as Vice Chair. We also extend our thanks to Adam Ferguson and Tom Brown who will be leaving the board. We welcome Mark Bossi, Jerry Ebest and Rick Vannoy who will soon join the LFCS agency board. Joining board committees this year are Ashley Beumer and Dennis Kemper. Suda

It is the Spirit of our God that brings families

together

Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri

8631 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63124 314-787-5100 Fax: 314-534-1588

website: www.lfcsmo.orgEmail: LFCS@LFCS.ORG

editor: Yolanda Rodgers-Garvin Public Relations/Marketing Coordinator

Agency Board of Directors:Donald Vogel (Chair)Kristin AndersonKevin AlphinDaniel BeckMarilyn BricklerTom BrownJon EickmannAdam FergusonDon FisherTeddy Foster, Jr.Rev. Vernon Gundermann Tim GutknechtJim HaertlingScott HomanAl HuningBobbi JonesDavid Allan LiescheidtKathryn MehlhornKathleen MuellerC. Jerry NelsonKen Ohlemeyer, Jr.Cheryl PatrickCharles RauhLynn RawlingsNorm SellRon SmithKaren SmittKim StarkSuda SuvarnaDr. Randall ToblerMark Yaeger

Foundation Board of Directors Bruce Pompe (Chair)Vickie DankenbringF. Roger DierbergAllan HuningLarry LemkeEmilie MeinersHarry MuellerKathleen MuellerLarry W. NeebRev. Greg Smith, Ex OfficioWilliam SnyderSuda SuvarnaPaul TiceChristie Tietjen Richard ViethR. Dean WolfePaul Cornelsen, (Emeritus)Audrey Scheidker, (Emeritus)

Mid-Missouri Advisory BoardELizabeth BaileyDonna Brandt Debbie CoatsLinda Brokamp (Co-Chair)Colleen GalambosMary Lou HughesChris & Jessica KespohlLeigh Leyshock (Co-Chair)Denise MauseyPaul MoessnerJaneene MorganLaura Thurman

Southeast Advisory BoardFay AmelunkeSally BeaudeanRev. Mark Boettcher Jaime CraigMarilyn Hutteger Ellie Knight (Chair)Donna Lichtenegger Rev. L Michael MaloneCharles RauhRev. Sam Roethemeyer Kathy Roth Kendra Troncale Teri Wilson

Southwest Advisory BoardKathy Mehlhorn (Chair)Bonnee GriggsDr. Nate LissantLaura McCuneShelly MeyerLinda MoorePatti MooreBecky MoyerDeaconess Angie ReitmeierPatty SchmidtTim TialdoBarbara Tiedt

St. Charles Advisory Council Tom Brown (Co-Chair)Lorna FrahmMark FranklinLewis Fruend Elaine KeiserCharles KeiserJohn LuetkemeyerPastor John LundinLaura MahnkenSid PurdyJim Rau (Co-Chair)David SandfortBob SchreiberRon SmithRichard Vieth Brian Wegener

Thirteen-year-old Ta’Nya Jones took one of her CHOICES youth mentoring challenge assignments to a new level. Trisha Gordon, program coordinator for CHOICES, invited more than 100 girls to become involved in a community service project that focused on senior adults. Trisha gave the group ideas of potential service projects, but it was Ta’Nya who decided to call a nursing home and commit to volunteering her time and service beyond the one day guideline. Three months into her commitment, Ta’Nya has been going to the nursing home monthly and works with the center’s activity director. Ta’Nya enjoys her volunteer duties and realizes that the elderly like to play games just like she does. Some of her duties include transporting individuals, passing out information during the activities, facilitating games and just having a good time with residents. She would like to volunteer her time at the facility for four years. As a matter of fact, she wants to be a volunteer for the rest of her life.

Ta’Nya has been a member of the CHOICES program for four years and was the Most Valuable Participant for the 2006-2007 school year. Ta’Nya’s

mother stated, “I was pleased when I was informed that the CHOICES program included a request for participating youth to volunteer. The volunteer project was important because it gave youth the opportunity to discover that elderly needs and interest are no different than their own. It is because of this project that Ta’Nya now realizes that love, attention and support are needed all your life. Again, as a parent, thank you LFCS for your hard work and

dedication to this program and the youth. It is very much appreciated.” If you would like to learn more about the CHOICES program, call Trisha Gordon at 314-787-5100.

CHOICES Youth Takes Volunteering to Heart

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LFCS Regional OfficesMid-Missouri OfficeLutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri401 West Boulevard North, Columbia, MO 65203573-815-9955 • 573-449-4640 (fax)Southeast Missouri OfficeLutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri2911 Breckenridge Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701573-334-5866 • 573-334-7593 (fax)Southwest Missouri OfficeLutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri2130 N. Glenstone, Springfield, MO 65803417-862-1972 • 417-862-3276 (fax)

Mid-Missouri AmbassadorsMeta & Melvin George Rod & Vickie HartwigChuck & Carol Headley Carolyn Licht Jerry Nelson David Trinklein

Southeast Ambassadors Bill & Shirley BeggsJane and Roy Boren Susan DoddJim & Lynn HillinKenneth & Joycelyn KastenStacia KastenVernon Jr. & Stephanie KastenTerrence and Kim KelleyDaryl & Kathy KingJeff & Deb MartinChester & Susie ReedOrville & Laverne SchaeferPaul & Marilyn SchnareSteve & Judy SchneiderHarlan and Dorothy SiebertRon & Jen Wahlers

Southwest Ambassadors Larry & Lois FrickenschmidtConrad & Bonnee GriggsJake & Dianne JacobsonTom & LuAnn KisseeKathy & Gary MehlhornLarry & Vickie PetersenVickie & John SchmidtBarbara & Carl TiedtDonna & Phil Whittle

St. Louis Ambassadors Bob BernthalErwin & Adeline BranahlRobert BreimeierJohn & Marilyn Brickler Tom & Lynn BrownJim & Vickie DankenbringPaul & Narda DeNunzioLew Fruend Douglas Gast Charles Groennert Rebecca J. Hauk Philip HellwegeDavid HoffmanChristine Jubel HomanAllan HuningRichard & Marta JauerWayne KaufmannDennis Kemper Mark & Barb KuhlmannFred & Mildred KuhlmannRichard Lautner Earl Lindenberg Emilie Meiners Paul & Gwen Middeke Harry Mueller Scott Negwer Jim & Judy O’DonnellKenneth Ohlemyer, Sr.Bruce PompeGary ReimBrent & Casey St. JohnRon & Sherri SmithKermit & Karen Starnes Joe SteinerNorman TiceLarry & Christie TietjenDuane VaughanKirk & Cindy VersemanRichard & Carolyn ViethDonald VogelAlan Vogt William F. WischmeyerMel Bahle (Emeritus)Paul Cornelsen (Emeritus)Larry Neeb (Emeritus)

Administrative StaffRev. Alan M. Erdman – PresidentGary Auch – Vice President of Finance & OperationsPaulette Foerster – Vice President of Program ServicesYvette LeGear Hartsfield – Vice President of DevelopmentJim Eckrich – Director of Regional OperationsRayna Ewell – Director of Human ResourcesNancy Miller – Director CounselingChristine Reams – Director of Community ServicesAdam Robe – Director, Southwest Office Jan Scheurer – Statewide Director of Child WelfareMolly Strickland – Director, Southeast OfficeChristine White – Director, Mid-Missouri Office

Fraternity men don’t normally deal with diapers. But for the sake of giving, one group at William Woods University didn’t mind.

Recognizing a need in the community, the men of Phi Gamma Delta at WWU conducted a project they called “Dudes for Diapers.” They then donated the diapers to the LFCS office in Columbia, who distributed the diapers to families in need.

To raise money for their purchase, Phi Gamma Delta created a campus-wide competition between all of the Greek houses and residential halls. The offer of brownies for the winning group enticed the students to give. A clever name didn’t hurt either. After collecting money from the “Dudes for Diapers” competition, they made the decision to match the funds.

Phi Gamma Delta member Hunter Nesbitt was excited about the project. “We originally got involved because of a suggestion from our advisor,” he said, “but we really wanted to do more outside of the campus. We wanted to branch out and do something different from our normal philanthropy

events. It is a great way to boost our house morale and show that we care about the community.”

According to Harriet Yelon, associate professor of social work and an advisor for Phi Gamma Delta, “Low-income families should not have to choose between diapers for their children and food. Lutheran Family and Children’s Services helps by providing them with the diapers.”

Excited about the success of the program, the men are eager to continue “Dudes for Diapers” and plan on doing it again next year.

Representatives of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity at William Woods University surround themselves with diapers for their “Dudes for Diapers” philanthropy project.

Community “Pampers” Columbia Office

Do you wish someone

had given you

instructions on how to

have a happy, healthy

family? Do you wish

you knew better ways

to talk to your partner

or your children so

that family members

could get what they

want without causing

more household

conflict?

New Training Offers

Hope for Families Across Missouri

The good news is there are real skills you can learn to help you and your family know what you want, say what you want, and have a better chance of getting what you want. “Survival Skills for Healthy Families” and “Building Strong Families” are new programs of LFCS designed to teach practical skills based on proven principles that strengthen, support and empower families and help them grow stronger.

Families will learn:

• Ways to encourage, support and show your love to your children and family

• Steps to resolve conflict

• Ways to develop self-esteem in children and adults

• Skills to promote communication and cooperation in your family

• Steps for effective discipline and alternatives to physical punishment

• How to hold a successful family meeting

These programs are designed to help families who are struggling to solve their problems learn

new ways to make their families work better. Information learned from this

training can be passed on from one generation to the next. This training opportunity is offered statewide for individuals and groups. For more information or to sign up for an upcoming group session, call Margaret or Jean at 314-787-5100 or 866-326-LFCS.

You may feel you are at your “end,” but this training offers you a new “beginning.”

Join our Advocacy NetworkDid you know LFCS has a full-time advocacy facilitator that works toward making sure the playing field is equal for individuals who often times have no voice? If this concept has sparked your interest, consider joining our online Advocacy Network. With one click of the mouse, you will have information at your fingertips regarding issues facing Missouri’s citizens, such as Missouri legislative information, advocacy events and committee news, plus “Calls to Action” on pending legislation.

To view the advocacy page, go to www.lfcsmo.org and click on advocacy.

Counselor’s Corner

Dear Counselor,

In the last issue of the Spirit, you wrote about steps to building a healthy marriage. Recently, it seems my marriage has gotten off track and my spouse and I are doing a lot of arguing without much resolution. What can we do to make things better?

You ask a very good question. I am happy to hear you say that the difficulties you are experiencing have happened recently. Studies show that couples typically wait 6 or 7 years after problems begin to look for help. Addressing the issues when they are new goes a long way toward preventing the buildup of negative patterns and resentments. There are a number of things you can try.

Last issue I talked about a “culture of appreciation,” that is, paying attention to what your partner does well and telling them about it. Research tells us that what we focus on grows, so if your spouse does something you like, tell them! This positive reinforcement is especially important when there is tension in a relationship so that the tension does not begin to color everything.

Set aside a little time and talk about what was good and special and fun when you and your spouse were dating and during the earlier time in your marriage when your relationship was more satisfying. Can you identify one or two of those things you might bring back into your lives now?

Honor your differences. Remember that 65 percent of problems between couples arise because of those differences, not because of a lack of love in the relationship. One way to deal with differences is to “turn a complaint into a request.” It is important to know what you want and then tell your partner about that in a respectful way in order to lay the groundwork for being able to get what you want. Arguing is normal, but how couples handle conflict is one of the most critical elements of a relationship. Marriage researcher John Gottman identifies four barriers to healthy communication in a relationship – defensiveness, stonewalling, contempt and criticism. If these are things that characterize your arguments, you might want to consider getting some help to learn how to talk with each other in a different way. These barriers can destroy a relationship and couples can learn to argue in healthy ways.

LFCS is offering healthy relationship skills training. Some of the issues discussed in this article are things we talk about. For more information on any of our counseling or group training services, call us at 314-787-5100 or e-mail us at webcounseling@lfcs.org.

Not quite yet, but the Columbia office will be hosting the 11th Annual Festival of Trees starting Nov. 28. LFCS’ Festival of Trees will be offering a range of NEW events for several days during the holiday season. Join our winter wonderland at The Kimball Ballroom at Lela Raney Wood located on Stephens Campus. If you are looking for something new this holiday season, don’t let this fun-filled escape pass you by.

Call 573-815-9955 or visit www.lfcsmo.org for event details.

Schedule of Activities

Nov. 28, 2007 – Wednesday evening – Glamour Night Out – Cocktail Party

Nov. 30, 2007 – Friday afternoon – Holiday Luncheon

Dec. 1, 2007 – Saturday – 9:00-11:00 - Children’s Holiday Tea Party

Dec. 1, 2007 – Saturday – 5:30-11:00 – Gala – Dinner and Dancing

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Let the Season of Sharing BeginPeople often groan when they hear that Christmas is around the corner. But this year, try to find some time to share your good fortune with a family in need through LFCS’ Season of Sharing program. Who knows? It may become a new holiday tradition.

The Season of Sharing program is designed to make the holidays a little brighter for families in crisis. This program has a long history of bringing smiles to those in the Southeast and St. Louis region, and this year our Southwest office is going to join in on the festivities. Last year, 206 families had a Merry Christmas because of the generous contributions and donations of LFCS sponsor families. We are starting earlier this year, and families in need will be available for sponsorship beginning in October. With approximately 150 days until Christmas, LFCS’ Season of Sharing coordinators want you to consider sponsoring family. Don’t do it alone – make it a group event and have your family, friends or even co-workers join in on the fun.

MAGICAL MOMeNTS HAPPeN AT LFCS FUNDRAISeR

There was magic in the air as LFCS’ southwest office hosted A Night of Magic and Music on March 23, 2007, presented by Branson’s own Kirby and Bambi VanBurch. More than 200 people attended this new event, raising $25,300 benefiting the southwest office’s programs of LFCS. The evening included live entertainment, dinner, and unique live and silent auction items.

Holiday Events will fill your Heart with Joy

Jingle Bells Already?

Are you waiting for the 2008 models? Don’t forget that Lutheran Family and Children’s

Services of Missouri accepts used vehicles. This includes cars, trucks, RVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, vans, and jet skis. Our agency will accept operable vehicles from Springfield, Columbia, and the St. Louis Metropolitan area. If your vehicle is inoperable, our agency must consult with the towing service prior to confirming a pickup time.

If you are interested in donating a vehicle to benefit LFCS, call 314-754-2790.

Season Of SharingFor more information, visit our Web site or call Dee at 314-787-5100 or 1-866-326-LFCS.

Donate Your Vehicles

Sixty-two excited pre-kindergarten graduates from Elm Point Early Childhood Center and Hilltop Child Development Center proudly walked across the stage to receive their diplomas in June. All of our little graduates were excited to graduate and are ready to go to kindergarten. Read why they want to go to kindergarten and what they think kindergarten will be like.

Hilltop student, Marcus, age 5:

“I just want to go (to kindergarten) - do work and put stuff in my locker.”

Elm Point student, Austin, age 5:

“Kindergarten ....It’s just a lot more funner.”

Hilltop student, Kennandy, age 5:

“I want to go because I think it’s fun, you can play, read and listen in kindergarten.”

Elm Point student, Kayla, age 5:

“In kindergarten you have to listen to the teacher and don’t do bad things. We will get to write letters too.”

Hilltop student, Jakari, age 5:

“All mommies will be there (in kindergarten) learning. Moms take you there.”

Elm Point student, Rachel, age 5:

“In kindergarten you have group for a long time and you sit at a desk all day.”

We’re going to

Kindergarten…

5

LFCS’ Southeast office raised $59,325 at its Fifth Annual Hope fore

Families Golf Tournament, held May 14, 2007, at Dalhousie Golf Club.

The nationally ranked Dalhousie was host to more than 240 golfers,

with all proceeds going to the Cape Girardeau LFCS office. “This year’s

tournament was a tremendous success,” said Melody Anderson, LFCS’

regional development officer. “Our sponsors were terrific, the golf course

looked beautiful as always and all the golfers had a great time.” Wahlco

and DW Tool sponsored the tournament. More than 30 volunteers served

lunch provided by The Branding Iron and beverages provided by Schaefer

Water, Bluff City Beer and Coca-Cola.

Southeast Office Raises Nearly $60,000 at Annual Golf Tournament

Want to learn more about various types of adoptions?

Come to an Adoption Power Hour.

St. Louis 11:30 AM – 1 PM

call Pat Antle at 314-787-5100 Sept. 28. • Oct. 26 • Nov. 30

Southeast Office 6:00 PM -7:30 PM,

call Molly Strickland at 573-334-5866 Aug. 7 • Sept. 4 • Oct. 2 • Nov. 6

Southwest Office 6:00 PM -7:00 PM,

call Amanda Jones at 417-862-1972 Aug. 27 Sept. 25

Can’t make the time listed above – call (866) 326-LFCS

to make other arrangements.

Adoption Power Hour: h h h

Dobbs Tees Off for LFCSDobbs Tire & Auto Centers was a major sponsor

of the 6th Annual Hope fore Families Golf

Tournament, benefiting LFCS’ St. Louis office.

LFCS raised more than $140,000 at the May 7

event, which was held at Sunset Country Club.

The four-person scramble included complimentary

refreshments on the course, lunch and hole

contests, capped off with a dinner auction.

The teachers at Elm Point Early Childhood Center have put together a list of a few of their favorite classroom books:

Infant/Toddler classroom: “Dinosaur Roar” by Paul & Henrietta Stickland; “Baby Signs for Bed Time” by Linda Acredolo & Susan Goodwyn

2-year-old classroom: “Wild Thing” by Maurice Sendack; “Brown Bear, Brown Bear & Panda Bear, Panda Bear” by Eric Carle

3- 5- year olds classroom: “Bad Case of the Stripes” by David Shannon; “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3” by Bill Martin Jr. & John Archambault

Remember, you can make reading a magical experience for any age child. Here are a few helpful tips:

• When reading picture books to babies, show them the pictures with excitement and energy. Don’t forget to say the names of the items in the book.

• Allow children who are able to talk a chance to join in on story time, they can take turns finishing sentences or telling part of the story. Many children memorize phrases from books and may even complete the sentence before you are finished.

• When school-age children are engaged in reading over the summer, it helps to continue their learning experience and eases the transition back to school. Allow your school-age child to read out loud to you. Take turns reading chapters or pages each night.

The 2007 Ambassadors’ Challenge

Critical Support - It’s more important than ever to

meet the Ambassadors’ challenge goal!

Marilyn Brickler, statewide Ambassador chair,

wants you to join her in reaching the statewide

Ambassadors goal of raising $400,000. A group of

82 generous Ambassadors have already joined in

on this wonderful growth opportunity sharing the

mission of LFCS and making an annual financial

commitment. These funds provide vital support to

the more than 450 pregnant women annually in our

WINGS program.

NeW THIS YeAR Increase Your Gift with a 2 for 1 Match

For every new or increased gift over $5,000, your

gift will be matched 2 for 1 up to $100,000.

Make

READing Part of Your

RoutineDuring the summer months, we often get involved in so many outdoor activities that it’s easy to forget about other important activities – such as reading to our young children. We are more apt to read as an activity on rainy or snowy days, but reading doesn’t have to be an indoor activity. Books can be read outdoors on the back patio or deck, under the quiet of a shade tree, or on a picnic.

Carpenter’s Nail One for

6

Lee Harden, assistant director for the CALL Mentoring Program, was one of the guest presenters at this year’s National School-Based Mentoring Conference held in Kansas City, Mo.

His session covered interactive, developmental activities that can be implemented into youth programs in order to help engage and maintain the attention of today’s youth. “It is essential that those people responsible for a program’s implementation understand that once the attention of the group has been secured, focused activities are necessary to maintain the interest and involvement of the youth,” commented Harden.

MENTOR/National Mentoring Partnership estimates that 17.6 million young people are

at risk of not living up to their potential and could benefit from a relationship with a caring adult mentor. Today approximately 2.5 million young people are in formal, high-quality mentoring relationships. That leaves more than 15 million young people still needing mentors. That unmet need constitutes the “mentoring gap.” That gap could be significantly narrowed by complementing existing community-based programs with quality mentoring programs based in the nation’s 15,000 public schools, which currently serve 47.5 million young people. The nation’s school districts both recognize the need to connect with the communities around them and support the use of volunteer mentors from the community to help students succeed. LFCS’ Youth Mentoring program provided services to 2,070 individuals in 2006. We currently are providing outreach services in 15 locations throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area, Southeast and Mid-Missouri regions. If you would like more information about our Youth Mentoring programs, call 314-787-5100 or visit www.lfcsmo.org.

IRA Rollovers Create New Opportunities for Charitable Giving and Tax Benefits for DonorsBy Jeff Robinson, Client Advisor LFCS Planned Giving Advisory Council

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 created a new option for charitable planning that allows taxpayers age 70½ or older to direct their IRA trustee or custodian to make a nontaxable distribution from their IRAs directly to a qualifying charitable organization. Qualified charitable distributions cannot exceed $100,000 in 2007 and count toward the taxpayer’s required minimum distributions for that year. Contributions may be given to any organization described in IRC Section 170(b)(1)(A), including Lutheran Family and Children’s Services, excluding certain supporting organizations and donor advised funds. As the donor does not include the distribution as part of his or her taxable income, donations of this kind could lower taxable incomes and income taxes for many IRA owners, while also supporting the work of qualifying charities.

The IRA qualifying charitable distribution option provides donors with a convenient and mutually beneficial method to make a charitable gift while potentially reducing their taxable income. Interested donors should act quickly and contact their tax advisor, as this option is only available through 2007.

For more information on completing an IRA charitable rollover, please contact Dianne S. Johnson at 866-326-LFCS, x 2801, or diannej@lfcs.org.

Director Shares Knowledge at National Conference

The Carpenter’s Union located in St. Louis selected LFCS as their charity of choice for their summer 2007 Basket Raffle. Approximately, 2,200 tickets were sold and $4,060 was raised on behalf of LFCS. LFCS President Alan Erdman, accepted the check and is pictured with Carpenters Union Raffle Team. Erdman commented, “The funds raised by the Carpenter’s Union will allow us to extend our program efforts to the St. Louis community.” The staff of LFCS would like to thank the Carpenter’s Union, the many sponsors who donated items for the basket and individuals who supported this event by purchasing a ticket.

YOU Can Change LivesIt only takes one person to change the lives of

many people. It only takes one person to impact generations to come. It only takes one person. Are you that person? When you make a contribution to LFCS, you help change lives, build families and bring hope to children throughout Missouri. o Please accept my contribution to the LFCS

Foundation to support agency programs of LFCS such as counseling, child welfare, community services and the child development centers.

• Please remember the LFCS Foundation in your will.• Increase your donation with matching funds.• Many employers will match your personal donation. Check with your

company for more information on matching gift programs. Employer matching gifts may also be available if you are the spouse of the employee, a retired employee or the spouse/widow/widower of a retiree.

o If you are a Thrivent member, your gift can also be matched.o I have included LFCS in my will.

Name:________________________________________

Address:______________________________________

City:_ __________________ _State:_ _____ _Zip:________

Phone_number:_________________________________

E-mail:_ ______________________________________

Amount_of_contribution:_$__________________________

o_Check_enclosed______Charge_to:___o Visa____oMasterCard_

Card_number:_ _________________________________

Expiration_date:_________________________________

Name_as_it_appears_on_credit_card____________________

Signature:_____________________________________

$8/07

If this donation is a tribute, please complete one of the following:

In_honor_of:____________________________________

In_memory_of:__________________________________

Please send tribute card to:

Name:________________________________________

Address:______________________________________

City:_ __________________ _State:_ _____ _Zip:________

HonorariumsMr. & Mrs. David Bourgeois Joyce & Vernon Schroeder

Lauren Bradley Karen & Melvin Kienemann, Jr.

Charles & Audrey Chase J. Derieck & Maureen Hodges

Dave Drebes Sheila Greenbaum

Bill & Joan Hodges J. Derieck & Maureen Hodges

Larry & Janet Lemke 50th Wedding Anniversary Elaine & Gary Auch Rev. Alan & Lucy Erdman Paulette & Donald Foerster Bob & Teri Francis Ronald & Ann Jones Sandy & Earl Lindenberg Esther & Robert Negwer Judith Sieve Lynn & Dee Stemme Jerry & Marj Withers

Donna Lichtenegger John Lichtenegger

Rev. Larry W. Neeb Retirement Karen Lindemann

Mr. & Mrs. Bud Pennington John’s Wedding The Jim Woolf Family

Reed Darrell & Lauri Spain

Helena Schmidt The birth of a Brother Mrs. Woolf

Stephen Sneeringer Retirement Jim & Gayle Woolf

Evangeline Solovitz Laura & Nick Tuttle

Dee Stemme 75th Birthday Jerry & Marj Withers

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Stevener The birth of Graham Jim & Gayle Woolf

Mr. & Mrs. Bill Tipton Jenny’s Wedding The Jim Woolf Family

Matt & Missy Wilson for the gift of friendship Bob & Luanne Beumer

Roland & Leonora Winter 60th Wedding Anniversary Vera Ruesler

Jerry Withers 80th Birthday Ronald Archer

MemorialsVirginia Amelunke Faye Amelunke

Pamela Barr Betty and Robert Greene

Mildred Bester John & Irene Hartmann

Olga Brunsman Elvera Ellersieck Lorraine & Ted Greenwald

Thelma Crowley Wolfe Properties, LLC

Bob Davis Marie & Carl Ripp

Leroy Davis Marie & Carl Ripp

Mrs. Becky Engelbrecht’s Father Jim & Gayle Woolf

Lila Johnson Fields Donna & Tom Carter Walter & Laura Cowart Shannon & Peter Cuff Renee & Doug Jefferson Amanda & Jeremy Jones Elizabeth Smith

Helen & Les Geil Suzanne & Samuel Leopold

Edward Grebing William & Stephanie Bennett Rebecca & John Cook Richard & Marilyn Dippold Phillip & Margie Eastwood John & Martha Freeze Bob & Joyce Hemmann

Don & Corleen Heuer Virgil & Sally Karnes The Teaching Staff of Little Blessings

PreSchool Zion Lutheran Church Margaret Mansholt Debra & Jeff Martin Jeff & Mary Morton Womens Twilight Bowling League

Joe Higgins Marie & Carl Ripp

Clara Hussman Verna Hellwig

Hilda Kennedy Donna Lee Noel

Colleen Kilcullen Betty Greene

Charles Kirkpatrick Marie & Carl Ripp

Vivian Lansing Marie & Carl Ripp

Robert Lansing Marie & Carl Ripp

Donna Mabb Marie & Carl Ripp

Donald Magwitz Barbara Amlingmeyer Michael Bennett Charlotte & Joda Bess David & Noretta Blattner Randall & Dorothy Cox & Jonathan Scott Bernie & Beverly Dirnberger Ralph & Jane Edwards Darren & Gail Estes Carole & John Folwell, Jr. Kevin & Mary Gerlach Tony & Kathy Harris Donald and Becky Heuer Marilyn Huttegger Kerry & Tara Lang Michael & Patricia O’Connor Lawrence & Leona Schlimpert Steve & Judy Schneider Mitch & Karen Shelby Wes & Nelda Steffen Corby, Betsy & Libby Turner Jack & Shirley Weith Herman Wills

Harold Meyr Roy & Jane Boren Don & Donna Magwitz

Donna Middeke Alice & Raymond Danielsen

Norbert Mueller Betty Hecht

Hillard Mueller Viola Mueller

Edward Niewald Diane & John Frey

Joseph E. Opalewski Art & Dora Cole

Bethany Krueger Rich Larry & Lois Frickenschmidt

Mr. Daniel Ricks’ Father Jim & Gayle Woolf

Gladys Roeper Sandra & Guy Hood

Bob Schaffter Marie & Carl Ripp

Audrey Senter Hugh Senter

Lois Strassemeyer Lois George Martin & Lois Henrichs Sallie Kratz Don & Cheryl Lorenz Shirley & Robert Snyder Frank Brandhorst & Robert Bauer/ UHY

Advisors

Martin “Max” Theiss Daniel and Sarah Lichtenegger

Marian “Dee” Webb Joe & Gloria Wotka

David Wegner Marian & Dick Wegner

Roma Welp Arvel & Doris Purdy Marie & Carl Ripp

Susan Wright Jean & Steve Holthe

Memorial Gifts are a thoughtful and caring way to honor the memory of a departed friend or loved one. Gifts in honor of a special person or event are also a way to celebrate life. These gifts, which are given out of love and friendship help LFCS serve our neighbors in need through out the community. Those who are honored, or the families of those who are remembered, receive notification of the donation. We also celebrate these people by dedicating space to them in SPIRIT.

7

A new statewide program, “Get Real with Yourself,” of Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri is offering pregnant teens and young adults the opportunity to access real information about pregnancy, parenting and adoption.

“Get Real with Yourself” is a free and confidential program that offers counseling, education and support to teens and young adults who are dealing with an unplanned pregnancy or even think they might be pregnant. LFCS launched the program in St. Louis in September 2006 with a Web site – www.getrealwithyourself.com and a 24-hour hotline, 877-747-REAL. The organization has taken the program statewide through its offices in Cape Girardeau, Columbia and Springfield and is increasing outreach efforts here in St. Louis.

“This program offers young women, men and their families the necessary emotional and psychological support to make a parenting decision that they can feel comfortable with,” said Rev. Alan Erdman, president and chief executive officer of LFCS. “Since we launched the Web site last fall, we have had more than 6,400 visitors, and we’ve only promoted it in St. Louis. By implementing the program in all of our offices, we hope to reach an even greater number of individuals who are looking for answers.”

Counselors are available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Counseling and support are available during the pregnancy and after the child is born. For those who are not ready to talk with a counselor, the Web site provides a wide array of information. Sections include:

Pregnancy – Am I/Is She?, Now What?, prenatal care and FAQs

Becoming a Parent – parenting options, single parenting and teen mom stories

Considering Adoption – options, the child’s father, preparing for placement and post-adoption

Resources – prenatal care, health coverage, parenting, adoption, respite and foster care

These services are free and available to expectant moms, dads and others involved in the pregnancy.

“The program speaks to the realities of parenting, from the cost of clothing, feeding and diapering a baby to managing school and work while parenting,” said Megan Payne, lead counselor for Get Real With Yourself. “Counselors will help young moms and dads take an in-depth look at these challenges and decide how to make the best plan for themselves and their baby.”

LFCS Encourages Area Youth to

“Get Real”Social services organization launches statewide program to support pregnant teens and young adults

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Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri

8631 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63124866-326-LFCS

website: www.lfcsmo.orgReturn Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORG.U.S. POSTAGe

PAIDST. LOUIS, MO

PeRMIT NO. 5547

SUMMeR 2007

Mission StatementGod’s love in Jesus Christ empowers Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri to

help families, children and individuals experience greater hope and wholeness of life.

TRAININGSSpaulding classes (to become an adoptive parent to kids 6-17 years of age) are being offered on October 6th and 20th in the Southwest office. All attendees must have already completed STARS training. For more information contact Amanda Jones at 417-862-1972

Considering Adopting Internationally? The LAN training is part of the requirement for families adopting internationally. It is a 10-12 hours discussion of issues relevant to adoption and is a requirement of the Hague Convention. This is only for families going through an adoptive study or those who have been approved for this training. Families working with other agencies who do not offer the training are welcome to apply. The cost is $100 for LFCS families and $150 for families from other agencies.8/11 Southwest Office9/15 & 9/28 Mid-Missouri Office

10/5 & 10/6 Southeast Office

EVENTS

SeptemberLFCS Helping Hands Auction Enjoy a wonderful evening with friends and help support the statewide programs of LFCS on September 8, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency -St. Louis. The event begins at 5:00 PM. If you like to join us, call to request your invitation. Admission is $125.00, which includes dinner and the

opportunity to bid on wonderful items in the silent and live auction. Call Janice Raeber at 314-754-2786 or janicer@lfcs.org for more information.

Take Care of Yourself- Join “Mind and Body Wellness for Women” Find some “ME” time and feel more in control of YOU. Learn to manage the stressors of everyday life, accomplish more and procrastinate less and discover how your own self-defeating beliefs interfere with success and happiness. For 6 weeks join other women in rediscovering you. Two sessions beginning September 11 and September 26. For registration and information call Alex at 314-787-5100.

OctoberNational Depression Screening Day Not feeling quite like your self lately? Stop by LFCS’ St. Louis office on Thursday, October 11, 2007 from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM and receive a FREE informational screening. You do not need an appointment. For more information contact Margaret at 314-787-5100.

MARK YOUR CALENDARThe 12th Annual Festival of Trees will be held November 28 – December 1, at the Lela Rainey Wood Ball Room on the Stephens College Campus. Proceeds benefit the adoption services offered through the Mid-Missouri office. Don’t wait to make your reservation, last year was sold out! Call Michelle at 573-815-9955 for ticket information.

Upcoming Events

LFCS partners with OASIS

OASIS Intergenerational Tutoring is partnering with LFCS in St. Louis to make literacy a fun part of learning for area students. The LFCS component of OASIS will be offering volunteer opportunities through Lutheran schools that currently have an established OASIS program. The program has existed in St. Louis area Lutheran schools since 1995 and currently has 90 volunteers at 20 locations. OASIS tutoring provides adult volunteers, 50 years of age and over, the opportunity to work with a kindergarten through third grade student who is struggling in the classroom and needs reading enrichment assistance. During the one-hour session, volunteers provide support for reading achievement, enhance self-esteem, and make reading fun for both the tutor and child. So you can feel confident in the classroom, OASIS provides materials, training and many creative ideas for working with the children. The next training for this program will be held Sept. 24-26. If you would like to volunteer or desire more information about this exciting program, call Gail Carter at 314-846-7473.