2018: A Year in Review

2018 was a year full of growth for LSI. We developed new and innovative ways to wrap holistic, comprehensive care around our clients, received many exciting grants, spent fun times together as a team, and developed our volunteer program. We’re grateful for the year behind us, and eager for what’s ahead. And as always, we’re grateful for generous donors and partners like you who make it all possible.

Here are just a few of our highlights from 2018.

Host Homes

In 2017, we launched Host Homes, an innovative program to support people with disabilities. Through Host Homes, adults with disabilities move from 24-hour supported community living and into a private family home, where they receive one-on-one care from a specifically-selected mentor instead of a staff member. 2018 was a significant year of growth for the program, and we were able to successfully open and maintain nine Host Homes! In 2019, we expect to see the program grow even more.

Service Enterprise Certification

Last year, LSI was certified as a Service Enterprise, an organization specially trained to leverage volunteers. LSI is proud to join 30 other certified organizations across Iowa. Less than 15 percent of organizations nationwide are characterized as Service Enterprises, and this distinction will allow us to grow and expand the way we recruit and utilize volunteers to support our many services.

Strengthening Families

LSI utilized the Strengthening Families program in 2018 to support 21 families participating in our Family Safety, Risk, and Permanency Services and Behavioral Health Intervention Services. The 14-week program engages parents who are struggling with substance use disorders and their children by providing the education and resources they need to improve communication, positive parenting, and building happy, healthy homes.

Spreading LSI’s Mission of Hope and Healing

More than 1,100 members of Team LSI are making an impact for Iowa children and families. But did you know LSI also has an amazing group of volunteers across the state? Volunteering with LSI is a perfect opportunity to give back to your community! But don’t take our word for it. Here’s why our volunteers love putting compassion in action:

“Because of how blessed I was during my childhood to be part of a great, supportive Christian family, Lego League is an opportunity to organize some fun experiences for LSI kids interested in Legos and Lego robotics.” – Tom, an LSI volunteer who leads Lego League at the Beloit Residential Treatment Center in Ames

“I want to be involved in something that matters and is needed so I’m motivated to come do my small part!” – Erica, a volunteer with LSI’s Refugee Community Services in Des Moines

“I learn so much from the kids by just being in a 45-minute session. We have a blast each week, and I’m always excited to come back.” – Claire, a Wartburg College student who provides music therapy to teens at LSI’s Bremwood Residential Treatment Center in Waverly

“Every time I’m done volunteering, I just feel like life is good. I get far more back from the kids than what I give.” – Janola, a volunteer with the Spiritual Life program at the Bremwood Residential Treatment Center in Waverly

Ready to become an LSI volunteer? Get started today!

Books for Beloit

Barb and Harry Budd love to fill their home with Christmas decorations and invite their neighbors to tour the rooms filled with Santas of every shape and size. The hobby earned the Budds recognition in the community, but it also marked the beginning of another passion for the couple.

When the Budds opened their home to the children at LSI’s Beloit Residential Treatment Center in Ames, one young girl was amazed at the books on display and mentioned that she wished she had books at Beloit.

“That’s when we knew Beloit needed a library,” Barb says. “We contributed funds to have a room filled with books.”

Since 1999, Barb and Harry have dedicated their time to supplying books for the Beloit library. Today, the library walls are filled with thousands of bright, colorful books.

In 2000, Harry felt the need to do more to support the children at Beloit. Now, whenever a child graduates out of their treatment at Beloit, Harry gifts them a book of their choice. To date, Harry has given away 430 books.

“I remember one instance where a young boy wanted a cookbook,” Harry says. “A few weeks later, I saw that child in a grocery store with his family and he said, ‘We’re out getting groceries to make a recipe from your cookbook!’ That was a special memory.”

Every week, the Budds can be found in the Beloit library, stocking shelves and organizing books for children on campus to borrow. Barb says the children keep her passionate about her hobby, and she loves receiving thank you messages from them after they find the perfect book.

“They always say, ‘I didn’t think adults listened to me,’” Barb says. “I think it’s nice for them to know that someone cares enough to find out what they like to read.”