When Kari, a little girl they knew through church, was in need of a foster home, Stacie and Blake decided to step up. “We really had her best interest in mind, and we felt like we needed to help,” Stacie says. The couple became licensed as foster and adoptive parents in 2013, and Stacie says...
Kassie and Tammy have always had a passion for seeing children succeed. At work, Kassie supports foster and adoptive parents, and Tammy assists children with special healthcare needs. The two have raised three children—Morgan, Cayden, and Avery—but they decided to consider foster parenting and adoption. It didn’t take long for them to know they made...
I was lucky I had all the support I needed. Make sure you are surrounding yourself with people who have fostered or adopted before.
It was a few days before the presidential election in 2012, and Kelly was tired of all the political ads and unwanted campaign phone calls. The Saturday before she cast her vote, an unknown number called her cell phone. She almost didn’t answer, but something told her to pick up the phone. The voice on...
When Andrea first arrived at the Polk County Juvenile Detention Center, she was skeptical. The 16-year-old had struggled to manage her anger in a healthy way, and she was sent to the detention center after acting out at home. She learned she would begin seeing Megan, an LSI therapist who provides services in the detention...
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...
LSI is thrilled to welcome Mariah Himes as our new Statewide Volunteer Coordinator! What inspired you to work for LSI? I love getting to be a part of an organization that’s consistently growing to meet the needs of the community. I also really appreciate LSI’s emphasis on social justice, encapsulated in the core values of...
“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’.” – Jeremiah 29:11 Congratulations to Janola and Dave Fordyce for receiving the Waverly-Shell Rock Area United Way 2017 Outstanding Volunteer Award! Over the past 10...
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...
