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...
Seven years ago, Ashley was eager to welcome her first child, Landon. But a difficult pregnancy and several medical emergencies left her feeling worried and overwhelmed. “The first nine months of Landon’s life were a blur of sleepless nights, sweet baby giggles, and soaking up the joys of motherhood,” Ashley says. “But at nine months,...
You can be a role model when you don’t even realize it. You can change the cycle.
Sandra and Jerry Dollen became foster parents 28 years ago, because they knew it was the right thing to do. A child they knew needed help and a temporary place to call home, so the Dollens decided to become licensed foster parents to take her in. But the Dollens never anticipated the impact foster care...
We realized there are some big needs out there. We knew our family could make a difference.
Renato and Nellie Jimenez hadn’t planned to fall in love with foster parenting. The couple knew they wanted to adopt, but when they learned about the desperate need for foster families, they decided to also open their heart and home to children in need of safe, temporary care. “We realized there are some big needs...
You have to be a strong person to foster. But once you see one of the kids succeed, it’ll bring tears to your eyes, and it’s all worth it.
A simple act of kindness decades ago has gone on to change lives for Iowa youth in foster care. David Steele remembers the police officer he met after he ran away from home at age 13. The officer treated him kindly and made David feel like there was someone in his corner. That’s the same...
