Lutheran Services Florida

10/09/2026

A new partnership is creating exciting opportunities for young women at LSF Hands of Mercy Everywhere,Inc.

On Oct. 7, the program welcomed Goodwill Industries-Suncoast to celebrate a new collaboration focused on helping young women prepare for life beyond foster care.

Goodwill brought a selection of formal dresses through its Belle of the Ball program, giving H.O.M.E. residents the opportunity to choose dresses of their own. Beyond just dresses, this partnership will connect our residents with career navigation services, educational resources and employment opportunities as they work toward independence.

We're grateful to Goodwill Industries-Suncoast for investing in these young women and helping create more opportunities to brighten their futures.

10/06/2026

What does belonging look like?

On October 10, children in foster care will help answer that question through their own artwork—including the real pieces created by Together at Home residents that you see featured here.

At The Art of Belonging, you’ll have the opportunity to see more of their original work, learn about Together at Home and the siblings it serves and even take home a piece created by one of our residents by participating in our silent auction.

The Art of Belonging will take place October 10 from 10 a.m. to noon at Together at Home on the campus of the Christian Care Center, located at 125 N. 13th St. in Leesburg.

RSVP here: https://bit.ly/473jYlC

10/05/2026

Derrick West knows what it means to be a Head Start kid. He also knows what it means to support the parents and families of Head Start students.

Derrick joined WPEC-TV CBS 12 to share his journey with Head Start and discuss proposed changes from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that could significantly change the program. The changes outlined in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking could affect the comprehensive services that have helped generations of children and families find success through Head Start.

Now, families, Head Start alumni, educators, community partners and others who have seen that impact firsthand have an opportunity to make their voices heard.

HHS is accepting public comments on the proposed rule through Oct. 6 and will review those comments before issuing a final rule. If Head Start has made a difference in your life, your family or your community, or if you have concerns about how these proposed changes could affect children and families, we encourage you to share your perspective.

Public comments can be submitted here: https://bit.ly/4zAATIv

10/01/2026

Today marks a new chapter for children and families in Northwest Florida.

As of Oct. 1, LSF officially leads child welfare case management in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties through our new Northwest Case Management Organization.

We’re bringing decades of local service together with the experience, infrastructure and lessons learned from LSF child welfare teams across Florida. And at the center of it all is a team serving children and families with the heart and compassion they deserve.

Leading the work is Pensacola native, former LSF shelter resident and Northwest Regional Program Director Jamilyn Newton.

Get to know Jamilyn and hear what she says families, staff and community partners can expect from LSF as we begin this next chapter together: https://bit.ly/4diUc01

09/30/2026

This month, we’re proud to recognize Shameka, Deion, Thesila and Katrina for the dedication and compassion they bring to children and families across LSF.

Their work is a reminder that strong case management is about showing up, building trust and doing what it takes to help families move forward.

Thank you to Tampa Electric for your continued partnership and sponsorship of our Case Manager of the Month initiative, helping us celebrate the people behind this important work.

Congratulations to our honorees, and thank you for all you do for the families we serve.

09/29/2026

Our Connie Maramo Head Start Center in Pinellas County has some new additions to its campus, thanks to volunteers from the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg who spent the day planting trees for our students and staff.

The project will continue long after planting day. Connie Maramo has 14 classrooms, and each class plans to adopt one of the new trees, create a class sign and take responsibility for caring for it.

For our Head Start students, experiences like this are another opportunity to learn outside the classroom, work together and take pride in caring for the space they share each day.

We are grateful to the St. Pete Rotary Club volunteers who gave their time to our center and helped make this project possible.

09/25/2026

09/18/2026

Fifty years of strengthening Florida’s children, families and communities is worth celebrating!

LSF was proud to sponsor the The Florida Network of Youth & Family Services 50th anniversary meeting and celebrate this milestone as a longtime member of the network.

LSF CEO Mike Carroll joined a panel where leaders discussed today’s challenges as tomorrow’s opportunities, while LSF board member Chris Card reflected on the lessons that shaped this work during the panel he joined.

One message stood out: Families are better served when we work together. By strengthening collaboration across agencies, we can reduce the number of systems families have to navigate and better connect children and families with the services they need.

We’re grateful for the Florida Network’s 50 years of leadership and proud to be part of the work ahead.

09/16/2026

If you haven’t already, there’s still time to give back to young women finding their way in Marion County.

By supporting Hands of Mercy Everywhere,Inc during , you’re helping provide expectant mothers and at-risk young women with a safe place to live and people who believe in their future.

Through education, counseling, parenting support, life skills and career development, H.O.M.E. helps young women build a strong foundation for themselves and their children.

Give today and help ensure the next young woman who needs a safe place, a little hope and someone in her corner can find it at H.O.M.E.

Click here to give: https://www.handsofmercyeverywhere.org/give4marion

09/15/2026

For 50 years, the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services has been a lifeline for Florida’s most vulnerable children and families. This year, we’re proud to join the Network in celebrating half a century of advocacy and impact.

As a Florida Network member organization, LSF is proud to be part of a statewide system dedicated to strengthening families, supporting young people and building stronger communities across Florida.

Here’s to the next 50 years of making a difference together!