Our History…Caring for Children

The history of Lutheran Family Service began in 1901 when Lutheran churches and schools were established all over the State of Iowa and the population was growing rapidly. Iowa Lutheran lay leaders and pastors recognized the pressing need to find Christian homes for the many orphaned children who were not able to live with their own families because of the death of a parent, illness or harsh financial times. The Lutheranish Kinderfreundgesellschaft (Lutheran Children's Friends Society) was established. Children were provided with love and care until a permanent home with a Christian family could be located.

A new Lutheran orphanage was built in Fort Dodge in 1930. The organization was now known as the Lutheran Home Finding Society. By the early 1950’s the home had cared for over 1,000 children. Lutheran congregations took direct responsibility for the physical care and spiritual nurture of these children. Truly, God’s command to care for “the least of these” was being carried out every day in Iowa through this Lutheran ministry.

Changing Needs, Changing Ministry

In the 1960’s, society was changing dramatically – even in Iowa. Children awaiting placement with a permanent family were being cared for in foster homes, so the Children’s Home was no longer needed. Although the needs were changing, the ministry remained focused on reaching out to those in need. Unmarried young women who became pregnant were not accepted in their home communities and needed a place to stay until their babies were born. The Children’s Home became a home for unwed mothers and Lutherans were able to minister, both physically and spiritually, to women from around the state. Here they experienced the love, compassion and grace that is found in Christ Jesus.

By the 1970’s, society had become much more accepting of single mothers. This change, along with the legalization and availability of abortions, meant there was no longer a pressing need for the maternity home.

As society moved into the 1970’s, the need for counseling with a spiritual dynamic became apparent. In order to help individuals, couples and families cope with a wide variety of personal and relational problems which prevented them from experiencing the full richness of God’s love, counseling services were organized. To better reflect the services provided to families, the Board of Directors officially changed the name of the organization to “Lutheran Family Service of Iowa” in 1974.

Over the next several years, the demand for Christ-centered counseling greatly increased. In 1984, the Board of Directors called our current Executive Director, the Rev. Eric L. Schillo an LCMS pastor with specialized training in pastoral counseling, family life education and experience serving adults with metal retardation.

The last 20 years brought continued growth in ministry to families through professional Christ-centered counseling, residential services to adults with mental retardation and mental illness, pro-life ministries which served families experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and couples seeking to adopt children.

Pastors, deaconesses and clinical social workers who joined the staff during these years brought a strong commitment to sharing the healing message of Christ with those in need of support and assistance.

Within the last year, the Board of Directors voted to transition the day-to-day management of the residential services programs to Genesis Development, another non-profit provider that is focused solely on these types of services. This move reflects a change in the residential services industry where service providers are becoming larger organizations with the ability to provide a greater number of services to consumers. During this transition, Lutheran Family Service has strengthened its commitment to providing professional Christ-centered care to individuals served through the counseling, pregnancy counseling, adoption, family life education and support for professional church worker programs.

As a Registered Service Organization of the Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod, these outreach ministries are made possible through the care and concern of the Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod congregations and individuals throughout Iowa. Over the years, the needs in our communities have changed. Through it all, our Christian compassion and commitment to reach out in love to all in need of Christ's care remains unchanged. We look forward to ministering to the future needs of families in Iowa.