Lutheran Services Florida

10/14/2026

This past Saturday, more than 100 community members gathered for The Art of Belonging, an event benefiting LSF and Christian Care Center’s Together at Home group home.

The event featured artwork created by the children served through the program, giving guests an opportunity to support these young artists. Visitors also had the opportunity to tour the group home and learn more about how we're working to keep siblings in residential care together.

We are grateful to everyone who came out to support Together at Home and celebrate the creativity and talents of these young people. Opportunities like this remind us how important it is for every child to feel supported, valued and connected to their community.

10/13/2026

Our LSF Lake Sumter CMO team had plenty to celebrate at the Kids Central CARE Awards, where staff serving Circuit 5 were recognized for their dedication to children, families and one another.

LSF team members Stefaine Ziccardi, Stephanie Thomas, Melissa Colburn, Gia Grier and Jennifer Bobbitt received the Better Together Award, recognizing the collaboration and teamwork that make a difference in the lives of the families they serve.

LSF leadership also recognized several members of our Lake and Sumter County case management team for their outstanding service. Brynda Turner-Hughes was named Family Support Worker of the Year, Shelia Golembiowski received Case Management Support Staff of the Year, Hannah Wasson was honored as Case Manager of the Year, and Shamae Hooks received Case Manager Supervisor of the Year. Seth Burnham was also recognized with the Rising Star Award.

Tara Poyner received the Spirit of Excellence Award, in recognition of her exceptional service, professionalism and commitment to community-based care.

Child welfare work is never described as easy. It takes patience and a willingness to work through difficult circumstances alongside children and parents who are counting on someone to be there for them. Our staff understand that responsibility, and their dedication extends well beyond what any award can capture.

We are proud to see their hard work recognized and grateful to Kids Central Inc. for celebrating the people who make this work possible.

10/12/2026

It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas gifts, especially for children who may not have any waiting for them under the tree this year.

LSF's Christmas Angels donation drive is officially underway, and we're asking our communities to help us make the holidays a little brighter for children and families across Florida.

We're collecting gifts for children ages 0-17, with the greatest need currently among teenagers. You can get involved early by visiting https://www.lsfnet.org/christmasangels/ or by emailing [email protected] to learn more about partnership opportunities.

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