Podcasts about lutheran family services

A large number of large payments went out from the Biden Administration after the election to NGOs like Lutheran Family Services.  LFS of Nebraska was one recipient, raising questions from Elon Musk and DOGE, which cut off payments.  I talk about this with LFS-NE CEO Chris Tonniges.

Organizations like World Vision, Lutheran Family Services, and Christianity Today have been impacted by the US AID freeze imposed by the Trump Administration under Elon Musk's DOGE department. Christian organizations took no time in condemning the move because they allege it negatively impacts the people they are trying to help. But is there more to the story?To Support the Podcast: https://www.worldviewconversation.com/support/Become a Patronhttps://www.patreon.com/jonharrispodcastFollow Jon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonharris1989Follow Jon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharris1989/00:00:00 Introduction00:03:14 USAID Officials00:31:23 Reaction to DOGE00:42:26 World Relief and Others00:50:51 Megan Basham00:56:19 QuestionsSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/conversations-that-matter8971/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This Day in Legal History: Chief Justice Taft ResignsOn February 3, 1930, Chief Justice William Howard Taft resigned from the U.S. Supreme Court due to declining health. Taft remains the only person in American history to have served both as President (1909–1913) and as Chief Justice (1921–1930). After his presidency, he achieved what he considered his true ambition—leading the nation's highest court. As Chief Justice, he was instrumental in modernizing the federal judiciary, including advocating for the construction of the Supreme Court's own building, which was completed after his death. His tenure also saw decisions that reinforced executive power and judicial efficiency. By late 1929, however, his health had deteriorated significantly due to heart disease and progressive neurological issues. Struggling to fulfill his duties, he reluctantly stepped down, fearing he could no longer serve effectively. Just five weeks later, on March 8, 1930, he passed away. His successor, Charles Evans Hughes, was nominated by President Herbert Hoover. Taft's dual legacy as both a U.S. President and Chief Justice remains unmatched in American history.Elon Musk claimed his "DOGE team," tasked with government efficiency, is shutting down certain payments to federal contractors, raising concerns about his access to U.S. Treasury systems. Musk stated that his team is eliminating corruption in real time, including halting payments to Lutheran Family Services, a charity supporting refugees. The Treasury Department has not confirmed Musk's level of access, but Senator Ron Wyden suggested Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent granted DOGE full control over federal payments. Musk's influence follows his appointment by Donald Trump to modernize federal IT, though he appears to be extending that role to financial oversight. USAID security officials were placed on leave after refusing DOGE staff access, prompting Musk to call the agency “a criminal organization.” His claims about widespread fraud in federal payments remain unverified, as Treasury already has systems in place to prevent improper transactions. Meanwhile, Treasury's top career official, David Lebryk, recently left his post, further intensifying scrutiny. Trump praised Musk's cost-cutting efforts but acknowledged potential disagreements on policy direction.Musk Says DOGE Is Halting Treasury Payments to US Contractors - BloombergA new conservative law firm, Lex Politica, has been launched by Chris Gober, a lawyer for Elon Musk's America PAC, along with attorneys Steve Roberts and Jessica Furst Johnson. The firm aims to represent Republican candidates, campaigns, and causes, strengthening ties between conservative legal professionals and Trump-aligned politicians. Gober, who previously served as America PAC's treasurer, stated he wants Lex Politica to become synonymous with the conservative movement. Roberts and Johnson bring experience representing figures like House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senator Rick Scott, and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The firm joins a growing network of right-leaning law groups, such as Dhillon Law Group and Schaerr Jaffe, which have close ties to Trump and Musk. These firms have been involved in significant legal battles, including free speech cases on Musk's platform, X, and efforts to reshape the federal government's legal structure. Neither Musk nor representatives for key Republican clients commented on the firm's launch.Lawyers for Musk, Republican campaigns form new Washington firm | ReutersGoogle is appealing a jury verdict and court order that found it illegally stifled competition in its Play Store. The case, brought by Fortnite maker Epic Games in 2020, accused Google of monopolizing app distribution and in-app payments on Android devices. A jury ruled in Epic's favor in 2023, and U.S. District Judge James Donato ordered Google to allow rival app stores within its Play Store and make its app catalog available to competitors. Google argues the ruling was flawed, claiming it competes with Apple's App Store and that the judge improperly expanded the order to impact all developers, not just Epic. Epic insists Google engaged in years of anti-competitive behavior and is fighting to uphold the jury's decision. Microsoft, the U.S. Justice Department, and the FTC have backed Epic in the case. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is set to hear arguments on Monday, with a decision expected later this year, which could potentially be appealed to the Supreme Court.Google to ask US appeals court to overturn app store verdict | ReutersMcDonald's has agreed to revise its HACER National Scholarships Program by removing race and ethnicity as eligibility criteria to settle a lawsuit filed by the American Alliance for Equal Rights, a group led by affirmative action opponent Edward Blum. The lawsuit argued that restricting eligibility to students with at least one Hispanic or Latino parent discriminated against other ethnic groups. McDonald's denied wrongdoing but decided that modifying the program was the best course of action. Moving forward, applicants will need to demonstrate their contributions to the Hispanic and Latino community rather than meet racial or ethnic requirements. The settlement comes as McDonald's and other companies scale back diversity initiatives following legal challenges and political pressure. In January, McDonald's also abandoned diversity goals for corporate leadership, citing shifting legal standards, including the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling that struck down race-based college admissions policies. Blum criticized the scholarship's previous criteria, arguing that many students were unfairly excluded.McDonald's settles lawsuit challenging Latino scholarship program | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Ralph Kellog was an only child raised by a single mom who was emotional and physical abusive to him. He knew at four years old he was different ;he liked playing with dolls, didn't fit in with the other boys, was bullied at grade school and middle school, and would run home to hide. He had no one that he could talk to about who he was, and he learned not to fully trust adults .In high school he met a good friend named Tommy where they met in ROTC .Tommy  supported Ralph and new that he was gay . They became good friends. However, when they went out to a lake with friends and boated  to a small island, Tommy ended up drowning. Even though Tommy  was straight he was the love of Ralph's life. Ralph not trusting adults was accelerated when he was outed at work by his boss. Ralph received  his MBA at Bellview University in Nebraska, and received another Masters Degree  in Conflict  Negotiations and Dispute Resolution . Ralph is the HR Director for Lutheran Family Services which has been around over 100 years and are leaders in adoption and behavioral health . Regardless of what Ralph went through he teaches us empathy and forgiveness.

About Vanessa : A passionate scholar, Dr. Vanessa Seifert applies proven principals in a customized manner to overcome barriers and empower lasting change. At her core, Vanessa believes life is a journey that includes countless opportunities for growth. She helps leaders influence those around them to learn, grow and contribute to their communities.With nearly twenty years of experience, Vanessa guides leaders to uncover answers to their critical questions, unlocking individual and group potential. Her credentials include a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership; an International Coaching Federation's Associate Coaching Certification (gold standard of coaching); and a Gallup Strengths Coaching Certification. Work on her doctoral dissertation fueled her interest in concepts of how organizational growth first starts with individual change.  Vanessa has served as executive coach for a variety of nonprofit, business and church leaders including the Nebraska District LCMS President, Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska CEO and executive team, and a variety of business clients through previous work at Leadership Resources. In 2017, she initiated Leadership Learning Communities, a two-year leadership development process that includes individual coaching and peer group learning for pastors.  She has also served a variety of organizations in leadership roles including service as chair of the National Association of Directors of Christian Education from 2015 to 2017. In addition to her work as president and executive coach of Seifert Leadership Consulting, Vanessa is a called DCE-Discipleship Catalyst at Calvary Lutheran church in Lincoln, Nebraska. In this role, she provides resources for the church and community to further the idea that all of life is faith and all of faith is life. This experience provides ongoing insights into organizational dynamics that continue to enhance her insights on coaching and development.An avid athlete, Vanessa participated in collegiate sports on the Concordia University Texas and Concordia University Nebraska women's basketball teams. She has a history of competitive triathlon racing and has instructed cycling classes in her local community. These experiences have deepened her awareness of the importance of team dynamics and individual accomplishment. Vanessa enjoys spending time with her husband, Brandon, raising their two daughters. Visit uniteleadership.orgVisit uniteleadership.org

For our kickoff episode of our 3rd season, we're honored to present this touching, illuminating, and entertaining dialogue with 40-year veteran therapist Bob Edelstein, LMFT, in which he guides us through life's big questions (AKA existential themes) through an Existential-Humanistic lens. Bob shares his amazing story of coming of age as a human and therapist in the 1960s during the modern-to-postmodern shift. Highlights include his life-changing reading of Carl Rogers' Freedom to Learn as a teacher-in-training, being ripped apart by primal therapy, becoming a therapist through “the paraprofessional route”, working in the Haight, making space around the need to achieve, training with Jim Bugental and LSD researcher Stan Grof, and being ok with the idea of dying. Bob is such an authentic human being in every interaction, and you'll feel that come through as he teaches us about E-H through his own transforming views. If you're a fan of Carl Rogers, Maslow, Jim Bugental, Viktor Frankl, Kirk Schneider, Rollo May, and/or Irvin Yalom, this is the episode for you.Bob Edelstein, LMFT has been a therapist and consultant since 1973, practicing in Oregon since 1984. He is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the states of Oregon and California, a certified Clinical Supervisor through Lutheran Family Services, a clinical member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy, a professional member and former Board member of The Association for Humanistic Psychology, and a founding member of both the Association for Humanistic Psychology – Oregon Community and the Existential-Humanistic Northwest professional organization.Resources:-Bob's web site: www.BobEdelstein.com-Bob is also the executive director for the Association for Humanistic Psychology. Their website is ahpweb.org-The website for EHI (existential humanistic institute) is ehinstitute.org-The website for EHNW (existential humanistic northwest professional organization) is ehnwpdx.org-Books mentioned include Carl Rogers' Freedom to Learn, Jim Bugental's The Search for Existential Identity and The Art of the Psychotherapist, and more Welcome to The Psychologists Podcast, where we talk about all things psychology through a very personal lens. Gill Strait PhD and Julia Strait PhD are both Licensed Psychologists (TX) and Licensed Specialists in School Psychology (LSSPs, TX). They are alumni of The University of South Carolina School Psychology Doctoral Program (Go Gamecocks). Gill is a teacher, researcher, and supervisor at a university graduate psychology training program. Julia is owner and therapist at Ocean Therapy in Houston, TX, offering telehealth therapy to young adults in their 20s and 30s who are struggling with anxiety. Check it out here: https://www.oceantherapy.net/

Advocate and human resources professional Ralph Kellogg talks about coming to terms with being gay, coping with mental health challenges, and advocating for others in the face of persistent prejudice and stigma. Kellogg also shares his grief at the death of a close teenage friend while at the same time learning about love.With over twenty years in the areas of human resources and people management and leadership, Ralph Kellogg is currently the Vice President for People and Training at Lutheran Family Services. Kellogg is an advocate in the areas of LGBTQ rights and belonging at work, and frequently speaks to and consults with organizations on the subjects of authenticity, and how leaders can help team members who are challenged by anxiety and panic within the workplace, a subject he explores in his recent TEDxOmaha presentation on normalizing mental health conversations in the workplace. Kellogg has had articles published in Forbes.com, the Society for Human Resources Management Blog, and the HR Gazette.

In Jesus' teaching, love of neighbor is active, sacrificial, and not bound by the societal barriers that we tend to create. Jesus, quoting the Old Testament, states that love of God and neighbor is the summation of the law. In the OT rendering of God's law given to Israel and in Jesus' interpretation of those same moral laws in the NT, care for vulnerable individuals is central. The "quartet of the vulnerable" - widows, orphans, foreigners, and the poor - are all mentioned over and over. Who are the "foreigners" living alongside us, specifically our refugee neighbors? How does life in Denver look for them? Loving neighbors beyond barriers is a choice. But it is not purely sacrificial. Connection to our neighbors enriches our lives, expands our understanding, and grows our love and faith. Organizations mentioned in today's episode: Lutheran Family Services (https://www.lirs.org/) African Community Center (https://www.acc-den.org/) Project Worthmore (https://projectworthmore.org/)

Anne is an adoptee from Nebraska. She is currently at work writing a fiction-ish novel that treats adoptees from an adoption-informed perspective. She is also participating in an anthology related to her membership in the group Flourish, headed by Pam Cordano and Anne Heffron. Mentioned in the show: Adoptee Chameleon: adoptees are sometimes described as chameleons, given we often learn to conceal ourselves in order to fit into our environment Kansas laws regarding adoptee access to documents: www.dcf.ks.gov/services/PPS/pages/adoption-records-and-search. Kansas allows adoptees unrestricted access to their own original birth documents. Nebraska laws regarding adoptee access to documents: dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Vital-Records-Service-Options.aspx. Nebraska does not allow adoptees unrestricted access to original birth documents. They have a complex, confusing set of regulations governing release. The District of Columbia; laws regarding adoptee access to documents: The District of Columbia does not allow unrestricted access to adoptions that took place after 1 September, 1937. Zombie Veto: a veto that maintains restricted access to identifying information even after the death of the parent who has signed a non-consent or redaction veto. * Adoptee Rights Law Center: an excellent resource regarding the status of state laws regarding adoptee access to original birth certificates, established and maintained by lawyer and adoptee Gregory Luce. 23 and Me: a commercial DNA testing company that provides information on health, ethnicity and genetic matches. Salvation Army Booth Memorial Hospital: maternityrecordswest.salvationarmy.org maintains records from the maternity hospitals once run by the Salvation Hospital. Adoptees born in these hospitals can request and receive redacted non-identifying information about themselves so long as the records still exist. Lutheran Family Services: www.lfsneb.org Paul Sunderland: Adoption and Addiction Full Lecture, youtube.com United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Adoptees Connect: adopteesconnect.com *Since the recording of this episode, I re-read the laws that allow adoptive parents in Nebraska to deny access to identifying information to adoptees. I had originally misunderstood the law to be a Zombie Veto. While Nebraska adoptive parents may block adoptees from receiving identifying information during their lifetimes, the veto expires after the adoptive parent who filed the veto dies. The adoptee must be able to demonstrate to the state that the adoptive parent in question is deceased. The state promises to make a "reasonable effort to determine if the person is deceased", adoptees have reported that the states efforts are not very vigorous and have missed deaths that occurred in other states.

Do you think refugee ministry is difficult? Rev. Chris Cashen breaks it down for us, giving us some helpful guidance from his experience with a Biblical perspective. Chris has been involved in refugee ministry for several years and is leading the charge in the OPC as he chairs the Committee for Diaconal Ministries' Refugee Ministry Subcommittee to  help these strangers and sojourners. Referenced in this episode:Rev. Cashen's four-part series on Refugee Ministry--including his step-by-step guide to refugee ministry: https://www.opccdm.org/ministries/refugee-ministry/#RMS-ArticlesList of resettlement agencies in the U.S.: https://www.unhcr.org/en-us/us-resettlement-partners.html Clarkston Mercy Ministry: https://ropc.org/mercy-ministry-clarkston/World Relief: https://worldrelief.orgInternational Rescue Committee (IRC): https://www.rescue.org/Lutheran Family Services: https://www.lirs.org/refugee-resettlement-partners/Catholic Charities: https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/our-vision-and-ministry/immigration-refugee-services/Contact Rev. Chris Cashen: cbcashen@gmail.comOPC Committee on Diaconal Ministries: http://www.opccdm.orgRegister now for the National Diaconal Summit: https://opccdm.regfox.com/national-diaconal-summit-iv-2022

Today's guests are Matt Marvin and Mark Versen. Matt and Mark are both from Lutheran Families Services. Matt is the AVP, Community Services Refugee & Immigrant Programs and Mark is Chief Development Officer.Welcome to Agency for Change Podcast! 

The Biden plan has 775 refugees from Afghanistan resettling in Nebraska, mostly in Lincoln and Omaha but in other parts of the state as well, including Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings and North Platte. Chris Tonniges is the CEO of Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska and said expanding the area where refugees can end up is going to help.

The Biden plan has 775 refugees from Afghanistan resettling in Nebraska, mostly in Lincoln and Omaha but in other parts of the state as well, including Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings and North Platte. Chris Tonniges is the CEO of Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska and said expanding the area where refugees can end up is going to help.

The Line opinion panel takes a closer look at the implications of a predicted $1.4 billion surplus in the state's next budget year. Lawmakers and the governor are already rolling out ideas to spend it, while others caution against yet another ratcheting up of the state's baseline costs. The group weighs the likelihood that crime legislation – and funding – will be a centerpiece of the 2022 legislative session. New Mexico in Focus searches for perspective on the end of the war in Afghanistan and the resulting humanitarian crisis as tens of thousands of Afghans look to flee Taliban rule. Gene Grant speaks with local café owner Mula Akbar, a refugee from Afghanistan who came to the U.S. in the late ‘80s. He also talks to Jeff Hall, the economic development programs manager of Lutheran Family Services. Both men are working to connect incoming Afghans with needed support as they relocate to New Mexico. An uncertain future faces New Mexicans who have benefited from additional federal unemployment money. The boost runs out Saturday, and The Line discusses what workers and employers can expect. Many Republican-led states have already ended additional federal benefits in an effort to jumpstart the job market. But they've seen modest gains, if any, and a notable drop in consumer spending. This round of cutoffs is likely to impact Democratic-led states. We also had the chance this week to ask U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh about whether or not the state should use other pandemic relief funds to extend those benefits. New Mexico in Focus continues its examination of how different groups view the end of the war in Afghanistan. For many in the Southeast Asian community, images of the mass exodus from Kabul bring to mind the end of the war in Vietnam. Matt Grubs speaks with software developer and Vietnamese immigrant Tam Le about parallels between the ends of the two conflicts. Le came to the United States of America as a child in the early 1980s. His family split up to make the arduous journey, and it was more than a decade before they were reunited. The Line opinion panel digs into a draft plan to address educational disparities raised in the Yazzie-Martinez lawsuit as a state District Court continues to urge reform. The Associated Press obtained a copy of the plan, which some education advocates say is too vague for a developing state response 3 years after a court decided New Mexico's public schools aren't providing an equitable education to vulnerable students. A major issue is the lack of reliable broadband internet service across the state, brought to light during the pandemic. Line Guests: Rebecca Latham, CEO, Girl Scouts of NM Sophie Martin, attorney Edmund Perea, attorney & public safety consultant Guests: Mula Akbar, owner, Café Istanbul Jeff Hall, Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains Tam Le, software developer and Vietnamese immigrant Nicole Maxwell, Alamogordo Daily News Marty Walsh, Secretary, U.S. Department of Labor Resources: New Mexico Flush With Cash as Revenues Climb, Oil Recovers – Associated Press Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains Some don't know what they'll do when federal unemployment assistance ends – NM Political Report New Mexico Asian Family Center

An organization that helps resettle refugees from other countries says it expects upwards of 100 families to arrive in Nebraska from Afghanistan, some of them as soon as this week. Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska assists refugees with immediate necessities, like food and clothing, but also with more long-term housing and employment needs. President and CEO Chris Tonniges said the arrivals of refugees from Afghanistan could happen fairly quickly.

An organization that helps resettle refugees from other countries says it expects upwards of 100 families to arrive in Nebraska from Afghanistan, some of them as soon as this week. Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska assists refugees with immediate necessities, like food and clothing, but also with more long-term housing and employment needs. President and CEO Chris Tonniges said the arrivals of refugees from Afghanistan could happen fairly quickly.

Sharon Brodkey, with Lutheran Family Services, talks about preparations underway to welcome and resettle refugees fleeing Afghanistan.

Sharon Brodkey, with Lutheran Family Services, talks about preparations underway to welcome and resettle refugees fleeing Afghanistan.

In this episode of Parents at Work, Lori Mihalich-Levin and Jason Levin interview Mark Versen and Dale Wright. Mark is the Chief Development Officer (CDO) of the Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska, Inc. In 2020, he set a record for total annual fundraising by hitting $7 Million including the largest gift in Lutheran Family Services history of the 128 years of $3 Million while surpassing 22% growth in total number of donors. Mark is a seasoned professional with experience in private and public higher education institutions and executive leadership in the health and human services non-profit sector. He's a firm believer that philanthropy changes lives. Mark and his wife Jesse have two children and they reside in Louisville, Nebraska. Dale is the Associate Dean and Chief Advancement Officer for the Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He's responsible for the strategy and operations on fundraising and constituent engagement, and he's the campaigns director for the college's $550 Million goal in the With Illinois $2.25 Billion comprehensive campaign. As of today, the college is at 109% of its goal. Over the last 20+ years, Dale has held a variety of alumni and fundraising engagement goals in higher education. He's an active CASE volunteer and also holds membership in organizations such as the African American Development Officers Network and The Association of Fundraising Professionals. He's also involved in other non-profit work as well including serving on the executive committee of the board of directors for the American Legion, Boys State of Missouri. Dale loves his family and knows he wouldn't be where he is today without the support of his wife and his four daughters.  It's going to be a really interesting episode as these two dads talk about the most exciting things in fundraising, how they look at things from a completely different angle in order to change advancement, the power of integrating ones family into their work, and the working parenthood challenges they've successfully navigated all through their careers. Tune in and get inspired. Show Highlights Dramatic ups and downs Mark went through when he unexpectedly fell into his working parent journey (03:36) The value of having an incredible community of 120+ helpers (07:01) How Dale and his wife were able to navigate being first time parents and working on their thriving careers (08:48) Learning to turn off the fundraising mode whenever it's time to go be a parent (15:41) Mark's experience with being a parent who works as a fundraising professional (19:00) Parental workplace support systems that they have benefitted from all through their careers (25:13) Moving away from the previous way of doing things in fundraising to focus more on relationship building (29:59) Finding a way to shut things off in a constantly connected world (33:49) Why we should be mindful of the habits that we pick up (35:33) Links and Resources https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996 (Good to Great By Jim Collins) https://www.amazon.com/All-Labor-Dignity-King-Legacy/dp/0807086029 (All Labor Has Dignity By Martin Luther King Jr.) https://www.mindfulreturn.com/freemie/ (What's a Freemie? A genius invention for working parents) https://readysetlaunch.net/ (Jason's Website) https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlevincareercoach/ (Jason on Linkedin) https://www.mindfulreturn.com/ (Lori's Website) https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorimihalichlevin/ (Lori on Linkedin)

In today's episode, we learn more about Charles' second trial-- the innuendo surrounding it, and the abandonment which the family experienced as a result. There are also some fascinating insights into the current gang/hood culture.There may or may not be another cliffhanger this week.

In today's episode, we hear about the events leading up to Barbara's son Charles' first trial. This was a time in which lies and retaliation plagued her family.  We hear that North Omaha continues to experience frequent gun and gang violence, to the point that there was a "mass house shooting."  Opportunities To Be Wrap Around Love For OthersWe can see through Barbara's story and her children's lives what a difference a stable, consistent, and loving foster family can make-- not only for children, but for generations to come! As Janine says, “Foster care is the epitome of Wrap Around Love.” If you have felt any leading or desire to become a foster parent, we encourage you to reach out to Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska at: 402-661-7100. Learn more about foster care at: www.LFSneb.org Stay Connected, follow us on social media! https://www.facebook.com/wraparoundlovemovement https://www.instagram.com/wraparoundlovemovement/Contact us at:wraparoundloveomaha@gmail.com 

In this episode, we highlight issues facing families in crisis, specifically those in the foster care and adoption communities. With nearly 800 children in El Paso County in the foster care system, opportunities abound for churches and people of faith to make a difference in the lives of children and families across our community. Join us as we talk with Jenni Swogger of El Paso County DHS and Mike Worley of CarePortal. SHOW NOTES:Care Portal - https://www.careportal.org/Beautiful Redemption - https://www.beautifulredemption.com/Fostering Hope - https://www.fosteringhopefoundation.org/CASA - https://www.casappr.org/Lutheran Family Services - https://www.lfsrm.org/Catholic Charities - https://www.ccharitiescc.org/Safe Families - https://coloradosprings.safe-families.org/Hope & Home - https://hopeandhome.org/Hope's Promise - https://www.hopespromise.com/Pulpit Rock Church Bunkbed Ministry - https://pulpitrock.com/love-your-neighbor/DHSJenniSwogger@elpasoco.comElPasoCo.com 

In today's episode, we hear about the years when North Omaha was plagued with non stop murders through gun and gang violence. We hear how Barbara's children were caught up in the violence, ultimately resulting in the arrest of her son Charles for a double homicide.  Opportunities To Be Wrap Around Love For OthersWe can see through Barbara's story and her children's lives what a difference a stable, consistent, and loving foster family can make-- not only for children, but for generations to come! As Janine says, “Foster care is the epitome of Wrap Around Love.” If you have felt any leading or desire to become a foster parent, we encourage you to reach out to Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska at: 402-661-7100. Learn more about foster care at: www.LFSneb.org Stay Connected, follow us on social media! https://www.facebook.com/wraparoundlovemovement https://www.instagram.com/wraparoundlovemovement/Contact us at:wraparoundloveomaha@gmail.com 

In our last episode we shared a great season of joy, as Barbara was reunited with her children and her life settled into place. In today's episode, we learn more about Barabara's older children and we are reminded that this is a real life,  and not just a story. Her children continue to be affected by their life experiences along with the community pressures that come from living in North Omaha. But as we will hear, when you are looking through the lens of God in your life story, there is every reason to hope!  Opportunities To Be Wrap Around Love For OthersWe can see through Barbara's story and her children's lives what a difference a stable, consistent, and loving foster family can make-- not only for children, but for generations to come! As Janine says, “Foster care is the epitome of Wrap Around Love.” If you have felt any leading or desire to become a foster parent, we encourage you to reach out to Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska at: 402-661-7100. Learn more about foster care at: www.LFSneb.org Stay Connected, follow us on social media! https://www.facebook.com/wraparoundlovemovement https://www.instagram.com/wraparoundlovemovement/Contact us at:wraparoundloveomaha@gmail.com 

Wrap Around Love Podcast Episode 8: A Season of JoyIn today's episode, we enter into a time in Barbara's life that is marked by great change; she's sober, her children are back home with her, she's married, and working to heal and restore her community. It is a real season of joy in her life. HighlightsThe Belle of the Omaha BallCommunity leadershipPractical ways of bridging economic and racial differencesHome, but not wholeWhat God did in Barbara's life Opportunities To Be Wrap Around Love For OthersWe can see through Barbara's story and her children's lives what a difference a stable, consistent, and loving foster family can make not only for children, but for generations to come! As Janine says, “Foster care is the epitome of Wrap Around Love.” If you have felt any leading or desire to become a foster parent, we encourage you to reach out to Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska at: 402-661-7100. Learn more about foster care at: www.LFSneb.org  Stay Connected, follow us on social media! https://www.facebook.com/wraparoundlovemovement https://www.instagram.com/wraparoundlovemovement/Contact us at:wraparoundloveomaha@gmail.com 

Wrap Around Love Podcast Episode 6: Sins of a Mother: RedeemedShownotes Today's episode is the day we've all been waiting for! We begin to really see how Wrap Around Love starts to change Barbara's life, and we meet the people along the way who showed her Wrap Around Love. HighlightsHow Barbara met her husband Perry“I'm gonna love you until you can love yourself.”Meet the people of Wrap Around Love Opportunities To Be Wrap Around Love For OthersWe can see through Barbara's story and her children's lives what a difference a stable, consistent, and loving foster family can make not only for children, but for generations to come! As Janine says, “Foster care is the epitome of Wrap Around Love.” If you have felt any leading or desire to become a foster parent, we encourage you to reach out to Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska at: 402-661-7100. Learn more about foster care at: www.LFSneb.org  Stay Connected, follow us on social media! https://www.facebook.com/wraparoundlovemovement https://www.instagram.com/wraparoundlovemovement/Contact us at:wraparoundloveomaha@gmail.com 

Wrap Around Love Podcast Episode 6: Sins of a Mother: RedeemedShownotes In today's episode, we begin to see the turnaround in Barbara's story. She goes from having to make the choice to relinquish her rights as a parent, to being invited to pioneer a program within the state of Nebraska that will ultimately result in her gaining guardianship of her children once again. HighlightsThe pain of relinquishing parental rightsThe harm done to Barbara's children in foster careBecoming her own children's foster parentAdoptionThe Wrap Around Love of being a foster parentIf you have felt any leading or desire to become a foster parent, we encourage you to reach out to Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska at 402-661-7100. We can see through Barbara's story and her children's lives what a difference a stable, consistent, and loving foster family can do for not only a child but for generations to come. As Janine says, “Foster care is the epitome of Wrap Around Love.” Learn more about foster care at: www.LFSneb.orgStay Connected, follow us on social media! https://www.facebook.com/wraparoundlovemovement https://www.instagram.com/wraparoundlovemovement/Contact us at:wraparoundloveomaha@gmail.com 

This year has been a constant battle to stay positive. In a country divided it can seem really hard to get along with those around you. The constant assault from the news and social media makes it even more difficult. Join us as we discuss how to overcome, and how to spread a little love and grace to those around us by loving your neighbor. Check us out on Instagram: @chase.and.jess Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/32DSHFi Show Notes: Scripture Reference: Matthew 22:39 Lutheran Family Services: https://lssnetworkofhope.org/ Propaganda: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS_bhmcf4VbuoU6eX-0fzAg Kings Kaleidoscope: https://www.youtube.com/user/kingskaleidoscope Forgiveness Devotional: https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/22270 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/stuffnthings/support

Sarah and Will tell their family adoption story, including an exclusive segment with six-year-old Lincoln!Fun things from the episode:Elf the Movie (we compare Lincoln to Elf due to his sugar obsession) https://amzn.to/3kCsTQhWatch our documentaries on The Good Journey YouTube playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLId35d253AljVdCd1OAtgPZGlUI5Mk0qtWe recommend Lifeline Child Services, our amazing adoption agency https://lifelinechild.orgLocal to the St. Louis area? We recommend Lutheran Family Services. They helped us through our home study and provide other adoption and child advocacy resources. https://lfcsmo.org/adoption-services/Foster and Orphan Care Awareness SeriesWe’re in a series focused on foster and orphan care awareness during November’s National Adoption Month. The Goods are passionate about children and advocates for fostering and adoption. Want to learn more about Foster Care or Adoption? Check out some of our favorite sites and organizations. Basic facts about fostering: https://nfpaonline.org/fostercareLifeLine Children’s Services - International Adoption agency the Good’s used. They do fostering, orphan prevention, and support both domestic and international adoption. Lots of great resources here: www.lifelinechild.comOne Heart Ministries - Local St Louis Ministry for foster care: https://www.ohfm.orgAmerica’s Kids Belong - Foster Care organization: https://americaskidsbelong.org10 Ways to Make a difference for Orphans: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/pro-life/10-ways-to-make-a-difference-for-orphans/Recommended book: The Connected ChildView this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/p85PhAZI9skFollow Now That's Something Good: Instagram | Facebook | YouTubeShare your thoughts: podcast@sarahgood.comNow That's Something Good Podcast by Sarah Good is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Meet Toni Freeman and Charlene Gholson of Lutheran Family Services. We have the pleasure of chatting with Amy Barbour, Regional Manager and Maurice Gallimore, Resource Family Specialist. They share about LFS's family-oriented, personal approach to serving the foster care community. For more information, please visit: https://tidewaterffc.org/fcanextsteps/ Presented by Tidewater Friends of Foster Care In partnership with The Barry Robinson Center Hosted by Audra Bullock and Erin Lindstrom

Today’s episode features the recording of Walking with Asylum Seekers: Ministry Opportunities for Congregations, the first of a three-part virtual training series offered in partnership with The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America’s AMMPARO program and Lutheran Family Services of the Rocky Mountains. The three 90-minute virtual events are for congregations interested in supporting and walking alongside asylum seekers. We provide advocacy updates, resources for group discernment, ministry models, and important considerations when engaging in ministry with asylum seekers. Visit bit.ly/asylumministrytraining to register for one or both of the virtual sponsorship trainings. Follow us on FB, Twitter, and Instagram where we are emmrefugees. Join in the ministry of welcome by making a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. No gift is too small, and all gifts are used to support and grow our work resettling refugees, supporting asylum seekers, and creating welcoming communities for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

John 14:15-17 & Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus sends the Advocate.In the first episode of season 2, Amy talks with Margaret Nimmo Holland, VP of External Relations for Lutheran Family Services of Virginia (lfsva.org) soon to be called enCircle. Margaret is a long time member of FPC and formerly worked as an advocate with Voices for Virginia's Children (vakids.org). Amy and Margaret talk about Jesus naming the Holy Spirit Advocate in our scripture passage today, what the role of an advocate should be and how to advocate in difficult conversations in relationships, whether professional or personal. 

Change-making looks different for every person. It takes the work of an entire community to welcome our refugee friends; from the people donating furniture and setting up apartments to those who meet them at the airport and those walk alongside the refugees helping them adapt to their new environment during those crucial first few months. Alex, and all those working at Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains, remind us that the refugees they serve are people who just want a fresh start in life. They want the chance to watch their children grow up in safety. They desire to work and provide for their families. They have dreams and goals just as we do. However, we haven't been forced to flee for our lives as they have. I'm so thankful LFSRM exists to give these refugees a welcoming smile, cultural guidance, and a safe home to start their lives over in. Alex's quote:    "The plain fact is that the planet does not need more successful people, but it does desperately need more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of every kind." by David W. OrReferences:LFSRM - https://www.lfsrm.org/programs-and-services/refugees/greeleyfort-morgan/LIRS - https://www.lirs.org/UNHCR Figures at a glance - https://www.unhcr.org/figures-at-a-glance.htmlWorld Refugee Day - https://www.un.org/en/observances/refugee-dayVetting Process - https://www.rescue.org/article/how-us-refugee-vetting-and-resettlement-process-really-worksThe nine volags are:1. Church World Service (CWS) (religious)2. Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) (religious)3. Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC)4. Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) (religious)5. International Rescue Committee (IRC)6. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS) (religious)7. U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)8. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) (religious)9. World Relief Corporation (WR) (religious)

"L" is for Lutherans. While Lutherans are the third largest Protestant denomination in the United States, their numbers have never been large in the South. In South Carolina, Lutherans make up less than two percent of the population, with highest concentrations in Newberry and Lexington Counties. Among Protestants, Lutherans typically give greater weight to the historic (“catholic”) tradition going back to the ancient church and conduct a liturgy of worship that stands in continuity with that tradition. South Carolina Lutherans formed their own synod in 1824. Most Lutherans in South Carolina are affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which contains 165 congregations and 62,000 members. Lutheran (ELCA) institutions in South Carolina include Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, Newberry College in Newberry, Lutheran Homes of South Carolina and Lutheran Family Services.

On this special Veterans Day edition of Mental Health Monday, Deaconess Heidi Goehmann, LCSW, and Chaplain Mike Moreno, CDR, OIC, NR RELSUP HQMC, Commander in the Chaplain Corps of the United States Navy and now a Pastoral counselor with Lutheran Family Services of Iowa, join Andy and Sarah to talk about mental health and veterans, specifically how the demands placed on our service men and women impact their mental health, how both deployment and return home have different wellness effects, how military families are also affected by end of service, and how the church is well-suited to care for veterans and their families. Find resources at lcms.org/wellness, lcms.org/armedforces, and lcms.org/operationbarnabas. Hear Mental Health Mondays each Monday at 9am CT! Find all episode with the tag “Mental Health Monday.” View Deaconess Heidi's Mental Health Playlist on Youtube and find all of her writings at heidigoehmann.com.

A PlainStory EXTRA, this is a full interview Genevieve Randall had with Lacey Studnicka of Lutheran Family Services.

Genevieve Randall picks up with her exploration of Lincoln, Nebraska music at Golden Studio; a barbershop that doubles as an off-hours music space. In this episode of 'The Sound of Home,' Genevieve sits down with Hasan Kahlil and Zeyad Sheikh to learn the stories of how these two musicians came to Lincoln. She also speaks with Lacey Studnicka of Lutheran Family Services for perspective on the refugee crisis.

This week’s show featured OPPD CEO Tim Burke discussing the variety of ways the utility assists ratepayers with payment assistance, renewable energy, and storm cleanup. Then, Joel Marrell with Miles for Heroes invited the public to the annual Freedom Fest event dedicated to raising awareness and support for military veterans. Finally, Katherine Spoon with Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska talked about the need for more foster families here in the area.

https://www.lfsrm.org (Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains) director of marketing Dona Dalton, program director Cindi Noah and office administrator Nicole Vail talked about the donation of tickets from the Colorado Rockies for Wednesday’s game. And it was a doozy of a game. Support this podcast

Rev. Jason Workman is a mental health professional with Lutheran Family Services in Omaha, NE. Jason is also an ordained pastor who serves as a Chaplain for the Douglas County Sheriff's Department. He and his family are active members of Sunset Hills Baptist Church in Omaha, NE. Check out this episode as we talk about ministry to first responders, mental health issues facing Nebraska, and we might even throw in a fishing story. Contact Jason at: jwork@cox.net Learn more:  Douglas County Sheriff Department Lutheran Family Services Sunset Hills Baptist Church

Guest Courtney Frerichs, Director of Counseling Services for Lutheran Family Services of Iowa, speaks about how to handle a shopping addiction, including how to know when you or a loved one is struggling with the addiction, the impact this kind of addiction can have on a relationship, and how to talk to a loved one about their behavior. Today’s program is an encore from October 7, 2016.