2026 September Church Update
LSI proudly serves Iowans in all 99 counties through our services of Mental Health, Early Childhood, Foster Care & Adoption, Global Greens, People with Disabilities, and Immigrant & Refugee Community Services. We serve individuals of all ages, from families with newborns navigating the early stages of parenthood, to Refugee and Immigrant elders, as well as children at every stage of development. Our heart beats for the people we serve. We empower families and communities by recognizing and honoring the strengths and gifts of every individual.
Your SUPPORT makes these stories possible...
We are excited to celebrate the continued growth of our ministry and our commitment to serving the Des Moines community!
Since July 1, 2026, Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) has officially been operating the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families in Des Moines. This transition marks a new chapter for a Center that has been a cornerstone of opportunity, workforce development, financial empowerment, and family support for Central Iowa families and individuals since 2012.
In the caring spirit of its namesake, Evelyn K. Davis, the Center was established as a first-of-its-kind resource center to help unemployed, under-employed, and underserved residents of Central Iowa pursue their educational and career goals. Today, the Center serves thousands of Central Iowans each year through a wide range of programs and services designed to help individuals and families build stronger, more secure futures.
Through the Evelyn K. Davis Center, LSI provides resources and support including:
Financial Empowerment: The Polk County Financial Empowerment Center provides professional, confidential one-on-one financial counseling to Polk County residents at no cost.
Careers & Employability: Career Coaches are available to help individuals with their employment goals, including job searches, career development, and navigating new opportunities.
Men on the Move Clothing Closet: Community members can receive professional clothing for job interviews, career changes, and other occasions that require professional attire.
Iowa Opportunity Passport: This financial education and matched-savings program helps young people develop financial skills and make a successful transition to adulthood.
Small Business Solutions Center: Entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders can access business coaching and development assistance.
Y-ExCL: This paid, 10-week summer work experience helps young people ages 14–21 develop and strengthen valuable employment skills.
These programs reflect LSI’s commitment to meeting people where they are and helping them discover pathways toward greater stability, independence, and opportunity. Last month, LSI celebrated this exciting transition with a public ribbon-cutting ceremony, bringing together community members, partners, supporters, elected officials, and friends of the Center to recognize its history and look ahead to its future.
We are grateful for the trust placed in LSI and for the opportunity to build upon the Center’s important legacy. This new chapter allows us to expand our presence and service in Des Moines while continuing the work of helping our neighbors thrive.
We are thankful for where this work has been, excited about where it is today, and full of hope for what the future holds. What a wonderful example of how partnerships, compassion, and a commitment to serving our neighbors can strengthen our entire community!
LSI’s Executive Team and EKDC team gathered for a ribbon-cutting celebration on July 9, marking an exciting milestone and celebrating the continued impact of this important work in our community. We’re grateful for the dedication and partnership that make moments like this possible.
Welcoming New Leadership to Our Philanthropy Team
After living across the street from LSI’s Des Moines campus for 14 years, our new Director of Philanthropy, Brad Schabel, thought he had a pretty good sense of what LSI did. Since joining LSI in June, he’s discovered just how much more there is to the story.
“From the inside, I’ve been amazed by LSI’s reach, serving people in all 99 Iowa counties, and by the dedication of the staff, volunteers, congregations, and supporters who make this work possible.”
He’s also gained a deeper appreciation for the impact of faithful stewardship and the ways congregations and donors help LSI serve children, families, adults, older Iowans, refugees, and people with disabilities across Iowa.
“Sometimes our perspective changes not because we’ve moved very far, but because we’ve been invited to look more closely.”
We’re excited to welcome Brad to the LSI philanthropy team and grateful for the perspective, passion, and partnership he brings to our mission.
Your gift changes the lives of thousands of people across Iowa.
Friendly Reminder: If giving by mail, please send donations to our the address below.
Give By Mail
Lutheran Services in Iowa
P.O. Box 848
106 16th St. SW
Waverly, IA 50677
If you have already included Lutheran Services in Iowa in your estate plans, thank you for your vision and generosity. If you are considering a legacy gift, we would be honored to answer your questions and help you explore options that align with your wishes and charitable goals. There is never any obligation—only the opportunity to create a lasting legacy of hope. You can reach out to us at 866-584-5293 or philanthropy@lsiowa.org.
If you would like to schedule a Temple Talk / Sermon for worship at your church please contact any of the following:
Andrea Maschka, LSI’s Chief Development Officer, at Andrea.Maschka@LSIowa.org
Barbra Jotzke- Torrier, Director of Philanthropy, at Barbra.Jotzke-Torrier@LSIowa.org
Mike Knipp, Director of Philanthropy, at Michael.Knipp@LSIowa.org
LSI is an affiliated social ministry partner of the Iowa congregations of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and a member of LSA (Lutheran Services in America). We proudly serve people of all ages, abilities, religions, sexes, gender identities, national origins, ethnicities, races, and sexual orientations. Learn more at LSIowa.org and facebook.com/LSI.iowa.