2025 July 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.
From Orphanage to Expansive Outreach
The Journey of Lutheran Services in Iowa
As we celebrate 160 years of ministry through Lutheran Services in Iowa, we are filled with gratitude, for the lives changed, the communities strengthened, and the faithful support that has sustained this work for generations.
What began as a small orphanage has grown into a statewide mission of compassion and care. The story of Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) is one of transformation, deeply rooted in the Lutheran commitment to serve our neighbors in need.
1864: A Humble Beginning
LSI’s story starts with the opening of the Lutheran Children’s Home in 1864. In 1900, the home relocated to Waverly and was renamed the Bremwood Children’s Home, becoming a place of refuge for countless children over the years.
1939–1945: Expanding the Mission
The mission widened in 1939 with the founding of the Lutheran Welfare Society of Iowa. By 1945, this ministry reached across the state, with offices in Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Iowa City, and Sioux City—bringing help and hope to more Iowans.
1963: A New Name, Broader Services
In 1963, the organization became Lutheran Social Services (LSS). Its ministries grew to include child welfare, foster care, and chaplaincy services—touching more lives and deepening its commitment to families.
2003: Uniting in Purpose
A major milestone came in 2003, when LSS merged with the Bremwood Children’s Home, creating the organization we know today: Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI). While Bremwood ceased functioning as a children’s home, it became a residential treatment facility for youth serving faithfully until 2024.
2024: A Shift in Focus
Due to rising operational costs, LSI discontinued residential services in Waverly in 2024. However, the spirit of care lives on, LSI continues to provide a variety of services in the Waverly area and throughout Iowa.
A Mission That Grows with Grace
“We have evolved significantly from an orphanage that believed in being there for children who were in need to, now, a multi service Lutheran mission organization,” says our President & CEO Renee Hardman.
Today, LSI serves Iowans through Early Childhood, Foster Care & Adoption, Global Greens, Mental Health, Services for People with Disabilities, Immigrant & Refugee Services.
The Journey Continues: Our Mission Today
We look forward to continuing this vital work for the next 160 years and beyond, responding to God’s call to love and serve our neighbors in need. Whether it’s walking alongside families in crisis, supporting children in foster care, or empowering individuals with disabilities, LSI’s mission depends on the support of faithful partners like you.
We are proud to share the incredible impact we made in 2024 alone:
10,000 Early Childhood Home Visits
Providing in-home support and care to thousands of families across our region.
726 New Arrivals Resettled
Helping individuals and families build new lives with safety, dignity, and hope.
366,400 Hours of Disability Services
Empowering people with disabilities through hundreds of thousands of hours of dedicated care and support.
19,000 Therapy Sessions
Delivering essential mental health care to individuals and families when they needed it most.
620 Families Served in Foster & Adoptive Care
Supporting loving homes and brighter futures for children through foster and adoptive care services.
Over 1 Million Pounds of Produce Grown
Global Greens farmers grew more than a million pounds of fresh produce—consumed at home, sold at local markets, or donated to LSI’s Elder Pantry and community fridges to nourish neighbors in need.
None of this would be possible without you. Your prayers, generosity, and unwavering belief in our mission fuel every visit, every session, every seed planted. Together, we are building stronger families, welcoming new neighbors, and creating communities where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Your gift changes the lives of thousands of people across Iowa.
Give By Mail
Lutheran Services in Iowa
P.O. Box 848
106 16th St. SW
Waverly, IA 50677
For more information, please contact Deb Whitford, LSI’s Director of Philanthropy and Church Relations, at Deborah.Whitford@LSIowa.org or 563-676-2065.
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.