2025 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 this Testimony possible...
Meet Aurora – A Story of Perseverance, Purpose, and new Beginnings
Aurora is a mom to three little ones; ages 1, 4, and 5. For the last three years, she’s devoted herself fully to her family as a stay-at-home mom, pouring her energy into caring for her children and keeping her household running, often singlehandedly while her husband worked away from home most of the week.
One day, Aurora felt a stirring in her spirit, a desire to take a bold step toward something new. She began to ask herself a powerful question: “What’s next for me?”
With courage and careful planning, Aurora decided to enroll in a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course. It wasn’t an easy decision. Balancing young kids, household responsibilities, and a demanding course load would be a challenge for anyone, but Aurora was determined. She mapped out a way to make it possible: she enrolled in a class held in the town where her parents live so they could help with childcare, and committed to a grueling commute 45-minute drive each way, every day with three young kids in tow.
Some days, the kids had to be up before sunrise. Some weeks, Aurora spent the night at her parents’ home to make things a little easier for everyone. She studied after bedtime and fit in coursework between diaper changes, mealtimes, and playground runs. And through it all, she kept going with little sleep, deep determination, and a whole lot of love.
Even with her husband gone most weekdays for work, Aurora never gave up. She showed up for her kids and for her future. This summer, she achieved her goal by completing the CNA program!
Now, Aurora is on the job hunt, stepping confidently into a new chapter. She’s building a career that will help support her family, give her a renewed sense of purpose, and show her children what it looks like to chase a dream and finish strong.
Aurora’s story is one of strength, resilience, and transformation and it’s just one of many made possible through the support and services of LSI.
You're Invited: LSI’s 160th Anniversary Celebration!
This fall, we’re not only reflecting on the lives impacted we’re celebrating a huge milestone: 160 years of LSI!
This event is a tribute to every story like Aurora’s and every supporter like you. If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, we would love for you to join us in this special celebration.
Let’s honor the past, celebrate today, and look toward a future full of hope and opportunity.
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.