Through our Family Stabilization Initiative, we’ve committed ourselves to supporting families in crisis. Recently, Lutheran Services in America staff visited St. John’s United in Montana. The trip provided an important opportunity to reaffirm the importance of building community to support families. St. John’s United is leading significant community-building efforts that will strengthen resilience and resonate for years to come.
During our visit, St. John’s hosted a Family Night event that brought together over 60 families, a testament to the power of community. Families currently enrolled in St. John’s United’s high-fidelity wraparound program, as well as families who had successfully graduated from the program, came together for an evening of connection, games, and fun. It was heartwarming to see children laughing together, parents sharing their experiences, and families building bonds and memories that go far beyond the scope of any single program.
Many of the young people have formed friendships across families, learning the invaluable lesson of building community amongst themselves. These relationships help strengthen their sense of belonging and support, something that is vital for any child, especially those who have faced challenging circumstances.
Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement
St. John’s United expands their work through key community partners, including one who recently opened a Family Resource Center through the local school system. The center is a direct result of their collaboration with St. John’s United. The partnership exemplifies the broader goal of our Family Stabilization Initiative—by connecting families with the right resources, we can create a network of support that extends far beyond any single organization.
A seminal moment of the visit was an event in honor of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting and standing with Indigenous communities. Through a moving drum presentation and the reading of the names of missing or murdered individuals, we took time to acknowledge the deep impact of these losses on the community. It was a humbling experience, reinforcing the need for accountability and the continued advocacy for equity and justice. St. John’s United exemplifies that broader commitment of our network as we extend our reach and support to improve health and opportunity for all.
Moving Forward Together
As we look ahead, it’s clear that the Family Stabilization Initiative is about much more than just addressing immediate crises. It’s about creating long-term, sustainable systems of care that empower families to stay together and avoid involvement in child welfare systems. It’s about fostering equitable outcomes for all, particularly for communities that have been historically marginalized.
The friendships formed among young people, the continuing collaboration with community partners, and the shared commitment to equity are essential as we come together to create change.
Together, as partners, advocates, and allies, we have the power to strengthen communities that uplift and support families in meaningful ways and ensure equity and justice to cultivate caring communities that advance health and opportunity for all.
Renada Johnson is Senior Director of Children, Youth and Family Initiatives. Liz Vetter is a Senior Program Associate.
