Lutheran Services in Iowa

03/27/2026

Congratulations to Tika Bhandari, Community Resource Navigator, and Abigail Adrian, Employment Navigator, on completing the Community Connect program with Lead DSM! Vinh Nguyen was also a mentor for participants in this cohort.

These inspiring leaders have taken time to explore their passions and set intentional goals for making a difference. We’re excited to recognize Tika and Abigail as they continue to grow and step boldly into their leadership journeys. 🌟

Well done, team!

03/27/2026

Boundaries come up in therapy all the time, and for good reason.

In our newest episode of The Clinical Moment, we sit down with LSI therapist Emily to talk about why boundaries feel so hard, how to set them, and what to do when others push back.

One of the biggest takeaways?
Boundaries aren’t requests. They’re actions you take to protect your peace.

We also explore:
• Why boundaries can feel selfish (but aren’t)
• How to handle discomfort when setting boundaries
• The Stoplight Method for identifying where boundaries are needed
• How CBT can help challenge fear and uncertainty

This episode is full of practical tools and real clinical insight for anyone navigating relationships, stress, and personal growth.

Listen now to The Clinical Moment 🎙️

https://theclinicalmoment.alitu.com/episode/1f22d5ac-bd45-4c59-a6f2-4f7c45c84829

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-clinical-moment/id1869365874

https://open.spotify.com/show/0mXKLjnZXj9VG5TvVBhjaY

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-clinical-moment-321066106/

Boundaries are one of the most common,and most challenging, topics that come up in therapy. In this episode of The Clinical Moment, Casey Baker and Amy Davis sit down with LSI therapist Emily to explore what boundaries really are, why they matter, and why they can feel so difficult to set.Emily shar...

03/26/2026

Bringing Mental Health Support to Students—Where They Need It Most 🎒 💙

Did you know LSI provides therapy services directly in schools and via telehealth?
We meet students where they are—whether in the classroom or at home—making it easier to access support, build coping skills, and succeed.

School-based and virtual therapy helps reduce barriers, supports emotional well-being, and strengthens students, families, and communities.

Interested in partnering with LSI?
Let’s connect!
📧 james.guentherman@lsiowa.org
📧 amy.davis@lsiowa.org

Together, we can make a lasting impact for students 💙

03/25/2026

Thank you, Waterloo Community Foundation! Your donation ensures that local immigrant and refugee women have the supplies they need to open their in-home childcare businesses and create meaningful income to support their families.

03/23/2026

We are excited to share that Brooke from LSI has been selected to serve on the Iowa Disability Policy Alliance.

Brooke has been with LSI for 14 years in several roles and currently serves as the Statewide Manager of Supported Community Living with SFPD. She also holds a Master’s of Public Policy from the University of Northern Iowa and is passionate about advocating for vulnerable Iowans.

The Iowa Disability Policy Alliance is a coalition of self advocates, families, and partner organizations working to improve public policies that impact the lives of Iowans with disabilities and build a more inclusive state.

Join the advocacy effort at Disability Advocacy Day at the State Capitol on April 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/disability-advocacy-day-at-the-state-capitol-tickets-1983967717851?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Please join us in congratulating Brooke on this exciting opportunity and thanking her for her continued dedication to advocacy and inclusion. 💙

03/21/2026

Thank you to the First Citizens National Bank Charitable Foundation for their support of LSI’s home visiting services across north central Iowa. Your donation leaves a lasting impact in the lives of local children and families. al Bank Charitable Foundation for their support of LSI’s home visiting services across north central Iowa. Your donation leaves a lasting impact in the lives of local children and families.💚

03/20/2026

March is National Social Work Month, a time to recognize the dedication, compassion and impact of social workers in our communities. 💙

At LSI, our social workers walk alongside families every day, providing guidance, resources and support through both challenges and celebrations. Their work helps ensure children and families have the stability, care and encouragement they need to thrive.

One foster parent shared this about the difference their LSI caseworker has made:

“Since becoming a foster parent, some things have been challenging. Having our LSI support worker has been such a blessing. She always helps with resources, crisis situations, community supports and does everything with grace. Working in the field myself fostering can be an additional challenge that others don’t understand. Our LSI Caseworker always helps navigate all situations and helps bring everything together for the best interest of each and every placement. Without LSI’s support, I wouldn’t be successful in this role as a foster/adoptive parent.”

AG, Foster Parent for 4 years

This month we celebrate the social workers who show up every day with compassion, expertise and a commitment to the well being of others. Thank you for the difference you make. 💛

03/19/2026

What started as a hobby is now becoming a growing business 💫

Taj Bibe is sharing the beauty of Afghan craftsmanship through her handmade jewelry—each piece designed with vibrant colors and personal touch. From local farmers’ markets to building her brand here in Iowa, her journey is rooted in resilience and creativity.

With support from LSI’s Economic Development and IDA programs, Taj is taking the next steps to grow her business and support her family.

03/18/2026

Mental health care for older adults is so important. As people age, they often face life changes that can impact emotional well-being including grief, isolation, chronic illness, anxiety, or depression. Supporting mental health during this stage of life can help older adults stay connected, independent, and continue living fulfilling lives.

This month we’re highlighting Barbara Myers, one of our dedicated LSI therapists who has a passion for working with older adults. Barbara provides a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where individuals can talk through life transitions, grief, anxiety, depression, and more. She believes that while starting therapy can feel intimidating, no one has to walk through life’s challenges alone.

With nearly a decade of experience, Barbara meets clients where they are and walks alongside them on their journey toward healing and hope.

If you or an older adult in your life could benefit from support, help is available. No one should have to struggle alone.

To connect with Barbara Myers, please fill out our intake form here:
https://lsiowa.org/intake-form/

03/17/2026

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀🌈

Today, we’re celebrating community, kindness, and the little bit of magic that happens when people come together for a greater good.

Wishing you a day filled with luck, joy, and plenty of green. Thank you for being part of our journey.

03/14/2026

Thank you to the Bechtel Trust and Foundation for your generous $7,000 donation supporting therapeutic services for individuals and families in Scott County. Your support helps ensure that those who need care and guidance can access the services that make healing and growth possible. We are grateful for your commitment to strengthening our communities and making a lasting impact.

03/13/2026

New Episode of The Clinical Moment 🎙️

Trauma impacts more than just the individuals we serve—it can also affect us as clinicians. In our newest episode, Amy Davis and Casey Baker sit down with Dhavy Patel, tLMHC, to explore the realities of trauma work and the importance of compassion for both clients and helpers.

In this conversation, Dhavy shares insights on:
• What trauma really looks like in everyday life
• How trauma shows up in the body and mind
• The connection between trauma, ADHD symptoms, and survival responses
• Recognizing and managing compassion fatigue as a clinician
• Creative approaches to healing, including poetry therapy

One powerful reminder from this episode: Healing is possible. It may take time, support, and patience ,but the brain that learned to survive can also learn to feel safe again.

🎧 Listen to the full episode and join the conversation

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-clinical-moment/id1869365874

https://open.spotify.com/show/0mXKLjnZXj9VG5TvVBhjaY
https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-clinical-moment-321066106/

https://theclinicalmoment.alitu.com/episode/db3237d4-4421-48fc-9835-d8465ae836ed

Mental Health Podcast · Stories of Practice, People, and Purpose Across Iowa The Clinical Moment is a podcast from LSI that highlights the people behind the work of mental health care across Iowa. With more than forty clini…