Since 1948 Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains (LFSRM) has provided services to a wide range of valued members of the community, from infants to the elderly. Adoption, disaster relief, foster care, older adult guardianship, family support and education, and refugee and immigration services are offered throughout the Rocky Mountain region, and at communities in New Mexico, Montana and Utah.

LFSRM is faith-based, but services are offered regardless of religious affiliation. Children and families can be assured of support during challenging times, including services for parent support, pregnancy options, family respite care, and family resources.

The foster care program continues to flourish; serving 111 foster care youth in El Paso County, and 21 unaccompanied refugee minors during the past fiscal year (seven in 2024 to six in 2025). Children can find a safe place to move forward. Expansion of foster care therapeutic programs for high-needs children is in process, adding ongoing mental health treatment.

“Being a foster parent and opening your home to a child who needs safety, love and stability is probably one of the most selfless things a person can do,” says Ashlee Adams, director of development for LFSRM . “A foster family with young children in their home agreed to take [a young lady named] Trish, and so far it has been a good match for them. She reported to a staff member at LFSRM that her foster mother reads to her every night until she falls asleep and this makes her feel safe.”

LFSRM is invested in the high stability rate within their foster care system, and measures success by fewer moves. Initially good matches between families and children, and ongoing family support result in less upheaval.

Refugee services in Colorado Springs are very impactful for refugee clients. Adams notes that: “Many refugee clients go through unimaginable struggles … before arriving to the safety of the U.S. They now may be physically safe, but there is a large amount of stress that comes with resettlement.”

Although new arrivals have dwindled dramatically in 2025 under the current administration, Adams says that the refugee program in Colorado Springs continues to provide culturally appropriate support through its Family Support and Stabilization Program. Unfortunately, benefits for immigrants, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, have greatly diminished or been stripped away.

Refugee youth in El Paso County were significantly aided during the last fiscal year through the Climb Refugee School Youth Program. At least 227 youth received services, with 76% improving their English and 63% improving their grades.

Another Colorado Springs program, Microenterprise Development, guides refugees to develop financial literacy, build credit, work toward furthering education, start a business, or simply build financial stability.

The KPC Family Resource Center provides respite care for children from infants to age 6. Families in temporary crisis or needing planned child care can use this valuable resource at no cost, for peace of mind when a break is most needed. During the last fiscal year, 183 children were served, and 106 families received case management services and a needs assessment.

Future goals for LFSRM, says Adams, “include providing clients with the highest quality of services during a time when there is political and funding instability. We are looking to creatively leverage our existing relationship with donors and family foundations to support the programs with the biggest needs.” Another future goal is the expansion of the older adult guardianship program.

“This organization is staffed by individuals who are caring, passionate, work extremely hard, and really love the work they do,” said Adams. “They truly care about the clients and what happens to them.”