_edited.png)
Andrew Hoppman
Chairman
Kendra Hughes
Vice Chairman
Jeanine Bradley
Dr. Anthony Ewigman
Trisha Johnson
Noah Bielby
Alisha Jobe
Pictured: Founders - Charles E. Lakin (1921-2016)
and Florence M. Lakin (1920-2016)
Why Our Building is Called:
Lakin Foundation Child and Family Center
As a Southwest Iowa native, Charles E. Lakin never lost sight of the communities that make up the region. Over time he saw the growing need to provide support, opportunities, and resources to better each community, including Clarinda. With his vision and unwavering philanthropic support, he felt not only children, but the families as a whole, needed the resources to thrive and make a positive change. He would be proud knowing that the Lakin Foundation Child & Family Center is meeting that mission by serving Clarinda and surrounding communities. At the end of the day, a smile, a nod of gratitude, or a success story was all Charles needed to know he helped make a difference.
The Charles E. Lakin Foundation was happy to support Southwest Iowa Families, Inc. with this project, not only because of the overwhelming need, but because of the dedication by community leaders. Oftentimes residents and families within a community will see a need that may be overlooked by larger surrounding communities, because of this call to action, the Lakin Foundation is grateful to be able to support this project.
Attribution: Jennifer Green, Charles E Lakin Executive Director
Enhancing the lives of children and their families in southwest Iowa.
Our Mission Statement:
Southwest Iowa Families, Inc. exists to provide social and mental health services and supports for families in the areas of southwest Iowa and northwest Missouri.
Southwest Iowa Families, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To make a tax-deductible donation, please click the button below.
The History of Southwest Iowa Families
Southwest Iowa Families, Inc. has been serving children and families since 2003. Originally founded as an outpatient counseling agency, it has expanded to include programs such as prevention services for children ages 0 to 5 years old, Foster-Aftercare Transition Services, Behavioral Health Intervention Services, and community support for emergency needs. The agency is a 501(c)(3) organization with a seven-member board of directors.
Serving all ages, the agency is a leading provider of children’s mental health services. Over half of the clients served are under 18, and the agency focuses on supporting children who have experienced abuse and neglect. Over 20% of clients served by the agency have a history of severe mental illness.
Many adult clients also have trauma histories linked to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), such as abuse and neglect. All staff are trained to address ACES. Clients are screened due to the link between ACES and long-term health outcomes. Additionally, five staff members are trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Southwest Iowa Families is committed to delivering accredited, high-quality services. The Positive Family program is accredited by Healthy Families of America, while the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services accredits the Outpatient Psychotherapy/Counseling Services.
The agency’s vision is that all children will live in safe, nurturing environments. It is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect, as well as treating children and adults with abuse histories. Committed to high-quality programs and staff, the agency strives to be responsive to the needs of its clients and community, emphasizing prevention over treatment.