LFCS works to assist parents through summer childcare crisis
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – Summer break can feel like not a break at all for some working parents as some face new challenges that’s why one local organization is working to connect parents to resources, as summer break can bring financial strain and stress to working parents.
Evelyn Beussink is the Program Manager for Lutheran Family and Children Services of Cape Girardeau. She shares that between the rising cost of groceries, and childcare they’ve seen a large amount of local parents struggling to keep up financially this summer. With some families seeing an increase of 1100$ a month during the summer.
“The families struggle more in the summer because they don’t have the school safety net” says Beussink. “They have increased expenses for food, childcare, or summer camps. Increased stress, you know, trying to manage, you know, how to make sure their kids are cared for, and everybody is getting what they need.“
Ashley Watson is a parenting case manager she talks about available resources.
“Personally, as a case manager, I help work the families connect with community resources. We are fortunate here that we have a very generous community. So, we have a lot of donations for diapers, wipes, sometimes baby formula.”
Beussink shares they aim to help as many families as possible and have resources available, and she encourages families struggling to reach out to Lutheran Family and Children Services of Cape Girardeau for help. They have many programs available and an Ice Cream Social and foam party coming up on July 16, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 pm at the LFCS Office in Cape Girardeau.
“If they haven’t applied for childcare subsidy and they qualify, that’s one thing they would want to do. Ashley mentioned there’s some you know, sometimes there’s difficulties around that and that might be something that we could help them navigate, help them apply. Help them be able to navigate that system” says Beussink.
For more information you can contact LFCS a 573- 708-6360.
