CHILD WELLNESS
Helping children and youth who have experienced adversity to be safe
and to thrive in stable homes and strong, supportive environments.
Client Story
Patrick thought he might end up dead or in prison. He found a better path guided by our Tri-Cities team.
Patrick Garrison's journey with LCSNW began after dropping out of seventh grade. His life was marked by gangs, abuse, drugs, and crime. Facing time in the juvenile justice system, Patrick wanted nothing to do with our Wraparound with Intensive Services (WISe) program in the Tri-Cities, Washington, which he was ordered to attend.
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Initially, Patrick was not open to receiving help. "How can you receive help when you don’t even care about yourself?" he recalled. Shortly after exiting WISe, he reverted to old habits.
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The turning point came at age 16 when his father died. Although Patrick had begun working toward sobriety, he hit rock bottom with the loss of his father. "I knew if I didn’t change my ways, I’d end up dead or in prison.”
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After moving in with an aunt who insisted he attend school twice a week, Patrick enrolled in high school in Richland. He reconnected with LCSNW through the school-based mental health program. Struggling with suicidal thoughts and self-harm, Patrick was enrolled in our SWIFT crisis stabilization program.
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This time, Patrick took the program seriously, forming a strong bond with his care team, especially therapist Kari. She taught him healthier coping mechanisms and how to navigate life's challenges while sober. "I never knew how to do anything sober," Patrick admitted. "And I really didn’t know how to cope with my dad’s death being sober." He also found solace in his newly formed Christian faith, realizing how much he needed help.
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Patrick’s LCSNW team helped him through the difficult process of forgiving his late father. Inspired by his team’s genuine care, Patrick learned to manage his anger without resorting to violence. He respected his Youth Partner who shared personal experiences of overcoming similar struggles.
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At age 18, Patrick began working, experiencing the pride of earning his own money. At 19, he graduated high school, after hearing more than once that he wouldn’t make it that far.
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In March 2025, at 20 years old, Patrick shared his life experiences and lessons at the Tri-Cities Lutheran Brunch. He’s focused on giving back to the community, encouraging others to inspire positive change by sharing their stories.
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"Lutheran showed love that I never experienced, and through that taught me how to show love back."
Staff Profile
Lorena Mcmahan
Lorena is a dedicated Teacher Facilitator at A Family Gathering Place Relief Nursery in LCSNW’s Klamath Falls district. Her passion for social emotional learning development and nurturing the whole child is at the heart of her work. It’s also what drew her to LCSNW.
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Lorena has held a variety of educational roles, including teacher, paraprofessional, administrator, and more. She was introduced to LCSNW three years ago while exploring volunteer opportunities with infants. After connecting with an LCSNW recruiter and learning about the relief nursery's 96% success rate with families, Lorena was excited and determined to secure a position.
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At the nursery, Lorena's role is varied and tailored to the unique needs of each family. She helps families set goals and develop tools, and every Friday she teaches classes for parents of infants. She is dedicated to connecting families to vital community resources, such as food, housing, employment, and mental health care.
Most of all, Lorena loves observing families as they transition from her care. “Hearing their success stories and seeing them grow and thrive,” she said. “That’s what I can’t get enough of.”
Volunteer Profile
Tim and Kassandra Sheppard
Tim and Kassandra, both Registered Nurses, have expanded their commitment to caring for others into the broader community. They and their three children (with a fourth on the way in 2025) are a host family for Safe Families for Children in Boise, Idaho, a program supported by LCSNW.
Moving to Idaho’s Treasure Valley area a decade ago, the Sheppards were drawn to the kindness of their community and felt called to provide a temporary, loving home to children facing family challenges. They have volunteered as a host family for about a year, offering critical support to families navigating difficult times.
The journey to becoming a host family required extensive training, background checks, and home preparation. While initially hesitant, Tim and Kassandra embraced this calling, welcoming multiple children into their home, including one-year-old twins and young siblings. Despite the challenges – such as managing the chaos of additional little ones in the house – their Christian faith and strong support system have helped them navigate the experience with resilience and love.
Hosting has deepened their appreciation for the strength of families in crisis and taught their own children lessons in empathy and service. The Sheppards hope their story inspires others to consider hosting, reminding us that small acts of kindness can create lasting change. For them, Safe Families for Children is a reflection of true community –where no family has to stand alone.
By the Numbers
Safe Families for Children (Boise and Yamhill County)
234
Children and Adults Served
208
Volunteers
604
Safe Bed Nights Provided
Relief Nurseries (Klamath Falls and Yamhill County)
171
Children Served
142
Families Served
60
Volunteers
Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (Seattle, Spokane and Tri-Cities)
148
Youth Served
84
Youth Served
31
Foster Families
WISe - Wraparound with Intensive Services
(Tri-Cities, Seattle, Spokane)
521
Youth Served
SWIFT - Stabilization & Wellness in Families (Tri-Cities)
81
Youth Served