Lutheran Services in Iowa has announced that it is closing its residential treatment program on the Bremwood campus in Waverly. The decision comes after consultations with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. LSI says that they recognize there are other providers more fully equipped to provide the high level of care required for the youth in the program. LSI says they are focused on ensuring a smooth and collaborative transition to other facilities in the state for the youth and helping the 45 impacted staff members with finding other positions within LSI or with other employers. Mayor Mark Anderson says the economic impact will be minimal and the local economy can easily absorb the displaced workers but the greater impact will be emotional as Waverly has been a place where children in need have been loved and cared for for over 100 years. LSI says they plan to stay in Waverly and keep the Bremwood campus open. They will now focus on and allocate resources to early childhood education, disability services, mental health programs, adoption and foster care, and immigrant and refugee services.
