FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lutherwood Expands IMPACT Program Across Residential Campus
Indianapolis, Ind. — Lutheran Child & Family Services (LCFS) is proud to announce the expansion of the IMPACT program across all private secure residential units at Lutherwood, strengthening access to specialized care for teen girls ages 12 to 18 who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Since April 2025, the IMPACT program has been expanding throughout the Lutherwood campus through a collaborative partnership between LCFS, Ascent 121, and Community Health Network. The expansion has significantly increased the availability of comprehensive, trauma-informed residential services designed specifically for adolescent survivors.
“Through the expansion of the IMPACT Program, Lutherwood is addressing critical gaps in access to care for youth impacted by commercial sexual exploitation,” said Dr. Matt Oliver, Executive Director of Lutherwood Residential Programs. “This investment strengthens our evolving continuum of specialized services, empowering youth and families to find healing, build resilience, and transform their tomorrows today.”
The IMPACT program serves young women with a history of commercial sexual exploitation and/or human trafficking. Services are available through a referral process in coordination with DCS and are not open for public direct enrollment. Youth participating in the program receive individualized treatment plans that include intensive individual, family, and group therapy tailored to address the unique experiences and recovery goals of survivors.
Residential programs at Lutherwood are administered through a managed services agreement between LCFS and Community Health Network with all program staff employed by the latter. This collaboration further partners with Ascent 121 to ensure the highest standards of therapeutic care for exploitation recovery. The combined strengths of these organizations help create a safe, structured environment where young people can heal, grow, and build healthy futures.
In addition to therapeutic services, residents continue their education through Impact Academy II, an accredited school operated in partnership with Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS). The academy provides a full day of on-site academics, credit recovery opportunities, and behavioral support services, helping students remain engaged in their educational journey while receiving treatment.
While the campus has expanded its role in serving survivors of human trafficking in its private secure programming, Lutherwood also has made significant programming enhancements in its Emergency Shelter Care and Independent Living Group Home programs. In effect, this expands a care continuum which helps support youth and families be more successful.
For more information about Lutherwood and the services available to youth and families, visit lutheranfamily.org or contact Megan Hicks mhicks@ecommunity.com
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About Lutheran Child & Family Services
Since 1883, Lutheran Child & Family Services of Indiana/Kentucky has supported children, youth and families experiencing trauma, instability and hardship. LCFS provides behavioral health, residential, housing, family, and community-based services designed to promote healing, stability, and long-term independence.
LCFS's mission is “Engaging and Empowering Families and Community with Love, Compassion, Faith, and Support.”
