2025 Annual Appeal

I am writing with best wishes for the upcoming holiday season, and with a heart full of thanks and gratitude for you and the LCS community who support the work that we do together to help our neighbors move from emergency to empowerment.

This past year, we have seen the joy of new mothers who have benefited from the Women’s Health expansion of the Delaware Food Farmacy; new relationships forged by statewide outreach through our tobacco cessation program; and the caring and effective implementation of programs by staff and volunteers across all our food pantries and housing stability services.

This year also brought about a significant increase in our operational capacity with the opening of the LCS Food Hub in March. The year was not without its challenges. We are experiencing uncertainty around funding for nonprofits, a government shutdown, economic disruptions, and are also discomforted by the worsening conditions that impact the well being of our clients. This has resulted in a significant increase in need and service levels in the face of less dependable resources to operate programs.

Supporters like you are the constant for us in this volatile time. You help us celebrate our achievements at the Room at the Table breakfast and our other events and are always there when we need you. Thank you for all your support. As I prepare to step down as Executive Director of LCS in early 2026, I am comforted by the consistency of our work and those who support it.

While we may have new leadership from time to time, our mission remains the same.

Together, we can ensure our neighbors have what they need.

Thank you for standing with LCS in this critical moment.

When pregnant nursing assistant Kimberly lost her second
income, pride nearly stopped her from seeking help. “I thought
I should be able to do it myself,” she says. Discouraged by the
complex process of applying for public assistance, she was
referred to the Delaware Food Farmacy.

The program provides nutritious food, health coaching, and
medical support throughout her pregnancy. “I can take a
breath and focus on my job and my son.” She graduates from
the Food Farmacy this January. Now Kimberly shares her
story to encourage others facing similar struggles. She helped
launch Tower Hill School’s Hiller Harvest food drive for LCS
recently with an impassioned speech to students.

In June, Rob Gurnee announced his plans to retire as Executive Director in early 2026. Staff changes are inevitable, but over the years LCS has shown that the mission stays strong through every transition.

As the first strategic step in ensuring continuity, we hired Kirk Brockenbrough as Operations Director in July. He’s bringing fresh energy and vision while strengthening the organization’s operational foundation—streamlining processes, enhancing team collaboration, and building systems for sustainable growth. While change sometimes
brings challenges, Kirk’s leadership reinforces what matter most: our commitment to serving the community.

Delaware families face mounting challenges as the cost of essentials outpaces income growth. Rent consumes larger portions of paychecks, leaving less for groceries. Uncertainty around federal assistance programs adds to the strain. The rising demand we’re seeing reflects a deepening affordability crisis affecting our community’s most  vulnerable residents.

LCS couldn't do what we do without you!

We hope we can count on your continued support as we navigate challenges and meet the need for our clients. Help make 2026 an even more impactful and transformative year!