Lutheran Family Services (LFS) (onelfs.org) is one of the largest human care organizations in Nebraska and Western Iowa and delivers exceptional service to thousands of children, individuals and families. Its employees offer a broad spectrum of services ranging from foster care and children’s behavioral health to adult mental health and substance use treatment.

When the organization needed a hand, Coyner and Donna Smith were there, time and time again. So, when the time came to give LFS a permanent name, the choice was clear: The Coyner and Donna Smith Center or “Smith Center,” for short.

On Friday, June 6, we honored Coyner’s memory and celebrated the couple’s lifetime commitment to LFS. The dedication event included remarks from the LFS President and CEO Chris Tonniges. Donna Smith unveiled the new lobby plaque honoring the Smith Family, followed by refreshments for those in attendance.

The new Coyner and Donna Smith Center, located at 7929 West Center Road, was once home to Better Business Equipment, the company Coyner Smith founded in 1968.

The Smiths founded the “Smith Diversity Scholarship,” which awards five full-ride university or trade scholarships to Nebraska seniors from underrepresented backgrounds. Launched in 2021, the scholarship program has supported future engineers, doctors and attorneys. The Smiths have also been ardent supporters of all LFS refugee programming in honor of their adopted daughter Leemah and Leemah’s mother.

For more information: https://www.onelfs.org/