Our History

60 years of answering the call

2025 marks a milestone in our journey – 60 years of faithful ministry. From our roots in senior and social services to today’s focus on mental health care grounded in Scripture, God has continually guided our path.

Want to see more stories from our 60-year journey?

Watch our series of short videos highlighting key moments and ministries shaped by God’s faithfulness.

View the Video Series Here

Read here for an overview of Christian Family Solution’s history – how we started as a senior and social services organization and transformed over the years to focus on mental health services.

“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people” (Galatians 6:10).

This is the reason Wisconsin Lutheran Child & Family Service (WLCFS) was first established—to do good to all people. As Christians, we have joy and peace in God’s unconditional love for us. It is our passion and our privilege to reflect that love to others, especially those in need.

It all began on July 13, 1965. The Board of Directors filed the Articles of Incorporation for Wisconsin Lutheran Convalescent Home, Inc. (WLCH). The Green Tree Gardens Convalescent and Nursing Home was purchased, and WLCH began operating the facility on August 1, 1965.

In January of 1966, it was decided that the WLCH needed to expand services to more patients and residents and to provide social services.

On March 4, 1966, the name of the agency was officially changed to Wisconsin Lutheran Child & Family Service, Inc. (WLCFS), and on March 13, 1966, Pastor Ernst F. Lehninger received a divine call to serve as the first Executive Director of the agency, until his retirement in June of 1991.

Pastor Robert Michel was called to serve as Executive Director in the fall of 1991. He began his official duties in December. Pastor Michel retired on July 30, 2004 and was replaced by Pastor James Mattek in September 2004 to serve as Chief Executive Officer.

In 2009, Pastor James Mattek stepped down from his role as CEO to become the Director of Ministry, while Dan Degner took his place as Chief Executive Officer.

In 2011, WLCFS became known as WLCFS-Christian Family Solutions to better reflect its reach and services. The agency’s legal name remains Wisconsin Lutheran Child & Family Service, Inc.

In October of 2015, Mark Klug took over the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Over the decades, our programs and services have changed, grown, and adapted with the changing needs of the world around us. To more accurately reflect our services and reach, WLCFS initiated a name change to Christian Family Solutions, receiving an official DBA in 2020.

We work as a team to impact lives, while living out our mission of “healing and helping people in need through the ministry of Jesus Christ.”