Lutheran Services in Iowa announced that Dr. Eric Idehan, director of the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families, will retire in late September. Idehan has led the Center for two years, guiding it through a critical transition from Des Moines Area Community College to Lutheran Services’ oversight.
Leadership and Community Impact
During his tenure, Idehan helped ensure that vital employment‑training, childcare assistance, and family‑support services remained available to Central Iowans amid a period of uncertainty and change. “Eric’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the Center and the people we serve have been instrumental in ensuring vital services have continued for Central Iowans during a time of uncertainty and change,” said Dr. Mary Chapman, a member of the Center’s Community Advisory Board.
Idehan expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort that made the Center’s work possible. “It has been an incredible honor to serve alongside our staff, partners, employers, and community members,” he said. “The Evelyn K. Davis Center has always been about creating pathways to opportunity and helping individuals achieve their goals. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and confident that, with LSI’s leadership and support, the Center’s best days are still ahead.”
Search for New Director
Following Idehan’s upcoming departure, Lutheran Services has launched a search for his successor. Interested candidates can find the application details through the link provided by LSI. The organization emphasizes that the Center will continue its mission of connecting families with job training, education, and supportive services while the search proceeds.
The Evelyn K. Davis Center, named for a longtime advocate of working‑family initiatives, remains a cornerstone of the regional effort to strengthen families and promote economic self‑reliance. Its programs align with the broader goals of faith‑based and community organizations across Iowa to foster stable, thriving neighborhoods.
Looking Ahead
Community leaders and partners have praised Idehan’s contributions and look forward to a smooth transition. The Center’s continued focus on job placement, childcare subsidies, and family counseling is expected to support dozens of families each year, reinforcing the region’s commitment to traditional family values and individual liberty through economic opportunity.
As the search for a new director moves forward, Lutheran Services encourages local employers, faith groups, and volunteers to stay engaged with the Center’s programs. Their ongoing participation will help ensure that Central Iowans have the resources they need to build secure, prosperous futures.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
