Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. LDS Humanitarian Services is a branch of the Welfare Services department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The organization s stated mission is to relieve suffering, to foster self-reliance for families of all nationalities and religions, and to provide opportunities for service. The LDS Church considers humanitarian work to be an essential part of its mission to bless all humanity in emulation of Jesus Christ who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed (Acts10:38). Throughout its history, the LDS Church has always provided for those in need and is perhaps best known for its efforts to take care of its own. In 1842, founder and Prophet to the LDS Church, Joseph Smith, organized the Women s Relief Society, an essential aim of which was to provide relief to suffering members and ultimately to all people. During the Great Depression the LDS Church organized a welfare program, known today as Welfare Services', to help provide for the needs of its members.