Life Center Newsletter

Popcorn Day: Small Kernels, Big Hope At the Life Center, we see it every day: small sparks—encouragement, community, practical tools—can ignite lasting change. When people come together, hope multiplies. What starts quietly can grow into something life-giving. As you enjoy popcorn this month, let it be a reminder:  significant transformations often begin  with something small . We’d love for you to be part of that moment—leaning in, gathering together, and helping hope pop for someone else. These ideas work well for Popcorn Day because joy doesn't have to be complicated. 1. Build-Your-Own Popcorn Bar for your Neighbors Set out plain popcorn with sweet and savory toppings: Butter, sea salt, parmesan Caramel drizzle, chocolate chips, cinnamon sugar Ranch, cheddar, or chili seasoning Invite a few friends over to celebrate - low cost, high joy.  2. “Pop In & Say Hi” Moment on January 18 Popcorn is an excellent excuse for connection at the Life Center: Pop in for pop...

Life can feel like a rollercoaster—especially when you are carrying responsibility, exhaustion, and hope all at once. For Danielle, a resilient single mother, the twists and turns felt relentless. What ultimately changed her trajectory was not a single moment or decision, but a network of people and partners working together . Danielle’s journey began with a brave step forward. When she enrolled in Hero on a Mission, she spoke honestly about the weight she carried and the love that fueled her perseverance. “I am a single mom working six days a week, and I still can’t get ahead,” she shared. “I hate to ask for help, but here I am.” Those words echo the experience of many Heroes—strong, capable individuals quietly stretched beyond their limits. By asking for help, Danielle demonstrated courage, not weakness . Hero on a Mission is built for moments like this: when a Hero is ready to grow, and a community is prepared to respond. As Danielle balanced work and single parenthood, obstacles...

If you wish to understand quiet courage, meet Tara. Tara recently graduated from Hero on a Mission, and her journey reminds us that some Heroes don’t conquer their battles—t hey keep showing up with faith, preparation, and grace , even when life feels unbearably heavy. Tara is recently divorced and living on disability, dealing with serious health issues that include chronic lung disease, early signs of ALS, and a terminal prognosis. She is not permitted to work and faces an upcoming neck surgery just days after her 50th birthday. These circumstances are overwhelming, yet they do not define her. From the first session, Tara arrived prepared, with homework completed and notes carefully written . Her reflections were thoughtful and honest. Through conversations about money, purpose, health, problem-solving, home, friends, fun, serving others, and, finally, faith, Tara embraced discovery rather than retreat in fear. Purpose, for Tara, is beautifully simple: love her children well, welcome...

  At The Life Center, we’ve noticed something beautiful happens when someone walks through our doors.  They rarely come in talking about  hope —but you can see it flicker in their eyes the moment someone listens, really listens, to their stories. That’s where the  Wheel of Hope  begins to turn. For many guests, this simple tool—a colorful  wheel  with eight spokes is the  entry point to a journey of  hope . It’s not a test. It’s not a scorecard. It’s a  mirror that reflects where life feels balanced , and  where it feels a bit wobbly . The Power of a Dot During their first visit, each guest—whom we affectionately call a Hero—places a small dot on every spoke of the  Wheel of Hope . It  represents the confidence level  in that area of life. The first time, those dots can look scattered, uneven, or even discouraging. But that’s the magic of the  wheel —it doesn’t shame you for where you are. It simply  gives y...

On The Amazing Race , teams travel the world facing obstacles, surprises, and high-stakes decisions. It is a fast-paced adventure where even the most capable teams can lose their way. Again and again, one factor makes the difference between winning and losing: the ability to read the map. Without it, effort and enthusiasm alone are not enough. Life works much the same way. As we step into a new year, many of us hope things will improve—but hope without direction rarely leads to growth. A clear map gives us purpose, focus, and momentum. Without one, we often react to life instead of intentionally moving toward something better. Start with Purpose Take time to sit with God and reflect on how He uniquely created you. Each of us carries God-given desires, strengths, limitations, and experiences that shape our calling. What brings you joy? What feels meaningful? What stirs your imagination or gives you a deep sense of purpose? Don’t overlook the clarity you already have—write it down and bu...

  As we step into 2026, I want to begin with two simple yet powerful words: thank you. To everyone who has donated, volunteered, prayed, walked alongside a Hero, shared our mission, connected us with partners, or supported us online—thank you. Your faithfulness and commitment to the Whitewater Life Center make all the difference. Because of your support, 2025 was an incredible year . I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to lead this team into 2026, and even more thankful for what God has done through this community. Together, we met—and exceeded—our goals , including our Hero graduation goal. In fact, we graduated more than twice as many Heroes as last year. That means more lives transformed, more hope restored, stronger families, deeper friendships, and more people growing in their relationship with Jesus. We could not do this without your partnership—thank you. As we look ahead to 2026, there is much to be excited about. January will be a season of preparation as we transiti...