Life Center Newsletter

  Hope in the Heartache: GriefShare Begins February 16 Grief has a way of showing up when you least expect it. One moment, you’re getting through the day, and the next, a familiar song or memory brings the weight of loss crashing down. If you’ve felt that pain, know this— you don’t have to face it alone. Starting Sunday, February 16, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Life Center is offering a 13-week GriefShare support group, led by a caring couple who understand the journey of loss firsthand. They’ve walked this road and are ready to walk alongside you. GriefShare provides three essential tools for healing: insightful video sessions with practical guidance, a personal workbook to help you process emotions, and, most importantly, a community of support that truly gets it. Grief doesn’t follow a tidy timeline, and healing isn’t about “moving on”—it’s about finding ways to move forward. Here, you’ll gain encouragement, learn coping strategies, and connect with others who understand the ups and d...

  Sharing the Love: A Valentine’s Celebration for Seniors Valentine’s Day isn’t just about flowers and chocolates—it’s about making sure everyone feels loved. That’s why on Sunday, February 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Life Center, we’re celebrating the seniors in our community with a special afternoon of connection, conversation, and kindness. Imagine this: A senior, sitting quietly at home, feeling a little forgotten—until a knock at the door changes everything. A smiling visitor hands her a heartfelt card, shares a warm conversation, and reminds her she’s cherished. That’s the kind of love we’re spreading! We’re inviting volunteers—families, kids, and anyone with a heart for giving—to deliver Valentine’s surprises, share stories, and brighten someone’s day. Whether you bring your little cupids or come solo, your presence will mean the world. Let us know if you would like to help: jereca@hopeisforeveryone.org.

Hero Family Night: A Night of Growth, Goals, and Good Chili Last week, we gathered for a night filled with l aughter, warmth, and delicious chili. (Big thanks to Claudia for ensuring no one went home hungry!) Our Family Night was more than just a meal—it was a chance to dream, reflect, and take steps toward the future . One of the highlights was creating vision boards . There’s something powerful about putting your dreams on paper and surrounding them with images and words that remind you of your goals. The room buzzed with hope as we cut, pasted, and shared. We weren’t just making vision boards— we were making commitments to ourselves and to each other . Gary, a dad of twin teenagers, beamed as he worked on his board. "I just got a job at Meijer!" he announced. The room erupted in applause . A new job means stability . It means opportunity . It means hope . And that’s precisely what these nights are about— encouraging one another, celebrating every win, and taking steps t...

  Overcoming Together: A Banquet to Remember Hope is a funny thing. It’s invisible and weightless, yet it can move mountains when you have it. That’s why the Life Center’s annual Hope Banquet isn’t just another dinner. It’s a chance to be part of something bigger, to ignite hope where it’s needed most. Mark your calendar for Friday, February 21, at Whitewater Crossing! This incredible evening starts at 6 p.m. with an open house and mouthwatering appetizers from Kreimer’s Bier Haus (because all good things start with food). Dinner by Sullivan’s Catering follows, leading into a night of inspiration featuring Vincent Rey, former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker and current team chaplain. Vincent knows something about pressure—like what goes through an NFL linebacker's mind when the game is on the line. (Hint: It's not “What’s for dinner?”). But beyond the game, he’s faced challenges that have tested his faith, purpose, and perseverance. His journey from the locker room to the pulpit ...

Overcoming Together: Save the Date for an Evening to Remember on February 21! What makes a great NFL linebacker? Grit, vision, and the ability to read the field—even when chaos reigns . But here’s the truth: even the most skilled linebacker can’t do it alone . Success comes from working together, trusting your teammates, and pushing forward . This year’s Hope Banquet is built on that same playbook: Overcoming Together . Mark your calendar: Friday, February 21, 2025 . The annual Hope Banquet is just around the corner, and it will be a night you’ll talk about long after the final whistle. This year’s theme, Overcoming Together, promises an evening packed with stories that inspire a community united in purpose and a reminder that even in our most challenging seasons, we are stronger together . We’re thrilled to welcome Vincent Rey, former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker and current team chaplain , as our keynote speaker. Vincent’s journey from NFL greatness to servant leadership is a testam...

How You Can Be a Lifesaver Without a Cape On January 27, from noon to 6 p.m., the Life Center is partnering with Hoxworth for a blood drive that could change lives—maybe even yours! Picture this: a comfy chair, a kind-hearted team, and 15 minutes of your time . Add a pinch of courage (because, yes, needles are involved), and voilà—you’re officially a lifesaver. Not every day you get to do something this powerful while sitting down. Now, I get it. The thought of a needle might make you break out in a cold sweat. But here’s the thing: your blood could be the miracle someone desperately needs . And to sweeten the deal, you’ll leave with a sleek insulated tumbler as your new badge of honor. Stay hydrated and heroic? That’s what we call a win-win! So, mark your calendar, summon your bravery, and join us in making a difference . Call 513-451-0910 or click here to schedule your appointment . Your donation will not only be a bag—but also hearts with hope. Be part of the change . Because at the...

  A Cut Above: Barbering for a Greater Purpose Something remarkable happened last week at the Life Center— Scott, a professional barber with a heart as big as his clippers , transformed our space into a pop-up barbershop . His mission? To e mpower our male guests, one haircut at a time . “I knew God had something bigger in store when I started barber school at 50 ,” Scott shared. “It wasn’t just about a career change; it was about learning a skill I could use to serve others .” With precision and care, Scott offered more than haircuts— he delivered dignity, confidence, and connection . As scissors snipped away, guests left with fresh looks and renewed spirits . Scott’s passion for giving back doesn’t stop here. He regularly volunteers at a juvenile corrections facility, offering young men hope and a sense of worth. “There’s no better feeling than using the skill God gave me to help others,” he said. What about you? Do you have a big or small gift that could uplift someone in need ...

  A Popeye Moment for Good: What Will You Stand For? What do you do when you’ve " had all you can stands, and you can’t stands no more” ? While Popeye turned to spinach, history teaches us that righteous anger, properly channeled, can create transformative change.  Take Martin Luther King Jr., for instance.  Rev. King couldn’t stand racial injustice. Fueled by what he called the tension between “ought-ness” and “is-ness,” King became an unstoppable force for civil rights. His marches, speeches, and unwavering dedication transformed anger into love-driven action, moving the needle toward equality. It wasn’t easy—he endured attacks and bomb threats and ultimately gave his life. Yet his passion sparked a movement that changed the world. Anger often gets a bad rap, and for good reason. Left unchecked, it can cost us relationships, jobs, and peace of mind. Proverbs 29:11 cautions us: “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” But not a...

  A Night of Hope: Join Us for an Inspiring Evening with Bengals Chaplain Vincent Rey Something big is on the horizon—mark your calendars! On Friday, February 21, 2025, the Life Center will host its much-anticipated Hope Banquet. This unforgettable evening will feature Vincent Rey, a former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker and current team chaplain. It will be filled with faith, inspiration, and heartfelt stories. Why attend? Here’s the shortlist: Rey’s Story Will Move You . Vincent Rey’s journey from tackling opponents to tackling matters of the soul is the story that stays with you. His transformation reminds us that life’s game plan isn’t always what we expect—and that’s where faith steps in. Unforgettable Atmosphere . The Life Center’s mission of hope shines brightest when we gather to celebrate it. Share in the joy, the laughter, and yes, maybe even a few tears in the beautiful Worship Center at Whitewater Crossing. Delicious Dining . Treat your taste buds to a catered feast...

Finding Hope Through Heartache: GriefShare Returns February 16 Grief has a way of sneaking up on you , doesn’t it? One minute, you’re doing okay; the next, even the sound of a favorite song can unravel you. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by loss, let me share some hope: GriefShare is here. Starting Sunday, February 16, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Life Center is hosting a 13-week GriefShare support group led by a compassionate couple who have walked the same difficult path. They know firsthand what it means to hurt and how to heal. GriefShare combines three powerful elements to guide you through the process: engaging video seminars that offer practical tools, a personal workbook to help you process your thoughts, and, perhaps most importantly, the camaraderie of a support group that truly understands. Think of it as a lifeline when the waves of grief feel relentless. You’ll discover what’s “normal” ( spoiler: there’s no such thing as a neat timeline for grief ) and gain tools to navigate the...

Love in Bloom: Celebrating Seniors This Valentine’s Day  Mark your calendars for  Sunday, February 9, from 1 to 3 p.m.  at the Life Center, where we’re rolling out the red carpet for our incredible seniors! Valentine’s Day isn’t just about roses and chocolates—it’s about  showing love to those who may feel forgotten .  Picture this: a  senior, quietly sitting in her favorite chair , surrounded by memories but  missing connection . Then, a knock at the door. A f amily arrives with warm smiles , heartfelt cards, and a little box of sweet treats. Her eyes well up, not just because of the chocolates (though they help) but because she feels remembered and cherished.  This event is a chance to  brighten the lives of seniors  who may face physical limitations or loneliness. We’ll  pair volunteers with seniors, delivering love through companionship, conversation, and Valentine’s surprises . Families with little ones, bring your cupids along...

A Pint for a Life: Join Our Blood Drive on January 27 Imagine this: you're running late, your tire blows out, and the kind stranger who helps you? That’s what donating blood is like— a small act of kindness that saves the day, or in this case, a life. On Saturday, January 27, from 9 AM to 1 PM , the Life Center is hosting a blood drive with Hoxworth Blood Center. It's your chance to be someone’s lifesaver—no superhero cape required. Here’s the deal: someone in the U.S. needs blood every two seconds . Patients like Taryn and King, siblings with Sickle Cell Disease, depend on transfusions every few weeks. Or Heather, a mom who survived a life-threatening hemorrhage during childbirth because blood donors gave her a second chance at life. Your blood matters whether you're O-negative (the universal donor) or AB-positive (the universal recipient). One donation can help car accident victims, cancer patients, or someone recovering from surgery. Roll up your sleeve and give the gi...

New Year, New You: Prioritize Your Mental Well-Being Every new year whispers the promise of fresh starts and bright tomorrows. But let’s face it – January also shows up with its wintry gloom and leftover holiday stress. That’s why there’s no better time to prioritize your mental health, and the Life Center has you covered with two incredible partners: LifeWay Counseling Centers and the Eve Center. Our resident therapeutic champions are Shelby Reynolds and Tim Heller from LifeWay Counseling Centers. Shelby, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, shines on Mondays and Tuesdays, helping kids, teens, and young adults discover their inner strengths with a mix of compassion and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Meanwhile, Tim, a Licensed Independent Social Worker, brings decades of experience, offering guidance and warmth for anyone navigating grief, anxiety, or life’s messy relational tangles. LifeWay also has other therapists available to address various life challenges.  And then the...

Join Us in Saving Lives: Life Center Blood Drive on January 27th! Life Center and  Hoxworth  are teaming up to host a blood drive on January 27 from noon to 6 p.m. It's a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in the world. Now, I know what you're thinking. "But I'm scared of needles!" Trust me, you're not alone. Needles can be intimidating, but think of it this way: you're not just donating blood; you're giving the gift of life. Plus, you get to walk away with a fancy new tumbler to show off to all your friends. Win-win, am I right? Join us to give the gift of life and receive an insulated tumbler as a thank-you gift. Please schedule an appointment at 513-451-0910 or by using this link . Take advantage of this chance to make a real impact in our community!

Save the Date: A Night of Hope with Bengals Chaplain Vincent Rey Something big is on the horizon, and you don’t want to miss it! On Friday, February 21, 2025, the Life Center will host its highly anticipated Hope Banquet, featuring Vincent Rey, former Cincinnati Bengals linebacker and current team chaplain. This is your chance to be part of a night filled with inspiration, transformation, and powerful stories of faith—and we’re inviting you to bring a friend along for the journey. Rey’s journey from linebacker to chaplain wasn’t exactly part of his “game plan.” He’ll tell you he’s had to learn on the job, relying on God’s guidance every step. But isn’t that how life works? We’re all called to step into roles we didn’t expect, trusting that the One who calls us will equip us. Rey’s story is a testament to this truth; his words might be the encouragement you (or someone you bring) need to hear. Please mark your calendar for February 21, 2025, and plan to attend. Better yet, invite a frie...