Life Center Newsletter

Peggie's Story: From Desperation to Determination (and a Little Bit of LaRosa's) When Peggie first walked into the Life Center, she wasn't just looking for a program—she was searching for hope. She sat down, weighed down by stress, heartbreak, and a story that felt almost too painful to be true . But the more she opened up, the more her strength started to shine through. Tracy asked one of our Guides, Nancy Eggleson, if she would be willing to guide her through all the sessions of Hero on a Mission. Her response was quick and simple, "Absolutely!" Nancy knew that Peggie needed someone safe —someone who would listen without judgment and believe in her before she could believe in herself. And Peggie showed up. Fully. Every session, she came prepared . She worked through each session with courage and honesty. There were tears . Frustrations . But there was also a breakthrough —steady and real. About halfway through, something shifted . Peggy smiled more. Walked tal...

Partnering for Moms: Together, We’re Making a Difference At the Life Center, we believe that when we partner together, the impact we make is far greater than anything we could do alone. That’s why we’re grateful to walk alongside incredible organizations like Reach Out Pregnancy Care Center. Sometimes we serve the same individuals—our Heroes—who are simply facing different needs. Whether it's emotional support, pregnancy care, or basic necessities like diapers, we’re united in helping families know they are not alone. One small but powerful example of this partnership is the use of diapers. Through the Community Pantry, the Life Center provides diapers regularly—and sometimes, we share or swap them with Reach Out to make sure every mom has what she needs when she needs it. Because when it comes to caring for moms and little ones, we all need to show up. We’re also thrilled to give a massive shout-out to a sweet couple who recently made a generous donation toward this very initiativ...

From Dirt to Dinner: How a Patch of Weeds Became a Garden of Hope If you ever need proof that something small can grow into something beautiful, just take a stroll past the Community Garden behind Whitewater Crossing. What once was a patch of weedy, unused dirt is now bursting with life—fresh vegetables, blooming flowers, and a growing sense of community. But the vision for this garden was never just about food. It began with a bigger dream. It All Started With a Dream (and Some Dirt) Back in 2024, the seed was planted—not just in soil, but in spirit. The team behind the garden envisioned a space where neighbors—regardless of their gardening experience—could come together to  learn ,  work , and  grow . Learn new skills. Work side by side. Grow in friendship, faith, and food. That was the heartbeat of the dream. The idea was to offer garden plots to anyone in the community who wanted to grow food (or flowers!) for their families —even if they didn’t know the firs...

Your Impact in Action: Jessica’s Life Transformed  Jessica, a recent graduate of the Hero on a Mission program, reached out to personally thank the leaders who make this life-changing journey possible. After experiencing job loss, separation from her daughter, and years of addiction, Jessica began the program feeling broken and without direction. Over time, with God’s guidance and the support of the Hero framework, she rediscovered her purpose, reconnected with her faith, and found the strength to persevere. Today, she’s working again, reunited with her daughter, and boldly embracing her identity in Christ. Jessica’s story is a powerful reminder that Hope is for everyone—and that the mission of the Life Center depends on people like you. Whether you're leading, serving, or supporting behind the scenes, your role matters deeply. Lives are being changed, Heroes are rising, and the Kingdom is coming—one step, one story at a time.

Celebrating Six Weeks of Summer Picnics This summer, the parking lot at Whitewater Crossing transformed into a hub of hope, joy, and connection. For six weeks, families gathered onsite each Wednesday for Picnics in the Parking Lot, a collaborative effort between the Life Center, the Community Pantry, and Whitewater Crossing Christian Church.  We wrapped up this meaningful initiative with a bang at the annual Picnics in the Parking Lot Carnival—a day full of fun, laughter, and community. Families went home with smiles on their faces, arms full of cereal and produce, books, and more. But more than the giveaways or games, what we love most about this partnership is the heart behind it: being a reliable source for both relationships and resources. These summer gatherings meet real physical needs—providing food, fun, and a safe space—but they also meet spiritual and emotional needs. Each week, families connected with one another and began to gain confidence that a faith community is her...

 

Final Picnic of the Summer — It’s Carnival Day! Don’t miss our last Picnic in the Parking Lot of the season—Wednesday, July 9, and it’s going out with a bang… It’s Carnival Day! Come enjoy a delicious lunch provided by the Community Pantry, fun giveaways (yes, including a free box of cereal!), and indoor carnival games the whole family will love. Plus, our friends from Side by Side Ministries will be joining us with free books for kids—because nothing says summer fun like a good story and a little friendly competition. We’re so grateful for the incredible partners who make these events possible. Their generosity and teamwork help us spread joy and hope to everyone who walks through our doors. See you at the carnival!

Understanding Trauma, Empowering Hope Many of the children and families we serve at the Life Center have faced significant challenges—loss, instability, neglect, and more. These early experiences of trauma often shape how they see the world and respond to it. That’s why we’re offering a powerful opportunity to deepen our understanding and strengthen our support. Join us for a two-part Trauma Competent Care training, held on-site at the Life Center on July 31 and August 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This comprehensive, interactive course unpacks the lasting impact of childhood trauma and offers practical tools to help children feel safe, build trust, and develop resilience. You’ll gain insight into behaviors that can be confusing or overwhelming—and learn strategies to respond with compassion, not frustration. Whether you’re a volunteer, parent, caregiver, teacher, or simply someone who wants to make a difference, this training will empower you to show up for others with empathy and effecti...