Most of us resist change, but it happens anyway.
We want to tell you about recent changes at TLC.
In the middle of March all five of our then current families relocated. TLC was empty for the first time in our six year history. This didn’t last long. We already have new families who have been admitted.
We used this brief window of opportunity for maintenance and upkeep. Our volunteers have been hard at work cleaning, painting and decorating. We have raised our expectations for residents and lowered our tolerance for non-compliance. We believe we have a great program and that we offer a great many advantages. We are requiring more of our residents than ever before.
Change is hard, especially since we grow to love the families who stay with us. Our families appreciate TLC and the positive influence we have made in their lives. Here are some of the things each of the five families had to say:
One mom said:I am thankful for TLC because I have 3 young children and would be homeless with them, sleeping out of a car, scared and not knowing what to do. TLC took me in and I learned so much being here. They’re very caring and show compassion and love and give a home to people that they don’t even know. It means so much to me! What they do for everybody is a blessing. There is truly no place like here. I cried when they told me they had room for me. I called so many homeless shelters trying to get me and my kids a roof over our heads and none of them had room or didn’t even call me back. TLC didn’t hesitate to let me in and give me a home. This place is a blessing. The world needs more places like this and people that care so much like they do…thank you God for TLC.
Another mom said:
When I came to TLC, I was in a mentally abusive marriage and had nowhere to go with my daughter. There are so many things I have learned that I didn’t even know I needed to know as a mother. Living at TLC, the women empowered me. Over time I gained the courage to leave my husband and become a strong independent woman.
Now I have 2 beautiful daughters and am in a healthy relationship. I have grown so much since I first came to TLC. After almost 3 years, I have almost every goal completed. TLC saved my life!
A third mom shared this:
TLC has been a huge blessing in my life. They have given me a safe place to live and a second chance that I am so grateful for. Without TLC, I would probably still be with my abusive ex-boyfriend. The people at TLC have given me the strength and the courage to move on and better myself.
Another wanted us to know:
TLC has helped me to get in touch with a lot of resources I was previously unable to utilize. I have met lots of great women & volunteers who are helpful and kind.
The fifth mom had this to say:
I’m grateful for TLC. It gave me a place to live and work to get my son back. It is a safe haven for me and my kids. I’ve been blessed to have time with my kids because of it. I’m very thankful for this opportunity. This place is a blessing.
Here we go again
We have two new families at TLC. This includes a newborn baby girl. Each new baby is a huge blessing. Each one born represents a mom who made the decision to parent regardless of the sacrifices she has to make because of that decision. TLC is here to help each young family as mom struggles to find stability, independence and the confidence to parent. Tiny baby girl’s first bath was slightly delayed because mom was too unsure of herself. One of our volunteers stepped up to assist, encourage and teach. We are sure this bath was just the first of many, many baths to come!
A second newborn is due any minute, probably before you finish reading this. (This baby is a boy.) The prospect of having two newborns in the house at the same time is making our volunteers extra happy. We all love those tiny, tiny humans. This baby will be the 13th one born while mom was a resident at TLC. There is already a very active 3 year old sister in the family, so mom will be challenged!
Naturally we are delighted to be a part of helping these young women at a time in their lives that is full of both joy and uncertainty. We love the huge smiles on mom’s face when we admire her new baby! In all cases, Baby is well worth it all.
Kids and play dough seem to go together. One day one of our resident moms rounded up these four little ones for some fun. As fast as we can, we help our moms enroll their little ones in daycare and Head Start so mom can go back to school or become employed. After school and on weekends, the little ones appreciate the extra attention.
What does late winter/spring in Hernando County look like? There was no snow to play in, but there was sand and water. There are no snowsuits, but swim suits. The truth is, we just got the wading pool stored away for the winter when we had to dig it right back out again. We aren’t complaining! The kids at TLC love their outdoor time.
Keeping on Keeping on
We are volunteer based with no paid staff. That means we really appreciate our volunteers. Without volunteers TLC could not exist
Two very kind women from Grace World Outreach Church understand how a young, single mom might feel on Valentine’s Day. These women stepped up to let each resident at The Life Center know she is loved and appreciated. They brought gifts and they gave the most generous gift of all–they gave their time to sit and visit and let each young lady know how special she is. That kind of love changes lives!
We rely on donations and grants, not government support. That means we really appreciate our donors. Without donations TLC could not exist.
* Allisa Babor from Roots Creative Co. is one of those donors. Thanks, again Allisa. * First United Methodist Church is a very generous donor sending both volunteers and checks. * Paws is a faithful financial supporter of TLC.
We are very grateful for this sort of community involvement.
The Seed Foundation has a fantastic event planned to benefit TLC. It is not too late to get your ticket to attend. $25 for mother and sons. Dinner, dancing, games, and entertainment.
Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT
Why donate money when it has so many other uses? Probably the best person to answer that is one who gives regular, generous donations to TLC . She told us she picked TLC because it is a local charity that is dear to her and her family. She says.” We believe you are doing a great thing: God is honored and these girls and their babies are blessed. I believe it is so important to take the “pro life” message further than to just tell moms to keep their babies. What good is this message if they don’t get help when their babies arrive?!?!? This is such a needed ministry!!!”
The life Center of Hernando, Inc. is a charitable organization registered under s.496.411(3), F.S. A copy of the official registration may be obtained from the division of consumer affairs by calling 1-800-435-7352 Toll-Free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. The Life Center’s registration number in Florida is CH 22951
His Heart, His Hands, His House