Spring Has Arrived at TLC
Spring is here in west central Florida...In the woods behind our property, deer are munching on tender green shoots. At the shelter, babies are about to be born.
TLC is back at full capacity. We are still mindful of health measures, but also aware that life goes on and mommas and babies need help.
By the Numbers On 1/1/21 we compiled some numbers. Numbers don’t tell the whole story of changed lives, but it may give you an idea of what has happened over the past 7 years.>
The first family entered TLC on 3/13/2014 * We renovated 3 buildings in 7 years. (currently own 2) * We housed 182 women and children * These 182 people made up 90 families * Of those 182 people, 92 were children. * Of those 92 children, 13 were born while mom was living at TLC
(That’s almost 2 a year every year) * 8 families stayed at TLC more than once * We have housed 23 pregnant women. Some women left before giving birth * The largest number of children in one family was 4 We have learned a lot in the past 7 years. We are excited about starting our eighth new year. Our volunteer staff is working hard to help our moms get their little ones enrolled in daycare. The moms can then return to school for those all important GEDs/diplomas or find employment. Our moms are making good decisions in so many areas: relationships, finances, time management, parenting, chores, health and self care.
TLC IS A PROGRAM
TLC is not a program for everyone. Our volunteers give from their hearts to help the young families in residence. The families need everything. Our program requires a commitment from each mom to be willing to make needed changes in her life. Sometimes mom is just not ready for so much structure. We don’t see that as a failure on either side. It is just simply not a good match. TLC is a shelter with program guidelines to follow, but it is so much more. We believe people need more than a place to sleep at night. They need a place to call home. They need people in their lives that will guide them, help them and love them. They need opportunities for spiritual growth. We try to provide transportation so our families can attend church.
Lately we have had more people to transport than we we could take in our van. On a recent Sunday, Faith Presbyterian Church began offering transportation in their church van. We are very blessed and very grateful. Thank you Faith Presbyterian Church.
We end with news about a very special person and her family. Sadly, one of our volunteers, Debbie Pecora, passed away on 1/17/21. She was a blessing to TLC in the short time she was with us. Debby would often drive the moms to pick up their children from daycare. On occasion she helped with Life Skill Class or kept the children while the moms attended class. To bring awareness to The Life Center and to raise money for the ministry Debbie loved, her family gave away her collection of mermaids in exchange for donations to TLC. We are grateful that a family in mourning, could still bless others in need. Thank you Pecora family for your generous hearts. Are you wondering how you can help The Life Center help families in need? We need drivers, childcare workers, maintenance workers and gardeners. TLC does not receive government funding, so monetary donations are needed to pay for utilities and insurance. And all the other things families need. Some concrete work and a bigger van are on our wish list .If you have a couple of twin mattresses in good shape, we need those too. Please let us know how you can help. Contact The Life Center of Hernando: Mail: PO Box 10141 Brooksville, FL 34603 Phone: 352 597 0119 www.facebook.comTheLifeCenterofHernando www.LifeCenterofHernando.com Shopping: smile amazon.com/ch/32-0004500 ( a portion is donated to TLC at no cost to you)
The life Center of Hernando, Inc. is a 501(c)3 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