Year 2015

The Life Center of Hernando is very grateful for all of the community help.

DECEMBER 2015

Pregnant and Homeless at Christmas: an Old, Old Story

As a non-profit, The Life Center of Hernando relies on the generosity of others for everything. We are not asking for ourselves. We are the voice that lets you know about the needs of others. We love this time of year because it brings out the best in everyone. Churches and businesses are donating to TLC right now to ensure our children in shelter are not forgotten. Our 2015 needs are being met. We are very blessed!

Looking ahead to 2016, we will need lots more help. TLC is grateful for all the support we have received over the last three years. We have sheltered 20 young women (7 of whom were pregnant) and their 20 children. Some stayed with us a year or more, receiving mentoring and training as well as shelter. There are so many more who need help. TLC does not desire to reduce the number of beds we have…yet that could happen.

We need your help before our contract on the Little House expires February 29, 2016. We have found the perfect building and are seeking finances. Without it, some of our residents will be homeless once again. Your contribution will help keep families sheltered. Please contribute today. Please contribute NOW!

For those who like visuals, our thermometer can be tracked at: www.LifeCenterofHernando.com Let’s keep that red line moving on up! The $85,000 goal will provide eight bedrooms for eight families now and into the future. That’s roughly $10,000 to provide each bedroom. If each mom has just one child, $5,000 will forever make a difference in the life of a homeless person. If you knew of a homeless baby on Christmas, would you give $5,000 to shelter and care for him? We need $85,000 to keep our current bed count and expand to meet the needs of our community. Can you help? Will you help?

We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

www.LifeCenterofHernando.com PO Box 10141 Brooksville, FL 34603 For more information please call Barbara at 352 597-0119 www.facebook.com/TheLifeCenterOfHernando

Every Donation Helps TLC. Jesse King is racing to help. He says, “I will be raising money for The Life Center of Hernando. My goal, through https://www.gofundme.com/7bbctc5g and this race, is to raise money to help the families that come through this house. My wife Kristen and I have been supporting this organization in 2015 through material donations and volunteer time, and I want to do more. It is an honor to be able to use this race to bring attention to the work they are doing while helping to raise money to support their mission. Thank you very much and I appreciate anything that you can give.”

TLC is not only working to increase its capacity but is working to provide more services to our current residents. Larry Van Fossen has been reconditioning our new-to-us minivan. Phil Undested at Killingsworth Insurance is working hard to get TLC the best policy. We have a volunteer driver, Gail Matadors. Soon our residents will be able to get to the WIC office, to the library, to a notary, to the bank. Very, very exciting!

Eighth graders Haley Nelson and Emily DeSario chose The Life Center for their Gulf Coast Academy Pay It Forward projects. Haley raised $216.55 through a garage sale and bake sale. Emily raised $130 with a car wash. Great job, Haley and Emily, and many, many thanks. The money will be added to our expansion fund so we don’t have to ask anyone to move out in February. No one is too young to help. No donation is too small.

The Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Brooksville created four handmade twin quilts, several crib and receiving blankets, and a quilted Christmas tree skirt for our residents. These quilts are on the beds, adding a colorful, homey touch to our rooms; the tree skirt adorns our Christmas tree. We are very blessed by their labor of love. Sharon Mack from Grace World Outreach Church has offered to help with additional decorating.

Volunteers Add to Success

A huge congratulations to Dr. Evangeline Reid. She is the new TLC board chair. Barbara Lemoine will continue to serve TLC as Executive Director. Watch for more about Evangeline as we move forward.

Taylor, one of our residents, led a tour of TLC for some visitors from St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church. We have asked Taylor to record a virtual tour–she was that good! She blessed all of us with her enthusiastic appreciation for TLC. The members of St. Paul’s know that a single mother who chooses to parent needs help! We are looking forward to having St Paul as one of our community partners.

Thank you, Billie Woodside, for supplying party decorations. We never want to forget how important celebrations are to our families. Every mom long to celebrate her child’s milestones and moms in shelter are no different.

Our volunteers help prepare our residents for the future. Angela Welsh facilitates the Thursday evening Life Skill classes at TLC. She tries to bring in qualified members of the community to give the very best to our residents and to help them form ties in the community. We thought you might like to see the Money Management class led by Michele Jones from Insight Credit Union.

Volunteer of the Month

The Life Center of Hernando proudly presents Kristen King as Volunteer of the Month for November 2015. Kristen joined The Life Center in September 2015, when she began offering parenting classes to the moms in residence. A young mother herself with 4-year-old twin boys (Miles left, Emmett right), Kristen’s full-time job is designing and delivering virtual training programs for a federal contractor specializing in human services research, evaluation, training, and technical assistance.

Her extensive work in homelessness, mental health, and trauma during her career and the love of that work were what brought Kristen to TLC. She focuses on teaching TLC residents parenting skills that will build resilience in their children, reduce stress for the whole family, and create a solid foundation for physical and emotional health. Kristen is particularly passionate about gentle discipline, strategies that support early childhood development, home and vehicle safety, and maternal mental health. When Kristen isn’t working, having fun with her kiddos, or teaching at TLC, she writes a parenting blog at http://amateurparenting.com and trains for half-marathons.

We Love Babies!

At TLC, we have two precious little girls on the way. One will probably arrive before you read this and the other one will be here soon after. Ready or not, babies arrive! We try to help our residents be ready. Recently we were blessed to attend a baby shower hosted by two TLC residents for a third resident. It was well attended and nicely decorated, with delicious food, beautiful gifts, fun games, and a glowing mother to be. Fun, fun, fun!

Then TLC House Manager Miranda Hoover and her friend Sherri Ann, both from Christian Fellowship Church, put together a combined baby shower for our two pregnant moms. The second mom missed the first shower because she had not joined our TLC family yet. We had not even met her yet. The birth of a baby is always a reason for celebration. We needed a second shower and the ladies at Christian Fellowship made it happen. We cannot wait to see these two darling bundles of joy!

We invite you to join our winning team. Help TLC help others. Maybe you can volunteer to be our: * Maintenance worker * Grant researcher * Mentor * Assistant Driver * Social Director & Birthday Coordinator * Experienced Executive Board member * CPA/accountant * Preschool “teacher” * Banquet planner * Fund raiser for a new building * Consignment vendor * PR person * Social Butterfly at community events

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

NOVEMBER 2015

The Life Center of Hernando has lots of news: new volunteers, new donors, a new floor, a new baby on the way, a new vehicle coming, a new building needed.

Cute kids get top billing. Our youngest resident just celebrated her first birthday. Lots of babies do that, but not lots of babies spend part of their first year homeless on the streets. Being in a shelter is not the greatest, we admit. Nevertheless, this family is grateful for a safe haven. That explains why this darling put on the tutu her mom made and danced!

If you read our recent email, you know TLC is grateful for all of the support we have received over the last three years.

Businesses generously gave materials and labor so the Little House could become a reality. Family members, friends, and strangers donated so we could keep our doors open. Ed Finertie’s family donated a second residential building for TLC. People give because the need is so great.

TLC continues to offer hope to the homeless. TLC offers that dancing toddler a safe place to live. TLC offers loving care to our pregnant mom whose baby is due December 1st. TLC helps families gain independence like the mom who now has a job at Publix.

Your dollars are doing all that and more. Now we need your help before our contract on the Little House expires February 29, 2016. We have found the perfect building and are seeking finances. Without it, half of our residents will be homeless once again. Your contribution will help keep families sheltered. Please contribute today. Please contribute now!

Every Donation Helps TLC

We appreciate every gift whether it is new socks, old shoes or cedar mulch.

Chris Coffin‎, the Red Mule Runners, and Run! collected shoes under the direction of

Michelle Zapata. Good job and many thanks to you.

Christy Plants and Rhonda Bradley from Brooksville Church of God of Prophecy dropped off amazing bags full of cosmetic and personal products. Our residents were thrilled. Thank you Christy and Rhonda.

TLC was just blessed with a big box containing 240 pairs of Bombas socks. There were enough socks so that TLC was able to share with other agencies. Our residents love them!

Weeki Wachee Stone Yard donated and delivered 2 yards of cedar mulch for our playground. The playground had been looking rather uninviting after the summer rains. Out with the weeds and in with the mulch!

One of our pregnant residents had an urgent request. She asked. “Is there any way the life center can get a recliner donated? I have scoliosis and now it got worse. My back hurts every time I lay down and if I don’t lay down, I get dizzy. I couldn’t sleep at all last night.” Before the day was out, Phyllis Gsoell had driven a pickup to South End Civil in Bushnell and brought back a recliner donated by Doug Dempsey.

The most exciting news comes from Larry VanFossen. He told TLC, “We are moving ahead with your minivan. Since we are sort of a production facility…taking used trade ins from new car dealers and making them the best they can be, we actually have 2 vehicles that we have narrowed down for our holiday project for TLC. Both have been going thru our checkout and reconditioning process; we will be making our final decision between the two this next week. We are on target timewise for a Thanksgiving delivery and looking forward to participating in your continued success.

Every Volunteer Adds to TLC’s Success

Anna Murphy is our 88 yr. old volunteer who makes baby blankets for TLC. At a special luncheon Anna was honored by Elder Affairs out of Tallahassee for her many, many years of volunteer work. Thanks, Anna, for all those hours. And thanks to Miranda for donating that big bag of yarn so Anna can keep on volunteering.

About 20 volunteers from Suncoast Credit Union came to TLC on a recent Saturday to help us clean and paint. Thank you to Suncoast Credit Union.

Miranda Hoover is our new House Manager. Miranda attended University of Central

Florida where she was both Peer Advisor and Student Assistant. She also attended PHSC where she served as Student Government Treasurer and President. Most

importantly, she has a passion for TLC and is prepared to lead by example. We are very blessed to have her on our staff.

Janette Pena is now ministering at TLC on a regular basis. She offers our residents an opportunity to increase their faith as they come together for praying, sharing and studying. At TLC, we believe a strong belief system is vital for everyone, but especially for those who are going through difficult times. We are very glad she has joined our team.

Angela Welsh has been serving TLC since the earliest days. She says, “I have been volunteering with The Life Center since 2011, performing different duties including board member and secretary. I started serving TLC because I believed in the vision and the sheer force of the Executive Director’s will to make the idea of a shelter for young moms become a reality. I stay because every day that TLC is operating means young lives are being positively impacted. It feels great to know

"I am part of something that is making a difference on a daily basis and on a very real level. I do not see myself quitting any time soon.”

We invite you to join our winning team. Help TLC help others. Maybe you can volunteer to be our: >Maintenance worker >Grant researcher >Mentor >Driver (So exciting!!!!) >Social Director & Birthday Coordinator >Experienced Board member >CPA/accountant/treasurer >Preschool teacher

How can you help? >Volunteer. thelifecenterfl@gmail.com or 352-597-0119. Ask for Barbara > Like us at https://www.facebook.comTheLifeCenterOfHernando > Learn more about TLC at www.LifeCenterofHernando.com

Contribute online www.LifeCenterofHernando.com

Or send a check to PO Box 10141 Brooksville, FL 34603

For more information, please call 352 597-0119

OCTOBER 2015

Two Huge Blessings

So much happened at TLC in September, it will be difficult to condense all our incredible news into this one short newsletter.

You probably already know we had a floor that was so rotten people were falling through it! Ken Santucci worked non-stop for several weeks to replace the floor and get the

building back in use for the moms who were so desperately waiting for shelter. At one point, things weren’t looking very good, but suddenly everything fell into place. Joseph’s House loaned TLC a truck to pick up the new flooring donated by Pay It Forward Farm.

Home Depot employee Rosemary Atkins knew about TLC and was determined to help. She got management to generously support this project. Volunteers to assist Ken were in very short supply. That slowed him down, but it did not stop him. Ken is our hero. One TLC board member sent Ken a message:

“Ken, let me express my gratitude for your loving and persevering service. So many people offer to volunteer because it feels good to offer, but when the time comes to work, we can’t find them! You, on the other hand, did this service “as unto Jesus” and did not quit until the job was finished. May you be highly favored before God for your endurance and your skilled craftsmanship dedicated to Him.” “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

We are grateful to all the volunteers who assisted recently. Beth McGlothlin assists regularly as does Morgan Booker. Mike Carter came by to fix our dryer problem and ended up fixing the electrical water pump which had gone out, leaving us with no water! We are very blessed by each volunteer. Volunteers help TLC help others.

Since we opened our doors, TLC residents have had unmet transportation needs. We have been challenged simply to provide our housing program and could not help in this crucial area until now. We received incredible news! TLC IS GETTING A VEHICLE! The Board of County Commissioners approved funds for this project. At the same time, Larry VanFossen stepped up to offer his help. Pictured is one way Larry is helping TLC. Together we are accomplishing more.

TLC Volunteers

Ever wonder what the volunteers at TLC experience? Kit Raymond decided to share her experience. Kit says, “I began serving at The Life Center because I hoped to make a difference in the lives of the young families who come to TLC in desperation. They have NOWHERE else to go–not even another women’s shelter will take pregnant women or women with children just because they are homeless. I must admit it is often frustrating: the women come in with the same baggage and problems they have carried most of their lives–and they can be challenging, rude, and even unthankful at times.

However, little by little, we see changes–better parenting, new skills, recognition they can make a future for themselves and their child. And sometimes we get women who make giant strides; all they need is a safe place and people willing to show them the way. Then, especially, the frustration and long hours have been worth it. Then it is obvious that The Life Center has literally rescued a family that was being thrown away. ‘

Here is our current staff- in NO particular order:

> Kristen King is now teaching weekly parenting classes.

> Jannette Pena will teach our first Bible class on 10/12.

> Barbara Lemoine oversees Success Markers and Parents as Educators.

> Angela Welsh continues to facilitate weekly Life Skill classes.

> Robin Cook interviews new residents and offers spiritual guidance.

> Silvia Vadell is helping residents set and reach goals.

> Kit Raymond is still our TEMPORARY House Manager. Help wanted!

> Bob Santoro just volunteered to be our maintenance man

> There are several others, and we appreciate you all.

Barbara Lemoine, Executive Director of The Life Center, was chosen as one of the Hernando Heroes and was honored at the Habitat for Humanity Heroes Gala. Kit Raymond (right) and Barbara Lemoine (left) attended the Gala representing TLC. The theme centered around the fact that all volunteers are heroes and they are simply ordinary people who do a little (or a lot) more than other ordinary people.

TLC has new residents, new volunteers, new finances, new energy and new dreams. Join a winning team and help TLC help others. Tell us what you can do.

http://www.lifecenterofhernando.com/

At the Shelter

What’s happening at TLC?

On a recent history making day, prayer warriors gathered to seek God’s blessing and provision for future expansion of TLC. The name of the project is “7010”. Please join TLC in asking God for His perfect will in His perfect timing regarding project 7010. We have our eyes on a building that could not be more perfect for our needs. Now we need some creative financing.

The contract on our original building is up In February 2016. The owner will not be renewing our contract and we will lose half our beds. There is a huge need. Last month we had 15 families ask about shelter. The number we can help depends on the number of beds we can provide. Currently we have 4 moms and 4 children living at TLC (along with a couple of yet unborn babies), and another family will be joining them soon.

We were recently very blessed to see a former resident on Linked-In. She came to us as a first-time pregnant mom. After her baby was born, she returned to college and got her degree. We love having played a part in her success. We want to help more like her.

Anna’s Story ran for 69 weeks. Our fictional character mirrors many of the experiences common to those in shelters. In episode 69, Anna got a job, enrolled kids in daycare moved out of the shelter–just that fast. We hope you enjoyed the series. Past episodes can be read at www.LifeCenterofHernando.com

SEPTEMBER 2015

What’s new at TLC?

We have two new moms and three children living in the Little House. They are settling in well. One works while the other does childcare.

The House Manager position is still open. Our House Manager got married and left us.

Does this live-in position sound right for you?

The House Manager lives at our residential facility for homeless women and their young children. Primary duties include: assist to maintain a safe and secure facility; attend staff meetings and trainings as requested; respond to requests from residents; assist with intake interviews; conduct site inspections regularly; understand and follow emergency procedures, including fire procedures; request food, clothing, etc. as needed; assist residents to meet requirements as needed; distribute household supplies; prepare housework schedules; mediate between residents and refer to Program Director for crisis intervention; childcare is not required. House Manager position requires approximately 10 hours/week, plus simply “hanging out” with the residents.

A furnished bedroom is provided, plus computer access and utilities. There is NO cash salary. Outside employment is recommended. If you are interested, call Barbara at 352 597-0119 or email Thelifecenterfl@gmail.com

Everyone is busy, busy, busy. Kristen King started teaching weekly parenting classes. Barbara Lemoine is overseeing our Success Markers program and our Parents as Educators program. Angela Welsh continues to facilitate weekly Life Skill classes. Robin Cook is holding resident meetings. Silvia Vadell is helping with goals. Kit Raymond is still filling in as temporary House Manager. We are arranging for Bible classes.

What BIG changes would we like to see? We would like a new building by the new year. We would like to provide transportation for our residents. Some VERY exciting news about transportation is about to be revealed. With God all things are possible.

The Flooring Story

We are making great progress on our reflooring project and plan to reopen that building soon. We have two rooms promised already and are regularly scheduling interviews with prospective residents.

Ken Santucci perseveres. He committed to reflooring our second building and he stuck by it. Despite dead animals, mold, labor shortages, heat, sickness and lack of lunches, Ken persevered.

First Ken had to rip out the old flooring. The old particle board was so rotten people were falling through it. It wasn’t safe to go to the bathroom!

The workers arrived. The project was going well. Then the building lost the well pump due to an electrical problem. Ken stopped the flooring project long enough to flip the breakers. It took a few times, but eventually worked. An electrician is still needed!

Because we have desperate moms waiting for rooms, Ken sped up the timetable. He had the help of hard working Career Source volunteer Beth McGlothin. After he ripped out the old flooring, Ken put down the new plywood. Now he just needed to go get the wood laminate flooring and install it. All he needed was a truck and workers.

The flooring was donated by Christine Collins from Pay It Forward Farm. She is always happy to share with the The Life Center. The 1200 sq. ft of laminate flooring donated by PIFF is pictured. Christine said, “This flooring is sent with lots of love and best wishes for all the young women and children that walk through your doors and across your floors.”

More things fell into place. Joseph’s House loaned TLC a truck to pick up the new flooring. Beth and one of the new residents unloaded the new flooring off the truck and brought it into the building. Meanwhile, Monte Patterson loaned TLC a trailer and Barbara and Kit loaded the rubble from the old floor onto the trailer. Ken kept everything rolling as he dealt with unpleasant surprises at every turn. The project was about half done. The pressure was on. Ken knew those desperate moms needed a home. He worked Labor Day.

As an experienced grandpa, Ken knew the rubber ducky set tends to splash water. He told us the flooring donated by Pay It Forward Farm was fine for all rooms expect the bathroom. Ken asked Barbara to pick up alternative flooring at Home Depot. Instead of having to write another check, she got a very nice surprise.

At Home Depot Barbara met employee Rosemary Atkins. Rosemary knew about TLC and was determined to help. She got management to donate a $25 gift card and then proceeded to get our final bill down to $2.13. She also provided information on applying for a Home Depot grant. We love this community spirit. We can hardly wait to move the furniture back in and say “Welcome” to our new moms

AUGUST 2015

Time is Marching On

There are back-to-school ads, tax-free sales, and hints for getting the kiddies back on schedule. How is it even possible another school year is about to begin? A year ago, we were so proud of our little kindergartner as she set off to school on her very first day. She was so adorable in her little uniform as she climbed the big school bus steps off to begin her academic pursuits.

The babies at TLC are growing up fast. The youngest one at TLC is now pulling himself up and looks like he has plans to walk soon. One sure sign of fall is the Happy Happy Hippos Fall Event. It is a huge consignment sale held at the Hernando County Fairgrounds featuring everything for kids. The event was July 31 through Aug. 2nd and TLC was there.

We sold items we no longer needed and then we shopped for a few essentials. As we were going to press, Kit Raymond spotted a pair of curtains which will look great in one of the newly painted bedrooms. Kit is TLC’s Donation Director and she worked many long hours preparing for this event. Thanks, Kit!

Anna’s New Attitude

If you have been following the story of fictitious Anna for the last year, you must be as pleased as we are that she finally grew up a bit. She is no longer the selfish, spoiled brat we have been reading about for the past year. Hallelujah! In Anna’s own words, “Something amazing happened! I just knew God was there and that He loves ME! God loves Anna. The God who made the whole universe loves me! He loves Anna. Anna, the girl no one has ever loved before. The little girl who always wanted a daddy who would call her his princess…” More of Anna’s Story can be found at www.LifeCenterofHernando.com

Valued Volunteers

Last month we told you how grateful we are for the new volunteers who have offered to help TLC.

Michelle is one of the new volunteers. She is putting together a team and gearing up for the next shoe drive. She has taken on a lot of responsibility, but we believe our supporters will assist her to make this fund raiser a success. TLC is ready to collect ANY pairs of shoes you no longer want.

Our last shoe drive was very successful, especially once people realized:

> TLC is raising money to help fund our shelter for single moms.

> A third world county will get the shoes to set up a business.

> All we want is what you no longer want–your old shoes.

Last time we announced a shoe drive, several people told us they had just tossed out old shoes. We want to get the word out for folks to save shoes for TLC. We will be collecting in August and September. Please ask your friends and neighbors to save their shoes and drop them off at your house or one of the soon-to-be-announced locations. Check fb for drop off locations. https://www.facebook.com/TheLifeCenterOfHernandoIf you are a business owner willing to host a box, let us know. We will advertise your location.

Monte Patterson is helping TLC with maintenance issues. We have five NEW holes in our floor. We also have some sort of electrical gremlin that is going to require a professional look.

Monte graciously repaired a few smaller problems, but he needs additional volunteers before attacking the floor and the wiring. The estimators were there recently looking things over. Patching a few holes at a time creates safety issues and interferes with running our program! Ideally, we would love to lay down new flooring over the existing floor and solve the problem once and for all. Why don’t we? Because that requires a chunk of money. Can you help us? To donate online, go to www.LifeCenterofHernando.com To participate, call/text Monte at 352-279-5985, email him atmpfepc@aol.com

Some youth from Grace World Outreach Church volunteered at TLC one afternoon and blessed us. They rebooted the computer, painted a bathroom, switched some mattresses around, and did some weeding. Serving in these areas was a huge help. The crew was too busy working to worry about pictures and contact information. We did get most of the names. A huge thank you goes out to Victoria, Juan, Joshua W., Ashley, Alura and Joshua B.

Help Wanted

Our House Manager is getting married and leaving us. Does this live-in position sound right for you?

Job Functions: The House Manager lives at our residential facility for women and their children at risk of homelessness. Primary duties include: assist to maintain a safe and secure facility; attend staff meetings and trainings as requested; respond to requests from residents; assist with intake interviews; conduct site inspections regularly; meet regularly with team; understand and follow emergency procedures, including fire procedures; request food, clothing, etc. as needed; assist residents to meet requirements as needed; distribute household supplies; prepare housework schedules; mediate between residents and refer to Program Director for crisis intervention; some childcare.

House Manager position requires approximately 10 hours/week, plus simply “hanging out” with the residents. A furnished bedroom is provided, plus computer access and utilities. There is NO cash salary. If you are interested, call Barbara at 352 597-0119 or emailThelifecenterfl@gmail.com

If you have computer skills and want to volunteer from home, would you consider becoming a TLC grant writer? We can help you learn the process, but you need the following:

Excellent writing skills: Ability to clearly communicate how funds will effectively be used to reach a worthwhile goal.

Understanding and analysis: Be able to convert ideas and concepts into a workable and concrete program.

Vision: Projection how a program is going to meet goals over a several-year timeline.

Strong research skills. Be able to find a grant that meets the need, is timely and applicable to this area.

Discipline and organization skills: Able to keep track of grant application deadlines and follow-up on submitted applications.

If this is you, Email: Thelifecenterfl@gmail.com

We have told you about our need for a house manager and a grant writer. Perhaps you see yourself as more of a social butterfly- someone who loves getting out in the community. We need one of those too. Can you help TLC by going to Chamber of Commerce events and community functions and telling those you meet about TLC? It’s not so very hard. We provide a name tag and some literature. Sometimes you even get a free lunch. If this is you, Email: Thelifecenterfl@gmail.com

Opportunities

There will be a short ceremony on August 8, 2015, at 6:15 to dedicate the Corliss property to the glory of God and the memory of Ed Finertie. Anyone wishing to attend may contact Barbara at 352 597-0119.

Do you remember TLC is offering a free web ad? We now have 3 ads posted on www.LifeCenterofHernando.com

Nature’s Pet Loss, Fresh Chef and Hernando Fire. Join them!

JULY 2015

We prayed for volunteers, and we got volunteers. And they keep coming! It is amazing. At least 9 people volunteered recently. Naturally, we have to meet each new volunteer and determine if TLC is the right match. One woman realized she did not like being around children, so being a “Granny Nanny” was not the right choice for her. But most of them have been a good fit. Thank you one and all!

Because of the additional help, we have had more time to meet individually with our

residents to go over their goals. This activity is extremely important but without

sufficient staff, it tends to get pushed aside by more immediate needs. Silvia Vadell brings just the right set of professional skills we need. We are so pleased Silvia and her husband are back in the picture at TLC. They bring the whole gang: three generations! Everyone pitches in to do what is needed.

We have to be honest– “Grandma Vadell” was probably appalled at some of our housekeeping issues. Issues is exactly what they are and they are being aggressively addressed. By the time we are done with this current housekeeping overhaul, everything will have a place and everything will be in its place. Well, not every toy will be on the shelf–kids do need to play. New volunteer Beth is the hard working organizer helping with this project. We needed her!

Save Shoes

Michelle is another new volunteer. She is putting together a whole team and gearing up for the next shoe drive. She has taken on a lot of responsibility, but we think she has what it takes to head up this fund raiser.

TLC is ready to collect ANY pairs of shoes you no longer want. Our last shoe drive was very successful especially once people realized:

* TLC will raise money to help fund our shelter for single moms.

* A third world county will get the shoes to set up a business.

* All we want is what you no longer want–your old shoes.

Last time several people told us they had just tossed out old shoes. We want to get the word out for folks to save them for TLC. The company Michelle is working with suggests 30 days to plan and set up. That means July 30th is when we will begin. We will have 90 days to collect shoes. Please ask your face-book friends to save their shoes and drop them off at your house or one of the soon-to-be-announced locations.

Stay tuned on FB for drop off locations.

https://www.facebook.com/TheLifeCenterOfHernando

Monte Patterson is helping TLC with maintenance issues. We have five NEW holes in our floor. We also have some sort of electrical gremlin that is going to require a professional look. Monte graciously repaired a few smaller problems, but he needs additional volunteers before attacking the floor and the wiring. Contact TLC if you can help. thelifecenterfl@gmail.com

Hard Working Staff

We don’t want to overlook those people who have been doing double and triple duty while we were so shorthanded. “Many hands make light work” and we needed our workload lightened. Our “old” staff has not been sitting by idle.

Have you ever wondered what happens when you donate something to TLC? One way or another, it gets used.

Here is what happens:

A bag of donated goods gets dropped off. Our Donations Director, Kit Raymond, arrives on the scene to do an initial sort and assign a value. If the donor is known, Kit makes a note of the contact information for future thanking. (If we ever failed to thank you, we are doing so now!).

Next Kit offers our residents anything they can use. A few baby items get set aside to fill requests from the community. If anyone asks for baby items and we have them, we give them out free of charge.

Then Kit distributes the rest of the goodies. We love blessing Donation Station and other groups that help the needy. Kit arranges to sell some items, which puts money in the bank for the electrical bills and insurance. At the end of July, TLC will have the opportunity to participate in the Happy Happy Hippos Consignment Sale. We fully utilize your donations. Email thelifecenterfl@gmail.com to arrange to make your donation or call Kit directly at 352-345-9224.

Barbara Lemoine has decided to spend more time away from her desk and physically

present at the facility. She has been attending to some health and safety details such as making sure all the babies have toothbrushes and each volunteer and mother is washing her hands often enough. She has also been checking car seats, recharging fire extinguishers, checking smoke alarms. She has been working with the Health Department and Emergency Management, putting plans in place so TLC is better prepared for any sort of disaster.

Ruth Mendez shared the happy news of her upcoming marriage. That means we will

lose our live-in House Manager. Ruth can tell you it is a job that takes a very special person. It requires tact, patience, leadership, and about a dozen other qualities. We need to find a new House Manager. No salary, just a place to live. One or two infant/preschoolers are OK. No pets or smokers. Outside job/school encouraged. If you are interested, please call Barbara at 352-597-0119.

Pam Pollock has moved across the state. She was an excellent treasurer and friend to

TLC. We miss her! We can never replace Pam, but we do need to replace the bookkeeping services she provided. We feel this is an excellent time to grow our board. We are considering professionals in any field who have board experience. Our new direction will utilize board members in an advisory capacity. If you are interested in helping TLC move in this exciting new direction and have previous board experience, please contact us.

Robin Cook is Volunteer of the Month for June, 2015.

Program Director Robin Cook is pictured with his wife Mary. On April 15, 2014, Robin joined The Life Center Board. With his willingness to do whatever he can to help, he quickly became a valued member of the board. Robin has been volunteering with TLC since we first opened. In his initial volunteer role, Robin interviewed the very first resident at TLC. Since that time, he has stepped up to become Program Director and continues to serve on the TLC Board. We are pleased to have him with us.

JUNE 2015

How many friends do you have on face book? TLC tries to make our fb friends feel acknowledged, appreciated, and right at home. Why not invite a friend to visit? https://www.facebook.com/TheLifeCenterOfHernando

We recently invited our FB readers to sign up for The Life Center of Hernando June 2015 Newsletter. We want to invite everyone to experience The Life Center’s personality, promises, and values in a rich, close way. Anyone can contact thelifecenterfl@gmail.com and ask to sign up for the newsletter.

We see our newsletters as opportunities to visit with each of you. Did you know we also have a printed newsletter that comes out four times a year? Staywell prints 2,000 copies for TLC as a community service. None of our fund raising goes into printing those newsletters. There are usually eight colorful pages including pictures. Our volunteers place those newsletters in public places like libraries, businesses, and the Chamber of Commerce. Why not see if you can find one and share it with someone who shares our concerns?

What’s New? We are so blessed at TLC! This spring, we have been switching all the bedrooms around so we could repaint and freshen up the rooms. What with one thing and another, we suddenly had a new resident who needed to come in and no bedroom was ready. Happily, Dave Shepard from Hearts for God Worship Center contacted us and asked if we had a need! Bless God!

He offered to bring his wife Angela and a professional painter over to paint the rooms we so desperately needed. What a blessing! Thank you, one and all, who helped with this project.

The Anna Story Series just released part 52. It is generating questions about how real Anna’s story is and is she really a fictional character? The characters are fictional, but their experiences are very real. Somewhere, sometime these things really happened to someone. These stories give followers a very realistic view of what TLC residents go through!

Read Anna Story Series and let us know if you think she is finally maturing. http://www.lifecenterofhernando.com/annas-story-part-52/

The Life Center of Hernando operates a facility with 5 beds (and some cribs). Our program is long term. We encourage moms to stay with us while they have their babies, finish school, and become employed. We offer as much support and help along the way as we can. TLC provides the basics–but how awesome when someone realizes that moms need not only shampoo and diapers but also need celebrations that make them feel loved!

We wanted to honor the moms at TLC because they have chosen to parent despite the hardships, they face every day. We have team members who understand the importance of celebrations. Christy Plants and Lin Williams hosted a celebration complete with a cookout and yummy cake. Lin’s wife managed to grill the food and to supervise their 5 children at the same time. Our TLC kids enjoyed all the attention from the older kids. Thanks to all who helped to make the day a success!

We are proud to announce our Volunteer of the Month is Pamela Pollock. Pam utilizes her financial and leadership skills in serving young single mothers. Pamela received her BA in Economics at Talladega College.

Then in 1981 she attended Clark-Atlanta University where she received her master’s in business administration. In 2011, Pamela enrolled in the University of Phoenix as an on-line student to work for a second masters, this time in Healthcare Administration. Pamela currently works at One Mainstream assisting and training intellectually and developmentally disadvantaged individuals to live independent and successful lives.

The Girl Scouts from troop 317 recently came to TLC to donate $250 they had raised for our young families under the leadership of Tabetha Beabling. Robin Cook met with them one Friday evening to receive their check. We think they know how to always help people. We appreciate their efforts and send them a huge thank you.

The Girl Scout promise:

On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

Baby Love has blessed TLC. They provided our youngest resident with a new baby seat. It was brand new, still in the box. They assembled it to be sure all the parts were there. What a blessing they are to the community! Now our “TLC baby” can sit up and play with all the toys. The seat doubles as a booster chair for future meals at the table. Thank you, Baby Love!

What would you do if your home flooded, your well got contaminated and your septic backed up? Do you have a plan?

How about a plan B? What would TLC do? Our Board sets policy and procedures to follow before situations occur. First, we gather information, then plan and implement.

Recently, four women met to share planning information for just such an event. TLC

wants to be better prepared to assist our residents in the event of a disaster.

Pictured from l-r: Kit Raymond and Barbara Lemoine both from TLC, Nina Mattei from the Health Department and Cecilia Patella from Emergency Management.

We still have lots of planning to do, but we are on the right track.

On our website, you may have seen the list of all our volunteers past and present. What a blessing! Well, not quite all the volunteers are there. We inadvertently left out all of the Board Members past and present! We have corrected that omission and you can now see TLC’s leadership. Keep in mind, because TLC is young, the Board has been a working board. A real down and dirty job at times: constructing, consoling, correcting. Click on the About Tab and then use the drop down to find Volunteers. There, at long last, we proudly present our Board.

APRIL 2015

Grants

Spring is in the air. The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and it is tax time, the time of year we must all look at our finances. If we subtract the amount we banked from our earnings, we will know how much we spent. It can be shocking to know what it costs to live. According to Wikipedia, If a single mom with one preschooler makes about $16,770 a year (and many people make less), this is what she would spend.

Shelter $2,840

Food $1,400

Transportation $ 680

Clothing $ 410

Health $ 520

Child Care $1,400

Misc. $ 510

At The Life Center of Hernando, we provide for up to five young families. That is about $83,850 a year, according to the figures above. How can we do that? We do not. The first moms who stayed at TLC thought the government was paying us for each day they stayed with us and suggested TLC would lose all that money if they got unhappy and left. We straightened out that thinking right away!