The Life Center
TLC NEWSLETTER #7 STONE SOUP Do you remember the kids’ story about the poor traveler who arrived at a village empty handed? He was hungry and the prospects of a meal did not look very good in this improvised village. He picked up a stone and announced he would make “stone soup” for everyone. All he needed was a container of water and a fire to heat it. The villagers had a pot, water and fire which they provided. They watched in silent wonder as the traveler lowered the stone into the water with great ceremony. He began to sniff the air and announce what a great meal they were all about to have. Little by little he would comment on how much better the soup with be with just a pinch of salt, a few carrots or even a potato. Once the momentum got going, the villagers couldn’t wait to contribute to the pot and eventually everyone had a delicious helping of soup. That does that have to do with The Life Center? Think about it. One day, with nothing more than a stone, we announced we would provide shelter for single moms at risk of becoming homeless. All we needed was a building. Our local community had a building. You have all watched in silent wonder as we trusted in the stone and waited for a miracle. We announced what a great success we were all about to experience. Little by little, we have communicated to you how much better the building would be with just a few 2X4s, a sheet of plywood or even some sheetrock. Now that the momentum is going, folks can’t wait to be part of this project and eventually we will all have a home for our most vulnerable citizens. “The Little House” at Turning Point Church will one day be a success story our community can be proud of. It is going forward inch by inch. The process is painfully slow to watch, but we know timing is everything. We know once our community begins to “smell” success, materials will pour in and the work will speed up. Do you want to contribute to our success right now? You can. No contribution is too small. No contribution is too large. Help according to your ability to give. We are sponsoring 2 events in the next 30 days. Pick the one that best suits you and join us for an evening of fun, food and fellowship. Our web site now has a pay pal button for your convince. www.the-life-center.org Please forward this information. Saturday, February 25, there will be a spaghetti dinner at Turning Point Church on Ingram St. near the fairgrounds in Brooksville. Cost is $5. Take-out available. Call Mary Kay at 352 238-9561 for more details. Thursday, March 8th there will a a 4-course dinner at Brian’s Place on Shoal Line Blvd. In Hernando Beach. Cost is $35 per person or $60 a couple. Silent auction and entertainment. Call Barbara at 352 597-0119 for ticket reservations or more details. The Life Center Newsletter #6 Jan. 2012 Happy New Year! A great time of new beginnings and reflection. Let’s reflect a moment. When did TLC begin? What was the spark that began it all? Does anyone remember that first comment, that initial seed that began it all? When did events inspire the first person to say, “ We need to do something”? Who was that person? Who had vision before there was a board, a steering committee, a partnership with Turning Point, faithful volunteers and supporters? Her name was Roberta (Bobbe) Cummings. She used to drive up from Clearwater to Spring Hill to volunteer at Baby Love, a pregnancy crisis center. She saw the need for a more comprehensive program for new moms and their infants. She had the courage and compassion to express this idea and at that moment the entity that was later named The Life Center was born. Bobbe is not with us today. She passed away on Dec. 28th, 2011. Her list of good works is extensive, including the seed she planted which is now TLC. This newsletter is dedicated to her memory. So what happens when a good seed is planted in good ground and fertilized? It grows. TLC is growing. It is no longer just a concept. There is an actual location we can drive to and see an actual building where moms and infants will one day live. All that is needed now are some building supplies and some labor. To be perfectly honest, getting building supplies donated has proven to be a much bigger hurtle than expected. It may be due to the sluggish economy we are all dealing with; but, whatever the cause, businesses have been very slow to respond to our requests for materials. Wait, that is not entirely accurate. A truer statement would be that we have not gotten any building material donated yet. It has not been for lack of trying. Times are tough. Which makes the flip side of the picture even prettier. Individuals have been extremely supportive. That’s all of you, our faithful readers. You have donated cash, supported our fund raisers, and offered your prayers. You have made the difference! We are not discouraged, we are encouraged. We thank each and every one of you for your past support. Keep helping us in the new year and we will achieve success together. Many people have asked what they can do to help. Later on we may ask for volunteers to help with construction or to be mentors to the moms. Here is a list of current activities that will help TLC move forward right now:
The Life Center Newsletter #5 Dec. 2011
Merry Christmas!
This is the time of year we like to feel a chill in the air as we get together with friends and relatives. It s a time of goodwill to all.
Don’t forget, you are all invited to some old fashioned caroling 12/16. We will meet at Turning Point 19384 Ingram St. Brooksville by 6:30. This is a free event. Everyone is welcome. Please bring a dessert to share afterwards.
This season, most of us will go out of our way to ensure that those less fortunate share in our holiday celebrations. It is also the time of year when non-profits bombard us all with requests for donations. There are so many needs. It is difficult to know who to help. We tend to suspect groups with high salaried executives. Some of the printed literature looks like it cost as much as a turkey dinner. Isn’t it safest to give to a long established group? In this economy, non-profits are struggling to provide more services to more people with fewer resources.
This is a newsletter from The LIfe Center. How does TLC measure up?
- We have no paid staff. We are all volunteers.
- Our newsletter is sent to you as a no-cost email.
- We are a fairly new group.
Should you consider helping TLC? Before you decide, here are a few more facts for you to consider:
- We are offering you three different fundraisers.
- Each opportunity gives you something in return.
- We are not going to keep even one penny of the money you give. We are raising money for the Turning Point Church in Brooksville.
What is Turning Point Church going to do with the money? All of the money is going into a building fund to renovate the “little house” at 19384 Ingram St. Brooksville, FL 34601-5529.
This house will be used by TLC as a residential home for young homeless moms and their infants. It is a joint partnership with Turning Point providing the building and TLC providing the program.
“Wait a minute”, you say, “ I thought that was going to be a Christmas miracle project.”
What can we say.... It’s still not too late for a miracle. WE NEED BUILDING MATERIALS. Our recent pancake breakfast raised some much needed funds, but not enough. We sincerely thank everyone who supported that effort. If you were there and toured the building, you know there is a view to the outdoors even in places where there are no windows!
How can you help?
*Pick one or more of the fund raisers listed below to support. Mark your calendar.
*Pray for continued success.
*Tell others about our events.
- Pampered Chef: go to www.Pamperedchef.com to select your items, then call Silvia at (813) 4321-4016 and leave a message for her to return your call. Placing an on-line order will not help us.
- Open and copy the attached offer from Texas Roadhouse and have a meal there on 1/23 any time from 3-10 pm. 10% of your total food purchases will go to this fundraiser. 12935 Cortez Blvd.
- Come to Chick Filet on Monday, Dec. 12th and bring a copy of the following form. A portion of your food purchase will go to the building fund. Be sure to come inside and join the fun. Located at: 13143 Cortez Blvd. (352) 596-2826
The Life Center of Hernando, Inc. is a charitable organization registered under s.406.411(3), F.S.
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Join Us At Spirit Night!
Present this Form at Chick-fil-A of Hernando County on your designated SPIRIT NIGHT and we will make a donation based upon the sales of you and your organization. Thank you for your continued support. You can also volunteer to lend hands on support the evening of the event.
Name:_____________________________________________
Organization: The Life Center at Turning Point
Date of Spirit Night: 12/12/11 Time:____________
© 2011 CFA Properties, Inc.
Chick-fil-A Stylized® is a registered trademark of CFA Properties, Inc.
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