From The Executive Director

Jason and Tom at Michelle’s Graduation

As we enter this season of new life through Jesus, I continue to give praise for all He is doing through the Life Center. As we wind down from our Annual Hope Banquet, I am reminded of

something important: the Life Center is not built by one program, one sermon, or one person. It is built by a community that chooses—again and again—to care for neighbors in practical, tangible ways.

And this community stepped up in a powerful way.

At our Hope Banquet, we saw new volunteers commit to serve, new connections formed, an extended prayer chain grow, and our financial goal met. Thank you. Praise God.

I left the banquet especially grateful for the leaders who laid the foundation long before I arrived—Linda Hutchinson, Terri Beth Faust, Jody Burgin, and Jereca Humphries. Because of their faithfulness, we are not starting from scratch. We are building on solid ground.

Since the banquet, momentum has continued. We have welcomed new volunteers, established four significant community partnerships, helped Heroes secure employment, connected one Hero with reliable transportation, and walked alongside multiple community members as they worked to manage debt and move toward financial stability. We are especially thankful for recent connections with JTM, Help Squad, Cincinnati Works, and PML Creating Wealth. These partnerships expand what is possible for those we serve.

I am also deeply grateful for Hero on a Mission. From its original vision to the many individuals who offered feedback and helped shape it, this program continues to guide men and women toward stability and purpose. When someone learns to manage money wisely, keep commitments, and think long-term, it changes more than a budget—it changes a life trajectory.

Why does this matter right now? Because the pressures facing families are real. Rising housing costs, inflation, easy access to credit, and predatory lending traps make it increasingly difficult to move ahead. Financial literacy is not simply education—it is dignity. Teaching someone how to steward their resources well is an act of love. Small, daily decisions—saving consistently, planning ahead, and avoiding unhealthy debt—shape strong futures. And when children observe those habits, the impact often carries into the next generation. I am thankful for local partners who are helping us expand this work, including First Financial Bank.

The banquet also reminded me how many people make this ministry possible. Sponsors, volunteers, board members, Guides, and the team at Whitewater Crossing all served with extraordinary generosity and excellence. Behind many of them stand spouses and families who share in the sacrifice of time and heart required for this calling. We are also seeing new doors open — employment partnerships, deeper community connections, and volunteers stepping forward to serve.

We are still receiving gifts, and it appears we will reach our $50,000 goal. Praise God.

I love what God is doing through the Life Center. Every connection becomes an opportunity to serve

someone in need. Thank you for being part of this mission. Because of you, hope is growing, stability is strengthening, and lives are being changed in our community.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” — Colossians 3:17

Gratefully,

Jason Wessel

Executive Director