Happy June, Everyone!

Can you believe we are already approaching the halfway point of the year? What an incredible year it has been so far.

The Life Center continues to grow steadily, and we are seeing more individuals actively engage in the Hero experience and take meaningful steps to change the trajectory of their lives. As I write this, we have celebrated 21 Hero graduates, and by the time this newsletter reaches you, we will have surpassed 25 graduates in 2026. Even more encouraging, enrollment in our Hero on a Mission program continues to grow, with more than 55 individuals currently participating.

These milestones are only possible because of the strong partnerships that expand our reach and deepen our impact across the community. I am especially grateful for our continued collaboration with St. Vincent de Paul and Help Squad, whose support enables us to address larger financial needs and serve our neighbors with compassion and dignity. I am also thankful to Cincinnati Works and First Financial Bank. Together, we are creating opportunities, restoring hope, and helping individuals move toward lasting stability.

This month's theme at the Life Center is problem-solving.

At first glance, problem-solving may sound like a practical life skill, and it certainly is. Every day, our Heroes face challenges related to finances, employment, transportation, relationships, housing, and personal growth. Learning to identify obstacles, think critically, and take action is essential to building a more stable future.

Within our Hero on a Mission program, we often use a tool called the "5 Whys" to help Participants move beyond symptoms to uncover the root causes of their problems. It's a simple yet powerful exercise that teaches us to stop reacting to circumstances and start understanding them. Often, the first problem we see isn't the real problem at all.

As I reflected on this month's theme, I realized that one of the most common challenges we all face, whether we are Heroes, staff members, volunteers, or supporters, is worry.

Worry often shows up as a problem that needs solving. We worry about finances, family, health, work, and the future. We spend countless hours trying to control outcomes that are often beyond our control. I know because I've done it myself.

For much of my life, worry felt like a constant companion. I worried about making the team, getting the job, paying the bills, meeting expectations, and keeping to schedule. But through Scripture, I have learned that while some problems require action, others require trust.

In Philippians 4, we are reminded: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, present your requests to God by prayer and petition with thanksgiving."

What a powerful reminder. God does not ask us to shoulder every burden alone. Sometimes the answer is not in working harder, planning better, or worrying more. Sometimes the answer is to surrender what we cannot control and trust the One who can.

Jesus addresses this directly in Matthew 6, asking: "Can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"

Recently, I found myself stressed about completing a home project on time and within budget, two things largely outside my control. In the midst of that frustration, I came across a simple message that stopped me in my tracks: "When you take your eyes off what's stressing you, you'll be able to see what's blessing you." (Bible Widget)

That perspective changed everything.

Instead of focusing on what might go wrong, I began thanking God for what was already right. My family. My health. The opportunity to serve at the Life Center. The incredible staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners who make this mission possible each day.

As we embrace this month's theme of Problem Solving, my hope is that we remember that not every challenge is solved the same way. Some problems require a plan. Some require perseverance. And some require prayer. Wisdom lies in knowing the difference.

Thank you for your continued support of the Life Center and for helping us bring hope, purpose, and transformation to those we serve. Together, we are helping people build the skills, confidence, and faith to overcome obstacles and build brighter futures.

Blessings,

Jason Wessel

Executive Director

Life Center