Written By Lisa Green and Sabrina Gustafson of Love INC Heartland
“Fifteen years ago, we felt God was leading Love INC Heartland to develop a program where people could step out of poverty and into a new way of living.
We wanted to encourage people to learn new strategies and discover that life could look different.
Lisa Green was asked to take on the role of Fresh Start Program Director. Her background in education and curriculum development made her a natural fit for the position.
As the program progressed, God directed us to offer our first class. Participants were instructed on how to effectively manage their finances. We discovered that people’s challenges were more than just their finances. We sensed God wanted us to address the whole person and not just their immediate needs.
When Lisa was asked what she was most excited about as Fresh Start began, she said, “Building relationships with people!”
This relationship-building became the foundation of the program.
Fresh Start evolved into a relational and transformational program where shame could be replaced with value, dignity, and respect.
Over the years, class offerings expanded to recognize the physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual areas of people’s lives.
An intentional community of support was created where people were making lasting changes.
Lisa often says, “People will come into the program for the additional services, but they stay in the program for the relationships.”
As the Fresh Start Program matures, people’s lives are flourishing and thriving within this safe and loving environment.
We are grateful for God’s faithfulness in each person’s life over the last 15 years.
As the Fresh Start Program continues to develop, expand, and mature, people are making a Fresh Start in their lives toward greater independence.
Philippians 1:6 NIV Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”