Heartbeat of Hope
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
Marnel C. Moorman Family Life CenterShaping the next generation of leaders
$200
raised by 2 people
$1,000 goal
I am the Director of the Family Life Center, and absolutely love what I do. Seeing children run through our doors with big smiles and arms wide open for hugs every afternoon gives me purpose. Watching parents linger when they pick up their kids in the evening—because they, too, feel at home—assures me that the safe space we desire this place to be is exactly what it is.
This place is so much more than a building though, it is a heartbeat in our community. It is a safe place to learn, grow, and discover. It is a safe place to be yourself. In the world today we spend so much time trying to fit in, but we show kids that the world needs our differences. We really are better together. At the Center, we try new things, learn what we love, and even discover what we don’t. It’s all part of finding our unique gifts.
The Family Life Center changes me as much as it changes those we serve. I find myself often dreaming about what we will do next—new experiences, new opportunities to offer our kids and their families. Seeing my own kids find purpose in serving here makes my heart happy and reassures me that I am exactly where I’m meant to be.
Although our after school program is our signature program, we found early on that in order to truly serve a child there has to be support for the whole family. So we wrap our arms around parents and caregivers, offering them the tools, resources, and confidence to grow and thrive as well.
The Family Life Center embraces an intergenerational model that intentionally connects children, youth, adults, and seniors in shared learning, service, and community-building. Rather than serving age groups in isolation, the center strives to create programs and experiences where wisdom flows across generations and each person contributes their unique gifts.
It’s the very essence of a village: a community where every generation plays a part in raising and uplifting the next. Together, we embody the truth that it really does take a village to help children and families flourish.
My encouragement is simple: come and see for yourself. Once you experience the heartbeat of the Family Life Center, you’ll understand why it changes lives—mine included—every single day.