LifeBridge has a strategic plan to help us focus our energies on how to fulfill our mission and serve the Lord and our community.
It includes a focus on “strong youth and family ministries,” having a welcoming, non-judgmental environment, serving “beyond our walls” and “growing in faith.”
LifeBridge has been blessed to be a part of the Freedom Church Alliance; an agency dedicated to the eradication of human trafficking by the Church.
Through the years, they have worked with and supported numerous agencies and people to educate and eliminate this heinous enterprise.
One of the most successful tools they have produced is a “GoBox” which educated on the different aspects of trafficking and then gave simple “next steps” on way to help – individually or corporately.
The box was such a success that it was used and requested far beyond the Houston area!
Thus, the “GoBox 2.0” was produced and is set to be released!
This GoBox is a tactile, immersive experience that will equip you with knowledge about human trafficking, empower you to take action, and connect you with organizations where you can make a difference!
This is like nothing you have likely ever seen or used before – and you will be proud to have it, use it, and share it; even as you help in the fight!
The Sealy Pregnancy Resource Center does some amazing work and helps out so many women and men facing difficult pregnancies and situations in our community. There are a lot of beautiful souls alive today because of the great work done by the caring people at the Pregnancy Center!
LifeBridge has been blessed to be a partner with them in their efforts by providing office space for the work they do.
But their ministry has grown far beyond expectations, and with that growth has come the need for more space!
The Lord has abundantly blessed LifeBridge with plenty of land for His glory and for the benefit of our community.
The leadership of LifeBridge and the Pregnancy Center would like to further this partnership and help grow this vital ministry by offering the Pregnancy Center a long-term, nominal lease ($1/year for 25 years, or something similar) so they may build a new building to accommodate current and future ministry needs by the Center.
To that end, a Special Voters’ Meeting has been called for Sunday, January 10, 2021, following worship, to discuss and vote on this possible endeavor.
We hope you will join us even as you keep LifeBridge and the Pregnancy Center in your prayers and heart.
Should you have any questions, please contact President Pacher, Pastor Scott, or another LifeBridge ministry leader.
MEETING AGENDA & ITEMS
Register to Vote Remotely
Voting members of LifeBridge wishing to vote from home during the meeting must register at the beginning of the meeting.
Text your name and mobile number to (713) 965-6761 to register. When its time to vote, text your vote [“Yes”, “No,” etc.] to that same number.
Please note, there is naturally a bit of lag between the events and online viewing of them. So, if a vote is simple and decisive (meaning they wouldn’t be affected by online votes), we may not wait for online votes to come in before moving on. We thank you for your understanding on this.
AGENDA
I. Call to Order
II. Opening Prayer
III. Approval of Minutes
Annual Congregational Voters’ Meeting Minutes October 25, 2020
Attendees
David Pacher – President
Alan Boehm – Elder
Collin Dwigans – Staff
Mary Gray – Treasurer
Richard Clayton – Elder
Josh King – Elder
April Treybig – Secretary
Giles Montgomery – Elder
Congregation
Scott Heitshusen – Pastor
Brackston Nutt – Elder
David called meeting to order.
Pastor Scott opens in prayer.
David spoke about the past year (pandemic challenges). LifeBridge did a great job keeping everyone connected and numbers seem to be on the rise again. God is GREAT! Land update – free and clear on land purchase. There are some upcoming conversations about partnerships with the Sealy Pantry and with the Pregnancy Center.
Approval of minutes — from the February 16, Special Voters’ Meeting — It was moved and seconded to approve the minutes as presented. The ayes had it and the motion passed.
Nominations – David asks if there were any nominations on the floor. There were none so the positions up for voting are: Vice President – Colin Dwigans; Treasurer – None (still needed!); Elders – David Walker, Jose Sanchez and Richard Clayton (incumbent).
A motion was made and seconded to approve those people for those positions. The ayes had it and motion passed. New positions will be installed at the next service (November 1st).
Staff report videos are played.
Pastor Scott goes over Congregational Lay and Alternate Delegates for the Texas District Convention of the LCMS. It was moved and seconded to let the Board of Directors elect these people. The ayes had it and the motion passed.
Mary gave financial report. Reviewed budget for 2021 for everyone. A motion was made and seconded to approve the 2021 budget. The ayes had it and the motion passed, approving the budget.
Open Discussion: Alan Boehm lets congregation know that Pastor Scott and his family would like to start having lunch with everyone. Signup sheets will be available for each family to sign up.
Pastor Scott says benediction to close the meeting.
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn. The ayes had it and the meeting is adjourned.
IV. Sealy Pregnancy Resource Center & LifeBridge — Presentation & Proposal
Sealy Pregnancy Resource Center P.O. Box 1108 Sealy, TX 77474-1108
Center Building Plan Proposal
Date:
1/10/2021
Location:
LifeBridge Community Church
The center is a prolife 501(C)(3) nonprofit charity organization. We serve young ladies and young men from Pregnancy until the child’s third birthday, parents-to-be who are in the process of adopting and foster-parents in need of assistance. There are no income or age requirements. We see those primarily from Austin, Colorado, and Waller Counties. However, no client is turned away.
The pregnancy center has seen a significant amount of growth since its opening in February 2016.
The pregnancy center is currently occupying 1649’sqft of the 2000’sqft office area. The center is running out of space and in need of more space for offices, classrooms, boutique, etc. A metal storage unit was purchased to store the large items such as high chairs, strollers, etc. and utilizing the attic space over the center.
The proposal is to build a 6000 sqft building, move the metal storage building over, and turn the office space over to the church. Propose having a playground and prayer garden between the buildings for center’s clients and the children’s church.
Sealy PRC Proposal Aerial View
The following is a list of some of the rooms proposed for the building:
Waiting Room
Play area off Waiting Room
Kitchen / Lunch Room
Lab with Adjoining Office for Medical Personnel
Conference / Classroom #1
Conference / Classroom #2
Storage Room (IT Equipment, Supplies, etc.)
Boutique (Large Shopping Floor)
Donation Receiving
Includes Sink, Laundry Facilities, and Office
Client Services Room
Training Materials, Desks for Volunteers, Client Files
2 Booths with Computers (Assistance with Medicaid enrollment, Resumes, etc.)
Dress for Success Room (Dressing room with Maternity and Work Clothes for Mom)
Storage area for Deliveries
Multi-purpose Room (Lamaze, Pregnancy Yoga, and CPR Classes)
Our Programs
Case Management
We are a small community organization made up of a group of dedicated individuals committed to mentoring and developing young moms. With that, we are able to offer personalized Case Management tailored to her individual needs. Meeting her where she is in her life-walk is critically important in being able to connect and form that important relationship. With case management we meet with the client, assess her needs, and put forth an action plan tailored specifically for her. Our goal is to equip her with the tools she needs to be a good role-model for her children and a contributing member in the community in which she resides. All of our programs are designed with this goal in mind.
When a mother-to-be comes in for a pregnancy test, if her test is positive, she is given a packet which includes a 2-week supply of prenatal vitamins, a listing of medical professionals who take Medicaid patients, a listing of pediatricians, food pantry locations, WIC locations, resources for a car seat, etc. She is provided with a starter packet to get her off to a good start. If she has any additional needs, we maintain a list of resources on hand.
We are a part of the Community Partner Program through Health and Human Services. We assist clients with enrollment in programs such as Pregnancy Medicaid, CHIP, SNAP, etc.
There are times when a mother is in need of parenting classes due to custody, CPS, and other issues. The Case Manager will assess the individual to determine the level of need, and tailor the sessions accordingly. Referrals to external agencies may be recommended dependent upon the severity of the situation.
Wellness Checks / Home Visits
Periodically there may be a need to visit our clients in their home. Transportation is limited in our rural community and a mother does not always have access to a vehicle. If the mother cannot make it into the center, sessions can be conducted through video chat and the structured classes can be sent to her phone. However, this requires that she has internet access or a reliable phone plan. Rarely is this the case in the rural and underserved areas where service is limited or too expensive.
All staff are required to visit in pairs. For safety, no staff member is allowed to conduct a Home Visit alone. During Home Visits, staff bring material items such as diapers and wipes, etc. We also assess the home environment to ensure home-life is safe for the children and mom. Home Visits are not frequently required, but is an available service.
‘HAND-UP!’ Program
We believe that building strong relationships with our clients, has a deeper more positive impact in their lives, and their children’s lives for generations to come. Our ‘HAND-UP!’ program is designed to build a strong, stable, self-sufficient individual who is ready to take on all that the world has to offer. We give them the foundation they need to provide for their family in the best way possible. Instead of just providing a ‘HAND-OUT’, we provide a ‘HAND-UP!’ through our educational programs, by partnering with and connecting to other agencies and social services, peer-counseling, incentive programs, and assistance with diapers, formula, wipes, maternity clothing, infant clothing, strollers, walkers, highchairs, and more.
‘EARN BASED LEARNING’ Program
Through our Earn Based Learning program, new and expectant moms and dads receive items for their babies, as well as valuable knowledge through our educational program. By making appointments, meeting with our staff for peer-counseling or classes and homework assignments, they earn “mommy bucks,” which can used to purchase diapers, formula, clothing, and more from our boutique. These visits provide valuable opportunities to build relationships, and guidance on important issues for their family.
They also earn mommy bucks for attending peer-counseling, OBGYN appointments, WIC appointments, church attendance, and taking their children in for their well-child medical and dental checkups. By doing so, they are learning the importance of being committed to the health and well-being of themselves and their family.
‘BATTLE BUDDY MENTOR MOMS!’ Program
This is a new program in the making. The job of being a mother is tough. Mothers are pulled in so many directions, especially those with no experience. They are often stressed, tired and lonely. This often leads into a cycle of making poor decisions in parenting and in their relationships. Many complain that they don’t have anyone to talk to, or just to ask questions on life issues. Through the ‘BATTLE BUDDY MENTOR MOMS!’ program, a mother is partnered with someone who will walk and guide her through the difficult times by providing that support, encouragement, and coaching she so desperately needs and through the tough battles she encounters.
One does not have to be a mother to be a Battle Buddy. A Battle Buddy is one who is committed to providing the support needed to help a young mom through the difficult battles she is facing. Many of our young moms are single mothers. These young mothers and mothers-to-be learn from those who are experienced and wise. These Battle Buddies can provide insight into how to handle a crying infant, tough toddler, rebellious tween, relationship issues impacting parenting, and more.
‘ULTRASOUND’ Program
Ultrasound services fall under the supervision of the Medical Director. Our Medical Director is a physician who volunteers his/her service to oversee all of our medical related programs. Ultrasound services are offered to our pregnant young ladies, between ten and twenty weeks of gestation. Ultrasound services are provided for verification of pregnancy. Scans can be released to a physician per the request of a client, if she signs a release. No diagnosis is provided, as this is the role of her physician. Our Ultrasound services are conducted by volunteer medical personnel, as the center does not have the funds to hire full time medical personnel at this time.
When a young mother sees her baby for the first time, motherhood becomes a reality. In seeing the baby move around and play, it helps her to understand the importance of proper prenatal care for her child and the need for planning for the upcoming birth. At this point we encourage her to participate in our educational programs to learn more about proper prenatal care and how important it is for the development of her baby.
‘VOLUNTEER’ Program
It’s important to develop a volunteer recruitment strategy to get the right volunteers serving. Volunteers are critical to our organization. Not only do volunteers help to save money, but they can provide superior service to clients, increase contact with the greater community, bring in expertise otherwise unavailable, and reduce cost of services.
Volunteers can be the go-getters who work with the young ladies and young men, and can put on special events such as auctions, galas, or raffles. This is particularly helpful when making plans for a capital campaign.
And let’s not forget; volunteers who serve on the Board of Directors and committees. They are the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations.
With a clear idea of what needs to be accomplished and with direction from staff, volunteers can expand Sealy Pregnancy Resource Centers’ horizons, bringing skills and expertise that will increase client support, and become new and dear friends. We would not be where we are without our supporters. We have a lot of work ahead of us. Some funds have been collected and for the remainder we will have to start a capital campaign. We are off to a great start. God’s hand is evident in every step we have taken on this journey. We continue to keep our focus on spreading His love and compassion in all that we do. This is not a one-man journey; it takes a community to work together to empower these men and women to be better parents, providers and role models for their families.
“Shall the Synod add a year to the current 2019–2022 triennium, allowing districts to hold their conventions in either 2021 or 2022, and moving the upcoming national Synod Convention from 2022 to 2023? [Thereafter, the triennium cycle will continue forward from 2023 in three-year increments, as before (i.e., with district conventions held in 2025, 2028, etc., and Synod Conventions held in 2026, 2029, etc.).]”