Record community support keeps Lifeline working miracles

Despite the effects of a pandemic in 2020, Lifeline is alive and well!

In fact, because of the generosity of our community – the individuals, churches, organizations and businesses that support us (pages 16-18) – we have had a banner year!

Executive director Ashley Miller, who had been in her leadership role just two months when the pandemic changed our lives in March, said the response has been overwhelming.

“With people out of work and churches and businesses shut down for weeks,” she said, “we were more than a little concerned, but God has truly provided!”

Director Eric Miller presents certificate to Josh Clymer, one of 53 recent graduates.

With help from an expanded community board, dedicated staff and volunteers, and a growing list of donors, Lifeline is thriving:

• Our biggest fundraiser of the year, the annual banquet, switched to a virtual format to comply with health and safety recommendations. The video, posted online Sept. 14, brought in more than $94,000 from 71 donors, including seven churches, 13 businesses and 51 individuals. Noting the banquet traditionally raised $60,000 to $70,000 in previous years, Ashley said, “Who could have guessed this year would be our most successful banquet ever?”

• The annual golf tournament raised nearly $30,000 from 19 teams and 12 sponsors. Board member Todd Trimble spearheaded the event Oct. 16 at Paxton Park Golf Course. To minimize health risks, we provided print copies of Lifeline client testimonials to each golfer; so each could get a glimpse of those they helped by participating.

In addition to successful fundraising, Lifeline has changed lives this year, fulfilling our mission to provide Christ-centered recovery from lifecontrolling addictions. Our staff and volunteers continued classes, sometimes virtually, so our program did not miss a beat in 2020. On Oct. 17, 53 people celebrated completion of the nine-month program; and we have more than 50 enrolled now.

“What a truly blessed year we have experienced,” Ashley said. “Even during this pandemic, we are growing, so we can help others break the bonds of addiction.”

Read more about the banquet video and golf tournament fundraiser on pages 6-7.