The
mission of Life’s Choices is to engage in activities which dignify, protect, preserve
and enhance the quality of life of adolescents at-risk, and their born and unborn children
and to promote the sanctity of life. |
As cofounders of Life’s Choices, we are saddened to inform you that as of Aug. 25, 2009, we will be closing Life’s Choices’ residence in Springfield.
The decision to close our residence was not taken lightly. It was made after prayerful consideration and due to extreme financial necessity. It has been a financial struggle from the start to keep our residential program operating for the past 8 years. That being the case, we personally contributed thousands of dollars annually to help meet the expenses. However, Life’s Choices is still presently running a deficit of more than $59,000.
We have worked extremely long days and nights. Sick time, time off and personal time were virtually nonexistent. This created a stressful working situation. We are confident, however, that the sacrifices we made have had a positive impact on the lives of the 123 teens and 112 babies that have resided at Life Choices during these 8 years.
The majority of the teens we served lived traumatic lives and had histories of abuse and neglect, suffered from depression, panic attacks, schizophrenia and had anger management and trust issues. These were often further compounded by unhealthy family dynamics and a lack of support from the babies’ fathers.
Our lives have been enriched tremendously by the young ladies and children who have come through our doors. Their stories and hardships are embedded in our minds and hearts. We have also been blessed with many friends and supporters to whom we will always be grateful. We thank all of our current and past board members, our many volunteers and all those who have donated to Life’s Choices. Thanks also to the many church and civic organizations that have contributed their time, talent and treasure to our mission.
We have wonderful memories that we will always carry with us beginning with the renovation and continuing to the present. We will keep you all in our prayers and wish you all an abundance of God’s blessings as we look forward to the next phase of our lives. Thank you from the bottom our hearts.
We bid you the “fondest farewell.”
Richard and Diane
If you have any questions or comments concerning Life’s Choices’ closing, please contact Richard or Diane at 413-731-6896.
Donations to help reduce this deficit would be greatly appreciated and must be designated as such. |
