The Center

08/31/2026

Our past can teach us without controlling our future.

In his latest reflection, Michael shares some of the lessons recovery teaches us: asking for help is not weakness, healing is rarely a straight line, and falling down does not mean we have to stay there.

Our pain can become compassion. Our mistakes can become wisdom. Our recovery can become hope for someone who hasn’t found theirs yet.

Most importantly, our stories are not finished. There is still love to give, peace to find, joy to experience, and hope for the chapters ahead.

Read “Life’s Lessons Along the Way” on our blog.

Recovery teaches us that strength isn’t perfection—it’s getting back up. Michael reflects on faith, healing, peace, joy, and finding hope beyond the past.

08/18/2026

There is a difference between being committed and being constantly available.

There is a difference between caring and carrying everything.

Many of us are quick to offer understanding and grace to others, yet struggle to give that same grace to ourselves. In her latest reflection, Pennie shares what she is learning about work, rest, boundaries, and trusting that everything does not depend on her.

If you are feeling tired or overwhelmed today, remember: You are doing the best you can with what you have. Give yourself a little grace—and give some to the person next to you, too.

We were never meant to carry it all by ourselves. 💜

Pennie reflects on work-life boundaries, burnout, and the importance of extending grace to ourselves and others. Through her experiences serving at The Center, she explores the difference between caring deeply and carrying everything—and reminds us that God created us for work, rest, relationships...

08/05/2026

Happy Hump Day! Here's a look at our service numbers for July, 2026. Your donations and volunteerism make this possible. We cannot thank you enough. LOVE IN ACTION!

07/30/2026

We've got something special for you today. Our Peer Recovery Support Lead, DJ Alvarado, shares what brought him to The Center and what keeps bringing him back.

The Center's own DJ Alvarado talks about what brought him to The Ce...

07/27/2026

Sometimes the soul is restored not by doing more, but by slowing down long enough to notice more.

A weekend in Port Wing, Wisconsin, brought quiet waves, rocky shores, shared meals, meaningful conversations, and a renewed appreciation for God’s presence in creation and friendship.

Michael’s latest reflection is a beautiful reminder that healing often happens in simple moments—and that gratitude opens our eyes to the gifts God places before us every day.

Read “Restoring the Soul on the Shores of Lake Superior.”

A weekend along the shores of Lake Superior offered a powerful reminder of how God restores the soul through stillness, friendship, gratitude, and the beauty of creation. Michael reflects on slowing down, noticing life’s simple gifts, and finding renewed faith in the quiet moments.

07/23/2026

Will you pray with us?

The Center is seeking 12 churches, small groups, prayer teams, or individuals who will commit to faithfully praying for our ministry.

We are asking for prayer for the people we serve, our staff and volunteers, and the many lives that walk through our doors each day. We believe this work requires more than programs—it requires God’s wisdom, protection, provision, and presence.

Prayer partners will receive specific updates about how they can pray, and we would be honored to visit your church or group to share more about what God is doing at The Center.

“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” —James 5:16

Interested in becoming a Prayer Partner? Contact us or sign up today.

The Center is seeking 12 churches and individuals to become faithful prayer partners. Learn how you can pray for our ministry, staff, volunteers, and the people we serve.

07/21/2026

We need your help to keep The Center cool, safe, and open.

During one of the hottest Iowa summers in recent memory, our aging air-conditioning systems are failing—and thieves have stripped the copper from six rooftop units, leaving large portions of our building without cooling.

Despite temperatures climbing into the 90s inside, our volunteers continue preparing meals, distributing food and clothing, offering recovery support, praying with guests, and serving our community with compassion.

We urgently need to raise $165,000 to restore these critical HVAC systems.

Every gift—whether it is $25, $100, $1,000, or more—brings us closer to providing a safe place where people can escape the heat, receive essential services, and find dignity, friendship, recovery, and hope.

Please donate today. If you cannot give, sharing this post can also make a difference.

Together, we can keep The Center a place of refuge, healing, and hope.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” —Galatians 6:2

The Center urgently needs help raising $165,000 to replace failing and vandalized air-conditioning systems and keep its community services safe and accessible.

07/17/2026

07/17/2026

Please help! We want to be able to keep our doors open to keep others cool as this heat continues.