Same Goal, Same Passions

by Erica Harris
Lighthouse Child and Development Center
Springfield, MO

According to the most recent Community Report Card for Springfield, MO, more than 11% of the general population and at least 20% of Springfield children are living in poverty in our community. No one wants to think that young children are going without food, clothing, and shelter – but they are. In this tough economic time, more families will be moving into uncharted territory, struggling to make ends meet. Who wouldn’t want to change these statistics?

At Lighthouse Child & Family Development Center, we are changing this statistic. We’re working with a passion to increase self-sufficiency in the Springfield community. We are accomplishing this through holistic programming that includes intensive family case management, parent and child education, quality and affordable childcare, along with significant volunteerism. Lighthouse is changing lives.

When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, we run this non-profit like a successful business – the real difference: our desired outcomes. Most for-profit businesses are focused on a monetary profit; Lighthouse is passionate about profiting the community we serve. If we reach our goals, our community will reap the benefits. Like any business with a true vision, we are group of people that are working together toward a common purpose.

Lighthouse staff, board, families/clients, volunteers, and community supporters like those at Messiah Lutheran Church all understand that we are striving to enrich lives, and we’re in this together. Messiah will soon host their own Lighthouse program to educate and support 34 additional children and families in a journey toward self-sufficiency. When two organizations with a similar vision can join forces, the impact is exponentially greater.

We succeed and fail together. We celebrate and lament together. We are a Lighthouse family, and we believe we will reach our goals together. It’s amazing what a group of committed and motivated people can do when they are focused on the same goal. That’s true to for- or not-for-profit organizations.