This week we are spotlighting Jeff and Sara Vick who are the founders of Lily’s House. Their dedication, compassion, and great love for Christ coupled with their clear vision for improving their community has helped many mothers and children heal and find peace.
How long have you been on the board at Lily’s House and what is your role in the organization?
We are part of the original founders board, so over 3 years. We co- chair as the Executive Directors.
What great things have you seen accomplished at Lily’s House since you’ve been involved?
We have been amazed over and over again. We have been honored to see mother’s and children’s lives changed. We have been part of a tremendous team that has helped young mothers learn to live life clean, sober and safe. We have watched children be reunited with their mothers and begin the journey of healing together. Additionally, our community has partnered with us along this journey. They see our ladies succeed. We believe our community is being changed.
How has serving at Lily’s House been a blessing in your life?
Sara and I are believers. We believe we were put here for a purpose larger than ourselves. When the headlines and statistics become the people you know and love, it will change you. We are giving these young mothers and their children an opportunity to start a new chapter of life. God is a God of second chances. We have also been blessed to build strong relationships with the judicial system, Division of Social Services and other organizations. We are blessed to partner with them as we try to make a difference in the lives of young mothers and their children in crisis.
What would you like people to know about Lily’s House that they might not already know?
We started this journey out of our experience as Foster Parents. As Foster Parents we started mentoring young mothers and fathers. We invested in their lives and grew close to each of these families. Through this experience we saw first hand if you are a recovering addict who does not have a support network, you may never be able to break the cycle of addiction and abuse.
What is a specific vision you have for the future of Lily’s House?
We have two more phases of growth in our organization.
We have always dreamed of being able to provide transitional housing to our residents when they graduate from our program. They work hard to progress through all four phases of our program. They have spent a year rebuilding their lives, learning life skills, getting a job, resolving their legal issues, creating a new life. One of the greatest challenges they face when they graduate is finding a decent place to live while starting their next chapter of life. This is a critical next step. It is our dream to be able to provide an affordable safe place.
Our other dream is to offer to the community many of the resources we have available for our residents. We were awarded the NAP Grant. As soon as we can sell our tax credits we will be able to pay off our building and build a community resource center that will give us that opportunity.
We would greatly appreciate your support. That could mean making donations to keep The Lily Pad Thrift and Gift thriving. It could mean purchasing tax credits to help us pay off our building and build a community resource center. Or it could mean making a financial contribution to help cover our day to day operating expenses.
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