A new approach to meeting community needs while sharing the gospel has revitalized ministry through the L.I.F.E. (Living Intentionally For Excellence) Center, in Flint, Mich., formerly the Flint Beecher Corps.
“As we made the transition from a corps to the L.I.F.E. Center, we wanted to try something different to reach the community,” said Major Randy Hellstrom, Mid-Michigan area commander and administrator of the L.I.F.E Center. “One of the things that was important to us was to give the L.I.F.E. Center purpose and meaning beyond being a community center.”
In consulting with community leaders, it became clear that there was a need for positive youth engagement.
An afterschool program was developed in the fall of 2022 with students being bussed from Beecher schools to the center each afternoon for tutoring, homework help and activities. In the months since, weekly classes have grown to include opportunities to explore music, sports, technology and trades in a faith-based environment.
“We’ve worked hard to establish the foundation to create high-quality programs,” said Linnell McKenney, Flint native and L.I.F.E. Center director.
The major and Linnell agree, community partnerships are key to the success of the center’s programs. Volunteers lead the majority of lessons, sharing their passion and experience and encouraging participants to learn and develop their skills.
For example, Sphinx Overture provides instructors for group lessons and violins which the participants are allowed to keep after one semester. Community volunteers teach classes in praise dance and lyrical rap, showing students that they can use their bodies and voices for positive messages, counter to what they hear and see in the media. Basketball and judo also are offered, helping students develop good character and sportsmanship.
Partnerships with the University of Michigan and Kettering University have enabled students to develop valuable skills in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) subjects including esports/gaming, computer programming, robotics and engineering. A retired professor instructs Trade Scouts, a program which prepares participants for careers in trades such as carpentry, plumbing and mechanics.
“We have to prepare young people to utilize their dreams and their talents,” said Linnell. “We give them skills and prepare them to develop their gifts and talents to be the best musician, the best engineer, the best tradesperson they can be. At the same time, we’re introducing them to Christ.”
In addition to afterschool and youth development classes, Dinner Church is held each Wednesday evening. With an average attendance of more than 30 individuals, it’s an excellent time of fellowship and an opportunity to bridge the center and Flint Citadel Corps. Soldiers from the Citadel Corps attend Dinner Church regularly to help people feel welcomed and invite them to Sunday services. Bridging also is taking place in youth activities, which combined for an SA Gaming night and plan to continue meeting together regularly.
“The L.I.F.E. Center is not just a program,” said Major Randy. “It’s something that we’re really melding with the Citadel and The Salvation Army as a whole, working toward the same mission and goal.”
A grand opening event was held this spring to help spread the word about the center. Visitors were welcomed to enjoy booths by partnering community organizations as well as booths showcasing the programs and services offered through the L.I.F.E. Center. A highlight of the day was the opportunity to interact with the Detroit Pistons’ Earl “The Twirl” Cureton who shared an inspiring message and ran basketball drills with the youth.
“This is a great place. These places are where everything starts,” said Earl. “When I was a kid, all I had was…my Salvation Army. The passion I feel in this building is incredible…I encourage each and every one of you to take advantage.”
