Steve Dangaran, July 24-25

The official Grand Opening of Broadway Commons is right around the corner on September 11-12! This column follows a Q & A format to answer some general questions about the Life Center.

Q: So what is the Life Center, and how will it operate?

A: The Life Center is a ministry designed specifically to meet educational and developmental needs of people in the Salem area with courses called Learning Communities, offered this fall on Monday and Thursday evenings. They will focus on English Language Learning, Stress Management and Health and Nutrition. The Life Center is led by an Advisory/Design Team who each attend Salem Alliance and have expertise in areas such as education, administration, counseling, social work, teaching and pastoral care. The curriculum and schedules have been developed by individuals with specific expertise, such as ELL, exercise science, psychology and nursing.

Q: What is the bottom-line reason for the Life Center?

A: In a nutshell, if you know Jesus as Savior, then you have experienced an amazing transformation of eternal proportions, impacting every aspect of your life. The love of Christ compels us to give back just a portion of what we have received. This is the heart of God, and it beats within us as well. May every person in our city experience hope and health in Jesus Christ!

Q: How is the Life Center unique from other programs in Salem offering similar courses?

A: First, we hope to partner with many of the organizations doing an excellent job of serving families and individuals in the local area. We are already working with the YWCA, Grant/Highland/Hoover schools, St. Joseph’s Church, Head Start/Even Start and the Mid-Valley Literacy Center. Second, the Life Center is actually two programs in one––both for adults and children operating simultaneously. Both groups will focus on literacy, health, nutrition and other critical skill areas in a highly relational environment. Finally, a participant does not need to attend Salem Alliance to be welcomed, respected and cared for. We hope that people from all walks of life will call the Life Center “home.”

Q: How can I get involved with the Life Center? What are the volunteer needs?

A: We are excited that over 140 of you came to our information meeting last week, and 75 have already indicated a desire to serve in some way. There are needs for instructors, assistants, group leaders and helpers in both adult and children’s areas. We have also designed an innovative new approach to connecting and resourcing people through what we call ‘Navigators.’ For more information, please come to the Welcome Desk or email lifecenter@salemalliance.org