Friday, December 28, 2018

Happy Anniversary!

My first Blog post for Beacon: Faith & Family was December 29, 2017. I was so excited and as I do my books and evaluate the first year of BFF, I am still crazy excited and humbled by all that has happened! 

First of all, I am overwhelmingly thankful for this opportunity.  I do not know what I expected, but I am awed by how God has grown this ministry. My association with Light Up the Dark became more clear as the year progressed and that has been huge.  We went from 1 to 5 Light Houses which means 5 individuals or families getting a new, Christ centered start.  We passed our one year anniversary and could simply praise God for what we have seen and been a part of.  Thank you Jesus. I also love the flexibility that ministry provides to think and be outside the sterile office of traditional counseling or psychotherapy!  I enjoy spending real time with the people I am helping!

As far as Beacon: Faith & Family as a Christian Counseling option for folks here in Central Kansas, I have been surprised and blessed by the opportunities I have had!  I have received referrals from medical practices, friends and churches! It has been a great opportunity for me and people who otherwise would be traveling long distance for services!  It is nice to have local options!

Some things we (BFF and LUTD) did:
  • We started a Recovery Group Wednesday nights at the Sterling Public Library.  We average 5-11 attendees each week.
  • I taught a class on Overcoming Codependency with the Point of Grace ministry in Lyons, KS this Spring.
  •  I also had the delightful fun of teaching 2 Stress Management classes for the Rice County Gift program class early in the spring.  That was just busy and fun!
  • I'm working a SA/DV group with Rice County SA/DV, but that is still coming together. 
  •  Tried for a lunchtime Grief and Loss group, but we will start a sign up list before trying that again. 
What did I see and do  I foresee in the future?
  • The need for no fee or very low fee counseling is real in this area.  I will be researching grants for such a thing.  Since I am not technically "non-profit" I am not sure how that will go.
  • Do I make BFF a non-profit, so I can raise funds for this work?
  • Do I seek/reinstate licensure and supervision, so that we do not have to refer out when mental health services are required?  (this is a huge prayer request).
  • Mini classes and Wellness tracks