New Life Men's Center of Effingham County to Open March 1

New Life Men’s Center of Effingham County Inc. has been organized to address homeless issues in this area with an experienced management team and professional board of directors.

The center offers a safe environment for adult men in need of temporary shelter, basic necessities and structural opportunities to regain self-sufficiency in the community. Once a man enters the New Life Men’s Center, he has a home and support.

Homelessness is one of the most widely recognized faces of poverty. Wherever you live and whatever your socioeconomic status, chances are you’ve encountered homeless people. Maybe you avoid them out of fear that someone desperate enough to ask a stranger for help might also be desperate enough to take advantage of you, but your heart longs to do more than say “God bless” or “good luck”. The New Life Men’s Center has some very practical ways to make impact in the life of a destitute person.

Center Managers Tyrone and Wanda Harvey plan to provide hope and tie individuals back into the community. Some of the various classes include: money management, savings program, cooking on a budget classes, resume building and job skills.

The Center Managers and the men at the Center give back to the community every week. They are currently giving back to several non-profits, such as Catholic Charities, Silk Purse and Effingham County Humane Society and are looking to volunteer their services to other community projects. The goals of giving back to the community is to provide the men with a sense of being needed and valuable, as well as the fulfillment that comes from serving others. Organizers hope this outreach program will develop new positive relationships for each individual with the social service agencies in the community. Organizers say the New Life Men’s Center is actively seeking big hearted community members to walk alongside them in their mission.

New Life Men’s Center has a list of needed items they will email out to you. The Center also has many volunteer opportunities where individuals can share their talents and interests. The New Life Men’s Center of Effingham County Inc. is applying for 501c3 and tax exempt status. To find out more on how you can make a tax deductible donation please contact one of the board members. Board members include: Dr. Rodney Stanfield, Pastor Matt Taylor, Pastor Eric Splechter, Gene Overbeck, Tracey Overbeck and Robert West. Board Officers include: President Sandy Croft, Treasurer Charlene Nelson and Secretary Shelli French.

The New Life Men’s Center is located on the corner of 950th Ave and Loy Chapel Road, at the north edge of Heartville. The official address is 14525 E. 950th Ave, Effingham, IL 62401. Organizers say the property was recently purchased and updated to become "the home these men need to get them back up on their feet." Here's how to contact the Center:

Email: newlifemenscenter@gmail.com

Center Phone: (217)690-2846

Find them on Facebook: New Life Men's Center

For more information: Please call Sandy Croft at 217 821-1778 or Shelli French at (217)343-1557.