It had been obvious to Diane Roland for some time that a home was needed in Cookeville for young women who did not have a safe, stable place to call home. She spent time with many that were anxious about aging out of the foster care system; with many that had less than ideal situations at home. The question was, where was this home and how would they find the funds to purchase it?
One night after work, Diane’s husband Dave decided to take a different route home. He saw a For Sale sign in front of a house on the alternate route and knew without a doubt that it was the one they were looking for. In a matter of a couple of months the residence was bought and paid for.
Connections were made and a small group assembled to determine what was next and what a residential program for young women 18-25 would look like. There were many visits to other programs, lots of writing and editing, much debate, and some false starts. Through the ups and despite the downs, things kept moving forward.
More words were exchanged and written; much concrete was dashed, wood polished, and bathrooms remodeled. The right person was found to be the house manager and day-by-day the original house looks less like an empty house and more like the Next Step for Life home.
Now, one year later we look forward to filling the space with the beautiful young women that will soon come. We delight in the glorious things that will transpire and we look upwards in faith to be victors over the difficulties that will arise.
Even more exciting is the anticipation of what this is “the beginning” of – more opportunities to impact the next generation and bring positive change. We’re looking forward to spending time with the community and forming new relationships, and we hope you’ll be a part of the fun!
