New Life Center for Mothers and Children

Introduction: Background of New Life for Mothers and Children

New Life Center for Mothers and Children is a non-profit, 9–24-month discipleship program for women and children. We opened our doors in 1982 under the directorship of Leo Tate. We serve women who have struggled with life debilitating issues such as opioid abuse, alcohol abuse, eating disorders, physical abuse, sex trafficking, mental health, or any woman who needs a new way of living. During their stay we help prepare them for a successful transition back out into society.

Phase 1: Introduction Center

For the first 3 months the women who enter our doors adjust to a new way of life. Each woman is assigned a mentor who offers her pastoral counseling to help meet her personal needs in a loving, caring, and safe environment. She immediately begins Bible classes that introduce her to learn practical, successful Christian living. Chapel services are held Monday through Thursday at 1130 and are preceded by prayer and worship. We welcome friends and visitors to come join us at this time. The ladies are disciplined in self-care, and they have daily chores scheduled to help keep their home clean. We also take time out for recreation, fellowship, and fun!

Phase 2: Training Center

Phase 2 is a more concentrated approach lasting approximately 6 months, providing the opportunity to address the sometimes-painful issues of past hurts and choices. It is in this phase where more intense inner healing takes place through intensive counseling and mentorship. The coursework in phase two facilitates a deeper relationship with Christ that allows each woman to recognize her true value and worth.

Phase 3: Transition Phase

After the women have completed the first two phases of the program, they have an opportunity to transition to a much larger property located just 5 minutes away! It is at this phase of the program where the families are offered an additional 12 months to help prepare them for the transition back into our communities. We help them to set attainable goals, and they have the opportunity to participate in parenting and nutritional classes. We also partner with the literacy council to help provide GED classes to those who may need it. We help them find full-time employment, purchase a vehicle, and help with their housing and daycare needs upon transition. A large percentage of the women we serve have made mistakes in their past and have a criminal background, but we work with Workforce Connection to help assist with these obstacles which is imperative to a successful transition. Our core values are rooted in Christ, and the women are discipled in the ways of the Lord, so they are able to transition back out into our communities as productive members of society. Having the third phase to the program is vital because it helps produce an even higher success rate. Currently our success rate is in the 75th percentile, five years after they have left our program.

We, at NLFMC, offer a unique opportunity to assist in the healing journey for both mom and her children. Unfortunately, most of the children we serve are dealing with trauma because of the past mistakes of their mother or the lifestyle she was living, but we have seen firsthand when the mothers become healed, changed, and transformed, so do her children! We are grateful for the opportunity to serve the Southern York County Community and help combat the never-ending cycle of drug addiction.