SPRINGFIELD – In a partnership arrangement with the Lighthouse Child and Family Development Center in town, First Baptist Church here began providing day care services within the church facilities Jan. 4. The program helps low income families with young children.
The Lighthouse organization has been providing day care services in another church in Springfield, but they needed to expand in order to meet the growing need. With the program at First Springfield, they are able to serve more than 40 children each week day.
In the agreement, the Lighthouse organization provided $250,000 to bring the church’s preschool facilities up to current codes. Lighthouse will initially serve as the administrator of the program while training personnel from the church. In 2012, the church will take over full administration of the program.
The child and family development ministry is intended to be a “budget-neutral” ministry, with fees offsetting expenses.
First Springfield wholeheartedly supported the proposal when it was presented in October 2010. Stacy Adamson, children’s minister, will serve as staff representative for the ministry, with Senior Pastor Michael Overton also working closely with the staff and leadership. First Baptist Church members will serve on the administrative board of the program.
“This new ministry was a gift from God and fits right into our strategy plan of making an impact in our community,” Overton said.
BY STAFF