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NLC on
Tour: Center of Hope
Jaunuary 27, 2009
Brief
History of Center of Hope
The Center of Hope
was founded almost 10 years ago by Pastor Fred Wilgenburg. Pastor Fred was born
and raised near San Diego, CA. He attended a Christian Reformed Church and
Christian schools, which, he says, gave him a solid biblical and theological
understanding but also isolated him from most of the harsh realities many people
in the rest of the world were dealing with.
Fred went on to
graduate from Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA, and after selling livestock
feed for 4 years, he went to seminary at the {then} North American Baptist
Seminary in Sioux Falls, SD. Rather than seeking a conventional pastorate
position Fred put his seminary and life experience to work by establishing the
Center of Hope ministry at its present location on N. Cliff Avenue in Sioux
Falls.
Pastor Fred says
of his early years, "My life growing up was so blessed; I often wondered why
others in the world had it so rough. That developed in me a passion to share
what I was blessed with--a stable, healthy life and, mainly, the gospel.”
Visiting with Pastor Fred almost 10 years after founding the Center of Hope,
this passion still shines through as he continues to be faithful to God’s call
on his life.
Staff
Pastor/Program Director: Fred
Wilgenburg
Administrator/Program Associate:
Brett Rockvam
Parish Nurse:
Nancy Van Heerde
Seminary
Intern: Jenna Hoff
Overall
Ministry Overview
Motto:
“Sowing Seeds of God's Love...physically and spiritually”
Address:
3328 N. Cliff AVe {on top of Cliff hill, few blocks S. of Benson/Cliff
Phone:
(605) 334-9789
Website:
www.centerofhopesf.org
Email:
centerofhope@midconetwork.com
Structure:
Center of Hope is a 501(c)3 non-profit ministry
Hours:
M-F, 11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Bike
Ministry Overview
In 2008 Center
of Hope gave out about 430 bikes
Will at least
meet that for 2009 and perhaps closer to 500
About 50% of
bikes in 2008 were given to those on parole from the SDSP
Center of Hope
receives about 150 from Durfee State Prison
The rest of the
bikes received from individuals, businesses, churches
For 2008, the
bikes were given away at no charge
For 2009 there
will be a minimal charge of $5 to $10 {to encourage more an attitude of
‘value’ for bike recipients….ie, not for economic reasons}
Needs/Ministry
Focus
Family concerns
Addictions
Loneliness
Financial
concerns
Joblessness
Incarceration
Hospitalization
Spiritual
concerns
Ministry
Resources
Rest/refreshments
Computers
Telephones
2nd hand winter
clothing
2nd hand bikes
Newborn
baby/mother basket
Prayer concerns
Programs/Events
Journey Camp
{Summer}
Sports Nights
{weekly}
Coffee Break
{weekly women's Bible Study,,,childcare provided}
Men's Life
{weekly men's Bible Study}
Alcoholics
Anonymous {every Tuesday @ 8:00 p.m.}
Hope Worship
Hour {eve3ry Sunday @ 6:00 p.m.}
Fellowship
Meal {every Tuesday from 12:30 - 1:30}
Final/Closing
Thoughts
Pastor Fred &
Center of Hope staff have made good connections with individuals,
businesses, and community
Center of Hope
has partnered with a number of churches for various programs, including VOA,
Faith Lutheran Church, HOPE Lutheran Church, all 1st Presbyterian, and 1st
Lutheran Church to name a few
Center of Hope
is currently looking for more room and perhaps closer to downtown for closer
access to downtown (needs have expanded from the Norton area)
The idea
location/situation for Center of Hope would be on the edge of downtown,
existing building with about 12,000-15,000 sq feet
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