The Center

06/16/2026

"My fun-o-meter has been sitting at zero ever since my sister died."

In her latest reflection, Pennie shares an honest look at grief, the loss of laughter, and the difference between fun and joy.

After losing her sister, she realized that some kinds of joy can't be replaced. Yet through faith, service, and unexpected moments of connection, she is discovering that joy and sorrow can exist side by side.

If you've ever lost someone you love, struggled to find joy again, or wondered where God is in the middle of grief, this reflection is for you.

"You don't have to be full of joy to make a difference. Sometimes joy finds us while we're helping someone else."

Read the full story on our blog and let us know where you've discovered joy in difficult seasons.

After the loss of her sister, Pennie reflects on grief, laughter, and the surprising realization that her “fun-o-meter” has been sitting at zero. In this heartfelt reflection, she explores the difference between fun and joy, how faith can sustain us through loss, and how serving others at The Ce...

06/12/2026

TGIF! Here's our pressing needs this month. Donations can be brought to The Center M-F 9am - 2pm.

06/08/2026

A tender moment between "Russian Spy Beluga" "Hvaldimir" and fisherman Joar Hesten, is shared in this photograph, which has been given finalist status in the 2021 Sony World Photography Awards.

Hesten was the one who freed Hvaldimir from the military camera harness he had been wearing when he suddenly showed up in northern Norway in April 2019. During that summer and autumn, Hensten visited the whale, looked after it, and discussed with local fisherman how they could best protect it.

🇳🇴 5 weeks ago, Hvaldimir, who comes and goes as he pleases, was in Sórfold Norway appearing fit and active. He has been there since November, according to locals who keep an eye on him.

📸 @ Aleksander Nordahl

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

Happy Monday! Let's kick off the week with some good news -- our service numbers for May! Your support make all this possible. This is LOVE IN ACTION!

06/04/2026

What if an old, abandoned house had something to teach us about recovery?

This week, Michael reflects on a 146-year-old house that has stood empty for more than 60 years—and the surprising lessons it offers about addiction, trauma, forgiveness, faith, and restoration.

Most people see a building like that and focus on what is broken. But Michael saw something else: a reminder that scars do not erase worth, and that what has been neglected is not beyond repair.

"The God I believe in specializes in restoration. Not replacement. Restoration."

Whether you are walking through recovery yourself, supporting someone you love, or simply carrying wounds that need healing, we hope this reflection encourages you.

Broken does not mean worthless.
Scarred does not mean ruined.
And your story is not over.

Read the full reflection on our blog today.

What can a 146-year-old abandoned house teach us about recovery, forgiveness, and faith? In this reflection, Michael explores the powerful parallels between restoring a neglected home and the journey of healing from addiction, trauma, grief, and life’s hardships. Through personal experiences, Scri...

06/03/2026

We hope to see you Sunday at this benefit for The Center! Pennie will be giving brief remarks and if you choose to donate, your donation will be matched!

05/26/2026

Sometimes we spend so much time asking God to change the answer that we forget to trust the One giving it.

This week, Pennie shares a deeply personal reflection about a visit to the spine doctor, the pressures of ministry, and the hard but necessary reminder that faith is not about convincing God to agree with us.

It is about learning to trust Him — even when the answer is not what we hoped for.

If you have ever wrestled with disappointment, uncertainty, finances, fear, or unanswered prayers, this reflection may encourage you today.

“God is good. God can be trusted. Even when we do not fully understand. Even when we do not agree with the answer. Even then.”

A heartfelt reflection from Pennie about prayer, trust, and learning to accept God’s answers even when they are difficult. Through a conversation with a spine doctor and the daily challenges of ministry at The Center , this blog explores faith, uncertainty, financial stress, and the reminder that ...

05/22/2026

The Center is excited to officially announce Michael Gayman as our new Assistant Director.

In a recent video update for our Newsletter subscribers, Director Pennie Kellenberger shared a conversation with Michael about his heart for serving others and his commitment to walking alongside people facing hardship, recovery, and instability in our community.

As The Center continues to grow and meet increasing needs, Michael’s leadership will help strengthen the compassionate, relationship-focused support that remains at the core of our mission.

We are grateful to have Michael on the team and look forward to the impact this new season of leadership will have on the people we serve every day.

Pennie introduces our friend Michael, in his new role at The Center.

05/19/2026