Love INC volunteers organize and disperse donatios to the community. More on the organization can be found under the “how we serve” section at loveinc-ghc.org.
Love INC volunteers organize and disperse donatios to the community. More on the organization can be found under the “how we serve” section at loveinc-ghc.org.
Submitted photo
Editor’s note: The Daily Reporter will feature our “Neighbors” each month, whether it be someone with an interesting hobby or profession, or a nonprofit group making a difference in our community. Here, Debra Wesner shares about Love in the Name of Christ of Greater Hancock County. Wesner, of Park Chapel Christian Church, is the executive director of the organization. If you know a person or a group that you’d like to see featured in Neighbors, email [email protected].
Daily Reporter: What is Love INC’s mission?
Debra Wesner: Our mission is to mobilize local churches to transform lives and communities in the Name of Christ. We do that through our Clearinghouse Process, Gap Ministries, and Transformational Ministry (Faith & Finances, Mentoring, and Life Skills).
DR: Who do you serve?
DW: We serve our Hancock County Neighbors. We serve a few people outside of Hancock County with our Faith & Finances Program.
DR: How do you work with churches to meet needs of people in the community?
DW: Love INC is not a crisis center. Instead, we focus on building relationships with our neighbors by recognizing their value and ability to contribute to finding solutions. We believe that the body of Christ is the answer to community brokenness and an essential part of God’s plan for redemption and restoration. That’s why we work with local churches to provide a comprehensive approach to caring for people in all aspects of life: spiritual, mental, emotional, relational, material, and physical.
DR: How did it all come together?
DW: In 2003, Scott Getzin, a member of Park Chapel Christian Church, felt a calling from God to serve his community beyond his church. He searched the internet and discovered Love In the Name of Christ (Love INC), an organization that verifies needs and connects people with local church resources. Scott recognized the potential of partnering with Love INC to tap into the skills and talents of the local church community. He contacted the Love INC National Office to learn how to establish a Hancock County Affiliate and reached out to local churches for support. As a result, Love INC of Greater Hancock County was established with the charter support of five churches: Bradley United Methodist Church, Brandywine Community Church, Family Worship Center, New Palestine United Church, and Park Chapel Christian Church. Love INC of GHC opened its doors to serve the community in 2004.
DR: Who are the 2024 board members?
DW: Jennifer Brattain, Bethel Baptist; Fred Feister, Greenfield Christian; Tom Ferguson, Park Chapel Christian Church; Steve Forman, Greenfield Christian; Cyndi Helfrich, Brown’s Chapel Wesleyan; Megahann Holmes, Brookville Road Community Church; Ethan Mapel, Mt. Comfort Church; Marty Moran, Evangel Church; Fronzie Shriner, Fishers UMC; and Clara Starkey, Otterbein UMC.
DR: What is Love INC’s biggest challenge or top needs?
DW: We always need volunteers and financial support to carry out our mission. Our Clearinghouse phone lines are staffed by church volunteers who possess a unique set of skills. We are currently seeking individuals who can serve as board members and community members for various committees, including marketing and fundraising. We also require assistance with our furniture ministry, both administratively and with deliveries. Additionally, we need mentors for our Faith & Finances program. There are several other areas where we can utilize the help of volunteers.
DR: What is your primary fundraiser?
DW: Our main fundraising event is the Love INC Love Thy Neighbor Banquet, which is held annually. The upcoming banquet will be hosted by Mt. Comfort Church on April 12, and we are excited to celebrate our 20 years of service in Hancock County. In 2023, we organized a successful bowling fundraiser in August and we plan to hold it again in 2024.
DR: How can someone step up to help, or learn more?
DW: Our volunteer application can be found on our website under “How to Connect” at https://loveinc-ghc.org/volunteers-needed/. If you would like to support us financially, you can find the blue “Donate” button on our homepage or in the menu. You may also mail donations to Love INC at PO Box 192, Greenfield, IN 46140. We can also receive stock donations and we have an endowment fund through the Community Foundation of Hancock County. Registration is open now for an upcoming Faith and Finances class. For more, visit loveinc-ghc.org or search on Facebook and Instagram for Love INC of Greater Hancock County.
