Ministry Spotlight: Hope Springs Counseling
Tell us about the history and mission of your ministry?
Lindsay Taylor and Leah Lucas were led to open a non-profit counseling practice many years after their family experienced an excruciating loss. Before Lindsay was born, Leah had a younger brother named Brent. Brent was diagnosed with Leukemia around the age of one and underwent treatments, but passed away shortly after his second birthday. Leah’s parents had already made arrangements not to have any more children, but later sought to have this reversed. When Leah was six years old, Lindsay was born. Lindsay always knew that her life had a special purpose and she felt called from an early age to help others. Leah’s career as a social worker in child protective services made her realize the need for more intensive services to address the underlying needs of these families. As the years passed, doors were opened and Leah and Lindsay were blessed to be part of Dayspring Center for Christian Counseling’s opening of a satellite location in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, in January of 2012. In May of 2015, they became HopeSprings Counseling. The mission of HopeSprings Counseling is to serve the community with counseling practices grounded in Christian values while striving to remove the financial, emotional and spiritual barriers to facilitating life change. HopeSprings is a 501(c)3 non-profit ministry. It is overseen by a board of directors who ensure that the mission is being upheld. HopeSprings also offers a unique form of therapy called Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, which incorporates horses into the counseling process.
How do you see Jesus at work here?
God’s hand has been evident throughout the life of this organization- even before we knew it would exist. God has opened doors and provided in ways we never imagined possible. In our work, we view the primary agent of change as the Holy Spirit working through our counselors in an authentic relationship with each client. Jesus ministers to us out of love. He speaks truth and shows compassion in times of need. At HopeSprings, we strive to do the same and to meet others wherever they are. We feel that God orchestrates meeting each of our clients who are dealing with difficult life circumstances, which may also include symptoms of mental illness. Through this, we believe He uses our counselors as vessels to connect clients with the peace, hope and joy found through Jesus. When clients connect to this gift, they are able learn how to make positive life changes in the midst of their pain and struggles.
What are your needs?
HopeSprings desires to serve those who have financial barriers to receiving care. In order to fulfill this part of our mission and ministry, we rely heavily on the financial support of individuals, corporations, agencies and churches who are able to donate or sponsor individuals and families who may not be able to afford traditional counseling services. HopeSprings needs hands and feet for fundraising activities and building/landscape maintenance. HopeSprings also can use in-kind donations such as cleaning supplies, office supplies and supplies for our Equine Program to help us continue to provide services. Most importantly, we need prayers. Please pray that we’re able to minister those who need it most.
How could someone get involved?
Due to the confidential nature of our work, opportunities for direct involvement are limited to fundraising and tasks such as building maintenance and landscape management. In order to spread the word about this ministry, we need people that believe in and are as passionate about our mission as we are. If you’d be interested in learning more about who we are and what we do, please contact us or visit our website for more information.
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