Love INC shuts doors in Adams County
A nonprofit organization that has served the local community for over 25 years has officially closed its door. Over the past couple weeks, Love INC of Adams County made the announcement that they had reached the end of the road and were unable to continue their ministry-based services.
In a final statement, Board President and local pastor Whitney West stated, “on behalf of the Board of Directors, I regret to announce that after nearly 27 years of service to those in need in our county, Love in the Name of Christ of Adams County will be closing its doors on February 28th, 2023.”
“Throughout the past nearly three decades, Love INC has been blessed by and gives thanks for the support of the caring individuals, churches, and businesses in our community who have supplied our budget and supported our special programs. We celebrate all that has been accomplished over the years, however we have not received the collaboration of enough of our county’s churches, with support, and volunteers, to be able to continue our ministry.”
“Thank you to all who have helped in any way. Anything we have been able to do has been made possible because of you. We ask you to keep our staff in your prayers as they make changes in their livelihoods, and for the Board as we go through the steps of closing the organization.”
In 2022, it is estimated that Love INC helped a total of 365 families in some way in the past year, which does not include the end of year Christmas project that it is believed to have impacted almost 500 families. Other service projects done last year included connecting people with individuals who helped with car repair so they could get to and from work, connecting people with job information, assisting in building ramps for accessibility, and connecting people with local churches.
West explained that the two primary reasons for the closure were the lack of operation funds and the struggle to find volunteers. He
explained that they went through highs and lows as an organization, but over the past year the situation was getting more and more dire and were losing some of the support they previously had.
The closure did not come long after the hiring of new executive director Ryan Shaffer, however West explained that West put his whole heart into the organization and worked very hard to recruit local churches and organizations.
The hole that the loss of the nonprofit will likely be picked up by local churches whom West explained are beginning to do more of their own outreach to the community. He also pointed out the local Salvation Army and the Merit Center as places that do a lot of good for the community.
The organization’s website is currently closed. Their phone number is still active, however there are no employees that will answer calls. Love INC will conclude paying off their final bills and then they will officially close with the state.