“We can choose to be affected by the world or we can choose to affect the world.” – Heidi Willis
The Life on Life Initiative has quickly become a movement across the Life Leadership community. Few companies can say they represent a group of people who care about the lives of men, women and children they have never even met. Yet, that’s precisely what the Life on Life Initiative is all about.
Life Leadership Members are passionate about making a difference and helping people, but having compassion for those who can’t help themselves requires an even deeper level of caring. The number of organizations and people who have already been affected by this movement is astonishing, yet the operation is still in its infancy stages. That reality is both inspiring and exciting!
On Saturday, November 7th, 2015, Whaley Children’s Center, in Flint, Michigan, was able to experience the outpour of service, love and kindness from over 100 Life Leadership volunteers who gave up their day to participate in a well-deserved extreme home make-over for the organization.
Whaley Children’s Center Mission
Whaley Children’s Center provides hope, care and treatment for Michigan’s abused, neglected, and at-risk children and families who have experienced trauma. Their mission is to provide the tools and recources necessary in order to help them reach their full potential in life.
Life Leadeship Members went above and beyond in their day of service at Whaley Children’s Center. Prior to the event, a group came together and packed 27 personalized bags for the kids at Whaley in preparation for the Life on Life Initiative.
The event started on Saturday morning with a kick-off of encouragement from All Grace Outreach Spokesman, Chris Swanson. What followed was nothing short of true unconditional love in action.
There were several needs met by Life Leadership Members at Whaley, including but not limited to:
- All three living cottages were completely transformed.
- Each kid bedroom was cleaned, repainted and spruced up.
- The bookshelves and cubbies were all repainted.
- Rugs and furniture were all cleaned.
- The walls were all repainted.
- The kitchens were scrubbed clean and the tables sanded down and refinished.
- 35 volunteers went to the Flushing Residence and cleaned out a mound of shelving in the basement, trimmed trees and raked leaves.
- One group went to the administration building and cleaned the clothing area, blanket area, and the basement.
“The transformation nearly made the workers cry! It was an amazing day! The Whaley employees are exceptional people! They LOVE those kids!” – Kristine Militello (Life Leadership Member)
“The Life on Life Initiative at Whaley Children’s Home is yet another example of common people loving others in an uncommon way. They were there for the speechless victims who have suffered more than they deserve by giving of their time and energy with no strings attached. That’s Life on Life!” – Chris Swanson (All Grace Outreach Spokesman)
“It was such an inspiring day! Tears and smiles with loving friends doing good work never felt so good!” – Rachelle Courton (Life Leadership Member)
“Thank you everyone, I can’t stop thinking about what an awesome day it was. Militellos rocked at finding this venue and it was great to see the results of the before and after. Chris Swanson really lit it up. He said, “You are the few. So many people out there will tell you Life Leadership is a scam. Look at the difference you make today and know that you represent the few who have the guts to stand up to the masses and do what’s right.” From start to finish this was an awesome day and memories to last a lifetime!” – Rob Forbis (Life Leadership Member)
Check out this slide show video highlighting the day:
“The staff from Whaley Children’s Center were just amazed with the wonderful group that volunteered from Life Leadership. First off, this was the largest group of volunteers we have ever had at Whaley. What struck me was their enthusiasm right from the beginning and how eager they were to serve. This wonderful group of volunteers worked tirelessly for hours cleaning, painting, scrubbing, sanding, refinishing, organizing and more. This is such an encouragement to the children who have been through so much neglect, abuse and rejection. The children absolutely loved the transformation of their cottages and bedrooms. Thank you so much for doing this for our kids.” – Tina Immink (Director of Development at Whaley Children’s Center)
Life Leadership is so proud to have Members who care so much about those that can’t help themselves. This is truly what the Life on Life Initiative is all about. Thank you to all those who volunteered from the Patriot Revolution in Flint, Michigan, under the leadership of Marc and Kristine Militello.
If you participated in this Life on Life Initiative, please be sure to share about your experience in the comment section below!
Life Leadership: Setting People Free
Glen Ewald says
This was such an extraordinary experience working with other Life members with such an unselfish love for others and doing what was right for people that we don’t expect anything in return. Thanks to the Militello’s for their support and caring hearts and finding this need for us to partake in. We LOVE LIFE LEADERSHIP and all those that participated.
Tracey says
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing this amazing story! It is so incredible to keep hearing about how much Life Leadership is changing lives, changing communities for the better! We are so blessed to be a part of a company that has such a huge desire to pay it forward!!
Loving LIFE!!!
Brandon J Perry says
Awesome job guys!
wendy caldwell says
What an extraordinary day of servant leadership to participate in! The Whaley staff was so welcoming and appreciative, yet, we were the ones that appreciated THEIR efforts and heart in caring for traumatized and neglected children 24/7. Their small bedrooms are efficient, a bed, a desk, and a 3 shelf cubby to store their clothing. We respectfully refolded clothing and replaced their minimal belongings where they were after cleaning. The energy and joy of the Patriot Revolution in their service was inspiring!!
Bruce Terris says
It is great to be a part of a organization that reaches out to make a difference in so many positive ways!
Leah says
THAT was BEAUTIFUL! Everyone swimming in a pool of blessings, under the precious hand of God.
Keri Storhok says
Great job making a difference!
Jess Forbis says
This was absolute the most humbling thing I’ve ever done. The ripple effect of all the serving LIFE does will be felt for generations- not only in The lives of these kids but in our families as well.
Kristine Militello says
Amen Jess! Totally agree
Angie says
Awesome story! Life leadership and the Life on Life community are once again taking the love of Christ out into the world and helping those that are truly in need. #lovelifeleadership
Chris Brady says
I am so proud to be associated with such great people. The children of Whaley’s need our love and support, as they have seen very little of either in their short lives. Brightening their world is a demonstration of love they won’t soon forget. Keep caring, keep serving, and keep loving. The world needs more like you!
God bless you all, and thank you Chris Swanson and Marc and Kristine for putting yourselves out there once again. You guys rock!
CB
Peggi says
What an amazing day! I’m so thankful that the staff at Whaley Chikdren’s Center allowed us to be blessed by serving them and their kids. Special thanks to Kristine Militello for her planning and organizing the volunteer team!
Mandy Bergeron says
It was a great experience to be able to help at Whaley in Flint. What the Revolution organizations did truly showed that many hands make light work. We were able to give up a Saturday to accomplish so much that the people at Whaley’s didn’t have time to do. The sight and smell of the cabins from the time we entered to the time we left was a remarkable change. I’m glad to know the kids and staff enjoyed the updates.
Cathy K says
What an awesome thing to do, Patriot Revolution! You cared for children, the ones who needed you the most, and showed love where it was most appreciated.
Kristen Schill says
The excitement that this group of people had leading up to the day of work was so refreshing, but the buzz after the event was spectacular! To know that THAT many people gave of themselves, not because they HAD to, but because they WANTED to is a true testament to the quality of individuals involved with Life Leadership! People are STILL talking about that place and those kids and how we can continue to support them and others.
So very proud to belong to such an amazing organization!
Tim Kern says
What an amazing experience it was to work with our teams at the Whaley Children’s Center. I’ve been on many mission trips in my life to several “3rd world countries” and was blessed on every trip but to be able to go just a short 45 minutes north of our home and serve these children was by far the best experience I’ve ever had. Thank you to the Militello’s for leading this organization, Chris Swanson for his time and the leaders of LIFE Leadership for having the vision to initiate LIFE On Life.
Robby Palmer says
Wow guys!! That was awesome! That’s one of my favorite life on life service projects yet!! Way to be!
Laura Craft says
Love to be a part of the Revolution and under the amazing leadership of the Militellos!! We had our own serve day down I n Alabama and were so blessed in serving others. The vision that Marc & Kristine have in helping to serve so many people is unlike anything I’ve seen. They have such huge hearts to help others. Love Life on Life and love the Patriot Revolution!!
Dawn Lichty says
This is why I love Life Leadership! Stretching and growing and being a blessing! Not just a business with a purpose, but a PURPOSE that’s a business! #lovelifeleadership
Nichole Bouchard says
This is what LIFE is all about! Every small act of kindness done with Great Love will be felt for Generations to come. Our prayer is that the small work we were able to accomplish that Saturday will be so infused with Love that it will be felt for ages. #LoveLifeLeadership
Lloyd Weiler says
Mark and Kristine just served those of us in PA with an amazing seminar! I love hearing them share their hearts and back it up with action!! Like Chris said the we are the few, serve boldly!!
Dawn Boike says
It was such an amazing day! So many people making such a difference (Alabama and Indiana too) in one day. That would not happen without the commitment of LIFE Leadership to make a difference every day in our own lives and those of so many others. Thanks to Marc and Kristine for leading the Revolution in these efforts, along with your dedication everyday to help each one of us want to be more that what we were the day before.
Kristine Militello says
Years ago my dear friend, Tonya Hartmann thought of the idea to serve others at a PBO event. We have been serving in November ever since! What I love about the Life on Life initiative is it takes serve others to an entirely new level.
Our Saturday at Whaley was extraordinary!! The amount of work done that day was ASTOUNDING. The Patriot Revolution stepped up and did an amazing job serving the kids at Whaley. I, like everyone serving, will never forget that day.
In fact, the Patriot Revolution was so moved by the experience, We have chosen to give Christmas to every child at Whaley.
Marc and I are blessed beyond words to be a part of our amazing organization.
Gerry and Sherry Daniel says
What a heart- warming experience!!! We love the people of Life Leadership! You are the best!!!!!
Loyal says
Absolutely inspiring story !!!!
Loyal says
Absolutely INSPIRING !!!!!
Nathan Taylor says
Such a warm blessing to give. Life Leadership is beyond amazing.
Deanna Suggitt says
I must say I was moved to tears. Years ago I heard about this wonderful Center and the very special children who stay here. I am so moved on all the sweat, work and heart went into giving this place a “pick me up”. I am so very proud to be a part of this organization.
Gail says
It felt so great to give our time for such a deserving place and to the children that call Whaley’s home! The feelings afterward were so overwhelming, and still are! Thank you Militello’s for your leadership and finding such a deserving cause for us to put our time and effort into. As Jess said, I am truly humbled also.
Anna says
Very cool. <3
Linsey K. says
What a truly inspiring story!! You all are absolutely AMAZING!!