LIVING STONES INTERNATIONAL INC

I first discovered Living Stones International (LSI) through my workplace. I had heard of the program they had developed called Teen Dads. In this day and time, the increase of young women having babies is astonishing. There are a few services in almost every county that have some type of help for the mothers to assist them with parenting, financial assistance, or medical help for the child. However, as a former Juvenile Probation Officer, I could NEVER find any resources for the young fathers, who may or may not be involved in the child's life. Enter Teen Dads. Teen Dads is focused on the fathers and in educating, building them up, and teaching them the importance of being a part of their child's life. First of its kind that I have seen in this area. LSI saw the need of raising up our fathers and started a program, not because it was bringing in money or because it gave them recognition but because it was the RIGHT THING TO DO. In addition, LSI also conducts visitation with incarcerated parents in Liberty, Wakulla, and Gadsden Counties. This program, currently named Children of Inmates (COI), is AMAZING. As a volunteer, who has participated in one of the visits, the entire experience left me speechless and my heart overflowing with hope and love. COI brings the children and their caretakers into the prisons for a special visit with the incarcerated parent. Volunteers attend as well as helpers to the families as needed. The children, and sometimes even grandchildren, get to bond with their family member in a way that 1. Gives both groups hope. Hope that they matter, that they are loved, and that even through the separation, they are not forgotten and are loved. 2. Closes the gap between these family members. I cannot count how many times I have heard. "Yeah.. my dad is in prison. I've never seen him. Don't know anything about him." Then when and if that parents gets released there is zero bond or relationship between the child and parent. COI eliminates this by allowing the foundation for a relationship to grow and bloom while the parent is in prison. The joy, tears, prayers, and laughter I have witnessed on the faces of both the inmates, the caregivers, AND the children is life changing. I don't know what we would do without LSI and this crucial building block they have put into place here in our area. We talk often about walking the walk and not just talking the talk. LSI, specifically Pastor Gary Montgomery and Elder JC Gamboa-Montgomery, do exactly what they say they will do. And not because they are searching out some earthbound glory but because this is their passion. This is what drives them. Amazing. I consider myself blessed to be a part of such a great organization. And they need all the supporters out there who share this passion to help out, in any way they are led.

This agency provides an outlet for the community to connect with loved ones ain't a variety of way. Living Stones truly provides a ministry that fills the soul.