flourish
HELPING OTHERS Nicole Love, MAE ’14, views serving others as planting seeds. She may never see the fruit of her service, but she’s okay with that. She trusts that God will use even the little things she does for His kingdom. Nicole is the director of the Salvation Army Early Learning Center in Lexington, Kentucky. As Nicole grew up, her heart for serving others grew with her. Her parents were Salvation Army officers (i.e., pastors, since Salvation Army is really a church) who were living examples of what God’s love for “the least, the last, and the lost” of society looked like. Nicole always knew she wanted to do something like that when she grew up. “At the core of everything Salvation Army does, they are serving people in the name of Jesus,” said Nicole. “They see that people, often those dismissed by society, are struggling or hurting, and they work to support them and meet their needs, all with the intent of showing them God’s love.” It turns out that Salvation Army is far more than a red donation bucket at Christmastime. Affordable childcare and day camps, food pantries, a clothing bank, support services for human trafficking victims, substance abuse rehabilitation, shelter, emergency disaster services, and Christmas gift assistance are just some of their ministries. As the Early Learning Center director, Nicole’s duties are primarily to supervise and support. She oversees the overall functioning of the childcare facility, ensuring children’s physical, emotional, academic, and social needs are met. Nicole is daily “planting seeds” with her staff, the children they service, and the children’s parents. For parents hoping to work, go to college, or get job training, the question “Who will take care of my child during the day?”
is life-altering. Its answer can change the trajectory for the whole family. Nicole knows some people equate “affordable childcare” with “less-than childcare,” and she and the staff at the Center have worked to reverse that mentality by providing solid, engaging academics taught by capable and caring staff. In 2020, that took more creativity and patience than usual. In addition to implementing COVID safety precautions, many of the systems the Center relies on ran slower (background check centers, doctor’s appointments, obtaining supplies, etc.). Things have gradually smoothed out. The indisputable Worst Year Ever was an extremely stressful time for many parents, often due to employment changes, and Nicole is hopeful that the assistance the Center provided blessed the families it served when they needed it most. “More than anything, I want the Center to be set apart in that all people – parents and children – who step foot inside feel valued, respected, and loved. I want the parents to feel at peace when they drop off their children with us,” she said. “We want these parents’ dreams of working or getting an education to become reality without putting a significant financial burden on the family.” It was a tough year for many kids, but, as Nicole has seen, children are resilient. The ones she’s worked with are continuing to thrive. Some toddlers have gotten so used to having their temperature checked that they lean into the forehead thermometer. In a heavy year, the kids’ positive attitudes (and, of course, cuteness) lifted the staff’s spirits. Positivity goes a long way. Nicole’s schedule is full as she and her husband, a firefighter, care for their own two children and balance their work schedules. Her heart is full as she pours into the children, parents, and staff she works with. And, Lord willing, the people served by the Center are filled with peace and hope through the love of Jesus that people like Nicole have shown them.
For more information on the Salvation Army, visit salvationarmyuse.org 14
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SPRING 2021
