“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’.” – Jeremiah 29:11

Congratulations to Janola and Dave Fordyce for receiving the Waverly-Shell Rock Area United Way 2017 Outstanding Volunteer Award! Over the past 10 years, the Fordyces have made an impact on hundreds of Iowa youth by volunteering with LSI’s Spiritual Life program at our Bremwood Residential Treatment Center in Waverly.

The voluntary Spiritual Life program uses faith-based art, literature, film, and music to lift up some of Iowa’s most vulnerable youth as they receive the mental health treatment they need to thrive.

The Fordyces began their volunteering journey with LSI after Janola served as a teacher’s assistant at the school on Bremwood’s campus. She learned about a Bible study held for the youth at Bremwood, and wanted to get involved.

Janola and her husband, Dave, now volunteer at Bremwood on a weekly basis. Dave enjoys serving snacks while Janola encourages discussion from the Bible worksheets she creates for the teens at Bremwood. There’s always time for prayer and when a child is having a bad day, Janola offers individual support and encouragement to them.

“Every time I’m done volunteering, I just feel like life is good. I get far more back from the kids at Bremwood than what I give. They’re always saying something kind,” Janola says. “I’m so grateful to be involved in their lives, even in a small way. I pray that something we said will make a difference in their life. They’re worthy of having a good life, and they are loved.”