In March 2010, Debbie Dowdin started with a desire to help others and turned it into a non-profit organization helping those in the community. Debbie’s story is inspirational in that she had an idea, and she ran with it. She didn’t stop and think about how hard it might be, how much of her time it would take or whether it fit conveniently into her life. She wanted to help, took action, gave selflessly and is now making a difference in the lives of others.
Seven Springs began as a thrift store with the intention for it to fund the help they give. The thrift store covers all overhead expenses, so monetary donations can go back into the community to help those in need. They started out paying utilities and financial assistance with rent, etc. Before long, they doubled in size, and over time grew from the original one suite to currently occupying four suites. She had no idea that following her desire would take a thrift store concept and end up offering so much more to the community. They now offer multiple programs: Food Bank, Summer Lunch Program, School Supplies, and a God inspired Christmas Project.
Debbie will be the first to tell you that it didn’t start with some grand vision from God. It all started with a very strong desire to open it; the desire was so strong and obvious she believes she truly didn’t have a choice. Some would call that His prompting. She didn’t have a game plan or step by step design of where she was going with it all. God impressed upon her what to do every step of the way. And she did it.
Debbie is the Director/Founder of Seven Springs and believes God placed the desire and compassion on her heart, as well as the gift of discernment to understand the needs of her clients and community. She truly believes nothing belongs to her; God made it all happen and she simply asks Him “What do you want me to do?”
Seven Springs is governed by a Board of Directors with a clear mission statement: Seven Springs is a non-profit, Christian organization committed to helping those in our community, while encouraging self-responsibility, personal and spiritual growth. Debbie learned through previous volunteer experiences that an organization can be well intentioned but not necessarily healthy for a family as a whole. Her clients go through an eligibility process and become a community within themselves. Seven Springs was created to come alongside families, to help the least of these. In Debbie’s words, “When you are in the pit, you need a little help to get out.”
What desires do you have?
What will you do with that desire?
Debbie started the Place of Seven Springs
What direction will you take?
Visit Seven Springs website to find out how you can help.
They are continually in need of donations and volunteers.
http://www.placeofsevensprings.com
Phone: 770-736-3377
