Jeremiah’s Promise recently cut the ribbon at its new location in Patterson.
A special place that combines elements of a school, therapeutic center and a ministry, it seems appropriate that the new location was once a church. Using a combination of the interpersonal whole brain model of care, scriptural belief and simple love and care, Jeremiah’s Promise treats individuals from infancy to adulthood living with autism, trauma-related disorders, brain injuries and other challenges.
Vanessa Smith, director of Jeremiah’s Promise, told those gathered that they had stepped up from 900 square feet to 2,000 with a note of understandable pride. “This property is a gift, a holy grail,” Smith said in her opening remarks to the crowd.
Later, while enjoying the snacks and refreshments spread out for the guests, her father-in -law confirmed those words were literal truth. The former church, valued at $300,000 dollars, was bestowed on Jeremiah’s Promise as an anonymous donation to help further their work. Smith, her father-in-law and others gathered there see it as a living proof of the verse that gives the special facility its name.
Jeremiah 29:11 reads, “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.”
Friend and founder of Jacob’s Ladder, a nonprofit school which also combines science and scripture, Amy O’Dell spoke warmly of the kindred spirit she sensed in Smith. O’Dell spoke of “the burning desire of a woman to help her child.” That is something both Smith and O’Dell are familiar with as each began their journey in seeking to combine faith, familial love and modern brain science to heal their sons.
“I can’t tell you what it means to see all of you show up for a spiritual warrior like Vanessa,” said O’Dell.
Following praise music by the Patterson Worship Team, Pastor Justin Gambrell of First Baptist Church of Blackshear not only delivered a prayer to dedicate the new facility but also praised Smith’s drive and purpose in making Jeremiah’s Promise a reality.
Smith quietly accepted the praise, but she had already made clear in her gave all the glory to God.
“We’ve faced unexpected challenges— new codes, new requirements, new steps along the way, but non of it caught God by surprise,” Smith testified in her speech. “Every delay, every change, every moment has been part of his perfect plan. He’s not just building a school. He’s building a testimony.”
Jeremiah’s Promise is located at 3437 Drawdy Street in Patterson. For more information about the services they offer, please call 912-647-7912.
Standing behind her son Kylan as he cuts the ceremonial ribbon, Vanessa Smith beams alongside a host of friend, supporters and volunteers too numerous to name gathered to celebrate the opening of Jeremiah’s Promise at its new location in Patterson.
