Thank you for prayerfully considering a generous gift to this year’s Thanksgiving Offering and for helping Evergreen continue to serve, provide for, and champion individuals with disabilities.
We are deeply grateful for your prayers and support, which continue to bring hope and endless possibilities to those served by Evergreen Life Services.
When making your donation, we kindly ask that you please type “Thanksgiving Offering” in the “Special Notes ” field on the donation page.
During this season of thanks, we reflect and are reassured that God is all around us, working through the faith, compassion, and generosity of others. We are deeply grateful for your prayers and support, which continue to bring hope and endless possibilities to those served by Evergreen Life Services.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1 – New King James Version
Every enduring mission begins with a vision, and Evergreen Life Services is no exception. What began as a heartfelt desire among a group of devoted parents to create a better life for their children would eventually grow into something far greater than they could have imagined. Several years before Evergreen opened in 1959, these parents began searching for a place to establish a summer camp where children with developmental disabilities could experience acceptance, encouragement, and opportunities to grow. Their vision was simple yet profound: to create a place where their children would be valued, embraced, and given the opportunity to experience the fullness of life.
At the same time, the Synod of Louisiana’s commitment to faith, compassion, and service would play an important role in bringing this dream to life. As these devoted parents’ hopes aligned with the Synod’s commitment to serving others, a remarkable opportunity emerged, inspired by the belief that every life has value and purpose. This commitment led to the founding of Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries, Inc. (doing business as Evergreen Life Services) more than 65 years ago. Today, that original vision continues to grow, touching the lives of nearly 1,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across seven states.
A NEW CHAPTER OF POSSIBILITIES
As Evergreen’s mission grew, so did the understanding that every individual deserves the opportunity to lead a meaningful life in a welcoming community. In 1980, Evergreen began transitioning from institutional care to a more personalized, community-based model of service. That year, the first two community homes opened in Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana, offering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities opportunities to develop life skills, build independence, and prepare for life in a less restrictive environment.
This important step reflected Evergreen’s commitment to looking beyond disabilities and recognizing each individual’s unique abilities, dreams, and potential. Through this transition to community-based care, Evergreen fostered greater independence while providing the comfort of a place to call home and a stronger connection to the surrounding community.
What began with a small group of parents and a shared vision of hope has become a mission of endless possibilities, proving that one vision truly can change countless lives, one person at a time.