Outreach center planned for 1920s Waterford farm

In the spirit of community giving, a Waterford Township church recently purchased a historic farmhouse for use as a haven and outreach program for women and girls in need.

Lifepoint Christian Church Pastor Rick Bosnack and his wife, Dana, sealed the deal on a 1920s-era, four-story farmhouse that had been vacant for 14 years. The home, located on the corner of Elizabeth Lake and Voorhies roads, is just around the corner from their church on Scott Lake Road.

“We purchased the house to gift it to the community to be used by the community that needs it,” Pastor Bosnack said. “There’s a storm of people who come to us on a weekly basis that are fractured and broken. Sometimes people are less inclined to come to a church building, so this will be a different environment to draw people.”

The Bosnacks are naming the center “The Well,” as a depiction of how women can be blessed simply by walking through the door and accessing the myriad of services that will be provided.

“Every woman has a story,” said Rick Bosnack. “‘The Well’ will be a day center for women of all walks of life. It will be women helping women and girls helping girls. It’s not just for the downtrodden, but for those blessed to assist.”

Classes and services may include financial management; tutoring; parenting; marriage enrichment; mental health; and Biblical instruction.

The idea is to work with churches throughout the community, in tandem with business and non-profit organizations by pulling together resources to offer classes, services and basic needs.

“It’s our heart to network with other churches whose members can volunteer,” he said. “It’s too big of a project to do on our own. We want to share the blessing, share the load.”

Last week, a group of 40 teenagers from Auburn Hills Christian Center pitched in to pull weeds and pick up branches on the property.

The center is expected to be a one-stop shop to connect people in crisis.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for those at their wit’s end to find answers and not be sent home empty-handed,” he said.

The first step is to beautify the home and rezone the property. Plans are underway to revamp the home with a Victorian motif complete with tea rooms and gardens to restore the soul through a peaceful environment. One concept is to plant a pink rose garden for breast cancer survivors.

A nursery and play center will also be on site for childcare while mothers are receiving services.

Home improvements include painting, adding a parking lot, refinishing wood floors, renovating the porch and complying with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

Community members who wish to donate their time or labor can call Dana Bosnack at 248-682-1747.