A Message from Dr. David Anderson, Executive Director
A recent reunion at LYDIA can only be described as pure joy, thanks to the 140 guests who came to reminisce, laugh and talk about how LYDIA has touched their lives over the years. The evening brought together past residents, volunteers and staff members, whose experiences afforded a special glimpse of how God has used LYDIA to serve children and families for more than 90 years.

One of our most honored guests was Agnes Benjamin, age 92, who came to live at LYDIA with her sister in 1918. The Benjamin sisters were among the first orphans to be cared for at LYDIA, and Agnes told us that they had many precious memories of their time here. We were also joined by Bob and Joanie Swenson, who represented three generations of service to LYDIA — Bob and his mother served on the board, and his grandmother was one of LYDIA’s founding members. Guests really enjoyed hearing from two former residents, Charlene Davis and Luke Williamson, who shared how LYDIA had enriched their lives and set them on a different path.

This event was such an encouragement, because it reminded all of us about LYDIA’s rich heritage and its impact on lives throughout many generations. The ministry has changed significantly from its early days as an orphanage, but its impact continues to be felt. Here’s what one 13-year-old shared with us as he prepared to leave our Residential Unit to live with a relative: “This was the only home I’ve ever had, the only family I’ve ever known. I have found a place here at LYDIA where I know I’m loved.”

This child’s experience at LYDIA will affect him for the rest of his life — and not just him, but his wife and children, and even their children. Thank you for partnering with us today as we make an impact on the future. God is faithful, and we are grateful for the many ways He provides for LYDIA through people like you!

The response to this reunion was so positive that LYDIA has decided to create an “Alumni Association” for past residents, volunteers and staff. If you are interested in being part of this process, or joining the group once it is up and running, please contact Judy Devlin, Development Associate, at or (773) 736-1447, ext. 223.

Once a month can make an impact!
Can volunteering one afternoon a month really make a difference in children's lives? Heide Blair thinks so. Here, she tells about her experience with the kids of LYDIA.

I became acquainted with LYDIA years ago when I was cooking at a church camp that sponsored kids from the Residential Unit for a week in the summer. About five years ago, something brought LYDIA to mind again, and I decided to call and see how I could help out. Christmas was coming, and after talking to a staff member at LYDIA, I decided to include kids from the Residential Unit in a Project Angel Tree event that our church (Lakeland Evangelical Free in Gurnee, IL) was sponsoring. A number of people signed up for a specific child and bought Christmas presents for them. Pretty soon, we organized a group of volunteers that started going to visit LYDIA one Sunday afternoon a month.

About 20 to 25 adults and children from our church participate each time, providing planned activities and supper for the kids. For the younger ones we prepare a craft to work on with them, while the older boys might play basketball or catch with my husband and other guys. We love bringing food that the kids might not ordinarily get at LYDIA — the favorite seems to be "Tacos-in-a-Bag" (not as messy as it sounds). My mom comes every month and bakes a dessert. (Her chocolate cake with caramel topping being the most popular.)

When we first started coming, we would often leave feeling pretty overwhelmed, knowing that these kids have experienced a lot of heartache and wondering how we could possibly have any impact. It took some time to begin to earn their trust, but we are now developing relationships with these kids, and we trust that God will in fact use these small connections to make a difference in their lives.

These kids have been rejected over and over again, but our group accepts them and loves them and we keep coming back. We are trying to demonstrate Christ's love to each and every one of them, working to help them see how special they are to us and, more importantly, to God. Each month I leave LYDIA feeling like we received more of a blessing than the children did. It is a privilege to serve God's children, and He seems to return the blessing tenfold!

We need your help with the 2007 Benefit Gala!
The Gala is coming! And you can be part of it when you serve as a table host or event sponsor, or contribute items to the always popular silent auction. Volunteers are needed for the event itself, too. The banquet will take place on Monday, Dec. 3 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. We expect attendance to be our highest ever, as we welcome well-known author Josh McDowell as our Featured Speaker!

To learn more, please contact Erica Postma, Associate Director of Development, at or (773) 736-1447, ext. 249.