I suppose that people of all ages have a fascination with puppets.  From the backyard cardboard puppet stage to the technical black light productions of Broadway, puppets have entertained crowds for generations - giving life to the strangest of creatures and telling amazing stories about far-away places.  Often times, the puppets teach us great lessons about life itself.  Regardless of how old you are, a puppet show will always get your attention.

But the real magic of puppets is the people behind the curtain.  No matter if the puppet is a wooden doll suspended by strings or an old sock pulled over someone's hand, the puppeteer is the one who brings it to life.  The puppeteer choreographs the dance, sings the song, and tells the story.  Without the puppeteer, you don't have much more than a rag doll or pieces of wood tangled together in a ball of string.

Broken people are a lot like puppets without a puppeteer.  They have no life.  No song to sing.  Just rag dolls and tangled pieces of wood.

At LifeNet, we're given the opportunity to partner with people wanting to tell their story; hoping to sing a new song; eager to learn a new dance.  They are people that have lessons to share.  They are people that can teach from their experiences.  They are people that need someone to give them a voice, a purpose, and a role on the stage.

One of the most famous puppets of all times is Pinocchio.  All he wanted in life was to become a "real boy".  All it took was one wish.  In the words of Jiminy Cricket, when you wish upon a star, "Like a bolt out of the blue, fate steps in and sees you thru".  For many of our clients, LifeNet is that bolt out of the blue.

At LifeNet, we are all puppeteers.  We are people who want to lend hope, offer a new beginning, and give empowerment for a new life.  We are partners with our clients.

Our mission is pretty simple - Rebuilding and Enhancing Lives.  As part of the LifeNet family, you are as integral to succeeding our mission as the puppeteer is to bringing life to a wooden doll.  Sadly though, your role is often played out behind a curtain without much fanfare.

There are many success stories about LifeNet clients.  We like to share those and can feel proud about our accomplishments.  However, we cannot forget about the many people behind the scenes that make the magic happen.  From the receptionist to the executive office, you are all a vital part of our future.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to offer my sincerest thanks (to LifeNet staff) for your tireless efforts, your true dedication, and your unfailing commitment to our mission.