The idea of Love INC was conceived in 1977 as a way to encourage churches to become more engaged with the poor and inspire a greater number of Christians to put their faith into action. Love INC's founder, Dr. Virgil Gulker, was a social worker and outreach director in Holland, Michigan in the late 1970's. Deeply committed to helping people trapped in poverty, he was certain God had called others to the same mission. As he talked to church members and pastors, Dr. Gulker came to understand that Christians did indeed want to help the needy, but they had few ideas of how to do so. Many times people did not even recognize that they were gifted in ways that could have a positive impact on someone else's life.
Love INC became an operating department of World Vision in 1988. As one of the largest faith-based organizations in the world, World Vision provided financial and organizational support to the growing ministry. In 2003, Love INC and World Vision formed a new partnership relationship to better support each organization's mission. Love INC exists today as it own national nonprofit entity with National Headquarters located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Love INC is comprised of more than 150 local church networks (affiliates) in over 34 states as of September 2010. Annually over 300,000 volunteers, representing a network of nearly 9000 churches and 6000 community-based organizations, ensure that these networks are doing all they can to care for, nurture, affirm, train, and help transform struggling individuals and families. More than one million needy adults and children benefit each year from its work, the goal is to build a larger, stronger, increasingly vibrant ministry. With God's blessing, Love INC will continue for many more decades to passionately serve others in Christ's name.
Love INC is comprised of more than 150 local church networks (affiliates) in over 34 states as of September 2010. Annually over 300,000 volunteers, representing a network of nearly 9000 churches and 6000 community-based organizations, ensure that these networks are doing all they can to care for, nurture, affirm, train, and help transform struggling individuals and families. More than one million needy adults and children benefit each year from its work, the goal is to build a larger, stronger, increasingly vibrant ministry. With God's blessing, Love INC will continue for many more decades to passionately serve others in Christ's name.Every Love INC affiliate is separately incorporated and is a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Every network has its own business office and executive director. Each affiliate enters into a formal agreement with the Love INC National Headquarters, formalizing its relationship with the program. The Love INC National Headquarters does not fund any individual affiliates, although it provides resource opportunities.
The Look of Love INC
