About Us
“Turning the hearts of fathers to their children and the childrens’ hearts to the Heavenly Father”
Addressing the issues of absent fathers and the negative effects on children without dads
Urban Light Ministries has focused its efforts over the last 30 years in increasing awareness and support of fatherhood initiatives due to absent fathers and the negative affects of children without dads in the greater Clark County Ohio area.
Years of Service
Fathers Served
Childrens Lives Touched
Awards Won
Board of Trustees
Daniel Blevins
Catherine Leep
Kermit Rowe
Bruce Stapleton
Jay Weygandt
Eli Williams
Our Story
Over the Years
1988
Founded
Eli and Judy Williams from Lifeline Ministries, a faith-based ministry focused on children, prisons, food pantry and mobile DJ
1993
Sonshine Clubs Begin
”The Sonshine Club was a Saturday morning sidewalk Sunday School children’s ministry which started in Lincoln Park in Springfield, Ohio
1994
Sonshine Clubs Move to Public Schools
The Sonshine Clubs, a children-based Christian ministry, begins in Lincoln Elementary School as an afterschool ministry
1995
Lifeline Ministries becomes Urban Light Minstries
Lifeline Ministry changed its name to Urban Light Ministries and received its 501 (c) 3 nonprofit designation officially in 1996
1997
Urban Light Ministries opens headquarters on S. Yellowsprings St.
Urban Light Ministries served over 100 families weekly by volunteers from its location in Springfield, Ohio
2006
Fatherhood Workshops Begin
Nuturing Fathers for Life (NFL) program begins with fathering skills training for local fathers. Training partnered with Marriage Resource Center and Clark County Jail beings in 2007
2008
Ohio Commissions on Fatherhood awards $224K grant
Urban Light continues to expand it fatherhood training and support through a major grant allowing it to serve over 300 fathers
2008
Eli Williams elected to the board of Ohio Practitioners Network for Fathers and Families
Eli Williams continues to grow awareness and credibility of Urban Light Ministries Fatherhood programs through serving on state-wide fatherhood boards and contributing to Fatherhood Commission Strategic Plan
2010
ULM Continues building Fatherhood programs
ULM continues to grow its awareness and credibility in serving fathers through winning $100k grant to serve over 150 fathers, publishing the areas first “Dad’s Resource Guide” and hosts the regional Fatherhood Ohio Summit in Springfield, Ohio
2011
Sonshine Clubs Expand Reach to over 13 public elementary schools
The after-school children’s ministry continues to grow to over 800 children with a Sonshine Club Director staff position established
2012
ULM’s Fatherhood Programs receive National Recognition
Eli Williams and Darryl Grayson present ULM’s programs to Virginia delegation
2016
Father Love book published
Eli Williams authored and publishes the book “Father Love – The Powerful Resource Every Child Needs” including a study guide and father’s discussion group
2019
POPS 101 Course Online course released
Fatherhood course on being a Protector, Order Keeper, Provider and Stabilizer is released online in English and Spanish versions.
2020
Eli Williams presented the Nehemiah Foundation Leadership Award
For Pastor Eli Williams recognition of local leadership and service to the community of Springfield, Ohio he was awarded the Nehemiah Foundation Leadership Award
2022
Fatherhood Devotionals Published
Pastor Eli Williams publishes father devotional on YouVersion Bible App and ULM publishes 30-day Dad Devotional E-book