January Campus Update
We are excited to share that we have added a new calming room at the school for the children we serve. The calming room is a place for our residents to decompress. Children can de-stress in our tent or bean bag chairs. The room is equipped with stress balls, large Jenga game, puzzles, Legos, mp3 players and headphones. This room provides residents with the ability to channel their anger and frustrations into a more positive way. This is an added therapeutic element to meet kids where they are. Anger and sadness are sides to trauma that need attention. This room helps with that.
On January 27th, the girls attended the VU men’s basketball game against Missouri State. The girls enjoyed hot dogs, popcorn and rooting for the VU Beacon’s. The half time show starred two dogs that fetched a frisbee in the air. Boy could the dogs jump! The girls had fun and laughed a lot! We love seeing smiles on their faces.
February kicks off the beginning of the 2024 Phone Campaign. Donors will receive a Phone Campaign postcard and newsletter. During this month, we will be accepting pre-pledges. Donors may contact us at 219-462-0513 to make a pledge. Donations may be made by check and mailed or by credit card on our website at www.shultslewis.org.
In February, we will be visiting Clay City Church of Christ and Naperville Church of Christ Maplewood to share information about what the kids of today are facing, how we are impacting the lives of kids, and to connect with our donors face-to-face. If you are interested in having us come out to your church to give a presentation on the work we are doing at Shults-Lewis, please contact me at 219-462-0513 ext. 103. Thanks again for taking this journey with us.
December Campus Update
On December 8, we celebrated Vickie’s Terhune’s second retirement from Shults-Lewis with a party. Vickie served as school principal for 32 years. Over the years, Vickie has touched and impacted so many residents’ lives; especially in the area of Math, where she has tutored many students. This is not goodbye as Vickie will be volunteering with us in the new year.
On December 22, we had our staff and resident Christmas party with our Board of Trustees. Everyone enjoyed the pizza, games and presents during the celebration. Thank you to our wonderful donors who purchased items for both our residents, houseparents and our homes. We were so blessed with your kindness! We are so thankful to God for the impact of your support for the children we serve.
In January, we will be visiting Maplewood Church of Christ, Memorial Parkway Church of Christ and Springbrook Hills Church of Christ to share information about what the kids of today are facing, how we are impacting the lives of kids, and to connect with our donors face-to-face. In February, our travels will take us to Clay City Church of Christ and Naperville Church of Christ. If you are interested in having us come out to your church to give a presentation on the work we are doing at Shults-Lewis, please contact me at 219-462-0513 ext. 103. Thanks again for taking this journey with us.
November Campus Update
In November, we enjoyed a Fall Festival Luncheon with staff and residents. It was a great time of fellowship with one another. A special thanks to Peter Bumpass for his donation of tickets to our houseparents and residents to attend the circus and enjoy some food. Cheers and laughter could be seen and heard by the kids during the event.
On November 5th, we had the pleasure to visit Grandville Church of Christ in Michigan. We enjoyed Bible study, worship, a presentation to the elders and lunch with the Young family. It was great to meet with members of the congregation as we shared our work at the children’s home.
On November 11th, we were invited to attend the 75th anniversary of Sunnyside Church of Christ in Decatur, Illinois. This was a great opportunity for us to meet current and past members as well as neighboring individuals from sister churches. Did you know that Sunnyside Church of Christ has been supporting Shults-Lewis since 1948? What an awesome testimony to their partnership with Shults-Lewis and the residents we serve who face trauma.
In January, we will be visiting Maplewood Church of Christ, Memorial Parkway Church of Christ, Clay City Church of Christ and Springbrook Hills Church of Christ to share information about what the kids of today are facing, how we are impacting the lives of kids, and to connect with our donors face-to-face. If you are interested in having us come out to your church to give a presentation on the work we are doing at Shults-Lewis, please contact Stephanie at 219-462-0513 ext. 103. Thanks again for taking this journey with us.
October Campus Update
In October, Johnnie and Tammy visited New York Avenue Church of Christ in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. It was great meeting Tim Harty and members of the congregation. His message on Sunday was a true blessing. Church visits provide us with the opportunity to share God’s work at Shults-Lewis.
This month, the residents had the opportunity to go on a field trip to Fair Oaks Farms. This farm is the largest dairy producer in Indiana and one of the largest in the county. The kids learned about the animals, farming practices and nutrition. They also were able to experience the rope course. This type of course helps individuals attain personal achievements and overcome fears and anxieties. Despite the cold weather, the kids had a wonderful time. Our kids LOVE school field trips!
In November, we will be visiting Grandville Church of Christ and Sunnyside Road Church of Christ to share information about what the kids of today are facing, how we are impacting the lives of kids, and to connect with our donors face-to-face. If you are interested in having us come out to your church to give a presentation on the work we are doing at Shults-Lewis, please contact me at 219-462-0513 ext. 103. Thanks again for taking this journey with us.
September Campus Update
September was a busy month with back to back fundraising events. On September 9th, we kicked off with Popcorn Festival. We sold out of hot dogs and bratwursts. That was a good problem to have. The highlight of the day was when we met a former resident, Mia, who shared her story with us. Without Shults-Lewis, she said “I would never have completed high school and finished college.” We cried and hugged her and our hearts were full! This is why we do what we do! We help kids overcome trauma and change their life forever!
One week later, we celebrated Annual Day. It was wonderful for our staff and residents to finally put names to faces. Thank you for all your positive feedback. It truly takes a village to run this event. I am excited to announce that with your help we raised $20,333.23 in revenue and after expenses earned a net profit of $13,585.43. We also raised an additional $1,000 for our Emergency Medical Responder Services Dinner slated for Spring 2024 in order to honor our police in our community.
In October, we will begin visiting churches. If you are interested in having us come out to your church to give a presentation on the work we are doing at Shults-Lewis, please contact me at 219-462-0513 ext. 103. Thanks again for taking this journey with us.