October Campus Update

September is always a blur for me. I try every year to soak up every moment, but somehow, it just goes too quickly.

We start September off with the Malden Labor Day Parade. This little parade that goes from the corner of our road (325 South) down ¾ of a mile to 400 South, back over to 150 East (½ mile, at most), and back down to right in front of our campus (corner of 325 S & 150 E) has grown into quite an event. We drive the truck in the parade, tossing out invites to Annual Day attached to candy and Frisbees. Anyway, this year, I think all of Malden PLUS a majority of Valparaiso was sitting alongside the road. And this is what I love, as we throw out our invites and the kids scramble for the candy, the parents say “See you at the garage sale”. You see, our Annual Day Garage Sale is huge in our community! Not only do they donate towards it, they shop it every year! The parade is such an awesome way for us to continue to show our mission, God’s light, in our little corner of Indiana.

After the Labor Day Parade, the Sojourners begin arriving. Oh, how we love our Sojourners. They are the reason Annual Day is ready on time every year. Without them, I’d be in trouble. They set up the garage sale, do many maintenance projects in preparation for the day, and as the tents arrive, they put up all the tables, chairs, signs, etc. to prepare for our perfect day! And while I appreciate them so much for all of their selfless, tireless work, the real reason we love them coming is the extra “grandparent” love they share with our kids….and our staff.

Annual Day arrived and was perfect. We had some hiccups and some rain, but no one seemed to mind. We laughed together. We ate together. We shopped together. We raised money for the children at Shults-Lewis. You’ll read more about that in the November Telegram.

We had one girl leave our program in September as she headed onto the next phase of her life. She calls often and tells us how much she misses us, but she’s doing really well! Keep praying for her. As she left, we placed two new girls and two new boys. With 3 full-time homes and one relief, we are able to continue to help more kids and families which is incredible.

We still need some staff members though. One is Director of Operations—basically accounting. Currently, I’m trying to wear both hats while we find someone, and as much as I don’t mind filling in, we need someone who can focus on it full time and allow me to get back to raising fun…I mean, fundraising.  Who do you know that loves accounting and who would love to come be a part of this ministry?!

We are also still looking for a full-time counselor. We have a contracted counselor who is great, but we really need someone on staff. Finally, we still need a Principal. As much as I love seeing Vickie on campus again, she deserves to enjoy her retirement. She’s an amazing woman who continues to serve this ministry in HUGE ways. All positions come with a competitive salary, retirement, and benefit package. And beyond that, you get to be a part of a ministry who is striving to serve God by serving His children.

For the kids,

Beth Frump, Director of Development