A publication of Sheridan House Family Ministries1 7 0 0 S o u t h F l a m i n g o R o a d • D a v i e , F L 3 3 3 2 5 • ( 9 5 4 ) 5 8 3 - 1 5 5 2 • w w w. s h f m . o r g

July 2011

Honoring Christ by serving the needs of children and families

Offering Hope & Meeting Needs is the mission of our Single Parent Ministry. By partnering with local churches in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, we are filling in the gap. Our goal is to educate and advance single moms as they care for their children – the future leaders in our community.

As a prerequisite to receiving help, Sheridan House offers single moms a wide variety of training courses. We also come alongside churches to help meet their family’s needs with items such as food, clothing, vehicle donations, and financial support when the resources are available.

We also host ministry events. Our Back-to-School event is specifically designed to bless the children of our single moms as they get ready for the upcoming school year. The moms bring their kids to select a backpack that has been filled with supplies provided by generous donors and receive a haircut provided by stylists who donate their time and talent.

The children enjoy the event because they walk away feeling excited about the school year. The moms walk away thankful and thrilled, knowing that their children are prepared to start school with everything they need to succeed.

To some, it is crazy to think that school supplies, backpacks, and haircuts could offer hope to hundreds of moms. However, when we meet their children’s physical needs in love…hearts soften, spiritual needs surface, and ministry opportunities begin.

If you are able to “Fill-a-Pack” for a child, please see the article to the right for a list of supplies. Together, we can help fill in the gap by Offering Hope & Meeting Needs in Jesus’ name.

Serving Him,

A Note From Bob -

When Andy entered the Sheridan House Residential Program, he was struggling in just about every area in his life. He didn’t get along with or respect his parents, he refused to follow the rules at school, and he wasn’t even attempting to “work” our program. In fact, he had such a difficult time with the structure of our program we didn’t think he would last long.

Fast forward a year. How did this kid who was failing at everything begin to change his attitude and his actions? What made the difference? Some may say it was the consistent consequences that finally broke his will or the fact that his parents learned how to embrace the structure and lovingly implement it at home. Others may think it is due to the fact that he’s been here for a year and he is just tired and ready to comply.

We think the real reason Andy has changed is because he has become convinced. Now, the Webster’s definition of convinced is; to bring to belief, consent, or a course of action (as by argument). Andy’s changed actions are a direct result of his changed beliefs. However, those beliefs where not changed through a verbal argument; they were changed through a living argument. He was changed by the One who is living inside those around him. The living argument that has changed Andy is Jesus Christ.

Andy is now convinced that where he once was a burden; he is now a benefit. Though he once felt unwanted; he now knows he is loved. Though he understands he makes mistakes; he now believes he is forgiven. The reason Andy has changed is because Christ has changed him by convincing him that he is forgiven, loved, and valued.

It has been a pleasure and privilege watching Andy change. He no longer focuses on where he is, but on how far he has come and, more importantly, where he is headed.

It was a bright, sunny morning, when the lively 3rd graders from Weston Christian Academy arrived at Sheridan House for their long-awaited field trip. Under the direction of their teacher, Mrs. Susan Love, the children filed out of their school bus proudly carrying the backpacks and supplies they collected. Their purpose was clear: each student wanted to bless the son or daughter of a single mom with the basic school supplies needed to start the school year off right. They wanted to make a difference in their community -- and they did!

2 solid color Spiral Notebooks

2 Composition books

Loose leaf paper (college ruled)

3-ring binder (1 inch)

Packet of 3-ring index Dividers

4 solid color Duo-tang folders

2 blue ball-point pens

2 red ball-point pens

2 black ball-point pens

Packet #2 pencils

Pencil sharpener

Pencil eraser

2 Highlighters

Packet of colored pencils

Packet of colored markers

Basic Items

Needed:

The Family Values License Plate: Join Us in Driving Family Values Home!

The $25 specialty plate fee is tax-deductible and directly

helps the children and families served daily by Sheridan House Family Ministries.

Will you consider being the second?

Our Thanks to Weston Christian Academy

This year, they set the example and were the first to give generously toward our Back-to-School event to be held next month.

FamilyValuesTag.com

Your contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free (1-800-435-7352) within the state. Registration does not

imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. Sheridan House Family Ministries registration number is CH24786.

Sher

idanHouse

FamilyMinistries

Since 1968 Sheridan House Family Ministries1700 S. Flamingo Road, Davie, FL 33325(954) 583-1552 • shfm.org

Wednesday, October 19 - Captain’s Party 6:00pmThursday, October 20 - Tournament 7:00am - 7:00pm

Westshore Yacht Club6001 South Westshore Blvd. • Tampa, FL 33616

Contact Lori Edens at: ledens@bbiteam.com • 954-983-4360

The 2011 Hooked on Kids Charity Fishing Tournament

29TH ANNUAL SHERIDAN HOUSE

GOLF TOURNAMENT

Schedule of Events:Registration and Lunch: 11am

Shotgun Start: 12:30pmDinner & Awards to follow

THURS., NOV. 3, 2011 PaLm-aiRe COUNTRy CLUb

Join us in supporting children & families!