The boys and girls of our residential program experienced an incredible summer trip thanks to the generosity of our donors! Because of your support to sponsor the summer enrichment program, their summer wrapped with two unforgettable trips.
The theme for the boys this summer was Man Up and their camping trip put everything they learned all summer into practice. Not only did they eat military rationed portions that they were in charge of themselves, but when faced with the challenge of the mountain and elements they knew that they had to finish what they started…and they did! (more…)
Tags: camping, Changed Lives, children, Disney World, enrichment program, help, Man Up, Princess Week, Proverbs 31, residential program, restored life, summer
Posted in Residential
When friends Angela Lugo (14 years) and Melina Nunez (17 years) walked through the door of Sheridan House this summer, everyone was so happy to see them. Escorted by Renee Weinstein, Angela’s grandma and a stellar volunteer of Sheridan House, both girls have served faithfully for our Back-to-School Event for the last five years. (more…)
Tags: back-to-school, backpacks, help, service, single mom story, summer, teenagers, teens, volunteer
Posted in Resources, Single Mom
Most of the boys in Sheridan House have trouble expressing their emotions appropriately or discussing feelings when things are difficult. So, when house mom, Terri, discovered a partial self portrait of Travis crumbled up in the back of the van, she knew it was a learning experience in the making. Travis had the beginning of something great, but he gave up too soon. (more…)
Tags: anger, art, Changed Lives, dedication, discouragement, help, hope, relationship, residential program, restored life
Posted in Residential
The constant stream of single moms coming to get their turkey and “fixin’s” at our annual Thanksgiving outreach was a joy to behold! On their faces one could see the look of relief and joy, knowing they would be able to provide a delicious meal for their children on Thanksgiving Day — all because someone cared to give! On Saturday, November 20, Sheridan House, along with 60+ volunteers, gave away much more than turkeys and groceries. We offered hope and encouragement to several hundred single moms through the love of Jesus. Don’t just take our word for it. Here is what one grateful mom said:
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Tags: Clothing Boutique, donations, food drive, giving, help, joy, Offering Hope, single mom story, thanksgiving, volunteers
Posted in Single Mom
I am a single parent who has been blessed to receive help from Sheridan House.
A few months ago, I attended the single parent classes on Godly Parenting. As a single parent of three very active children, the parenting insight Dr. Barnes shared was invaluable in the way of how to set goals for my kids and deter negative behavior. I developed an individualized plan for each child since their ages range from 4 to 16. The instruction I received has been so helpful! (more…)
Tags: Changed Lives, Clothing Boutique, clothing donations, giving, help, parenting, single mom story, training courses, volunteers
Posted in Single Mom
On February 22, 2009, I surrendered my life to Christ and was baptized on Easter. On March 1st, Sheridan House gave me my first Bible. As a single parent of two boys, that was the first time I realized I had direction for my life.
Then came the testing time. Just three weeks ago, I was driving an old, beat-up minivan with bald tires, no second gear, no A/C, and a leaky radiator that overheated every twenty minutes or so. On my way to and from work, I would have to stop and put more water in the radiator. The van was rusted and also had roof leaks. So, when it rained outside; it rained inside too. When it got hot, the carpets got steamy and the smell was just awful. (more…)
Tags: Changed Lives, giving, help, single mom story, vehicle donation
Posted in Single Mom
…always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:20 (NIV)
Right after the Back-to-School event, one of our single moms sent us that verse along with a note of thanks. Her gratitude for something as small as a couple of backpacks filled with supplies for her boys touched our hearts deeply. The fact that she knew it was a gift from the Lord and that He was allowing us to share in this blessing was just awesome. (more…)
Tags: Changed Lives, giving, help, school, single mom story
Posted in Single Mom
When 7 year old, Jordan Brewster heard an announcement at Crossway Church that there were children in South Florida who needed help getting school supplies; she was determined to do something. After the service, she told her parents that she really wanted to “Fill a Pack.” So, they took one of our flyers home and started brainstorming. (more…)
Tags: Changed Lives, giving, help, school, single mom story
Posted in Single Mom
Children love point boards and fun contests – especially contests where other people have to go to a centrally located poster board or clipboard and check a document when someone else has done something. So, here’s a Valentine training idea.
As a family, declare February to be Valentine’s Month and decided to teach what it means to express love by serving each other. Every time a child helps fold the laundry without being asked or helps unload the dish washer without being asked, etc. they receive a point on the board. If they actually show enough initiative that they go ahead and do someone else’s task without being asked, they get two points. However, the key of this exercise is that the other person has to record the act of service. No one can give themselves credit for showing love.
Here are some thoughts on what a child (and parent) could do for another family member:
- Help out with a household responsibility – i.e. washing dishes, making beds, taking out the trash, etc.
- Encourage each other with a kind word or personalized prayer.
- Volunteer to give up a privilege to benefit someone else – i.e. turn to sit in the front seat, pick out a family movie, etc.
- Offer to make a meal for the whole family
- Allow a family member to use/borrow/have something that you love so much – i.e. some of your clothes, favorite game, car privileges, etc.
Make up your own list and encourage the kids to become creative. Have a brainstorming session while eating popcorn. Make it fun to talk about expressing love. The purpose is to focus on teaching kids and reminding adults to express random acts of love. Love is something you do, not something you feel!
Tags: contest, family, help, Valentine's Day
Posted in Articles
