PRESBYTERIAN HOME FOR CHILDREN
PHFC HELPS MOMS AND KIDS IN NEED PAGE 7
INSIDE THIS ISSUE CAMPING TRIP BUILDS MEMORIES
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EVENT PROVIDES SAFER RIDE FOR CAREGIVERS
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UNION VILLAGE GROWS
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STAFF UPDATE
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FALL 2023
PHFC WELCOMES PRESBYTERY IN NOVEMBER The Presbyterian Home for Children had the blessing of hosting the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley’s November stated meeting. It was the first time in several years that the Presbytery held a meeting on the Home’s Talladega campus. Our last planned hosting was held virtually in November 2021 due to the COVID pandemic. The Home enjoyed our part of hosting that meeting with a welcome video from our staff passing a candle carrying the "Light of Hope” to our virtual visitors. This year, our very own Carl Martin, Director of Finance and Planned Giving, arranged and led the in-person worship service that featured both Board and staff members reading scriptures, leading us in prayer, singing songs, and playing instruments. Even the children at Ascension Leadership Academy sang for the congregation, imploring the Lord to “Listen to Your Children Praying.” We greatly appreciate our shared calling to at-risk children and families with the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley, North Alabama Presbytery, and Presbytery of South Alabama.
PHFC 2024 BOARD UPDATE
The Board of the Presbyterian Home for Children approved its Executive Committee for 2024.
Mark Feagin of Homewood will be Moderator of the Board. Feagin will be
joined by the Rev. Brandon Miles of Florence as Vice Moderator, George
Fritsma of Trussville as past Moderator, and Lisa deShazo of Mobile as
Member at Large.
Other reappointed members of the Executive Committee are Newell Witherspoon of Huntsville as Treasurer, Carol Copeland of Athens as Secretary, and John Haley, Esq. of Birmingham as Legal Counsel. The Board also welcomed to its ranks Cathy DeLozier of Vestavia Hills and Scott Weldon of Mobile. Amy Dickerson of Hoover was added as an Advisory Board Member. The Home wishes to express its deep gratitude to these departing trustees for their leadership and love in a shared mission at the Home to at-risk children and families: Susan Ashbee, Linda Madsen, Missy Jones, and Terry Smiley.
ON THE COVER Once homeless, Tara and her babies found safety and security in the Secure Dwellings Program at the Presbyterian Home for Children. Read what the Home is doing to provide more transitional housing for homeless children and their legal female caregiver like Tara on Page 7.
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PRESBYTERIAN HOME FOR CHILDREN
2023 Board of Trustees EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Mr. George Fritsma Trussville, Moderator Rev. Joseph Scrivner, Ph.D. Tuscaloosa, Immediate Past Moderator Mr. Mark Feagin Birmingham, Vice Moderator Mr. Newell Witherspoon Huntsville, Treasurer Ms. Carol Copeland Athens, Secretary Mr. John Haley, Esq. Birmingham, Legal Counsel Ms. Janice (Missy) Jones Mobile, Member at Large Dr. Susan Ashbee Mobile
Rev. Tom Lewis Madison
Rev. Christie Ashton Huntsville
Ms. Regan Liggins Vestavia
Mr. Ted Autterson Mobile
Ms. Linda Madsen Saraland
Ms. Millie Chastain Talladega
Rev. Brandon Miles Florence
Dr. Jimmy Davis Talladega
Mr. John Myers Bay Minette
Ms. Cathy DeLozier Vestavia
Mr. David Perry Birmingham
Ms. Paige Goldman, Esq. Birmingham
Rev. Madison Roberts Mountain Brook
Mr. Jeff Hicks Montrose
Dr. Joyce Pettis-Temple Huntsville
Rev. David Jamison Enterprise
Ms. Janis Williams Huntsville
ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS Ms. Mary Otulana, Homewood Rev. Robin Palmer, Madison Ms. Christi Robinson, Huntsville Ms. Brenda Uptain, Talladega Mr. Chuck Williams, Hiram, GA Rev. Jonathan Yarboro, Wetumpka The Presbyterian Home for Children is a Christian caring community for children and families in need; serving children and families regardless of race, color, creed, gender, national origin or disability. The ministry is governed by a Board of Trustees elected in part by the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley, North Alabama Presbytery and Presbytery of South Alabama. Beginnings is published for the friends and supporters of the Presbyterian Home for Children. Children's identities may be disguised to protect the privacy of the individual. Beginnings Editorial Staff: Cindy Fisher, Brad Fisher P.O. Drawer 577 Talladega, AL 35161 Telephone: 256.362.2114 E-mail: info@phfc.org Website: www.phfc.org Volume 123 • Number 3 FALL 2023
FROM THE PRESIDENT For most of us, holidays mean enjoying happy times with family in a safe, cozy home. But for many of the children and their female caregivers who come to the Presbyterian Home for Children, a stable family and a secure home can seem as elusive as meeting Santa Claus himself. In this issue of Beginnings, you’ll read about how the Home is working to make “more room at the inn” for mothers and their children who, like the family of Jesus on that first Christmas, find themselves in need of shelter and safety. On Page 7 we will introduce you to Tara, one of the mothers in our Secure Dwellings program. She and her two children were referred to us after circumstances left them homeless, staying with family and friends, and a step away from having to live in their car. They now have a safe place to stay at the Presbyterian Home for Children, and Tara is working and preparing to live on her own with her two little ones. There are many – too many – young families like Tara’s, and at the Home, it is our mission to provide children and their female caregivers a safe place to live. Read about how we are renovating Whitfield Cottage to create more space for children and their mothers who are homeless or struggling in unstable, even dangerous, living conditions. There’s much to pray for in this troubled world. At the Presbyterian Home for Children, among our prayers this Christmas, we pray for a world where children no longer have to worry if they will have a safe place to sleep tonight. Until that time, with God’s help, and yours, the Presbyterian Home for Children will be here to help children in need grow up to be the fully functioning persons God created them to be.
Peace,
Doug Marshall President
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HIGHLIGHTS
Elementary grades went to CACC for their Constitution Day in September to learn more about the Constitution, government, and voting rights.
The elementary students enjoyed a back-to- school bash at the Pell City Splash Pad while the upper grades went to Shocco Springs Retreat Center.
The high school students are participating this fall semester in dual enrollment at Central Alabama Community College, which helps them get college credit while still in high school.
The elementary grades went to Old Baker Farm in Harpersville for a Pumpkin Patch trip.
Students in grades seven through twelve went to Kymulga Grist Mill, a historic landmark in Childersburg, where they toured the mill and covered bridge and held an old- fashion hot dog roast and made smores.
The upper grade students also participated in a community service project with St. Peter’s Episcopal Church to help at the nonprofit Bundles of Hope that has a diaper bank for needy families with babies.
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ASCENSION LEADERSHIP ACADEMY TEACHER FEATURE Donna Shivers tried retirement twice, but she said she wasn’t very good at it. Fortunately for the students in secondary grades at Ascension Leadership Academy, Shivers is very good at teaching English. “I have been in the field of education in one form or another for 53 years,” Shivers said. “I have never even thought about doing anything other than education.” Her love of education took her to Jacksonville State, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Secondary Education with a major in English. Shivers said she chose education “because I think it’s our responsibility to make sure our young people are prepared for the workday world or college. I take that responsibility very seriously.” She has taught secondary English from seventh to 12th grades in public school classrooms in Alabama and Georgia. She said Ascension Leadership Academy is special “because each student is treated individually in that they are not ‘grouped’ together.” “Each student has access to all of the teachers through a computer program that allows the teacher to see the screens of all students at one time,” Shivers said. “Smaller classes obviously make ALA special, as does the closeness of the faculty and administrators.” Linda Harris, Director of Education and Assistant to the President, said she is thankful Shivers is sharing her half century of experience with ALA students. “Donna is dedicated to her profession, and she is dedicated to her students,” Harris said. “Our students and the staff are lucky to have her at Ascension Leadership Academy.” She loves to travel and has visited Israel, Italy, Greece, and Egypt. She has two daughters, five grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. She lives in Anniston, where she attends Edgewood Church.
FALL FESTIVAL FUN AT PHFC The Presbyterian Home for Children hosted our annual Fall Festival on Oct. 26 with fun games and giveaways on our campus for the children in our care as well as the students at our private school Ascension Leadership Academy.
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GET TO KNOW PHFC'S PROGRAMS The Moderate Care Residential Therapeutic Program provides restorative services to teen girls who have experienced extreme trauma and/or neglect and who are often dealing with emotional and behavioral challenges. Program staff tailors the therapeutic services to each youth’s unique needs by helping them develop life and academic goals that will one day allow them to return to living in a home or community setting. The Secure Dwellings Program provides safe transitional housing on the Home’s campus to homeless children and their legal female caregiver. The program offers a variety of services meant to empower the caregiver — including employment assistance, life skills training, and food stamp assistance — while allowing the child to have a safe environment in which they can rest, grow, play, and learn. Temporary Supportive Housing is offered to children and youth with their female caregiver who has
graduated from the Secure Dwellings Program. Meant to aid them in breaking the cycle of homelessness, this supportive housing environment encourages a higher level of self-sufficiency, offering further vocational and life skills development along with financial support. The Transition to Adult Living program helps women ages 19-24 who are having difficulties transitioning to independent living by providing a safe residential environment in which they can grow, increase life skills, and achieve self-sufficiency. Family Bridges is an in-home services program that seeks to reunite, preserve, or strengthen families
experiencing crises such as divorce, illness, homelessness, and violence. Program staff meet with families in their homes to provide parenting techniques, counseling, crisis intervention, and more with the overarching goal of helping families stay together. Ascension Leadership Academy is a Cognia-accredited, college-preparatory school offering a premier,
faith-based education to children and youth being served by the Home’s residential programs and its Temporary Supportive Housing Program as well as children and youth in the surrounding area. Founded by the Presbyterian Home for Children, the academy features small class sizes, flexible programs, and enrichment opportunities that help children of all backgrounds thrive.
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RENOVATIONS ALLOW PHFC TO GROW SECURE DWELLINGS PROGRAM Snug in their blanket, Tara reads a book to her 2-year-old daughter as her 1-year-old son sleeps soundly in a nearby crib. They’re safe in their own apartment at the Presbyterian Home for Children’s Ramsey Hall, where they’re part of the Home’s Secure Dwellings program for moms and their kids who have no place to go. Just six months ago, Tara and her babies were homeless, staying with family and friends, sleeping on couches or even on floors. Then a social worker told Tara about the Secure Dwellings Program at the Presbyterian Home for Children. The Secure Dwellings Program at PHFC provides safe transitional housing for homeless children and their legal female caregiver like Tara. Thanks to PHFC, Tara has a place to live, her kids have started day care, and she is working to get her family back on its feet. “This place will help you,” Tara said. “I’m grateful.” Sadly, Tara’s situation is not unique. The Presbyterian Home for Children’s campus is currently at-capacity serving moms and children in our Secure Dwellings program. But we’re working hard to provide more room to help additional moms and children in need. We recently completed renovation of Johnson Cottage, where we relocated the young female adults in our Transition to Adult Living program. There, they get their own rooms and have a large living room and kitchen to share. This move opened up Hope Cottage for placement of more Secure Dwellings moms and children. We’re also making more room for children and their moms by renovating Whitfield Cottage. This “makeover” includes room-to-room interior painting, top-to-bottom cleaning, and a replacement of furniture and bedding. Planning and hard work have allowed the Home to make more space available and assist families in crisis get back on their feet with hope for their futures.
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MISSION OUTREACH YOUTH MAKE MEMORIES AT LIVING RIVER
The Home and our mission partner M.I.N.D. Mentoring in New Dimensions took two groups of children and youth from Wilcox and Clarke counties to Living River over the summer for a few days to deepen their relationship with the Lord. It was the first camping trip for almost every youth there, and they had a blast canoeing, fishing, playing games, and learning about the Lord and all the blessings created on this earth. "God is good! All the time!" the children shouted in a cadence with the counselors who taught lessons around identifying God’s blessings inside ourselves and how to share those blessings with others. The Home is honored to play a role in shaping these precious lives by offering the opportunity for these youth to make memories that will stay with them forever at this beautiful camp on the Cahaba River.
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AACCA HONORS FELICIA STOREY Friends and colleagues of our late Senior Vice President of Program Operations and Services Felicia Ayers Storey honored the legacy of her work over the summer while visiting the Home’s campus. Alabama Association of Child Care Agencies presented the Home with a Commendation made by Gov. Kay Ivey on June 2 for Felicia, who passed away suddenly on Feb. 18.
The Commendation praises Ms. Storey, a long-time active member of the AACCA and its steering committee, as a distinguished licensed master’s level social worker “known by all as an inspiring, loving and compassionate woman who leaves behind a mark on all who knew her.”
It recognizes Felicia’s servant heart and how much she truly loved her job and dedicated herself to impacting as many lives as possible in the 37 years she worked at the Home and in the field of social work. “Ms. Storey’s tireless efforts to make a difference in the lives of Alabama families will never be forgotten,” it says.
Gov. Ivey commended Felicia for her hard work and service to her community, impacting many lives for the better. “I offer my sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones.” We miss Felicia deeply, but we are comforted that she is in the everlasting presence of our Lord as she continues to be remembered for her professionalism and her servant heart.
LEADING AT A HIGHER STANDARD Many believe that faith-based organizations should be held to a higher standard.
“Accreditation challenges us to demonstrate how we are adhering to standards followed by excellent organizations.”
The Presbyterian Home for Children agrees. That’s why we are accredited by Educational Assessment Guidelines Leading toward Excellence (EAGLE), the only faith-based accrediting body in the United States for ministry to children and older adults.
The Home’s leadership demonstrates its commitment to accreditation by helping other organizations gain their EAGLE accreditation. Marshall led the accreditation team that reviewed Sunnybrook Children’s Home in Ridgeland, Mississippi, and he is a member of the EAGLE Accreditation Commission and the executive committee of the United Methodist Association of Health and Welfare Ministries. UMA is the sponsoring organization of EAGLE.
EAGLE focuses on the organization’s long-term sustainability and establishes responsible stewardship over physical and financial assets. Other accreditation agencies do the same thing. But EAGLE also assures the organization is operating in a manner that is representative of their faith foundation. EAGLE likes to say it challenges organizations not just to
Stephani Burton, the Home’s Manager of Administration, Accreditation, and Human Resources, has been trained by EAGLE as a peer reviewer
compete in a challenging human services environment, but to soar above the competition while living their faith values.
and is available now to serve at-risk children and youth in other parts of the country through an accreditation team.
“Accreditation is important because it’s a formal recognition of the high performance standards that have always made the Home special,” said Doug Marshall, President and CEO of the Home.
The Home received its first four-year accreditation from EAGLE in 2017 and was reaccredited in 2021. Accreditation is renewed on a four-year cycle.
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JEEP HELPS FAMILY BRIDGES HELP FAMILIES The Presbyterian Home for Children’s social workers in the Family Bridges program now get into the Jeep Grand Cherokee purchased for them with funds raised at our three Sweet Home Soirées earlier this year and make home visits that rarely start off pleasant. It’s not easy to drive to other people’s houses across a seven-county swath almost every day and meet with families that may not want you there. The houses are often situated down difficult dirt roads or on top of rustic hilltops. The Home replaced the program’s old Kia sedan with the donated Jeep to help our social workers navigate those driveways more safely. When our social workers go inside, the children are likely to be climbing on tables, and some houses have flea infestations. Johnna McGowan, one of the Home's Social Workers, is allergic to flea bites, so she brings her own lawn chair to take inside. Despite these challenges, McGowan and coworker Elayne Funderburke remain very focused on the children they are trying to protect. “We may not always see the outcome that we would like to see 100% of the time, but we are so excited when we see the light bulb go off about something we say,” McGowan said. “We tell them they don’t have to live this way and that they can make a change.” Within a few months of visiting once or twice a week, the social workers delight when a client family does the right thing long enough for DHR to let them keep their children or repair their situation to get a child back.
“I got a text just last week from a mom who wanted to show me how great the kids were doing,” McGowan said. “That’s what makes it all worth it.” The Home wants to thank those who donated toward the purchase of the Jeep Grand Cherokee during our Sweet Home Soirées and let you know it has made their jobs so much easier as they continue to protect these very precious lives. You can donate a vehicle for use by our staff or moms in need in our Secure Dwellings Program. Talk to Jennifer Braxton, Director of Development and Mission Outreach, for more information at 205-410-4851.
GIVE YOUR UNUSED CAR A SECOND CHANCE.
DONATE IT TO PHFC!
Do you have a car, truck or van that you no longer use? Don’t feel guilty every time you walk by it. Donate it to the Presbyterian Home for Children. The Home may be able to use your vehicle. Or we can sell your old vehicle and use the funds to help support our programs. Either way, you can feel good knowing that you're supporting a ministry that is helping some of the state's most vulnerable citizens, at-risk children and families. And your vehicle loved over the years will now receive a brand new purpose in life.
CO N TAC T U S F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N JENNIFER BRAXTON | 205-410-4851 | jbraxton@phfc.org 10
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UNION VILLAGE GROWS ON PHFC CAMPUS The Presbyterian Home for Children and the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind held a dedication ceremony on Sept. 13 for the addition of six tiny cottages at Union Village on our campus. It was a beautiful September day to celebrate Union Village, a permanent supportive housing community for individuals who are deaf, blind, deafblind, or multi-disabled. Unique and unmatched in the country, Union Village provides safe and affordable housing with the rent income coming back to the Home to help offset operating costs of caring for at-risk children and youth. PHFC has operated Union Village on a separate and secluded part of its campus for AIDB consumers since 2017. The project marked the opening of six more tiny cottages (two 500-square-foot homes per duplex) to the four existing small cottages at Union Village. Each new cottage is fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. They include zero-step entry, minimal thresholds, and other features. AIDB provides full wrap-around support services to Union Village residents such as advocacy, job coaching, case management, transportation, assistive technology, and more. Capital donations from several organizations made the Union Village expansion possible. We received grants from Regions Foundation, KODA Technologies, Inc., The Caring Foundation, City of Talladega, Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Holle Family Foundation, and a donation from the congregation of Shades Valley Presbyterian Church in Mountain Brook. “All of these grants and gifts were truly an answer to our prayers,” said Doug Marshall, President and CEO of PHFC.
“Now in our 155th year with our core ministry of serving at-risk and homeless children and families, the Home continues to provide a path of healing and hope to their precious lives,” Marshall said. “Our Union Village Community provides a diversified funding source to help continue to make the work we do possible. These incredibly generous grants and gift will help enable the continuing ministry to children and families at the Home in addition to the adult consumers of AIDB at Union Village on our campus.” Rental income from Union Village provides an additional funding source for PHFC, which serves at-risk and homeless children, youth, and families in addition to young female adults in crisis and families in crisis. Program participants come from across the entire state of Alabama.
ALUMNI DAY BRINGS FORMER AND CURRENT RESIDENTS TOGETHER
The Presbyterian Home for Children hosted its annual Alumni Day on July 15 and welcomed former residents back to the Talladega campus that was once their home. This year’s celebration drew alumni back to reconnect as they do every summer. An added bonus for alumni this year was the opportunity to mingle with an increased number of current residents who attended Alumni Day and were able to demonstrate how the Home continues to help those in need as it did for them many years ago, said Sharon Moore, Vice President of Transitional Housing and Family Services. “We always look forward to welcoming our alumni back to their ‘home,’” Moore said. Alongside the alumni was a group of young moms and children who are now part of the Home’s growing Secure Dwellings program which provides a residential transitional housing program for up to two years. The moms and children at Alumni Day enjoyed the games inside the gym and sprinklers, portable pools and water slides in the grass outside the gym. “I know it brings a great deal of joy for the alumni to see all of the children and the current moms being cared for at the Home as it continues to be a special place of healing and hope as it was in the lives of our alumni,” Moore said. Alumni also learned more about current ministries at the Home that impact at-risk children, youth, and families well beyond the campus in Talladega, such as Family Bridges, which provides family preservation and reunification services in seven counties. The Home also has an ongoing mission outreach in Wilcox and Marengo counties, about three hours away from Talladega. Fall 2023 I Beginnings
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CARL MARTIN NAMED DIRECTOR OF FINANCE AND PLANNED GIVING Carl G. Martin has been named Director of Finance and Planned Giving at PHFC. Martin previously served as the Home’s Manager of Development and Donor Relations since 2021. He also serves in the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley of the Presbyterian Church (USA) as a Commissioned Ruling Elder and a member of the Commission on Ministry, which works to facilitate and maintain relationships between the Presbytery, ministers, and congregations. In his new position, Martin will oversee the daily responsibilities of the Accounting Department and its interaction with Programs, Operations, Development, and other functional areas of the Home. In addition, he will enhance the Home’s initiatives to encourage sustained giving as well as gifts made through a bequest in a donor’s will, living trust, or as a beneficiary in a life insurance policy. Martin will report to Sam Allison, the Home’s Controller. “In my time working at the Presbyterian Home, I’ve been moved by the generosity of our donors, many of whom, after providing for their loved ones, choose to leave a legacy gift as one final act of Christian love. Bequest gifts of estate funds, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance, or other assets help our staff change lives,”
Martin said. “These planned gifts provide enduring support for PHFC’s vital work.” Martin has extensive experience in management and customer service in the insurance, financial services, and retail sectors. Before joining the Home, he directed customer service in the Acquisitions Division of Protective Life Insurance Company in Birmingham, and he was a senior associate and plan administrator for a firm specializing in executive compensation and benefits management in Los Angeles. He was previously a department manager and front-end manager for Lowe’s in Trussville, where he was responsible for customer relations and inventory management for the store. He also ran his own design firm in Trussville. A graduate of Birmingham Southern College, Martin majored in business and minored in art and music, a passion he continues to pursue as a tenor in the Alabama Symphony Chorus and the Birmingham Southern College Alumni Choir. Martin completed the Christian Leadership Program through University of Dubuque Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.
S TA F F U P DAT E S Shanna Boot has joined the moderate care program at PHFC as the Assistant Director. She is a 2023 graduate of Troy University with a major in Human Services and a minor in Sign Language. She plans to finish her master’s degree in social work and become certified soon after. Shanna is the mother of five beautiful children and has been happily married for 25 years. Together, they live in Lincoln on a hobby farm where they have chickens, horses, pigs, honeybees, and a duck. As a family, they enjoy living off their land, taking horse and buggy rides, hosting activities at their home, and spending time on the lake as much as possible. Shanna is passionate about service and loves working with our teen girls to strive to be their best selves. She works with the girls to maintain positive attitudes, overcome challenges, and encourage growth. She has a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and recognizes the importance of living a Christ-centered life. Shanna loves spending time with her family, snuggling with her dogs and spoiling her two cats. She loves to travel, read books, play tennis, and shop. Shanna is so grateful to be a part of the PHFC family and looks forward to growing with the moderate program. Dawn Wood joined PHFC in June as administrative assistant for Bud Kitchin, the Vice President of Operations, and Sam Allison, the Controller. At an early age, Dawn started working in the finance world. She worked in banking for five years and then transferred to a credit union, where she spent 27 years. She was a loan officer and in management. Dawn has one son, Jack, who attends Talladega College studying business management. He is also a pitcher on the college’s baseball team. Dawn is excited to be a part of the Home’s mission.
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MEMORIAL GIFTS
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PRESBYTERIAN HOME FOR CHILDREN ARE LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER WITH THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN CAPITAL LETTERS FOLLOWED BY THE DONORS’ NAMES.
RECEIVED JUNE 2023 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2023
A
RYAN MEADE ABERNETHY Elliott and Sharron Abernethy MARGUERITE AND ED ANDREWS Zoe Foster
B
WILLIAM BAXTER BOOTH James and Naddine Hutcheson CARTER BRIDGES Betty and David Clemmons
MARIAN DESLATTES Douglas Deslattes
F
JACK FINDLAY Kathy Lane SARA ANN FRANK Susan and Hall Bryant Jr.
G
MARY GAITHER James and Suzanne McRae
STARR LANE BURBIC Celia Huston
MARILYN GARSTKA Debra and Robert Marks Jr.
JOANNA BURKETT Susan and Hall Bryant Jr.
BOB GISH Mary Pat and Fred Martin Gates Murphy Sara Vaughn
C
AL GREENBERG George and Margaret Fritsma
JOSEPH AND ERNESTINE CHAPPELL Stephen and Lane Chappell
CHALMERS BIGHAM GREENE Roberta Haden Greene
TOMMIE CONINE George and Margaret Fritsma
D
CARMELO AND LOUISE DELUCA Shirley Hinton
Copeland Presbyterian Church Vicki and Steve Golay Goodwater Presbyterian Church Donna Humphrey Donald and Lawanna Patterson Chila and David Reavis William Scott Karla and David Shackleford Kathryn Waybright Jimmy and Vanessa Williams
ELIZABETH ROSE HOLDEN Margaret B. and W. Frank Straughn Jr.
CHARLES EDWARD KILGORE Philip and Mary Flo Williams
J
L
DR. ALLEN C. JACOBS Merilyn Anderson
BETTY JEAN CHANDLER Susan and Hall Bryant Jr.
CLAY CHARLTON George and Margaret Fritsma
OWEN WALLY HESTER Mike and Sandra Balkom Tom and Cindy Bowron Katherine and Tom Brinkley Shirley Cobb Jean Coles Harriett Crockard Helen and Christopher Harmon William and Elizabeth Matthews Steve and Elizabeth McCary Dorothy and Joseph Smith Spencer and Harriett Swan Jeannette Watford
CAROL JOHNSON Joan Last WILLIAM REEVES JOHNSON J. Donald and Elizabeth Lewter Mitchell and Mary Weiss RANDY JONES Stephen Chappelear
ROBERTA HADEN GREENE Roberta Haden Greene
H
MARY HAMMETT George and Margaret Fritsma
K
THE REV. HUGH PAGE KELSO Polly Banks Anna and Billy Bowden
JAMES ROBERT KENNEDY Susan and Hall Bryant Jr.
ANNA HARTZOG LAWRENCE Anne Adams Anne Richie HERSHELL "BO" LITTLE Frances Gray
M
MARY MABSON I. Kent and June Sullivan JANE MACKEY Susan Bland RICHARD MADDEN Larry and Becky Dawson Jo Fay Walker
DONATION 70 YEARS IN THE MAKING Marv Price of Athens first heard of the Presbyterian Home for Children seven decades ago at a church camp. “We had a counselor who was also employed by the Presbyterian Home,” Price said. “He talked about what the Home does to help children.”
If you have an underused car, truck, boat or jetski and would like to turn into a blessing for the Home, we can accept your donation so you can receive the maximum tax deduction. If we can’t use the vehicle, we sell locally at zero commission, so all the proceeds go to help us provide for and love the children and families entrusted in our care.
In the years since, Price said he’s “always heard good things about the Home,” and several years ago he and his wife, Elizabeth, joined the 1868 Society, an organization that recognizes those supporters who make an ongoing commitment to the Home. Marv and Elizabeth, members of First Presbyterian Church of Athens, recently donated a Ford F-150 truck to the Home. The truck has been in the family since Elizabeth’s dad bought it off the lot in 1993. In recent years, the truck has been the work truck at the family’s lake home, and a grandson drove it to school for several years. “But it’s time to let it go,” Price said. “I’d like to see it put to good use.” Fall 2023 I Beginnings
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MEMORIAL
CONTINUED
CYNTHIA MALONE Edward Bufkin Gay and George James Jacqueline and James Lager Jeb and Mary Mac Lax William and Donna Russell Kenneth Schultz Camille Warren Kristin Weaver
P
FERRELL MAUGHAN Margie Maughan
WILLIAM “BILL” PORTER Joan Creighton
NAN MCBRIDE Alice Gardner John and Sue Shaver
BARBARA POSNER Harold Trigg
NORMAN M. MCINNIS III Berney Bridges MR. AND MRS. PRENTISS R. MCLEOD Robert McLeod BETTY W. MEDLOCK Jimmy and Mildred Anne Arrington
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JACK AND MARIAN NELEMS Kathy Marino RAMON "RAY" NORRIS Leone Norris Edward and Brenda Smith
OUR PARENTS Richard M. and Martha E. Katz MICHELLE A. PARTNER Jimmy and Mildred Anne Arrington
GENE TURNEY Margie Turney
MARGIE ELDERENE "RENE" FARMER SHOTWELL George and Margaret Fritsma
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JAMES AND MARY SILAVENT Linda Silavent McMillan
BARBARA L. PHILLIPS Ginny and James Hornsby
BILLY H. SMITH Susan and Hall Bryant Jr. DAN SOUTHERN George and Margaret Fritsma
JEAN ROBINSON WALKER George and Margaret Fritsma
AMY REEVES James P. and Claudia Carroll
SHIRLEY STOKES Susan and Hall Bryant Jr.
RACHEL SIMS WINGFIELD Susan and Hall Bryant Jr.
MR. AND MRS. SPEARS R RHODES Michael Griffin
EVELYN WRIGHT Susan and Hall Bryant Jr.
JIM RICHEY Linda Richey
FELICIA AYERS STOREY Steve Hester Dorothy Martin Jennie Mosley Joyce Pettis
VIRGINIA C. ROBERTSON Mary Beth and Joe Philips
T
R
CLARENCE TRESCOTT II James and Suzanne McRae
S
CHARLIE TUCKER James Parker
KAY BLAYLOCK SCOTT James Scott
The 1868 Society is the Home’s Annual Pledge campaign which begins in October. It recognizes donors who make an ongoing commitment to support the ministry to children that has been the Home’s mission for more than 150 years. If you make a pledge (or gift) of $1,868 before Dec. 30, 2023 you’ll be recognized as a member of the 1868 Society in next year’s Spring edition of Beginnings newsletter. Use the form below and mail to: Presbyterian Home for Children, P. O. Drawer 577, Talladega, AL 35161, or use the envelope enclosed in this newsletter. 1868/FALL22 MY PLEDGE IS:
THIS GIFT IS FROM:
CREDIT CARD GIFTS DONATE ONLINE AT WWW.PHFC. ORG
NAME
CLICK “DONATE” IN THE UPPER RIGHT CORNER
ADDRESS
OTHER AMOUNT $______ MY GIFT WILL BE PAID: ONE TIME QUARTERLY
MAIL TO: PRESBYTERIAN HOME FOR CHILDREN, PO DRAWER 577, TALLADEGA, AL 35161 | YOUR GIFT IS FULLY TAX DEDUCTIBLE AS PROVIDED BY LAW 14
W
DR. JAMES WALL Susan and Hall Bryant Jr.
ENCLOSED IS MY GIFT FOR: $ _______________________
CITY/STATE/ZIP
SARA VAUGHN Paula and Phillip Babcock Mary Pat and Fred Martin Bebe and Loyd Shaw
EVA BELL STANKARD Gail and Sonny Sharman
1868 SOCIETY PRESBYTERIAN HOME FOR CHILDREN
BARRETT SHELTON Carolyn Shelton
Fall 2023 I Beginnings
DONATE BY PHONE
256-362-8284
WE CAN TAKE YOUR CARD INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE FOR YOUR SECURITY, WE DO NOT RECOMMEND MAILING CREDIT CARD INFORMATION.
HONOR GIFTS
HONORARIUM CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PRESBYTERIAN HOME FOR CHILDREN ARE LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER WITH THE NAME OF THE HONOREE IN CAPITAL LETTERS FOLLOWED BY THE DONORS’ NAMES AND, IF STATED, THE OCCASION.
RECEIVED JUNE 2023 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2023
B
F
J
S
PIERCE BOYD AND THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST ALABAMA Javalla and Jason Hardy
GEORGE FRITSMA Kay Southern
HELEN JOHNSON James Johnson
W
G
M
PATTI GROULX Joan Last
DR. KEITH MOORE First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville
H
MARIE MOSLEY Jennie Mosley
THE BOYD FAMILY Price Boyd
ETHELYN BROWN First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville ROWAN BYRD Casey Byrd
C
MARY F. CHEATWOOD O'Neal Cheatwood
RUTH FITZGERALD Jane Carson Sims
JESUS CHRIST Dennis and Leigh Gray
HILDA GEWIN Jane Carson Sims
SUE MARTINO Barkley and Lewis Shreve
LINDA HARRIS Carl Martin
JUDITH SALTER Joseph Salter
SUE WELLS Sharolyn Miles SAM WESTER Anne Graf
SPECIAL HONORS In Honor Of JANIS WILLIAMS on her birthday
Charlie Bozeman Stephen Bryne Millie Chastain Melinda Inglis Toni Locke Doug Marshall Carl Martin Marilyn Miller Ellen Rosson Stella Wilson
In Honor Of ELLIOTT
ABERNETHY
on his birthday
Damon & Miranda Abernethy In Honor Of PIERCE BOYD for helping provide school desks
In Honor Of PEGGY GARNER, a great teacher, community worker, and church worker
Jennie Mosley
In Honor Of JOE JOHNSON upon his retirement
Harry Johnson
Linda Miller
In Honor Of STEVE COPELAND on their anniversary
Carol Copeland
In Honor Of KATHY LANE on her birthday
In Honor Of
CHRISTINA & WALTER LAWRENCE
on their wedding
The Rev. David Jamison & Dee Koza In Appreciation Of
PRESCHOOL TEACHERS JOHN & JANET SPEARS
Sandra Vaughn
PHFC DONATION FORM
FA23
Please write clearly and supply the following information when making memorial or honorarium gifts. TO USE A CREDIT CARD PLEASE This gift is IN HONOR OF Memorial/Honorarium From: USE ONE OF THE BELOW OPTIONS IN MEMORY OF ONLINE AT Name WWW.PHFC.ORG Gift given in name of (please print): OR Address CALL 256-362-8284 Send Acknowledgment To: City/State/Zip Email
MAIL TO: Presbyterian Home For Children PO Drawer 577 Talladega, AL 35161 QUESTIONS? CALL 256-362-8284
Name Address City/State/Zip Fall 2023 I Beginnings
15
P.O. DRAWER 577 TALLADEGA, AL 35161
PLEASE USE THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS OR ADDRESS CORRECTIONS. ENCLOSE THE MAILING ADDRESS PRINTED ABOVE WITH YOUR REQUEST.
SAMFORD MARKETING STUDENTS LIVEN UP THE HOME’S SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS The Presbyterian Home for Children is partnering with a marketing class at Samford University’s Brock School of Business to strengthen our social media presence. Long-time partner Infomedia paired President Doug Marshall and Director of Communication Cindy Fisher with Samford Assistant Professor of Marketing Dr. Bre Mertz who tasked her social media marketing class with fresh and innovative ways to reach current and prospective donors through our social platforms Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Marshall visited the Samford class to help them understand the Home’s mission by sharing from his heart about our 155-year mission of caring for at-risk and homeless children and families both on and off campus. These students had great questions and ideas for him and then used his answers to write and execute a well-prepared social media strategy that has been going live on the Home’s social pages – so check it out!
FOLLOW US ON SOCIALS facebook.com/phfc.alabama instagram.com/presbyterian_home_for_children
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Fall 2023 I Beginnings
youtube.com/@presbyterianhomeforchildre5945