October 2010 Family Advocate

A publication of Sheridan House Family Ministries 1 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

October 2010

Thanksgiving Food Drive

Coming Nov. 4 th

Honoring Christ by serving the needs of children and families

SHERID AN GOLF T OUSE O U R NH AMENT De tails Inside ...

A Note From Bob Sheridan House Golf Tournament Recently, a man approached me after I finished speaking at his church. “Tell me about your golf tournament,” he said with a smile. “I‘ve heard a lot about it and I’m curious to know the secret of its success.” My response initially surprised him.

I told him the first thing anyone needs to know about our golf tournament is that is really isn’t about golf.

Yes, it is fun, but the reason so many people give so much towards the golf tournament is because of the ministry that is happening daily through Sheridan House. They give because they love children, believe in strengthening today’s family, and long to be a part of what God is doing in and through Sheridan House.

It’s absolutely amazing and tremendously encouraging to see so many men and women participate or sponsor a foursome at our golf tournament for one reason only - to change lives. This year, several people, who don’t even play golf, have decided to sponsor a foursome for their pastor to play with his guests. One friend from Texas sent a very large gift with an attached note stating, “I won’t be able to attend this year, but I still want to be a Governor in your tournament. It’s been a tough year, but I’m sure it has been much tougher for some the children you work with every day.”

It is actually not about golf at all. It’s all about what God is doing in the lives of children and families. I hope you will be a part of it too!

Serving Him,

JOIN US FOR THE 28TH ANNUAL

SHERIDAN HOUSE GOLF TOURNAMENT THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2010 Palm-Aire Country Club

Schedule of Events: Registration and Lunch: 11am Shotgun Start: Program 12:30pmGraduates Boys’ Residential Dinner & Awards to follow – Summer ‘10 Register Online at: shfm.org/golf

Before coming to Sheridan House, my mom and I did not get along. I would constantly raise my voice, roll my eyes, and refuse to do what she said. My grades were D’s and F’s and my days at school were filled with arguments and drama. My mom even sent me to 2 different boot camp programs… but I still acted the same.

When I first came to Sheridan House, I continued to be rude and disrespectful. I was a mean, disobedient girl. I felt that the world owed me everything. I’d let my anger out on anyone who stood in my way. What I failed to realize is that God wanted to use me; I just needed to allow Him to do so. For whatever reason, I just could not register that in my head.

At first, my behavior at Sheridan House was not good.

I broke a lot of rules. Like always, my school days were Continued on next page

filled with drama. I disrespected my teachers and peers. I hung out with the wrong crowd, drew negative attention to myself, and continued to receive consequences for my behavior at Sheridan House. While serving a consequence one day, I sat on the dining room floor for four hours refusing to do anything I was told. My behavior was up and down like this throughout my 6th grade year at Sheridan House - it was a rough year. My house parents and behavior specialist continued to help me and love me even though I acted this way.

Seventh grade was a big step forward. With help from my house parents and behavioral specialist, I discovered that my choices and behavior were pushing my family away from me and I didn’t want to lose them. I realized that I needed to choose to respect my mom, teachers, and other authority figures in my life. Another big change I made was finding new, positive friends. It was hard for me, but I did it. I have slowly become happy, loving, and respectful. I also smile a whole lot more. Now I help my mom with chores around the house, we go shopping together, and my grades are all A’s and B’s.

I thank God for this change in my life. All my hard work has paid off. The old has gone and the new has come.

As I graduate, I am going to miss Sheridan House. I look forward to visiting Sheridan House as much as I can and even volunteering to tell my story to the girls in the residential program. I learned that change begins in the heart.

Love,

Heaven

Heaven (center) smiles proudly with her behavioral specialist Julianna (left) and house parents Tom and Kisha (right) on graduation day.

Single Parent Ministry – Care Corner Food Pantry

Each year, Sheridan House partners with local South Florida churches to feed thousands of single parent families in need. Not only do we provide turkeys and all the fixings for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, but we also provide groceries year-round through our on-going Food Pantry.

In an effort to set our moms up for success and help to make their lives a bit easier, we offer family-friendly recipes to go along with the groceries they receive. Not only does this help them save time and money, but it also allows them to prepare well-balanced, nutritional meals to their family all week.

Dear Miriam,

One mom ly t recente, wro

Thank you for calling to confirm that I received the groceries. I picked up two paper bags. I am VERY grateful; as I had just cooked the VERY last thing I had in my freezer/cupboards. I had nothing to make meals for the next day or to last throughout the long weekend.

What I received I began to use that same day, and thankfully, my cupboards are not bare now. It is such a sight to see when the cupboard doors are opened!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am truly grateful.

Maureen

We are so thankful that the Lord is using us to offer hope and meet the needs of single moms. If you would like to join us in blessing families in need, you can view our Food Pantry List on our website and drop off your food pantry donations Monday – Friday at our main office and/or Care Corner. We accept food pantry donations all year. For more information on how to get involved, contact Miriam Duame at mduame@sheridanhouse.org.

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Sheridan House Family Ministries 1700 S. Flamingo Road, Davie, FL 33325 (954) 583-1552 • shfm.org

Ministries

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.

Thanksgiving Food Drive

Benefiting single parent families in need

Join us in providing the makings of a Thanksgiving meal for a single parent family in need.

Here’s how you can help:

u Canned goods: green beans, corn, yams, cranberry sauce

u Dry goods: instant mashed potatoes and stuffing

u Or donate to this outreach online at www.shfm.org/donate Kindly deliver donations by November 5th to: Sheridan House Family Ministries 1700 South Flamingo Road Davie, FL 33325 Questions? Contact Miriam at: (954) 414-3392 or mduame@sheridanhouse.org “...because I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist him…” Job 29:12