November 2011 Family Advocate

A publication of Sheridan House

1700 South Flamingo Road • Davie, FL 33325 • (954) 583-1552 • sheridanhouse.org

November 2011

Residential girls

Give Thanks

Honoring Christ by serving the needs of children and families

A Note From Bob The holiday season is quickly approaching us and although for many it is the “most wonderful time of the year,” for others it is a time of stress and disappointment.

That is where Sheridan House steps in to help.

Each Christmas we strive to help single moms and their kids who are in need.

Throughout both November and December, we are collecting toys and gift cards in an effort to bless the entire single parent family.

It is our hope that every child experiences the joy of opening at least one gift on Christmas morning. We know that gift giving isn’t the purpose of Christmas, but it is certainly fun especially for children; and softens hearts to hear about the ultimate gift available to all, Jesus Christ. If you would like to make a child’s Christmas morning special, please donate:

• A new, unwrapped toy for our Christmas Toy Drive (see ad on back for detailed list) • A gift card to other popular all-purpose stores such as: Target, Wal-Mart, etc.

Together we can extend Christ’s love to a child in need and offer hope to a hurting family.

For more information, visit sheridanhouse.org/toys Serving Him,

This Thanksgiving season, we asked our residential girls what they are most thankful for in life. Here’s what they had to say…

Arianna, 12 yrs.

I am most thankful for every day that I can get up, move around, have food, and just live a happy life.

Shana, 13 yrs.

I am most thankful for my family because they show me love.

God because…even when you are down, He cheers you up. He makes life even better. Sheridan House for teaching me life skills that I will need when I get a job, and when I get married, and to help make my family stronger.

Keilyn, 13 yrs.

I am most thankful for having my mom in my life and for being able to be here today.

Marissa, 13 yrs.

I am most thankful for my mom because she put me in Sheridan House and that indicates to me that she loves me and cares for me.

Samantha, 13 yrs.

I am most thankful for my family and I’m also thankful for my 2 little kittens. They are so rambunctious. They always make me feel like I am the calmest person in the world.

Brianna, 11 yrs.

I am most thankful for my family because they teach me the right and wrong things in life.

Jordan, 13 yrs.

I am most thankful for my friends because they help me through everything.

Maria, 13 yrs.

I am most thankful for my family because they love me; and they take care of me.

With his shaggy hair covering his eyes, TJ arrived to Sheridan House last fall wearing an offensive rock t-shirt and a cynical “whatever” demeanor.

These external indicators proved to be sadly accurate in discovering some of TJ’s character traits as well; however, what we were unable to see was the determined and stubborn resolve that resided in him.

Like most of our residential boys, TJ believed nothing was his fault. It was the result of his mom’s efforts that culminated in his enrollment into Sheridan House - rather than his endless list of poor choices.

The fact that he was failing out of school was due to mean teachers who didn’t like him - not the fact that he never did school work. So obviously, his negative friends were due to the fact that he lived in the “ghetto,” as he put it, not because he continually sought out trouble.

Along with his irresponsibility, TJ chose to be aloof about most of the areas of his life. Whether it was school, family, or Sheridan House; nothing really mattered to him, and no one could do anything to make him care.

TJ spent the entire first half of the school year focusing on making friends, breaking rules, and trying to convince any adult who would listen that Sheridan House was not for him. However, TJ would show glimpses of a boy who did want more for himself, and did want to learn how to change. Therefore, we repeatedly emphasized the same point to his parents.

BE CONSISTENT. Although TJ had not accumulated points in the program, we knew if his parents would stay the course he would become convinced that his manner of thinking had to change.

“Great job TJ!” said Pop. TJ had just gained his first points in the program.

“How’d you do it?” asked his mother.

“I’m just tired of always being in trouble”, TJ said.

On April 21st, almost eight months to the day he started program, TJ earned three hundred points. He finally started to change the way he thought about responsibility. Unfortunately, it was too late in the year to change his grades and the consequence of being retained in eighth grade had already been earned.

TJ began our summer program a changed kid. The first week he earned an award for exemplifying great character in his classes. Throughout the next four weeks of the summer he was 1st or 2nd in points earned. He also earned Team Captain Status in the home. Then, he was selected to be on the “extreme” camping group in North Carolina. While camping, he continued to demonstrate leadership by encouraging other boys and helping the staff without complaint.

TJ just finished 2 months of school in the eighth grade (again). He was talking to his house pop about the good comments his teachers made on his daily progress report.

“I had a funny thought today Pop”, he said shyly.

“What was that?”

“I was thinking; I guess my teachers really do care about me…and maybe I’m not here because it’s my mom’s fault; but because it’s God’s plan.”

“You may be onto something there TJ” replied Pop with a smile.

SheridanHouse

1700 S. Flamingo Road, Davie, FL 33325 (954) 583-1552 • sheridanhouse.org

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.

FamilyValuesTag.com

Suggested Gift List: ~New, unwrapped toys (ages 1-12) ~Gift cards (any denomination)

Dolls • Barbies • Barbie accessories • Stuffed animals/plush toys • Wooden block sets Lego sets • Jewelry-making kits • Art and easel products • Board games • Musical toys Tea sets/dish sets • Kid cameras • iPods, electronic games • Cars/hot wheels/trucks • Train sets Airplanes/boats • Building sets • Balls for any sport (basketball, volleyball, football, etc) Sports equipment • Frisbees • Tool sets • Bicycles • Tricycles

Kindly deliver your donations to: 1700 S. Flamingo Road Davie, FL 33325

on / before December 2