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

June 2010

Honoring Christ by serving the needs of children and families

I had a great privilege this past month. I got to spend Tuesday evenings with some of our community’s unsung heroes – single moms. I remember hearing Dr. James Dobson say, “Single parenting is the most difficult job in the world.” I loved spending discussion time with those heroes who are working to do this incredibly difficult job - the right way – God’s way!

This past month Miriam Duame, the coordinator for Single Parent Ministries here at Sheridan House, decided to come alongside mothers of father-absent homes. This was an incredible time for everyone. On Tuesday nights in May, nearly 50 single moms arrived after work for a light dinner (thanks to the generosity of Diana Whiteman) followed by training in both parenting and discipline. Then they were given the opportunity to set an appointment in our Clothing Boutique to upgrade their work clothes with the “Sheridan House Points” they earned for attending.

One mom summarized it well, “Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are always difficult holidays for me. The kids don’t know what to do for me on Mother’s Day; and I don’t know what to do for them on Father’s Day. This year, thanks to Sheridan House, it was different. I felt truly loved and touch by the Father.”

We were given the opportunity to be the hands of God - to be a Father to the Fatherless - to those who are doing the “most difficult job in the world.” It was a great month!

Many of you are playing a vital part helping us help others. Thanks for being a part of the answer.

Serving Him,

It was April of ’07 when I walked out of the Myers Home for Boys and witnessed what can only be described as dumb and dumber behavior. While playing basketball, Carlos was cursing, trash-talking, and mocking another boy. Suddenly, the other boy decided he had enough and emphasized his point by landing a right cross on Carlos’ face. I ran out to break-up the ensuing fight and told both the boys the consequences they had earned. All the while I was thinking, “Guys, that was dumb!”

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On Friday, April 23rd, we hosted the 30th Annual Sheridan House Spring Auction in the Global Event Center at First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale. It was an evening full of fun, fellowship, friendship, and fund raising. Even in these tough financial times, God worked through the 300 supporters in attendance to make this event an incredible success. With over $45,000 raised, it was truly a blessing for the children and families that we minister to each and every day.

Creativity was in full swing that night. Long-time supporters of the ministry, Ulises and Carol Garcia, uniquely gave of themselves as Master Jewelers. With their support, many of our guests had the opportunity to exchange unwanted gold and jewelry for a cash value voucher to use while bidding that evening and even donate to the ministry. Additionally, we had over 40 people respond to donate a one-time gift of $40 to supply the residential program with baseball gloves. Needless to say, this surpassed our need of 10 people and the children in our residential program have also been blessed with additional athletic equipment.

We are so thankful to the Lord for supplying our needs and exceeding our expectations. We could not have done this without the incredible support from those in attendance, as well as, the support of our amazing auction item donors. We also want to extend special thanks to First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale for providing such a great venue for us to hold this wonderful event, to our event sponsors - ValleyCrest Landscape Companies, The Barada Family, and Steve Hornsby of Memories 4 Life; and last, but certainly not least, to our hard-working and exceptional Spring Auction Committee and volunteers.

Spring Auction Wrap-Up

*The child’s name has been changed for protection and privacy.

Carlos’ mother was pulling up in her car when the fight broke out. Apparently, she decided she was going to jump into the situation. Then, without questions or clarification, she began yelling at all those within ear-shot in order to “protect” her son from those who were being mean. Keep in mind; this is the same mom who had recently enrolled Carlos into our program due to his incessant immature behavior and his refusal to control his anger. At this point, all I could think was, “This is even dumber!”

I spent the next hour and a half trying to get Carlos to see how he put himself in that situation, and trying to get his mom to see how she was enabling and emboldening her son through her reaction to the situation. That hour and a half was the beginning of what would become two years of ministry and service to this family.

The process of changing behavior is long and hard; however, it is amazing to witness. It is a constant, day-to-day battle, and at times, moment-by-moment. I saw Carlos battle against the influences around him. I looked on as his mom battled against herself and her past. There were times I observed both of them battled against God and the leading of His Spirit. It was a battle of wills – a fight to determine who would be in charge.

Although it took Carlos longer than most, he eventually reached a point where he accepted responsibility for his actions. It took his mother even longer, but she made it. She realized that she was enabling her son to engage in foolish behaviors by repeatedly defended him, instead of holding him accountable. During their time with us, they both began the process of learning how to accept the consequences for their choices.

Ultimately, and in God’s perfect time, both Carlos and his mom won their battles because they surrendered their wills to Christ. Carlos graduated from Sheridan House determined to let his choices reflect his changed heart. His mom resolved to trust God with her life and her son’s future. She even decided to be baptized to affirm that trust.

Three years have passed since I took that short walk outside of the boys’ home to Carlos. In April of 2010, my family and I just walked 5,000 kilometers with Carlos’ family for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Although Carlos has been diagnosed with diabetes, his mom is at peace knowing her son is in God’s hands. Providentially, once again, the walk took us about an hour and a half.

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.

Celebrating 40 Years of M

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

New/gently worn women’s clothingAll sizes needed

We accept clothing

morning, noon, and night. Simply drop off your items

at our Family Resource Center or in the Women’s Clothing Collection Box

outside of the Family Resource Center.