Dream Big, Dream Often, and Dream Now. These are the words that Anchor House has come to live by. It is the idea that God desires big

things from Anchor House and God is more than up to the task of making dreams come true - particularly ones that have to do with taking care of children who have come from hurtful pasts. In order to dream big, we need to dream often. Pictured is another one of our dreams called Barnabas House II. Why a second transitional house? The answer is that our first house was a great success. In fact, it was a surprising success even in ways we did not imagine. When we bought the first house we imagined a house that would help boys transition from Anchor House to sustainable kjhkjhkdfhss

employment. What we did not realize when we bought the house was how many boys would still be in high school when they aged out of foster care. Of the five boys that entered Barnabas House, none of them had finished high school. Many had been transferred from school to school and got behind in their studies. As a result, all of the boys were not ready to be on their own and needed a place to stay while they finished high school. But what happened next surprised everyone. Four of the five boys at Barnabas House decided to go to college. We had to admit, we never actually set college as a goal for our boys who were aging out, but they have decided on their own that college was the path for them. Now, all of the boys are in college except the one who is still finishing up this year in high school, and he has expressed a desire to continue his education also.

As a result of our success with our first home, we had to think quickly. There was no more room in our first house with the boys deciding to continue on to college. Funds were available for tuition but housing was another issue. We certainly didn’t want to penalize the boys for thinking big and going to college. We were quickly going to need more room. In fact, one of the reasons for Anchor House’s success was telling our boys that there would be a place for them to go once they aged out of foster care. We did not want to leave them “like an orphan in the storm” (Jn 14:18). After all, being eighteen without a degree almost insures poverty or incarceration. Because of this, having this opportunity for future safety and comfort became critical to the overall success of our program for 10 to 17 year olds. It created hope and security. Therefore, we made the decision to buy a second transitional house so we could offer this safety to more boys and create more opportunities for success. What we are finding is that creating opportunities for success has something to do with the success that we are experiencing. We never dreamed we would have this kind of success, but the Lord has blessed us more than we imagined. Thanks so much for believing in us. We are continuing to dream.

Spring2017

Our Vision is Expanding - Meet Barnabas House II By Dr. Joe Davis

AnchorHouseNewsletter

Our Boys Help Feed the Homeless

Recently, Anchor House went on a different type of field trip. We went to a homeless shelter and helped give food to the homeless. At first, we weren’t sure how the boys would respond to such a project given that many of them had come from similar situations and some had been homeless themselves. However, the boys jumped right in and wholeheartedly gave of themselves to help others who were in the midst of need. Helping others is part of heartfelt gratitude that all of us are enjoined to participate in as followers of Christ. What a blessing it was to see boys who have come from such tough circumstances see past their hurt and lend a hand to those in need.

Our Boys Go Fishing with Misty Wells!

“Dr. Davis, I caught my first fish today!” On February 11, Anchor House went fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and boy did we have a great time! A big thanks to Misty Wells and William Dunn for coordinating the trip and teaching our boys how to fish. We had quite a day. The weather was perfect, the seas were tranquil, and the fish were biting! The boys caught over 100 fish that day. The next day Misty, Will and Heather (Will’s wife) came over to Anchor House to have a big fish fry. Misty brought some of her wonderful baked beans and cornbread to help us have a feast. Truth is we couldn’t eat all of the fish we caught in one meal. (Can anyone say, “Leftovers”?) Dr. Davis also was asked to come on Misty’s outdoor show called “Let’s Take It Outside” to talk about the boys’ love of fishing. Seeing how much the boys enjoyed fishing, Misty has decided to take them out fishing again. We can’t wait!

Business Spotlight Aaron’s, Inc. not only rents furniture, but

gives it to Anchor House! Aaron’s, Inc. has given a massive gift of furniture to make Anchor House look like more of a home. The total amount of furniture was 17 night stands, 14 dressers, 14 ottomans, 3 rugs, 12 table lamps, a large sectional for the game room, 2 sofas, and 4 loveseats. Thanks so much for thinking of our boys and giving them an inviting and warm place to live. Gifts like these tell our boys that the community really cares. Please make sure to support Aaron’s, Inc. with your furniture needs as they have taken care of our boys! Our boys rest upon their giving - literally!

Hamp Johnson Will Be MissedHamp “Danny” Johnson, III was called home to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 18, 2017. We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from Hamp. Among them, he taught us that it was okay to care for our boys while having fun and identifying the superhero within us.

Hamp was known for his love of Batman; soon after, staff and children followed his lead joining the Avengers and the Justice League of superheroes. He taught us to keep things in perspective, stating that Anchor House had a 100% success rate because, once youth arrived, they were no longer abandoned, neglected, or abused. Hamp was a mentor to our staff and a role model to our boys. He understood the challenges that we face on a daily basis for which his famous quote was “No two days at Anchor House are ever the same.”

Hamp had the heart of a servant; he was always willing to help people and to serve his church, community, and country. Hamp wanted to join the U.S. Marine Corp, but due to health conditions, Law Enforcement became his career of choice. After completing a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Hamp “Danny” L. Johnson, III served Polk County as a Deputy Sheriff. After being wounded in the line of duty, the Lord called Hamp to serve children and youth in foster care group homes. On October 17, 2005, Hamp joined Anchor House Ministries where he served many roles from Direct Care Staff and Life Skills Specialist to his recent position of First Shift Supervisor & School Liaison. He is survived by Danny Johnson, 10 years old; Alicia V. Johnson, 11 years old; Makala Johnson, 12 years old. He leaves behind a sister; two brothers; his mother, Mrs. Ginger Grace; and his father Mr. Hamp Johnson Jr. We are thankful for his service and friendship. Hamp Johnson will be missed!

Meet our newest Board Member: Mike Huff

Our newest board member is Mike Huff. Mike came to know of Anchor House through both personal friendships with our board president and being the lead contractor for the remodeling of our new kitchen. Because of Mike’s intercession and coordination of subcontractors, Anchor House saved over $25,000 during our kitchen remodel! We are so thankful to have such a qualified and caring board member to help us make Anchor House a great place for our boys. When asked why he came on Board, Mike Shared this:

“The more time I spent on the site working on the kitchen, the more I learned about the community service Anchor House provides to the boys in their care. I was honored when

Shaun asked me to join the Board of Directors. As a successful construction professional, I must I do things that require skills in the realm of accounting, scheduling, safety, legal, code compliance, and the ability to manage a wide variety of team players. My greatest asset is my sincere desire to help others help themselves, but my ability to organize and implement assignments to help meet the goals of the Board may be where I contribute the most.”

Lion-Hearted People Give Lion Sized Gift

On March 10th, the Lion’s Club of Lakeland came and provided $7,000 to cover the remaining cost needed for our new roof. A number of churches and individuals have given to this project and we’ve now been able to get this much needed project finished. Our boys will have a roof over their heads! Thank you so much for caring about our boys.

Contact us: www.anchor-house.org; office@anchor-house.org; (863) 665-1916 Registration# CH3069

AnchorHouseMinistriesPOBox625Auburndale,FL33823

TheKingwillreply,“TrulyItellyou,whateveryoudidforoneoftheleastofthesebrothersandsisters

ofmine,youdoforme.”

Matthew25:40

Golf Tournament Come join us at our annual Golf Benefit at Cypress Lakes Golf and Country Club 10000 US 98 North in Lakeland. Date: April 29th Time: Shotgun 1:00 pm Lunch: 11:30 – 12:30 pm Dinner & Awards: 6:00 pm Registration and payment due by April 21st $75 per player We will have mulligan packets for $20.00 and will be selling raffles for $1.00 each, 6 for $5.00, or 12 for $10.00. You can call or register online at our website: www.anchor-house.org. Then click on “Golf Tournament.”

Thanks to Our Sponsors and Partners