Archive for category: Monthly Updates

On Sunday, June 30^th, we celebrated Day of Prayer & Giving.  Thank you to all the individuals and churches who lifted up the prayer requests from our staff and residents.  We are grateful to all our donors who contributed to the repair and maintenance projects/capital improvements here on campus.  We are blessed by your prayers, giving, and support.  We will have our final numbers from the Day of Prayer & Giving in the August Telegram.

In June, Wheeler Church of Christ from Midland, Michigan came to work on campus with 12 youth and 5 chaperons.  They stayed overnight in Homes 3 and 4.  The group completed many projects on campus including painting sheds, weeding, repairing sidewalks and drywall, replacing screens in School windows, organizing clothes for Annual Day, painting rooms in Home 6, and removing staples and spackling the walls in the school.  The residents and staff enjoyed lunch together and played volleyball and 9-square.  On Saturday afternoon, residents joined the youth group at Zao Island for some fun and later had dinner at Chick-fil-A.

Our residents had the opportunity to go on a field trip to Michigan City Zoo.  The girls were so excited to feed the goats and see the animals.  After the zoo, they enjoyed lunch.  It was a great day of fun and laughter. In the next month, we will have a youth group on campus from Naperville Church of Christ.  We are excited to have the kids here to work and interact with our residents and staff.  What a blessing they are to Shults-Lewis!  We are very grateful. 

In April, we were blessed with a youth group from DeMotte Christian School (Selah Outreach).   We had 35 freshman students and several chaperones on campus.  The students completed many projects on campus including cleaning homes, mulching, weeding, organizing the boy’s and girls’ clothing rooms, laying pavers outside Home 3, organizing the rummage sale, and painting the horse fence.  The residents and staff enjoyed lunch and dinner with the students and enjoyed games, basketball, and volleyball.  On the last night, we were invited to s’mores and a bonfire with the Selah Outreach group.  New friendships were formed, and the residents hope to become pen pals with the students from DeMotte Christian School.  Our kids are excited about getting mail.

On April 21^st, Johnnie visited Memorial Parkway Church of Christ in Frankfort, Indiana.  She gave a PowerPoint presentation and answered questions from members of the congregation about the work at Shults-Lewis.  It was a great time of worship, food, and fellowship.

On April 28^th, Johnnie, Sarah, and I traveled to Springbrook Hills Church of Christ in Dewitt, Michigan.  Jeff Murray preached a message entitled “Are you ready for God?”  I presented a PowerPoint presentation about the services we provide.  We also answered questions about our program.  It was wonderful to form new relationships with members.  Thank you for the fresh rhubarb you sent for our house parents!

In the next three months, we will be having youth groups on campus from East Hill Church of Christ, Wheeler Road Church of Christ, and Naperville Church of Christ.  We are excited to have the kids here to work and interact with our residents and staff.  What a blessing they are to Shults-Lewis!  We are very grateful.  Feel free to call me if you have any questions.  You can reach me at 219-462-0513 ext. 103.

On February 11, we visited Clay City Church of Christ.  We attended worship services and Johnnie gave a Powerpoint presentation.   In the foyer, we had a display table with information.  We enjoyed fellowship with their members and a soup potluck.  On February 25, we visited Naperville Church of Christ where we attended Bible Study and worship services.  Johnnie gave a short presentation and discussed the 2024 Phone Campaign.  What a privilege it was to meet so many members of both congregations.

Our students enjoyed a field trip to Inman’s Bowling & Recreation Center this month.  It was great to have some fun bowling, playing arcade games and going to Chick-fil-A.  Our math teacher, Daryl Evans, continued to amaze us with his strikes.  He was our most experienced bowler.

In February, we also said goodbye to our relief houseparent, Jessie Banks.  We celebrated with cupcakes and ice cream.  We are so grateful for her service with the kids and wish her all the best in retirement.  She was so kind giving each team member a scripture bookmark with our name on it.

February kicked off the beginning of the 2024 Phone Campaign.  I am thrilled to share that we have raised almost $50,000 for this year’s Phone Campaign.  Our donors are such a blessing!  Our goal for this year is $190,000.  The expenses to provide treatment services exceed the cost of just a group home.   In March, we will be traveling to host churches for the Phone Campaign.  Our team is excited to meet with volunteers as we raise money for the kids at Shults-Lewis.  Donors may contact us at 219-462-0513 to make a pledge.  Donations may be made by check and mailed or by credit card on our website at www.shultslewis.org.  There is a 3.5% service charge for credit cards. Thanks again for taking this journey with us as we continue to serve kids who face trauma. 

On December 8, we celebrated Vickie’s Terhune’s second retirement from Shults-Lewis with a party.  Vickie served as school principal for 32 years.  Over the years, Vickie has touched and impacted so many residents’ lives; especially in the area of Math, where she has tutored many students.  This is not goodbye as Vickie will be volunteering with us in the new year.

On December 22, we had our staff and resident Christmas party with our Board of Trustees.  Everyone enjoyed the pizza, games and presents during the celebration.  Thank you to our wonderful donors who purchased items for both our residents, houseparents and our homes.  We were so blessed with your kindness!  We are so thankful to God for the impact of your support for the children we serve.

In January, we will be visiting Maplewood Church of Christ, Memorial Parkway Church of Christ and Springbrook Hills Church of Christ to share information about what the kids of today are facing, how we are impacting the lives of kids, and to connect with our donors face-to-face.  In February, our travels will take us to Clay City Church of Christ and Naperville Church of Christ.  If you are interested in having us come out to your church to give a presentation on the work we are doing at Shults-Lewis, please contact me at 219-462-0513 ext. 103.  Thanks again for taking this journey with us.

In October, Johnnie and Tammy visited New York Avenue Church of Christ in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. It was great meeting Tim Harty and members of the congregation.  His message on Sunday was a true blessing.  Church visits provide us with the opportunity to share God’s work at Shults-Lewis. 

This month, the residents had the opportunity to go on a field trip to Fair Oaks Farms.  This farm is the largest dairy producer in Indiana and one of the largest in the county.  The kids learned about the animals, farming practices and nutrition.  They also were able to experience the rope course.  This type of course helps individuals attain personal achievements and overcome fears and anxieties.  Despite the cold weather, the kids had a wonderful time. Our kids LOVE school field trips!

In November, we will be visiting Grandville Church of Christ and Sunnyside Road Church of Christ to share information about what the kids of today are facing, how we are impacting the lives of kids, and to connect with our donors face-to-face.  If you are interested in having us come out to your church to give a presentation on the work we are doing at Shults-Lewis, please contact me at 219-462-0513 ext. 103.  Thanks again for taking this journey with us.