February Campus Update
Oh, January. January always seems to be a very busy month, and yet, as I look at the calendar, I wonder exactly what did we do all month? I think settling back into the routine of “normal” just 
made the month fly by. Kiana Baldwin, Development Assistant, continues to argue with me about time flying by so quickly. She, in her final semester of college, feels the time is dragging on so slowly. Just like everything, I guess it’s all about perspective.
As you’ve probably already read on social media or in our Telegram we said good-bye to Bob & Becky Brown in January. From one perspective, we are sad to see them go. However, from another, we are thankful for their service and excited for them and their new adventures out west.
In January we started working with the kids on the Social Responsibility of recycling. Don, one of our housedads, was telling us that the girls in his home are actively looking at each item to see if it can be recycled. He excitedly shared, “They are doing it on their own now.”
The kids and teachers went to an awesome convocation at Valparaiso University on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. VU always puts together a great presentation for the day. Ms. Davis, our History teacher, had our kids share “10 Things you might not have known about MLK”. They shared some great facts and also were able to practice their public speaking skills.
Thank you for being a part of our community!!
For the children,
Beth Frump,
Director of Development
January Campus Update
Santa Clause came to town…. or at least someone looking like Santa came to the Kids’ Christmas Party. The kids enjoyed a last day of the semester filled with activities, games, and a visit from “Santa”.
Earlier in December, the staff enjoyed a Christmas party together. This is one of the few times during the year that the staff can gather together, without kids, and simply enjoy being together. We reveal Secret Pals, play “Mean Santa”, and this year, we enjoyed a video of memories from 2018. We really cherish the time we have as a whole staff together.
December was filled with guests and activities. One yearly tradition is Egg Nog & Treats Day where we gather to enjoy some Egg Nog from Sheilla Davis, a retired employee who visits and prepares a yummy egg nog for all to enjoy. This is one of our favorite days because several of our retirees come and join us for some treats and laughs.
Speaking of treats, we had our annual cookie exchange. From sugar cookie Christmas trees to buckeyes, we shared some amazing goodies. It’s a good thing that we had kicked off our month with the workout at a local gym because calories were abundant in December.
December’s Theme of the Month was “Foundation of God’s Love”. The idea of all of our commitments—open communication, emotional intelligence, democracy, growth & change, non-violence, social learning, and social responsibility—all echo the way God expects us to treat each other. So with that in mind, we used the month to recognize the commitments we have seen in each other during 2018. Every resident and staff member received an ornament filled with commitments that everyone else saw in them during 2018.
Our kids were blessed by several congregations, individuals, and local friends who provided Christmas presents, goodie baskets, and so much more for the holiday season. We are so grateful for the outpouring of love that occurs during the holidays for our kids. By the Sunday before Christmas, the boys were nearing the end of their patience and were ready to start ripping into their presents. They were so excited!! All of our kids were truly blessed and were very appreciative of everything they received.
As we file away our 2018 calendars, and begin to plan and dream for 2019, we just want to thank you for everything you do for our kids.
For the children,
Beth Frump
Beth Frump, Director of Development
December Campus Update
November brought snow (that’s a yuck in my book!), but it also brought friends, laughter, and memories. Mid-November was our Annual Staff Appreciation Banquet where we honor the staff for 
all of their hard work. We had dinner at Sand Creek Country Club and enjoyed a night together, without the kids. It’s one of the few times our staff is able to do that. At the banquet, the Board also honors a person or group of people with the Board of Trustees Award for their “above and beyond” support and efforts for the ministry at Shults-Lewis.
This year, the Eagle Valley Church of Christ (Indianapolis) received the award. We are so grateful for them for all they do for us.
Tony, our young man who is attending public school, received Student of the Month for November. How awesome is that?!? He made the Varsity basketball team and continues to do well academically. We are so proud of him.
Our kids and houseparents were able to go to the circus, thanks to one of our board members. The kids and houseparents had a great time. They always come back with great stories of their favorite part. This time, I heard more about Cotton Candy and Popcorn, probably because I talked to the boys about it more than the girls.
Another really cool thing we were able to participate in was a local gym, Lift Life Fitness, who chose us to be their Charity of the Month and members, friends, and families, came to a group workout class, where they learned a little about Shults-Lewis. Rather than paying for the class, the trainers asked that people make a donation to Shults-Lewis. It was an awesome event that many of our staff were able to attend and just a unique way for us to get our name out in the community more. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and others like it!
We placed two new girls in November, maxing us out on the number of kids we can take. And broken record sound or not, WE NEED A COUNSELOR. The position of therapist
is vital for our agency, and we are struggling to find someone to fill that role. Do you know of a counselor who may be interested in working with teenagers? Perhaps a minister who has their degree in counseling that might want to do some mission work at Shults-Lewis? Who do you know?!?!
I do hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday and that you will enjoy December and all of the holidays and activities this month can bring. I am so thankful for you and all you do for the kids, this agency, and for the role you play in my life. I think of you often and thank God for you daily!
For the children,
Beth Frump
Beth Frump, Director of Development
November Campus Update
The biggest news from October, you have most likely already heard, read, or seen. One of our young men made the decision to be baptized. We are so proud of him and the choices he is making to become the man he was created to be!
October also brought “Spirit Week”. The kids dressed like their favorite puns, sported their favorite college’s colors, dressed like a nerd, and had a bad hair day. The kids enjoyed a Party Day where they played games, enjoyed grilled dogs for lunch, and were able to go see a movie for the afternoon. All of them enjoyed the break from classes!
Ms Becky created a “What Flavor Is This?” game for the staff and kids. She had 14 flavors of M & M’s and the staff & kids guessed which was which. Ms. Lissa rocked the game by getting all 14 correct! We had a great time discovering the variety of flavors!
As you read in the Telegram, the Theme of the Month was Social Responsibility. The kids took a field trip to a local recycling center to learn more about recycling and taking care of our planet. They also had a trip to a local bank where they learned more about financial responsibility. We enjoyed a potluck together, each person being socially responsible to provide something for the lunch for the kids. The themes of the month allow us the opportunity to find creative ways to teach the kids our commitments—Open Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Democracy, Growth & Change, Non-Violence, Social Learning, Social Responsibility, and most importantly, having a foundation rooted in God’s Love and Word.
Development had the great opportunity to go visit friends in Elgin, Illinois and Florissant, Missouri. We appreciate being able to visit with you all and give you updates on what’s happening here at Shults-Lewis!
November brings our country to a point of being thankful. As you gather around for the Thanksgiving holiday, know that in Valparaiso, Indiana, there is a campus of people who love you and are so very thankful for you!
Thank you for all you do for the children!!!
For the children,
Beth Frump, Director of Development
October Campus Update
Leading up to the big ANNUAL DAY, we were blessed to have twelve Sojourners spend 3 weeks with us. The Sojourners always help get our campus ready for Annual Day, and prepare our Gym-Sized Garage Sale. We appreciate all of their hard work all over campus. The kids always enjoy the time with the “bonus grandparents”.
As I always do, I had an amazing time at Annual Day. The fellowship was incredible. The food, oh goodness, the food. It was SOOO good. God provided a perfect weather day. So many congregations came to provide food booths, craft booths, KidZone and games. I am so thankful to you all for all the effort you put into making Annual Day a success. The preliminary totals show that we raised nearly $17,000! You are so awesome!!! (Mark next year’s date down now—Saturday, September 21, 2019)
At the end of September, we were blessed to open another home for girls. We currently have 2 homes for girls, a home for boys, and a relief home! We placed two new girls and a new boy. Pray for them as they transition into our program.
We are excited about our homes and the ability to serve as many kids as possible. However, we still are in need of a counselor. We need a therapist with a Master’s degree, either licensed in Indiana or willing to get licensed in Indiana. This role is crucial and we need someone IMMEDIATELY! This salaried position offers benefits such as insurances and retirement. Please pray for our search and if you know of anyone, please send them our way.
Thank you for all you do for the children!!!
For the children,
Beth Frump
Beth Frump, Director of Development