Area churches help children’s home reach out to the hurting

  • July 1, 2011
  • 271
                        
SUMMAY-- Churches have always been powerful forces in supporting missions and other ministries that promote the love and care Christ commands. The Christian Children’s Home of Ohio receives lots of support from churches in Holmes and Wayne counties and appreciates the blessing. STORY—The phrase, “many hands make light work” can be attributed to a number of situations including monetary support. When a handful of churches make a commitment to support a cause, the resources seem to be multiplied and end up going a lot further than one would assume. Lisa Schott, Communications Specialist for the Christian Children’s Home of Ohio (CCHO) knows this firsthand and says her organization “couldn’t be more grateful to the area churches that support their cause.” “There are approximately 59 Wayne and Holmes County churches on our mailing list, of which 44 have provided financial support in the last five years,” Schott explained. “Seventeen of those provide regular, ongoing support. Our local church support represented 11% of total church giving in 2010; this was from churches in Wayne and Holmes Counties. We also receive support from seventeen Sunday school classes in Wayne and Holmes Counties. Beyond financial support, area churches have been a tremendous blessing to us by providing donated items and volunteer help. I just cannot say enough about the churches in our area and their generosity.” In addition to church support, fourteen percent of the children in the Children's Residential Center and thirteen percent of the children in CCHO foster care are from Wayne and Holmes Counties. Schott says that “hundreds” of families are helped through local individuals and churches. “Last year, we also provide Respite Care to fourteen children through the Family and Children First Council,” she shared. “Hundreds of children, families, and individuals from Wayne and Holmes Counties were provided services through our New Beginnings Counseling Centers; and forty-nine families received Home-Based services in Wayne and Holmes Counties. It was tremendous.” The overall mission of CCHO is, “bringing healing to hurting children and families…in His name”. Schott says that area churches are vital to that goal. “Churches are incredibly important to the life and livelihood of our agency,” she added. “Church support allows us to provide emergency assistance and special services to children and families in crisis, to meet the mental health needs of families and children who can't afford treatment, to help subsidize adoptions, and provide support services to children in foster care and their families.” There are many ways that churches and individuals can help the CCHO mission. No donation or act of assistance is too small. Every dollar of support and every form of volunteerism combines to help CCHO meet their goal for Christ and help the hurting. Schott said churches can help to provide food, clothing, household supplies, and other basic needs for the organization. There are always things that need done and areas that could use attention. “Also churches and church groups have been wonderfully creative in doing fundraisers for us; providing ministry opportunities and activities for children in the residential center; providing holiday activities at Easter and Christmas, including Christmas gifts, for children in foster care, residential care, and receiving home-based services,” she added. “Church groups have volunteered to help with roofing, painting, and construction; freezer meals, landscaping, and office help. Youth groups and Sunday school classes are encouraged to come to CCHO for short term mission trips, and to participate in our community programs through Poplar Ridge Adventures and Stables. Proceeds from these programs are used for children in our care.” If you are looking for a simple but vital project your youth group, 4-H group, scout group or family can take on this summer CCHO may just fit your plan. You can help with one day of volunteering, do a fundraiser, help repair or paint, or assist in a number of other ways. Schott and CCHO are so grateful to both Holmes and Wayne Counties, their churches, their individuals and their families. Anyone interested in making a difference for CCHO is welcome to contact Erin Brown at 330-345-7949 or browne@ccho.org. And remember, no gesture is too small; “many hands make light work” and a big difference!


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