Faith, Hope & Charity Raises Funds for Recreation and Community Service Programs

Volunteers from the Storm Lake community are raising money to help some very special children. The volunteers hope to raise $30,000 over the next three weeks to help support the recreation program and community service program offered by Faith, Hope & Charity to children with special needs. The Faith, Hope & Charity recreation program was developed in 1991. It’s primary goal is to improve the quality of life by offering the children at Faith, Hope & Charity an opportunity to take part in educational and entertaining activities on a consistent basis. Some of the activities in 2006 included a canoe program, Henry Doorly Zoo, Adventureland, Monster Truck Events, Concerts, Plays & Musicals, Buena Vista Race Track, Disney on Ice, and swimming…just to name a few. According to Julie B., the mother of Aaron, her 11 year old son has been able to be a part of activities that she never dreamed possible. “He’s been boating, swimming, and to Adventureland! It broke my heart when I placed him, but seeing all the they do with him to keep things more “normal” for him has eased my heart. I am ever so grateful to Faith, Hope & Charity for opening all those doors for my son” says Julie. Another child at Faith, Hope & Charity, Ashley C., is no stranger to the Recreation Program. She is one of the most active participants in the Recreation Program. Much like other children her age, Ashley enjoys not only attending the events and taking part in activities, but also socializing with others, doing the things that make her feel like other kids. This is an aspect of the program many parents can relate to. Diane W. is Adam’s mother and says it is wonderful when her son can go to a concert, car race, zoo trip or day camp. “These are opportunities that I never would have thought to involve him in. It makes me happy to know that Adam is happy. To have Adam participate in activities that other 16-year-olds do, is opening up his world and life.”

As Faith, Hope & Charity reaches out to more and more children each year, providing ample opportunity for each of them to take part in the recreation program is an ongoing effort. This year the agency has 32 children, and their goal is to get each of them involved in as many activities and events as possible. To do so takes an annual budget of $20,000. Volunteers are soliciting support to fund the purchase of tickets, transportation and much more for the 2007 Recreation Program. The second goal of the 2007 campaign is to raise $10,000 for the Community Service Program. The Community Service Program is designed to offer support to families who have a special needs child at home. Respite Care and a one-on-one learning program are the two primary programs offered through the Community Service Program. Right now, over 50 families from all over Northwest Iowa depend on the program.

Co-Chairs for the 2007 Campaign are Randy Fehr and Richard Drahota. Other volunteers include team captains Bob Baschke, Mike Blum, Lori Porsch, Wes Stille and Steve Tjaden. Volunteers also include Steve Brashears, John Cullen, Tom Daniels, Tracee Dierenfield, Russ Eddie, Rick Faine, Glen Huntington, Dr. Troy and Grace Ivey, Dr. Doug Larson, John Murray, Josh Newhouse, Rick Peterson, Margie Robinson, Jeff Stark, Doug Thompson, Mike Todd and Mike Wilbur.

If you would like to make a big impact in the lives of children with special needs, send a donation to Faith, Hope & Charity, 1815 W. Milwaukee, PO Box 243, Storm Lake, Iowa. Or for more information, contact Mary Ludwig, Director of Development at 712-732-5127. The Faith, Hope & Charity website is: www.faithhopeandcharity.org

 

Wilderness Inquiry is a unique canoeing program that offers extra wide boats designed to accommodate more children in one trip as well as children in wheelchairs by using special seats. While canoeing, guides paddle and teach the children about nature, as they make their way around areas of Storm Lake. This is just one of the many programs that will be supported by donations gives to the Faith, Hope & Charity Annual Campaign.