Recent News
Fall 2010 News
Where's My Calendar?
That is an excellent question. This year the State of Indiana is going through a lot of transitions in the child welfare field. During these transitions, they have reduced the number of children placed in all types of out-of-home care across Indiana. This has meant a decrease in per diem income from the State. Thankfully, between reducing operating costs and the wonderful support we have received from you, we have been able to continue to serve troubled children and families. Cutting out the annual calendar that you normally receive from us about this time was one way that we felt we could reduce costs in 2011. You may be surprised to learn that it only costs us $1.95 to create, print and deliver it to you, but that does add up. Our hope and prayer is that we will once again be able to provide a calendar next year.
In my 20 years at Gateway Woods, I am not sure we have ever experienced a challenge as unique as the one we are currently facing. In an effort to control costs, the State of Indiana is putting forth new rules, which if enacted, will truly impact how we currently operate.
There are two sets of rules that could affect Gateway Woods: the first rule establishes regulations around how the State sets the rates we are paid and the second rule addresses issues around how we are licensed. The second rule is of greater concern because it does two things. The first would be to force us to change the nature of our family model that we have effectively used for 34 years. This is based on God’s design for how children best learn and grow. The second thing this rule would do is increase the number of staff we would need to have on duty in our five group homes. Even if we attempted to fulfill all of these new requirements, there would be no improvement to our care and no guarantee that we would see an increase in placements by the State.
As I spoke to our Staff several weeks ago about this situation, I started the conversation by saying, “I am confident in these things: God is in control of all things. He is not surprised by what is happening. We are in the palm of His hand, and He has a plan for Gateway Woods to minister to troubled children and families. He loves us and has our best interest at heart.”
Please pray for wisdom for the Board and Staff as we look for direction in how to move forward in a way that we can continue to serve and bring glory to our Creator through loving care to lost and wounded children.
Jeff Schumacher, Administrator
Let Your Heart be Moved DVDs Available
Few things compare to the emotion that fills one’s soul as the beauty of well-trained voices and a fantastic orchestra come together in song. Many of the children at Gateway Woods had the opportunity to experience this in person for the first time thanks to the “Let Your Heart Be Moved” benefit concert put on by the Mid-Ohio Chamber Players and the Apostolic Christian Church Choir. This event benefited Gateway Woods, as well as other outreach organizations.
DVDs of the live event are now available. Click over to http://www.kufchakstrings.com/ and click on DVDs/CDs to purchase your copy now!
The Value of 12%
Each year it is amazing to see how God works at the Gateway Woods Auction. This year was absolutely no exception. We are so thankful for our supporters and donors who, through their incredible generosity, helped us to raise over $407,000! This money will provide 12% of the funding needed to support our Residential Care, Gateway Woods School, Adoption, Foster Care and Home-Based Services programs.
To put this level of generosity in perspective, imagine the Gateway Woods Campus (right.). Now simply remove the school from that image. This picture gives you a possible reality of what could happen without the generosity of our donors. Gateway Woods School operates on almost exactly 12% of our annual budget.
We are so thankful to our supporters and donors who helped make the 2010 Auction possible. We also ask that you would keep Gateway Woods in your prayers as we continue to minister to struggling children and families. We would like to say a special thanks to the volunteers and auctioneers that donated their time and helped to make the event a success. Most of all, we are thankful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is the inspiration for the event and for the Gateway Woods ministry. Next year’s Auction is scheduled for Saturday August 6, 2011.
Ross Feller, Communications Coordinator
Please visit our Multimedia & Downloads page to view the entire 2010 Fall Gate Post
In the Know
We greatly appreciate all of the support we receive at Gateway Woods. There is no way that this organization could continue to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ without it. In return, it is our responsibility and pleasure to keep you all as up-to-date as possible on what is going on for the ministry. Now we have a completely new way for you to stay up with Gateway Woods news – our Facebook page!
Facebook is an interactive website that provides a wonderful outlet for sharing information different from what can be found in The Silver Lining, The Gate Post or even on our website. For example, at our page you can see pictures taken by the Gateway volunteers this summer, watch an interview with two adoptive parents or read an article written by one of our Staff. Also, you can see daily updates on new residents, prayer requests and more!
Our Facebook page also provides an avenue for you to have simple communication with us. If you have a thought or a comment on a picture, post it so others can see it! If you would like a particular question asked in an interview with one of our Home-Based Services workers then just write about it in our discussion tab. This allows us to be more connected to our supporters than we ever have before!
So, check out www.facebook.com/gatewaywoods and see what sort of information catches your eye. If you have a facebook account be sure to click the “Like” button at the top of our page so that you can have our updates delivered to your news feed. Let us know what sort of things you would like posted on the page and how we can connect with you even better. God Bless.
