Spring 2016 Newsletter - Salem Children`s Trust

Winter/Spring 2016
The Salem Spirit
“He has
really always
wanted one
single thing,
Local NonProffit Provides
a Roof over our Kids’ Heads
- page 2
Salem receives $12,500 Grant!
- page 3
Christmas for the Kids 2015
- page 4
Making Tracks at Salem
- page 5
Thank
you!
Memorial/ Honorarium
& Wish List
- page 6-7
a family.”
An Excerpt from
a Letter to Salem
Christmas is my favorite time of year. It is unfortunate the
whole world cannot carry the magic of Christmas with them year
round, doing for others, spreading joy and love and gratitude.
Wouldn’t that be nice? You carry that magic all throughout
the year. I have gone through some interesting experiences.
I have always tried to see the good in people. Now, I have the
opportunity to watch someone’s character and heart transform
from inside the walls of prison.
I found it interesting and heartwarming when I wrote a letter
a few years ago, to someone who had practically become a
stranger to me, other than the daily reminder of him every time I
looked at my little girl. I always have known that hatred towards
someone always does more damage to our own hearts, than
to the one we intend for it to damage, so I wrote a kind letter
asking a favor. I asked him to close his eyes and think of a time
that he could remember being truly happy. I asked him to write
a letter back to me to explain where his mind took him, who
was around, and how he felt in his heart, when he allowed his
mind to take him to that place. I found it interesting that the two
places he told me about was not just with me, but further back
to when he spent time with you.
I guess why it touched me so much, is perhaps because I know
a lot of the graphic details of this person’s history and childhood,
and now adulthood. So to think that a short time there (at
Salem) was what his heart kept taking him to; it must have been
a pretty wonderful place. He tells me all the time, how he would
cause you problems and he said he was so bad sometimes, but
he said he always felt like you genuinely cared. (Cont. on Page 5)
Share the Love
Staff Corner
Thank you!
Garrett Cooperative Ministry Inc.
Recently, we were blessed by a large donation from another
local non-profit organization, Garrett Cooperative Ministy Inc.,
to help provide for the replacement of the roof on one of our
children’s homes. We were so blessed by the investment in
the children living here at Salem. We believe in your mission
wholeheartedly. Thank you for supporting our kids!
Garrett Cooperative Ministry Inc. is located here in Garrett
County. Their mission is to “improve the quality of life for those in
our community with limited means.”
The profit from their thrift store, Christian Crossings, located
in Loch Lynn, MD, enables them to provide financial assistance
on behalf of individuals and families in the community who are
in crisis situations. Annually, the organization has been able to
provide between $50,000 and $85,000 to help pay for items
such as electricity, security deposits, rent, doctor bills, mortgage
payments, taxes, dental expenses, etc.
If you happen to live in the Garrett County area, they
accept any home furnishings, major
appliances, furniture, kitchenware,
clothing, books, toys, sporting
equipment, etc., that are in good
condition.
It is beautiful to see unwanted
items turned into a brand new roof for
our children and similar blessings for
many others in need!
Visit www.christiancrossing.net for more information.
Dallas Hockman, a day staff
in one of our girls’ houses,
recently noticed a need for more
wholesome DVDs and cheery
blankets for the living areas in our homes.
Youth will now be able to curl up with a
book, or enjoy one of the movies together
as a group. Kudos to him for stepping up and
going out of his way to help encourage others
to meet this need.
These Bankets and DVDs will
make the winter months more
enjoyable for our kids.
Employees of the Quarter
Winter 2015
Kat Kline, Ashley Knauer, Tyler
Smearman, Scott Davies
- Teaching Parents
Way to go, Matthew House Staff!
Winter/Spring 2016
A Big Thanks to the Rite Aid Foundation!
Thank you
Rite Aid for
contributing
$12,500!
We are excited to have earned a grant of $12,500 as part of The Rite Aid Foundation’s challenge,
called “Big Hearts Give,” which ran from October 1, 2015, to January 31, 2016. Thank you to
everyone that designated Salem as the charity of their choice through the KidCents Program.
The special challenge was designed by The Rite Aid Foundation to help KidCents charities raise
awareness, grow their donor network and earn additional funds for the Rite Aid Foundation. In
all, The Rite Aid Foundation’s KidCents Program will donate nearly $1.6 million to 182 KidCents
charities. We are so thankful for their support of our kids!
Thank you!
LaVale Lions
Club
for your
gift of $500
toward a Van
Concert, Movies, and Snow Tubing, Oh My!
Thank you, Crossroads Church, Curt and Marilyn
Weaver, Bontempo Ohly Capital Management,
and Melvin United Methodist Church,
for providing these activities for our
children’s enjoyment!
Thank you to everyone who made
our kid’s Christmas so special!
Describing Christmas joy is hard to do, but little
compares to some of the smiles that we have the pleasure
of seeing each year at WCBC’s “Christmas for the Kids.”
Many of our children have never experienced this before,
and our “host families” went above and beyond to bless our children. We cannot
thank all of the donors enough for their generosity, as we would never have been
able to bless each child to that extent as a non-profit organization. “S‘spenders”
were among the top wishes for one of our boys, and he excitedly wasted no time
with adding them to his wardrobe for the evening. Another young girl declared,
“I just knew it! I am in HEAVEN!” when opening a gift set of watches. These
are just a few examples of filling our children’s lives with joy at a time in the year
when it can be very difficult for them to be away from their families, or wishing for
relationships that may be lacking. Our hosts will never know the difference they
have made in the hearts of our kids. Also, a special thanks goes out to our Santa
and Mrs. Clause, who came to visit, the Sentinel Steel, Three Cats and a Mouse,
the Snap Happy Booth by Higher Focus Studios, The Ramada Inn, the many local
businesses that donated food, and especially Mary Clites and the staff at WCBC
Radio Station for their countless hours planning and coordinating the party to be
such an enjoyable evening!
Thank you, Chi Sigma Sorority for
collecting stockings for our kids to
open on Christmas morning!
Thank You!
and local supporters
that contributed to
“Christmas for the Kids”
Also, Thank you, New Life Covenant
Church of God for the many gifts you showered
upon the girls in the Thomas House this Christmas!
Making Tracks at Salem
Winter/Spring 2016
“When does running club start again? When’s the
next race?” These questions are frequently asked by
our kids, recently. Four of our girls completed their first
race at the Fire and Ice Festival in Somerset, PA this
winter. They met their goal of training for the 3 mile run
and saving their allowance for the entry fee. They also
achieved so much more than just their personal best
race time. They enjoyed being part of a group of 250+
runners with the same determination. They learned
perserverance, and set new goals to acheive for the future.
The kids that needed appropriate shoes for the club and the
race were given new shoes,
as a reward for their hard
work.
It was a chilly day, but
was perfect for enjoying
the ice sculptures and fire
rings spread throughout
the downtown area
Diane Ruckert, one of our
Teaching Parents helping to lead the running club, said, “on a scale
from 1 to 10, the day was a 15!” The children were so proud to have
finished the race and to be so close to the overall winner of the race,
Ian McFawn, who was also one of their volunteer coaches here at Salem. A few of our staff won medals
for their individual age groups, which the girls were proud to wear for the rest of the day, as they
enjoyed the special outing. It really was a team effort, as the Matthew House and various other Salem
staff members came out to cheer on the girls in their accomplishments. We are so proud of you!
Family (Cont. from Pg. 1)
Not that you were doing a job or a duty, that you sincerely had a place for him in your heart, even though he was
not the only one who needed it. I have heard so much from him about you, I feel like I know you myself.
I guess what I am trying to say, is thank you for being such great people. If the love and kindness that you
showed a young teenage boy was enough to keep his heart from turning to ice, even inside to eye of the snow
storm and blizzards of chaos that surrounded him, then I have no choice but to believe God does His work
through people like you. I have appreciated the time you have spent writing to him and giving him hope. I
appreciate the pointers you give him on how to be a good man, a respectful as well as respectable man.
I was speaking with a coworker of mine during our lunch break a week or so ago. I had just spoke with T---and my eyes had teared up a bit. They asked me what was wrong and I told them, “I think it is so sweet to hear
the tone in his voice change every single time he says ‘have you spoke to my Pops?.” I can literally hear the
happiness in his voice saying those words, as though it excites him to say it. I think T---- deep down behind all the
smoke and mirrors (metaphorically speaking) he has really always wanted one single thing, a family.
Thank you for showing him that he has a place in your heart, whether it is then or now. Thank you for
extending that to my children and I... I hope to meet you someday... to shake hands and greet with a smile, the
people who saved a soul years before they knew that they did. I am sure you have letters from kids from your
past come often or frequently. But in this particular situation, I am giving you my personal gratitude and formal
acknowledgement for what you do everyday and, most importantly, for who you are everyday. Thank you again!
The Matthew House
Village Protestant Church
$5,000 - Toward Roof Repairs
A Big Thank you to Village Protestant Church,
Standard Charitable Foundation, Robert Fagan, and Joy Rice for their
generous contributions to repair the Matthew House this year! With
four homes around 25-30 years old there are many projects to be done
and we are so greatful for the help to keep them in good repair!
After
Before
Standard Charitable Foundation
- $4,000 Matthew House Floor
Before
Matthew House Kitchen Renovation
In Memory of Jack & Vivian Carnell
by Joy Rice
Robert Fagan - Matthew House Floor
Thank you for the memorial
contributions given to
Salem in their names!
In Honor:
Mei Lin Corbin, by Patricia Corbin
Reed’s Drug Store, by Sarah Jane Rawlings
The Wedding of Lt. Cmdr. & Mrs. Arpad Korossy,
by John & Louise Richards
Amy Broadwater, by Wanda & Terry DeHaven
Ken & Michelle Mixter, by Susan Nunamaker
Alpha Lambda Sisters of Chi Sigma Sorority,
by Marilyn and Curt Weaver
Jack & Vivian Carnell, by Joy Rice
Robin & Earl Smith, by Linda & Joe Inskeep
Catherine Ann & Tom Fisher,
by Linda & Joe Inskeep
Ken Fisher by Sarah Bennett
In Memory:
Wally Beaulieu, by Vernita Beaulieu
Margie Ridgeway, by Shirley Platt
Mr. & Mrs. M. Ashby, by Sarah Jane Rawlings
Barbara Jane Currier, by Gene Wilson
Mary Szaljeski, by Michael & Karen Carroll
Albert Mertens, by Caroline Hass
Patricia Proctor, by Bill Proctor
Jack & Pat Ruckert, by Susan Miller
& Steve Ruckert
Bernice & George Lucas, by Ronald Lucas
Daniel Huebner, by Denise Huebner
Deborah Hartman, by Gene Gall
Alice Reuschlein, by Deborah Mohler
Edward Kovach, by Andrea Crivelli-Kovach
Lennis Titus, by Brent Toleman
Jack & Vivian Carnell by Joy Rice
Wish List
Winter/Spring 2016
So many of you have stepped up to help us fund items this year! Just look at all the items
marked “Funded!” Please consider helping us by sponsoring one of the remaining items!
Capital Projects
Residential & School
- Paving Project Phase II - $35,000
- 12-Passenger Van for House - $24,500
- Minivan for Salem School - $17,000
- New Roofs for Children’s Houses - $12,500 to go
- Flooring Renovations in James House - $4,000
- Kitchen Renovations for Houses - $5,000 ea.
- Bathroom Renovations for Houses - $5,000 ea.
- Boiler for Thomas House - $9,000
- Gator Utility Vehicle for the Barn - $4,000
- Bri-Mar Dump Trailer - $4,000
- Backhoe Tire Chains (17.5L-24) - $700
- 5 loads of stone for parking expansion - $300 ea.
- 60 Gallon Air Compressor - $500
Thank you for your generosity!
$12,500 towards new roofs, $500 towards a van
5 Folding Fitness Mats, 3 Flatscreen TVs,
5 Lamps, Craft supplies, Library books,
6 Beanbag Chairs, DVD Player, Cameras for Houses,
and Posters for the kids’ rooms
NEED of the Quarter:
Andrew House
Kitchen Renovation
Over 25 years of wear and tear have
left these cabinets in need of
replacement. Please consider giving
toward this project.
- 1 Flat Screen TV - $450
- Conference Phone to use for IEP meetings -$300
- Color Laser Printer for School Secretary’s office
- Vacuum Cleaners
- 5 Spin mops - $40 each
- Posters and Decorations for Walls - $20 per room
- Radios / CD Players - $30 each
- WII Games - $30 each
- Plastic Storage Totes (any size) - $50 per house
- Craft Supplies (crayons, pencils, markers, canvas and
paints, objects for wood burning, pillow stuffing)
- Scrapbooking Tools and Albums and Books
- Fabrics and Thread for Quilting Projects
- Donations Earmarked “Blinds for school windows”
- Donations Earmarked “Library Books/Magazines”
- 30, Orbis 6 gal. Stack and Carry Bins for Recycling
- New Bath Robes for each Child
- Bath Caddies and Toiletries for each Child
Cabinet Hardware 40 pcs.
Drawer
13 pcs. Small Cabinet
4 pcs.
Large Cabinet
23 pcs.
Corner Cabinet
Island Countertop
Main Countertop
Installation
Total Kitchen Renovation @ $5 ea.
@ $30 ea.
@ $75 ea.
@ $125 ea.
@ $250
@ $300
@ $400
@ $285 $5,000
Please mail to: Salem Children’s Trust
605 Salem Drive, Frostburg, MD 21532
Your Name:_________________________________________________
Your Address: _______________________________________________
Item Sponsored: _____________________________________________
Amount Enclosed: ___________________________________________
__In Honor or __ In Memory of: ________________________________
Address to Mail Recognition Card:_______________________________
NonProfit
Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Morgantown, WV
Permit #108
The Maryland Salem
Children’s Trust, Inc.
605 Salem Drive • Frostburg, MD 21532
Address Service Requested
Located off Lower New Germany Road
Phone: 301-689-8176
Fax: 301-689-1902
Email: info@mdsalem.org
www.mdsalem.org
Member
CHA • MARFY • MANSEF
Salem
Golf
Outing
Save
the
Date
Fri. June 17th
Fore Sisters Golf Course
Outspokin’
For Kids
Banquet
Sat. September 24th
5:00 PM
We are Currently Seeking Sponsors, as well as
taking registrations, for Both Events
Send Requests for more Information to:
605 Salem Drive • Frostburg, MD 21532
301-689-8176 | info@mdsalem.org