August 2010 - Agape of North Alabama, Inc.

August 2010
“Children are great
imitators; so give
them something
great to imitate.”
-Anonymous
Happy Birthday
Sarah Bishop
Leon Burton
Lynn Creek
Frances Criswell
Joyce Hall
Bonni Jordan
Paul Kellett
Nancy Logan
Iris Warren
Melissa Wilhoite
Mayfair Builders’ Class
Honoring Loved
Ones
Mike Brown
“Thank you for saving my life”
Will Alexander
Randall Burns
“Thank you for saving my life”
Will Alexander
Edna Crowe
Happy 90th Birthday
Jim & Irma Steelman
Bill Heizer
“For Being Such a Good Neighbor”
Speed & Roberta Kastorff
Louise Reed
Happy 90th Birthday
Jim & Irma Steelman
Margaret Reeves
Happy 90th Birthday
Jim & Irma Steelman
Rachel Smith
Nancy Elkins
In Memory of
Loved Ones
Jimmie Baker
Sara Sparks
Ann Barnwell
Bennie & Earline Pinckley
James “Uncle Jep” Black
Wayne & Kimberley Goode
John Boseck
Happy Father’s Day
Ruth Boseck
Lucille Bostick
Curtis & Joan McLellan
Audrey Boyd
Doyle & Grace Wright
Sam Briggs
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Toni Marie Carlisle Brocato
Rayon & Norma Carlisle
Deborah Brooks
Nancy Hughes
Todd Brown
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
I, along with everyone associated with AGAPE – our staff and Board, our
foster and adoptive kids and families – want to congratulate Leah B’Smith
who recently graduated with her Master’s Degree in Social Work! Leah
began the advanced standing Master’s of Social Work program at Alabama
A&M University in June of 2009 and graduated on May 14, 2010. As well as
juggling a course load of five classes and a 20 hours/week internship each
semester, Leah also maintained an adoption and foster care case load at
AGAPE. Leah’s concentration was in the area of mental health and hopes to
use her knowledge to provide individualized, culturally-relevant care for the
children and families served by AGAPE. Also – AND THIS IS BIG NEWS -with this degree, Leah has transitioned into a new role at AGAPE as our
Assistant Director of Social Services. Under the supervision of Vicki Rhodes,
Director of Social Services at Childhaven and interim Director of Social
Services at AGAPE, Leah will gain experience and expand her working
knowledge of adoption and foster care and will assume the role of Director
in the next few years. Again, Leah, congratulations on taking both of these
huge steps in your life and career! We are proud of you!
Executive Director
Extra! Extra! Read All About It!
It seems that every recent news headline is a negative one: Oil Spill in the Gulf,
Unemployment Soars, Housing Market in a Slum, Tropical Storm Forming in
the Gulf. Even though our economy is struggling and it seems that morale is
low, AGAPE has been blessed and has experienced a wonderful few months of
positive news—of prosperity, even! This summer has proven to be a great few
months because of people like you, who, even in the midst of a recession, keep
AGAPE’s children at the top of your priority list. So, here are some exciting
headlines from AGAPE:
Golfers Scramble for a Cause!
On May 24, we hosted our 14th Annual Golf Tournament at The Robert Trent
Jones at Hampton Cove. Our 24 teams hit
the links, despite the heat, to enjoy a day of
fellowship and competition. Congratulations
to Brian Wiggins’ State Farm team
(Pictured to the right), who won the
tournament! We want to give a special
thank you to Dryden, Bound, & Associates
for being the Tournament Sponsor. With the
help of our generous sponsors and golfers,
we were able to raise over $27,000.
Sold to the Highest Bidder!
Our 15th Annual Dinner and Auction was
held on July 22 at The Davidson Center for
Space and Exploration. During dinner, the
children of the South family entertained us
by playing the violin, cello, guitar, and keyboard beautifully! After a delicious meal,
Mark Henry auctioned off all sorts of items,
including jewelry, trips, furniture, Alabama
football merchandise, art, desserts, and of
course, Mrs. Irma Steelman’s homemade jellies! This dinner successfully raised
over $22,000 for our wonderful children.
Free Fun Day: Vendors and Families Come Together!
We are anticipating our 5th Annual Baby and Family Fair that will take place on
August 28 at the Von Braun Center’s East Halls. This event will begin at 10
a.m. and will wrap up at 3:00 p.m. Admission is free, so bring your family;
while you peruse the various booths, your kids will undoubtedly enjoy the
inflatables, games, makeovers, and photography! You won’t want to miss out
on Baby Olympics, door prizes, and much more.
Please take the time to look at our new envelope included in this publication.
With your continued help, we’ll have many thrilling headlines for years to
come!
Director of Development
In Memory of
Loved Ones
Jack Butterworth
Dale, Jane, & Ryan McGee
Betty J. Campbell
Leroy & Ann Lusk
Joe Cannon
LaRue Cannon
Jewel Chandler
Barney & Glenda Powell
Corene Harris
Evelyn Quick Clark
Linda Walborn
L.C. Clendenon
Don & Patty Spring
Keith Coates
Julie Dewberry
L.T. & Carol Spears
Kenny & Barbie Webster
Sharon Coker
Barney & Glenda Powell
Faye Cooper
Curtis & Joan McLellan
Gladys Cramer
Carroll & Kendra Roberson
Joe E. Davis
Bob & Lillian James
Elvis Denney
Jim & Irma Steelman
Jerry & Mildred Smleser
Imogene DePriest
Doyle & Grace Wright
Winston Dickens
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Gordon Dover
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Wyneoma Early
Maxine Burgreen
Jimmy Enlow
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Bill Esslinger
Sara Sparks
Jerrod Feltham
Dale, Janice, Ryan McGee
JJ, Brandy, Braxton, & Brayley
Jean Finch
Brook & Amy Grubb
William Andrew Fortenberry
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Jewel Fowler
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Lenora Gattis
Carl & Betty Jo Harris
Dave & Louise Mellberg
Bob & Lillian James
Corene Harris
Cleo Strickland
Lillie Gentry
Ann Higgins
John & Bettye Thomson
Shannon Gifford
Barbara Kirkpatrick
Loretta Jones
In Memory of
Loved Ones
Shannon Gifford
Rejetta Balentine
Gin Pope
Ellie Gill
John & Jo Price
John & Vicki Blackwood
Byron, Dana, Robyn, & Stacie Terry
Steven & Mary Jo Harris
Lucy Gill
Paul & Susan Kelly
Patty Cole
Grady Gooch
Sara Sparks
Jane Green
LaRue Cannon
George Greer
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Idell Hankins
Don & Lavola Rector
Wade Hankins
Dale, Jan, & Ryan McGee
Aline Heffington
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Charles Henderson
Dortha Webster
Rhonda Hill
Barbara Kirkpatrick
Rhonda Hill
Carl & Lynn Smith
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Sarah Hinson
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Oliver Hodges
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Merlin Hosch
Jim & Irma Steelman
Nolan Hunter
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Van Ingram’s Birthday
Gloria Ingram
Bethel Church of Christ
Van Ingram
The children of Caledonia Church
of Christ
Irene Jones
Dale, Jan, & Ryan McGee
Mr. & Mrs. JJ Brown & family
Kody Jordan
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Glenn Lee
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Dexter Long
Jim & Irma Steelman
Michael Lyons
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Emma Maples
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Clyde McAlexander
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Bernice Ruth McAnally
Donna Zahnd Burcham
Spotlight on
Foster Care
AGAPE appreciates the continuous support and prayer network that we have throughout
our brotherhood for our foster children. At this time we would like to spotlight a sibling
group of three. These three siblings have been in foster homes for five years and are in
desperate need of a loving, Christian home.
Tamara was born in July of 1997 and is entering into the 7th
grade for the 2010-2011 school year. She enjoys arts and crafts,
singing, listening to music, and hanging out with close friends.
Tamara is a well-mannered and respectful child. She is a very
sensitive girl whose feelings can be easily hurt. She tries hard to
keep her grades up. She is a clean and very organized young lady
who enjoys doing chores around the house. Tamara wants to
become an artist or a model when she grows up. She is funloving, energetic, and a lot of fun to be around. Tamara was baptized two years ago and is very optimistic to find a forever family that are members of the
Church of Christ. Being a Christian is the most important thing in her life.
Tiara was born in November of 1998 and is entering into the 6th
grade for the 2010-11 school year. She enjoys playing with her
Nintendo DS, going to church activities, playing games, and
playing with her dolls. Tiara appears to be very quiet and shy
around most adults. However, she is totally opposite around other
children. She really enjoys playing with smaller children and
babies. Tiara needs a little extra help with her school work, but
tries hard to do her best. She keeps her room clean and she helps
out with general house cleaning activities. She loves her sister and
brother very much. She also loves to laugh.
Kenneth was born in February of 2001 and is entering into the
4rd grade for the 2010-11 school year. He loves school and his
friends. He enjoys playing sports, drawing, and any activity that
is mentally or physically challenging. He likes to be the first at
everything and sometimes gets upset if he is not. He enjoys
family time like Bible study lessons, board games, and watching
TV. Kenneth is somewhat shy, but loves to laugh once he gets
to know you. He loves his sisters even though they sometimes
argue and pick at one another. Kenneth will eat anything, except
turnip greens. He keeps his own bathroom and bedroom clean.
He can make his own bed and he picks out his
clothes for the day. He is a very loving child
and “little brother”.
These children are seeking a Christian Forever
Family, preferably in the North Alabama area. If
you or someone you know is interested, please
call the AGAPE office at (256) 859-4481 and
ask to speak with Britney Shoemaker, or one of
the other social workers.
Important information for you to consider!
Become a Foster
Parent Today!
In the United States, there are more than a half-million children in foster care. Each
year, thousands of infants and children are removed from their homes because of abuse
and neglect by their families. AGAPE of North Alabama is one of the providers our
State turns to in order to find temporary (and sometimes permanent) homes for these
precious souls.
AGAPE’s foster program provides care for foster children by placing them in homes
with faithful, Christian foster families. Right now, we are actively looking for new
foster homes. While we have added several in the last few months, many more are
needed. Although there will never be enough foster homes to fulfill the needs of all of
these children, you could change one child’s life by becoming a foster parent. Would
you be one of those families who isn’t afraid to get their hands (and knees) dirty as they
care for God’s children who desperately need the love, stability and guidance a
Christian home can offer?
A foster home can be a single adult or a married couple with a desire to provide a stable
and loving Christian home to children in need. The requirements for foster families are
based on guidelines set by the State of Alabama. Our professionally trained social
workers will guide you through the process when you are ready to get started!
Combined Federal Campaign
#39960
REDSTONE, TVA, NASA and other government employees, please remember that
AGAPE of North Alabama has been approved to receive Combined Federal
Campaign (CFC) donations. All that's required is for you, as a government worker,
to put our agency's CFC number -- #39960 -- on your donations form. By doing
this, you support AGAPE and our work with children in a regular and continuing
way.
A SPECIAL NOTE TO THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN WHAT WE DO: If you'd
be willing to share information about AGAPE with others, please contact our office
and let us know the kind of information and how much/many you'll need. We'll
provide it for you to distribute as you feel appropriate.
UNCOMMON DONATIONS
Over the past year, we at AGAPE have learned that there's
no such thing as an "irregular" donation. Every donation
fits somewhere. Yes, there are "uncommon" ones, but
never irregular ones. For instance, one month, a family
may donate a gently-used automobile to us.... Another
month, it may be (believe it or not), the home of an individual who has recently
passed away.
Whatever comes your way, if (1) it's still usable or worth anything financially and
(2) you'd like to get rid of without too much hassle, please contact Robby Koester
(AGAPE's Director of Development) at our office. While there may be items that
we simply can't use or accept, Robby will be a good judge of such. (If an item
doesn't fit AGAPE, Robby may even be able to steer you in another direction.)
In Memory of
Loved Ones
Ann McBride
George & Jackie Warren
Gus McKinney
Mr. & Mrs. James Lewter
Linda E. Nelms
Ruth Boseck
Horace & Linires Faulk
Charles Oswalt
Doyle & Grace Taylor
Lillie Mae Owens
Gin Pope
Marie Pautz
Jim & Irma Steelman
Dr. Gopi Podila
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Lawson Pope
Barbara Kirkpatrick
Phillip & Judy Walker
Edith Powell
Jim & Irma Steelman
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Wesley Reynolds
James & Susie Lewter
Frances Richard
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Raymond Riddle
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Sheri Jordan Roberson
Curtis & Joan McLellan
Dorothy Rodado
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Florence Rodman
Greenbrier Church of Christ
James & Susie Lewter
Florence Rodman
Friends of Peggy Hough in the
AMRDEC, Engineering Directorate:
Bobbie Curran
Maud Woodsinger
Mike Whitt
Kathey Gosnell
Charlotte Jones
Patti Martin
Todd Christensen
Michele Bundy
Sharon Hamilton
Ron Kerbo
Lashonda Washington
Lisa McArthur
Chris Kositski
Charlene Bertus
Cricket Sanders
Wiley Sexton
Jim & Irma Steelman
Bill Smith
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Grace Smith
Ruth Boseck
Halan B. Smith, Sr.
Bob & Lillian James
John Smith
Bennie & Earline Pinckley
Danny & Amy Holmes
In Memory of
Loved Ones
Clifford Dale Spencer
Barbara Kirkpatrick
Mae Spencer
Curtis & Joan McLellan
Greg Stovall
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Thomas Swinford
Dortha Webster
Sherley Tate
David & Louise Mellberg
Rejetta Balentine
Gin Pope
Flora Taylor
Doyle & Grace Wright
Grace Taylor
Curtis & Joan McLellan
Gene Thompson
Greg & Paige Kemp
Jim Thorne
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Clera Tribble
Ruth Boseck
Maxine Burgreen
Greenbrier Church of Christ
Duncan Troupe
Linda Troupe
Vinnie & Janet Lidstone
Mike & Beth Greene
Zadus Turner, Sr.
Dale, Jan, & Ryan McGee
JJ, Brandy Brown, Braxton, & Brayley
David Underwood
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Mavis Vanning
Janell & Jacqueline Whitaker
Andrew Vaughn
Barbara Kirkpatrick
Cheryl Vaughn
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Paul Vining
Happy Father’s Day
Kay Arnette
Beth Baker
Kim Thetford
Jill Morris
Zelma Vogt
Jim & Irma Steelman
Robert Wampler
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
Keith Ward
Danny & Amy Holmes
Odell White
Dr. & Mrs. Michael Brown
David Wilson
Donna Zahnd Burcham
Nora Ann Wright
Barney & Glenda Powell
Wilbur Wright
Johnny & Judy Graves
As of 7/29/2010
Summertime Fun!
Each summer, our staff plans Terrific Tuesdays for our foster children to
provide entertainment for the kids and respite for our hard-working foster
parents. Our first Terrific Tuesday featured Alvin and the Chipmunks, The
Squeakquel at the Rave and a trip to Kidspace. To help beat the heat of
summer, we organized various water activities including water balloons, a
slip n’ slide and an inflatable water slide for our Water Olympics. Thank
you to Madison church of Christ’s Young Professional group who volunteered their time and grilled hot dogs for lunch. For another event, we traveled back in time as we toured Burritt on the Mountain, a museum on top
of Monte Sano that includes a historic park, barnyard animals, and walking
trails. We packed a picnic lunch and explored the restored 19th century
houses guided by volunteers dressed period costumes. The most popular
of all our summer events is the annual trip to Point Mallard Water Park.
We spend the day swimming in the wave pool, jumping off diving boards,
and riding the water slides. We ended the summer with a night of baseball
as the Huntsville Stars took on the Mississippi Braves.
Save
the Date!
AGAPE’s Annual Supporters’ Dinner
When: Thursday, October 14, 2010
Where: Mayfair Church of Christ
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Mrs. Kathleen Tate will be cooking
a delicious, home cooked meal that you will NOT want to miss!
More details will be mailed out in the next few weeks.
AGAPE wants to welcome Shelley Sissom, who joined our staff in June of this
year, as an Administrative Assistant. Some of her responsibilities include
assisting with present and future fundraising projects, maintaining AGAPE’s
personnel files, and in-office bookkeeping. Shelley and her husband Denny are
members at the Mayfair Church of Christ. They have been married for more than
nine years and have a blended family with a daughter Kristin, son-in-law Chris,
granddaughter Emily and three sons, Brian, Nathan and Daniel… all out of the
house. While she has lived in Idaho, Oregon, California, Kansas, and Georgia,
Shelley considers Huntsville the very best place to be. Professionally, she has
experience in nursing and various medical-related positions, including medical
sales. She’s also worked in business-to-business sales, spent many volunteer years
with March of Dimes as well as many other organizations, and has been the owner of her own company for more
than six years. Although Shelley enjoys spending time with family and friends, along with gardening, traveling
and football… (It’s not too much longer fans… Roll Tide!…Go Titans!)… definitely an all time favorite hobby is
spending time with her granddaughter Emily. She has a great admiration for those who open their homes and
hearts to a child that was born to other parents. She believes in helping each child that you can, to bless them with
a chance to live a better life, and hope they may be able to help another child someday.
One of Shelley’s favorite thoughts, coming from an unknown author, stays with her at all times:
May our goal in life be:
To do all the good we can,
For as many as we can,
As often as we can,
And may God help us to do no harm at all.
Board Members:
Staff Members:
Danny Holmes
Executive Director
Robby Koester
Director of Development
Vicki Rhodes
Director of Social Services
Leah B’Smith
Asst. Director of Social Services
Marci Blackshear
Social Worker
Britney Shoemaker
Social Worker
Mandy Hollaway
Case Worker
Mona Madaras
Social Services Assistant
Shelley Sissom
Administrative Assistant
Sandra Shipman, Chair
Carroll Roberson, Treasurer
Ruth King, Secretary
Jack Caudle
Don Champion
Craig Cheek
Jay Dryden
Kevin Gray
Ashley Jones
Billy Lenoir
Cheryle Luchini
Bennie Pinckley
Bob Rieder
Carroll Roberson
Barry Scott
Celine Sparks
Irma Steelman
Martha Washington
Belinda Williams
David Yielding
P. O. Box 3887
Huntsville, AL 35810
(256) 859-4481
www.agapecares.org
www.agapebabyfair.org
Return Service Requested
We need YOU…
August 28, 2010
Baby & Family Fair
East & West Halls, VBC
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
October 14, 2010
Annual Dinner
Mayfair Church of Christ
6:00 pm
to open your hearts and
homes to become foster
and/or adoptive parents
today. For more information,
contact Britney, Leah, or
Marci in our Huntsville
office at 256-859-4481, or
Mandy in our Florence office
at 256-767-1084.
September 18, 2010
FREE CPR Training
Mastin Lake Church of Christ
TBA
October 21, 2010
Fall Festival/Foster Parent Training
Madison Church of Christ
6:00 pm
November 18, 2010
Thanksgiving Dinner/Foster Parent Training
Madison Church of Christ
6:00 pm