News from the Neighborhood
Issue 11, Fall 2011
We Are Thankful For...
We Are Thankful for CIC !!!
Ken Hair
It’s Cold/Flu Season !!!!
A Note from Our President & CEO:
It’s Cold and Flu Season at the Children’s Neighborhood. This means we need extra help from our community to ensure our kids spend this fall and winter in
the best of shape and feeling oh-so-strong!
We are always in need of certain basic medicines that we just can’t seem to keep on our shelves at
this time of year.
What an exciting year 2011 has been thus far! We owe a
BIG thanks to the CIC Board, the donors, our supporters, the
staff and our dedicated team of volunteers. We’re quickly
approaching our fourth year of operating the Children’s
Neighborhood. We look forward to starting construction
on our next home, Ya Ya’s House, as soon as we can get
a placement contract with Families First Network/Department of Children and Families.
However, reflecting on our progress, most would be
quite impressed with our accomplishments thus far. This
doesn’t just happen. It takes a community of people passionate about taking care of our children and you have
been the catalyst!
I’m also pleased to report that our auditors continue
to give us very high marks for our fiscal responsibility. Our
administrative and operating expenses are one of the lowest. We were selected to participate in the United Way, the
Combined Federal Campaign and the Florida Employee’s
Fund again this year.
We continue to excite our supporters with events like
the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and for the
second year, “Dancing with Desire,” by Fred Aistaire Dance
Studio. The Tommy Bahama Tropical Cafe White Sands
Charity Golf Classic continues to be one of our most enjoyable events and our Change for Children campaign
has been great fun for the kids who participate. The Grant
Committee is hard at work trying to find new funding
sources and the Faith Community Committee is a true
Godsend.
However, we need your help now more than ever. Due
to the slow economy, we must increase our fundraising efforts again this year. Your continued support will make our
2012 CIC Charity Golf tournament (March 16, 2012) a big
success and help us increase our Kid’s Club membership.
Your commitment of support to help sustain operations of the Children’s Neighborhood is critical. Since
opening our first homes in 2008, we’ve given a home and
hope to over 260 at-risk children, totaling over 20,000 days
and nights of care. With your support, we will continue to
make a difference in the lives of children far into the future.
Thanks!
Our basic cold and flu needs begin with:
Mucinex for kids
Benadryl for kids
Triaminic for kids
Delsym for kids
Pepto-Bismol tablets
Kaopectate
Motrin/Tylenol Melt-Aways
Ibuprofen
Kid friendly cough drops
Boxes of Tissues
Chicken soup & crackers
CIC Calendar of Events
Nov. 24-25: Happy Thanksgiving!
CIC Office Closed.
Dec. 2:
Emerald Coast Community Band Concert for CIC
Call 850-864-4242 for details.
Dec. 23-26: Merry Christmas!
CIC Office Closed.
Jan. 1:
Happy New Year!
Jan. 29:
David Seering & Friends in Concert
Village Baptist Church
Call 850-864-4242 for details.
Feb. 14:
Happy Valentines Day!
Mar. 16:
6th Annual CIC Golf Tournament
Call 850-864-4242 for details.
Page 2
News from the Children’s Neighborhood
Prayer-A-Day Calendar
“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Day 1 – For every child to feel God’s love
Day 2 – For children waking up frightened at night
Day 3 – For the family whose child is in crisis
Day 4 – For children struggling to recognize their
worth
Day 5 – For families during home visits
Day 6 – For insight for the staff working with special
needs children
Day 7 – For healing for every CIC child
Day 8 – For children learning to cope with anger
Day 9 – For strength and self-care for our Child Care
Workers
Day 10 – For energy and creativity for planning children’s activities Day 11 – For perseverance for children struggling in
school
Day 12 – For friendship among children who feel alienated and alone
Day 13 – For parents healing their lives so their children can come back home
Day 14 – For generous hearts among CIC supporters
Day 15 – For persistence and wisdom for our Educational Liaison and those tutoring our children
Day 16 – For tears of sorrow to be replaced with days
of laughter and smiles
Day 17– For wellness of children hospitalized from hurt
and harm
Day 18 – For the love of Christ to shine through every
action we take
Day 19 – For prayerful stewardship by Board Members
Day 20 – For the hearts and hands of staff as they prepare meals
Day 21 – For improved mental health for our children
and their families
Day 22– For a caring home for every child to return to
Day 23 – For staff members’ strength and compassion
when a child lashes out in anger
Day 24 – For purposefulness for our volunteers
Day 25 – For connection to a greater purpose for all of
our corporate staff
Day 26 – For open hearts among families considering
foster parenting and adoption
Day 27 – For coping and life skills for children with disabilities
Day 28 – For Christ-led decisions made by administrators
and support staff
Day 29 – For healing the wounds of neglect
Day 30 – For ongoing love and hope for former residents
Faith Community Committee Report: Touched by Faith
by Dr. Judy Manning, Director of Operations
Walt Maine, FCC Chairman, is often asked, “What does the Faith Communittee Committee do for Children in Crisis?”
The easiest answer is, “What doesn’t our Faith Community do?” Our local churches have overwhelmingly ministered to
each child who has arrived at CIC! On any given day, new children and teens arrive on our doorstep, and your response
to each of these kids makes it known that there are many ministers in our midst and only a few of those preach from a pulpit.
When a child arrives at Children in Crisis, each is lovingly greeted by staff members whose salary is supported by
our faith community. The clothes and shoes given to each child come primarily from our local church members as well.
Donations to our Pound the Pantry pleas and gift cards to local grocery stores nourish our little ones’ stomachs and
minds. In addition, every child is able to choose a hand-made quilt, which provides a literal “hug of love” around them
as they spend the night away from home...sometimes for the first time. A smaller, “toasty” blanket is also given so each
child has something to wrap up with as we watch movies together as a family. From the crisp white sheets to the fluffy
towels and washcloths, our Faith Community loves our kids through every nook and cranny!
Best of all, our prayers are answered, in part, because of you! We send out a quick email requesting help, and within
a few hours our needs are fulfilled. Your dedication to showing our kids Christ’s love fills each little soul with hope that
today and tomorrow will be better as you share God’s love and abundance!
You have generously donated your time and talents too! The Faith Community has a minimum of two events each
month to interact with our kids through birthday parties, social activities and picnics at The Neighborhood. You generously extend invitations to attend events at your church, and we are thrilled to have worshipped with many of you. Our
kids receive a well-rounded religious education by experiencing many faiths and religious practices.
Moreover, you have provided CIC with additional support through concerts, Vacation Bible School, special collections, and individual gifts. There is nothing our Faith Community (especially our army of “blue-shirts”) will not do to
show Christ’s love to the “least of these.” Please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your love and support to our children,
our staff and our community. We simply could not do this without you!
Page 3
News from the Children’s Neighborhood
How Can You
Help?
CIC Out and About
Our NEEDS list:
• Laundry detergent
• Toilet paper
• Fresh fruit & veggies
• Gas cards
• Large wicker baskets
• Gift cards: Khol’s, Publix,
Sam’s, Target, Wal-Mart,
& Winn-Dixie
Our WISH list:
• Portable DVD players (4)
• 19” color TV’s preferably flat screen (8)
• Rock Band for Wii or
xBox
• Teen bikes 24-26”
• Updated laptops
• iTunes gift cards
• iPod Shuffles
If you have a QR reader app
downloaded on your smart phone, use it to take a picture
of this icon and get more information
about CIC and The Children’s Neighborhood.
The first weekend in October, the kids enjoyed an opportunity to go to
the zoo, courtesy of First Christian Church and Pastor Pedro. Thank you !!!
Audiences Charmed by
Dancing with Desire
An excited crowd filled the Mattie
Kelly Arts Center at Northwest Florida
State College on June 16th. Lovers of
dance as well as friends of CIC gathered to enjoy a night of ballroom for
a good cause. The event’s main sponsor, Fred Astaire Studios, brought in
a wonderful cast of dancers, including famous faces from TV’s Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can
Dance mixed in with other professionals and teachers from local Fred Astaire
branches. Some notable names were Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Tony Dovolani,
and Lacey Schwimmer. There was even a special guest dance by CIC’s own,
Ken Hair.
This exciting event gives our community an opportunity to see, not only
what CIC does, but how big our heart is for the children we serve. We are
looking forward to having this same incredible event next year on June 14th.
And they lived...
Happily Ever After!
Happy Halloween
from CIC’s Little Pumpkins!
Looking for the perfect gift?
Donate to Children in Crisis
and we will send out a gift
acknowledgement in your
name!
Page 4
Early this October, we got the pleasure of attending the marriage of Peyton and Kara. Peyton is a former resident
of the Children’s Neighborhood as part
of our Transitional Living program.
With lots of hard work and determination, Peyton has been doing well
in college, keeping up his job, and decided to marry his sweetheart. To the
left, they cut the cake at their reception
at Cupcakes By The Beach. They celebrated with a small cake, a chocolate
milk “toast” and a host of delicious cupcakes.
News from the Children’s Neighborhood
Focus on Fall
CIC has always enjoyed supporting our children through a variety
of events and fundraisers each year.
Since our last newsletter, so much
has happened! With our new Volunteer & Events Coordinator, Natalie
Rodriquez, we are looking forward to
new and busy seasons.
Check below for what’s been happening in the Children’s Neighborhood and what fall and winter have in
store for us.
Volunteer Groups
This summer several kids’ volunteer
groups visited the CIC.
World Changers’ group of young people spent
two weeks making the Children’s Neighborhood look beautiful. Thank you!
Back to School
In August, our kids packed their
brand-new backpacks full of supplies
and headed off to school. The kids
may love seeing their school friends
& teachers, but they are always happy
to come home.
Our kids head home with a house
parent after a busy day from school.
Page 5
Tommy Bahama Golf Tournament
This wonderful golf outing was held
on October 17th. The event was hosted by Tommy Bahama and CIC at the
Raven Golf Course in Sandestin. All
players enjoyed a relaxing day of golf
as well as an elegant dinner at Tommy
Bahama Tropical Café. We would like
to extend a big thank-you to all the
volunteers who made this event special.
ECCB Concert
The Faith Community Committee
is sponsoring an exciting event this
December. On the 2nd, the Emerald
Coast Community Band will perform a
special Christmas concert at the Ft. Walton Beach Civic Auditorium. Featuring
a line-up of seasonal and all-time favorites, this event is the perfect way to
start off the holiday season. Buy tickets
to the event for you and a loved one or
bring the whole family. We would love
to see you there. For more information,
or to buy tickets, call 864-4242.
David Seering’s Spring Concert
CIC is proud to announce a special music event: Award winning pianist, David
Seering and friends will be performing
a benefit concert for us! It should be a
wonderful night of music and entertainment as David has chosen a few of
his favorite musicians to play with him.
The event is January 29th at Village
Baptist Church in Destin. For more information call 864-4242.
6th Annual CIC Golf Tournament
This spring, on March 16th, it will be
time again for the CIC Golf Tourney.
We are very excited about this event
and look forward to seeing all the
dedicated participants and volunteers.
This year, the tournament is again
at the Ft. Walton Beach Golf Course.
Come and join us with a team of your
friends, organize an office four-some
to represent your company, or have a
double-date day to benefit the kids of
the Children’s Neighborhood.
DCWAF
Pours Generously
CIC is proudly supported by
the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation. Their support
is integral to the daily function of the Children’s Neighborhood. We are so thankful
to Todd Vuccovich and all the
DCWAF Board of Directors and
Staff for their generosity and
their tireless service on behalf
of the children!
(above) Destin Charity Wine Auction
Foundation presents check to CIC.
Join the
Neighborhood:
Volunteer
The Children’s Neighborhood
is always in need of volunteers.
This season, however, we have a
few events coming up in which
we are still looking for volunteers.
If you would like to be a part of
CIC’s involvement in the community, join us by volunteering
for David Seering’s Spring Concert or our golf tournament
If you want to get involved,
please call Natalie Rodriguez at
(850)864-4242 or email her:
[email protected]
Natalie would love to meet with
you!
News from the Children’s Neighborhood
Members of the Children in Crisis Kids Club...
Annual Donations To Sustain Operations Of The Children’s Neighborhood
Guardian Angels ($2,500 +)
Bank of America Foundation
Dr. Rill G. Banks
Chris Beam
H. Donald Campbell
Coldwell Banker United, Realtors
Destin United Methodist Church
Emerald Coast Hog Group
Niceville United Methodist Church
Immanuel Anglican Church
Okaloosa & Walton Counties CFC
Louise Russell-Robison
Shalimar United Methodist Church
Charles & Shirley Simpson
Trinity United Methodist Church
United Way
Waste Management Co.
Kids Club Members ($1,000 +)
Bo Arnold
George & Carolyn Barrow
Bernice R. Shanklin Foundation Inc.
Best Buy Co., Inc.
Chez Elan Fine Apartments
Michael Clary
Condo Complements, Suzanne Weenink
Emily Danker
Jeffrey & Sharee Danker
Eglin Chapel Tithes & Offerings Fund
Emerald Coast Exchange Club
Episcopal Church Women of St. Simons
First Baptist Church of FWB--MA08 Class
First Baptist Church of FWB--MA10 Class
Five Star Beach Properties
Thomas & Nancy Fox
Neil & Nancy Freshour
Ft. Walton Medical Center Auxiliary
Robert & Nancy Garcia
Connie & Larry Gilbert
Audrey Hains
Don & Betty Hefner
Judy & Carey Huff
Jimmy & Jacquelyn Ifland
Kitty Johnson
Michael & Linda Johnston
Michelle Lopez
Linda C. Maddox
Franklin B. & Jane McCarty
McGovern Group Merrill Lynch
Sean McWilliams
James Nabors
Niceville UMC--Bible Study Group
Carl & Linda Schoenbachler
Audry Shirey
Jim & Shirley Simpson
John & Wynoka Terry
L. W. & E. J. Thornal
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Marlene R. Weller
Paula Willcox
In Memory Of:
David Darnell by the Peale Family Trust
Gladys Pearl Stringer by Frances Gerstman
Dana Sexton Weightman by Merle Robbins
Jim Glen by Loyal Weaver
Grace Louise Tinsley by Brenda Seffens
Herbert St. John by Camilla Williams
Rainer Heller by W. K. Roark, DDS
Dann Wallis by Loyal Weaver
Henry Rushing by Walter & Latha Maine
Henry Rushing by Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Reynolds & The Idlewild Foundation, Inc.
Edna Ketchan by W. K. Roark, DDS
Rae Williams by Loyal Weaver
Floyd Monroe Mote by Walter & Latha Maine
Lucielle Somers by Ferroll & Rebecca Spence
Essye Wyman by Clayton & Elizabeth McCartney
In Honor Of:
Ken Hair by Airey NCOA Academy
Ferroll Spence by Thomas Spence
Walt & Latha Maine by Camilla Williams
Dr. Manning by ETA Chapter Delta Kappa Gamma
Mrs. Namniek by Brian Namniek
Lt. Gen. C. R. Davis by 46th TW Protocol Office
The FCC by Adam & Julie Babcock
The FCC by William & Schala Duckiest
Out of the Mouths of Babes...
Recently, our Sue Sue’s Cottage
houseparents, Travis and Mandy Hill,
were reviewing the basic rules for the
home. The children were reading over
the rules and the Hills were ensuring
that everyone understood each rule’s
meaning.
However, it became clear that not
everyone understood Rule #4, which
states, “No horseplaying!” When asked
for the meaning, one child exclaimed
“It means, No petting
the horse-pony!!”
Page 6
News from the Children’s Neighborhood
Kid’s Club 400
Often we have dreamed of what we could do for our kids if 400 people would commit to an annual pledge of $1,000 or
more for a period of three or more years. That $400,000 would meet most of the yearly budgetary requirements to house,
feed, clothe and care for our children. It would also allow us to focus more of our time on nurturing those children. We
think it’s time to turn that dream into a reality with Kid’s Club 400.
We strive to provide care which exceeds the minimum standard, and do what is best for the child. With your commitment,
we can continue to dedicate extra special care for the children’s physical and emotional needs.
Today, CIC asks you to consider being one of the 400 people who choose to make a difference in the lives and care of
the children of The Children’s Neighborhood. If we knew we could plan for your gift year after year, our hearts and minds
would be at ease knowing the children would have a safe home.
Guardian Angel 400’s:
Anne Aderholt
Fred & Pam Cochran
Cloyce & Sharilyn Darnell
Andrew & Sumalee Dwyer
Jeff & Doreen Eckmann
Dave Hensley
Eloise Waters
Kids Club 400’s:
Frederick & Rhoda Adams-Reiss
Bill & Carole Apfel
Kathleen Aronson
Eileen Arpke
Don & Janis Bishop
Sheila Campbell
Brent & Dana Chandler
Charles & Pam Craven
Peggy Ann Criser
JC & Sandy Dominick
Royce & Danna Franks
Mack & Liz Gay
Leonard & Jackie Goldman
Ken & Marino Hair
Herbert & Janice Henderson
Kids Club Friends
Kiwanis Club of Destin
Don & Kay Litke
Walter & Latha Maine
Dr. Judy Manning
Martin Marler
Merkle, Merkle & Associates, P.A.
Drs. Robert & Venita Morell
Georgia (Davie) Nabors
William & Parcena Nelson
Bill & Roberta Pennington
Carolyn Pinkerton
Ida Pugh
Peter & Marni Roake
Hu & Cheryl Ross
Crawford M. Sandefur
Helen Sikes
Dr. Kyle & Lalitha Simmers
Ferroll & Rebecca Spence
Jack & Patsy Taylor
Sara Tras
Valerie Tressler
Edwin & Mary Watts
Loyal & Helen Weaver
The Neighborhood Encounters A Big Heart
Recently, the Children’s Neighborhood had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful young person:
Landon Baugh.
A little bit before his seventh
birthday, Landon announced to
his mother that he wanted to do
something different. Instead of the
usual toys and gifts, he asked all his
party guests to donate money. He
informed them that all the money
Page 7
they were giving him was going to
a special purpose: a donation directly to Children in Crisis and the
Children’s Neighborhood.
He came in a little after the party
to donate his money. When asked
what he wanted the money to go to
most of all, he stated it should go to
the CIC children’s birthday parties, so
they could have their own extra-special days. After telling us this, Landon
considered for a moment and then
added, “Maybe you could have a Jesus
party too.”
Landon has made it his special
mission to ensure that all the kids of
the Children’s Neighborhood have a
remarkable birthday. He has already
told most of his friends to dedicate
their birthdays to CIC next year.
As a second grader at Liza Jackson
Prepartory School, Landon wants to
encourage all the kids at his school
to give back as well. He hopes to talk
to the school’s principal about other
fundraisers kids at his school can help
with.
This boy certainly has a very big
heart!
News from the Children’s Neighborhood
NON PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
PAID
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL
32547
PERMIT NO. 125
1000 Luke’s Way
Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547
Or Current Resident
Happy Holidays from
Children in Crisis!
See You Next Year!
Please support CIC with your tax deductible donation
Enclosed is my check or money order payable to Children in Crisis to help sustain operations
One time charge on my credit card of $
Monthly charge on my credit card of $
American Express
Discover
Mastercard
Visa
Expiration date
Card Number
Signature
Address
Code: FLNL1111
Children in Crisis, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Federal Tax ID: 65-1196220. Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services Registration # CH18800, Expiration
Date May 24, 2012. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE
(800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.