April 18th, 2011

Dear Sheridan House, 

When I first came to Sheridan House, I was newly single with 3 children.  I was scared and was stepping into the unknown of raising 3 kids on my own.  I moved to Florida after I divorced to be closer to my parents because I knew that my mother would be my greatest help in raising my kids.  Unfortunately, my mom passed in December 2010.  It was then that my church introduced me to Sheridan House and I have never been so blessed.

At the Sheridan House Clothing Boutique, smiling volunteers are ready to assist each mom during her free, private, shopping appointment.

My job is great.  I make enough to pay my bills, put food on the table, and keep my children clothed.  There have been many times when I've gone without so I could provide for my children because I was watching my pennies.  I am not ashamed or embarrassed to say that I shop for a lot of my clothes at thrift stores because it enables me to do more for my children.  So whenever I go to the Sheridan House Clothing Boutique, I am doubly blessed.

Sheridan House has helped me in so many ways, and because of that I have taught my children about giving back and helping others regardless of how little we have.  I watch my children and thank God everyday for the blessings that He has seen fit to bestow on my family.  I thank God for Miriam and her team.  They truly help all us single parents to not feel like rejects.

God Bless,
Angela

March 28th, 2011

Gregory was living in Brooklyn, New York, with his parents and six siblings.  He was attending school at P.S. 276 and was constantly in and out of trouble.  He entered the "system" in New York, but nothing was working.  Then his mother heard about Sheridan House from relatives in Fort Lauderdale.

Gregory and Steve B. pose during a softball game.

After talking with us on the telephone, Gregory and his mom flew down to South Florida for an intake interview.  He was accepted into the program, but his mom had a tough decision to make.  In order for Gregory to attend Sheridan House, she would have to pick up everything and move to Florida with her seven children.  She decided that it was something she needed to do for both her family and her son.  It took time for Gregory to adjust, but he ended up doing extremely well and graduated from the program.

His first year after graduation however, did not go well.  Gregory became one of the rare boys who re-entered the program.  His second time through was much better than before and he developed into a fine young man.  After he graduated for the second time he went on to high school where he continued to learn and grow.  Gregory also excelled as a basketball player, eventually earning a scholarship to play at the University of Iowa. 

March 14th, 2011

A few months ago, Stephen joined our residential program.  Upon meeting Stephen, it is safe to say you could run out of adjectives when describing his attitude, behavior, and speech.  Words like disrespectful, disruptive, belligerent, rude, obnoxious, and unpleasant come to mind.  Stephen's issues were manifesting themselves both at home and at school.

A charming and changed Stephen poses for picture.

It was sad to watch our behavioral specialist talk to Stephen and his mother in the office upon intake.  He was as uncooperative as any young man could be.  His mother, a caring, witty, and articulate lady, was in tears over how he was acting and what he was saying.  He seemed confident that having been in charge for most of his young life, it would be the same here.  We were quick to convince him otherwise.

His first few weeks were rocky and he quickly realized that consequences were always available when he behaved poorly.  He spent many hours scrubbing floors and weeding plants.  He even chose to stay home from school for a few days, until he discovered that school was much more fun than being at Sheridan House during the school day.

Around week three or four, something happened to Stephen.  He began making wise choices in the program, at home on weekends, and at school.  The young man who once bragged that he was maintaining a 10% average in one of his classes was proud to announce he had brought his grade up to a B!  His drastic academic improvement mirrors the improvement in behavior.  His mom repeatedly tells us that he is a different boy now.  Extended family members have also noticed and commented on the positive change in him.  He is a joy to be around.  At family gatherings, Stephen shines as an example to his younger cousins now, taking the time to explain to them why they shouldn't throw tantrums or swear.

He is becoming a productive part of his family, the Sheridan House family, and the body of Christ.  His interest in spiritual things is acute and deep.  It's exciting to see the Lord use our program to work in his life and in his family.

January 10th, 2011

Jonny entered Sheridan House on his first day with something different than most of the boys - a smile.  He was polite and greeted his house parents warmly while looking them straight in the eye.  By nature, Jonny is incredibly social.  That was the source of his problems.  His friendly personality got him into situations where he often followed his fellow classmates right into trouble.  As his grades steadily declined, his time spent in the principal's office rapidly increased.  This negative behavior also affected his attitude at home.

Jonny flashes his broad, warm smile on graduation day.

For the 12 months Jonny was enrolled at Sheridan House, redirection was the goal. Although he followed his friends into trouble, Jonny was a natural born leader who needed to be shown a better way.  The "Team Captain" method we utilized with him aided in developing his strong leadership skills.  Jonny learned how to motivate his peers by being a good example and choosing the right path first.
He discovered that doing the right thing has countless benefits.  Jonny is now reaping those benefits both at school and at home.  His communication with his father has improved significantly.  He is also considerate of his mother's graveyard work shifts and helps more around the house. 
We are so proud of Jonny.  Although we will miss his big smile and deep laugh, we are grateful for all of his accomplishments and can't wait to hear about his new adventures in high school...minus a trip to the principal's office.

January 3rd, 2011

The parents of our residential children recently participated in a holiday celebration dinner held in each of our homes.  Traditionally, we incorporate a celebration of the children's efforts and achievements with an awards ceremony.  Additionally, each house also gives a "Parent of the Year" award.  One of the homes awarded the "Parent of the Year" to an outstanding grandfather this year.

Equally proud of the other, James and his grandfather beam with joy in celebration of receiving the "Parent of the Year" award. This year, it is certainly something grand!

 
Due to unfortunate circumstances, James is currently living with his grandparents.  James experienced some difficulties when he first entered the program.  During the initial transition time, children typically push their parents to withdraw them from the program.  James' grandfather, however, would not waver.  Every time James would ask to be taken out of Sheridan House, his grandfather would remind him of the importance of finishing what he starts.  He knew that James could do it.

Shortly thereafter, James' behavior improved both at school and at home.  Today, he is still making positive strides through wise choices.  When James' grandfather was announced as "Parent of the Year," two pairs of eyes welled up with tears - one was so proud of his grandfather, while the other was humbled by the honor.  That night, James and the other boys were reminded in a powerful way that they are not in this alone.  Their parents are with them every step of the way, cheering them on, and proud of the young men they are becoming.

December 27th, 2010

When William graduated from Sheridan House earlier this year, we knew his return home would be a unique adjustment.  Within a matter of days, he and his family moved out of state.  Not only did William need to adapt to living at home 24/7, but he also needed to acclimate himself to a totally new environment.  Due to the far distance, we understood that our follow-up with William and his family regarding this fresh new start would be limited to phone calls and email updates.

William and his family smile as they celebrate all that God is doing in his life.

Recently, William wrote his house parents, Steve and Teri Griffith.  In the email, he informed them that he was earning all A's and B's (with the exception of algebra!)  This is a great improvement over the D's and F's he was making when he entered Sheridan House.  He also shared his outlook on his new classmates.  For a long time, he had a difficult time making friends.  Now, William is learning to fit in among his peers and is proud of this accomplishment.

However, one statement in William's email stood out from the rest.  It ensured us that "he got it."  As he closed his note, William stated, "I've also learned that the empty feeling in my heart - where I'm looking for love from other people - can only be filled by God."  Well said, William.

December 20th, 2010

On a chilly December day, Veronica beamed with excitement and joy while delivering over 200 Christmas cookies to the teachers and staff of Walter C. Young Middle School.  Along with the other residential girls, Veronica warmly spread Christmas cheer as she served those who have poured so much love and instruction in her life.

Excited about delivering Christmas cookies, Veronica smiles joyfully.

What made this event so monumental in Veronica's life is the fact that at the end of the last school year, she was asked not to return.  Due to her negative attitude and behavior, lack of focus, and refusal to cooperate in class, she was constantly either causing trouble or getting into trouble.  Her grandmother realized that they needed help and contacted Sheridan House.  The change that Veronica has experienced in her life has been remarkable.  She now receives praise and encouragement from her teachers for making positive academic and social choices both inside and outside of the classroom.  She chooses to obey and respect her parents and other authority figures.  She is also focused on achieving her life goals and is developing into a positive leader/influencer in her world.  Veronica genuinely seeks to "change her world."

So, as Veronica stepped into the school office that morning, the mood was very different.  There was a smile on her face that couldn't be replaced.  She was thrilled to enter the office for such a joyous occasion.  Not only was she able to give back and show her gratitude, but she was welcomed with open arms and celebrated by all.  A changed life is a wonderful reason to be jolly!

December 13th, 2010

One of the saddest things I relinquished as a single mom was being able to be available every second of every day for my children.  I wanted to be that stay-at-home mom who greeted her children with healthy snacks and had energy to help with homework and special projects...the mother who was the neighborhood block parent!  I felt robbed of being a "real mom" when I had to work several jobs. 

I prayed for God to provide a way for me to be able to somehow stay home to be there for my boys.  Year after year I prayed this prayer.  I never gave up on this prayer being answered. 

When I noticed my son Christopher's
behavior slipping, I prayed again to God, "Lord, if I could just stay home and be there with lots of energy to be the best parent for my child, perhaps he would behave better."  Guess what?  God answered my prayer.  I was let go from my job.  This was obviously not how I wanted that prayer to be answered.  After many weeks of trying to be the best mom for him, I realized that I needed to allow God to parent His child.  I was guided to Sheridan House. 

I remember the first few interviews at Sheridan House when I was applying for my son to be in the residential program.  Even though I knew it was the right thing to do, I had feelings of despair.  I wondered how our situation was ever going to improve.  I questioned whether it was right to allow my son to live somewhere else five days each week.  I contemplated if I was making the correct decision to let others discipline my child with what seemed to be quite rigid rules. 

Well, we began the program.  I say "we" because it was not only my son that was making this commitment; it was the entire family along with God's guidance!  The first few weekends Christopher was home were disappointing.  I was not expecting perfection, but I was hoping for an improvement.  This was not the case.  As a matter of fact, I thought I had made the biggest mistake in my life!  Weeks turned to months and I was still grading my son on the weekly blue sheet with many zeros.  Several vacations rolled around.  This meant that my son would be home for more than a weekend.  He was home for one or two weeks at a time. At some point, I found out that I was leading in grading my child with zeros for the holidays.  Way to go mom!  What was I doing?  Was I helping him?  Was I crushing his spirit?  What was he going to do?  What will this outcome be? 

When I had with these thoughts, I would be encouraged by his house parents, Teri and Steve Griffith.  They came alongside me countless Friday and Sunday evenings with optimism.  "Be consistent.  Keep it up.  God has a plan!"  Teri told me that there would be ups and there would be downs.  They always took the time to speak to me about any concerns I had...and I always had questions and concerns.  Nearly every week I was the last parent to leave. 

Throughout the months, I attended the Thursday night parent meetings.  It was a long drive, but I knew that I needed to do my part in learning and growing as a parent.  Many weeks, I learned from Brian Vann how to be consistent.  Brian often made football analogies to help us understand how to parent from a coach's perspective.  Brian did not always give us the answers to our questions on how to parent which frustrated me at times.  I just wanted the formulas on how to do it.  I wanted answers like the book What to Expect When You Are Expecting gave me years ago!  As Brian said though, each child is an individual and needs to be parented in the way that is most effective for him/her...and I knew he was right. 

Then it happened.  I had a weekend of grading my son with no zeros...then another and another.  This wonderful upswing happened nearly a year into the program.  My son had a heart change.  He was respectful.  We began laughing and having fun together.  We began to enjoy one another.  He was back!!!

I was asked to write of my experience at Sheridan House months ago not knowing when my son would graduate.  It was due yesterday.  I am a day late in my submission, but they accepted it anyway.  It turns out that I am not a day late at all.  In fact, in God's incredible timing, I am writing this note on the day of my son's graduation from Sheridan House!  It is a great day!

Cynthia Seely

November 15th, 2010

At the end of October 2010, Nicole graduated from our residential program with over 10,000 points in a period of 6 months. This is just a bit of her graduation speech...

The first time I found out I was going to Sheridan House, I was mortified. What will they be like? Will they like me? Will I get in trouble a lot? I was filled with questions, but was in total denial that I had ever done anything wrong. I felt my dad was just over-reacting. I told him that when I went to Sheridan House, I was going to act out as much as possible.

Nicole rejoices after hitting the 10,000 point mark.

November 8th, 2010

As ladies were filing into the meeting room at Sheridan House for the Women's Bible Study, there was a little girl sitting on a couch in the lobby trying to balance her textbook as she was doing her homework. Realizing how difficult it was for her, I arranged a spot on the front desk for her to complete her assignment. She thanked me and I went on my way. However, the next morning, we found a note on a piece of white lined paper that she had left for us.

Xena sits smiling and grateful for a place to work and for the impact Sheridan House had on her uncle.

Dear Dr. Bob Barnes,
Hello Dr. Bob Barnes. This is Xena. You are a nice man. You gave me a desk to sit at and gave me room to do my homework. I wanted to thank you for doing that for me. I also want to say that you are doing an awesome job at Sheridan House. My uncle went here when he was younger. His name is Steven. I don't know if you know him or not, but you really helped change him. He is a great man that I look up to. He is deep in God and I'm trying to be, even though I am a girl. I'm adopted and the lady that adopted me is the best. She is Susan. I just wanted to say thank you for changing my uncle and helping me.
Love,
Xena

That's what it is all about...changing lives! Now, she told us Steven's last name. He was in the first group of boys that I served back in 1974. He is now in his 40's and influencing Xena to live for Jesus! That is just awesome! I just wanted to share this with you because not only do we help those currently in our residential program, but the work we do in Jesus' name helps their families for generations to come! We serve an awesome God!

Serving Him,
Bob