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Hurricane Idalia Intrigueine

Hurricane Idalia popped up out of nowhere as a tropical storm and becoming a powerful hurricane as it came through the Gulf of Mexico. Our Madison Youth Ranch proved to be right in Idalia's path so most of our staff and all of our children were moved to our Enterprise campus. We were relieved, humbled and grateful to learn that though losing power, suffering some downed trees and some minor damage that will be easily repairable, our Madison Youth Ranch weathered the storm well! Praise be to God! Power was restored quickly so our folks from the Ranch have now safely returned home.

Many in the Enterprise area dove in to make their stay comfortable, memorable and delicious. Their savory delights included meals throughout their stay; including Debary Diner, Firehouse Subs of Orange City, and El Coqui Bakery in Deltona. Also, as icing to the cake, the local Shoestring Theatre gave them tickets to their latest play, Volusia County arranged for them to attend the Marine Science Center and Debary Mayor Karen Chase took them to eat dinner and bought them tickets to the zoo. Mere, mortal words could never adequately express our love and gratitude for all who came along beside us during this challenging time with your prayers, your gifts and the many demonstrations of your love for our Madison folks. Thank you!

U.S. Representative Cory Mills

U.S. Representative Cory Mills visited the Children's Home to learn about the care we provide for abused, abandoned, and neglected children from across the state. He met with Kitwana McTyer (our CEO), Elisabeth Gadd (Chief Development Officer), Cedric Davis (VP of Foster Care Services), and Lisa Burke (Asst. Development Officer).

Volumes of Valuable Volunteers

The month of August was veritably full of volunteer demonstrations of vigilant love and generosity for your Children's Home. Some examples of such love of which we are so thankful and appreciative are:

The City of Orange City, through their community grant program, enabled our children and house parents to attend the Luau Night at Daytona Lagoon. Thank you Mayor Gary Blair, Vice Mayor William O'Connor and Council Members: Cassandra Jones, Alisa "Lisa" Stafford, Alex Tiamson, Kelli Marks and Fran Farms!

Keller Williams Heritage Realty brought by lots of school supplies for our foster children. We really appreciate their support, and the children will put these materials to good use.

Ponte Vedra UMC Volunteers from the Ponte Vedra Church in the Jacksonville area treated our youth to an End of Summer pool-side cookout. They provided the food and worked the grill, cooking burgers and hot dogs. Our youth had a great time, and we really appreciate their generosity!

Lake Deaton UMC has supported us throughout the summer by raising funds through Biking Across Kansas and collecting gifts for our Christmas in July emphasis.

Independent Living Needs Financial Support 

Our Independent Living folks are starting a cooking class for our children and youth on our Enterprise Campus and they need your help. Items needed are:
  • Corelle Vitrelle 8-Piece Dinner Plates Set
  • Down 9 x 13 Ceramic Baking Dish
  • 22" Stainless Steel Wire Whip/Whisk
  • SHYSKO Meal Prep Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set
  • Farberware Smart Control Nonstick Jumbo Cooker/Saute Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, 
  • P&P CHEF 8 Quart Stainless Steel Stockpot with Lid.

They also need financial support for this class at $100 monthly. Please contact Lynn Bellamy for more information.
Florida United Methodist Children's Home| 386.668.4774| www.fumch.org
...empowering children and families to experience the transformative love of Christ
through (w)holistic care.

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