Shepherds Home Inc

Recreation our second objective focuses on providing additional programs for our residents to help them adopt healty habits and be successful. We provide children with structured recreational activities and sports opportunities, removing financial barriers to participation. In 2024, we funded: community center membership with access to basketball courts, indoor swimming pool,tennis facilities, and fitness classes "little ski hill" after-school program enrollment and equipment pickleball equipment for the home summer day camp and overnight camp participation church winter camp attendance ice skating instruction at the local rink farewell celebrations for departing residents these programs serve two key purposes: reducing childhood obesity through physical activity and supporting mental well-being through social engagement. By making these opportunities freely available, we help children develop lasting healthy habits they can maintain throughout their lives.

Reunification our third objective is to provide not only temporary shelter but a new road map for life after residence in the home. When children enter foster care, their family is affected. However, foster care is temporary, with family reunification being the primary goal when it's safe and in the child's best interest. This is the most common outcome, in 2024 there was a 50% reunification for the children. Families under health and human services protection benefit from developing strong parneting skills. These include practical abilities like child supervision and discipine, as well as relationship-building skills that strengthen parent-child bonds. Regulare visits between biological parents and their children are crucial for maintaining these connections. The home's design allows siblings to stay together, which research shows is a vital protective factor for children in foster care. While keeping siblings together is essential, this sometimes means children are placed farther from their biological parents. Currently, most parents live approximately 90 miles away, requiring a two-hour drive for visits. To facilitate these crucial family connections, the home assists with visitation services. This includes covering essential expenses such as fuel costs, overnight accommodations, and meals during travel.