Recommendations from some of the Adults Formerly Served by Children’s Homes during their Youth:
"If you are considering giving financially or being a part of this ministry, I hope you will decide to do so, because it is truly one of the best eternal investments that you can make. I say this with extreme prejudice, because I am a product of Children’s Homes, of which I am very proud. To me, Children’s Homes was not a service. It was, and is, a home filled with houseparents and staff members who nurtured me. When I refer to "back home" it is Children’s Homes, because, 'home truly is where the heart is.'
I feel compelled to share a bit about my history, so that you can understand the abundant blessings I’ve experienced through Children’s Homes.
Throughout my childhood, I grew up feeling I was unworthy and unloved. My parents would tell me I was slow, stupid and I would never amount to much in my life. My abuse was never visual; of course, abuse comes in many different forms. I never thought it to be abuse, just the facts that my parents have told me all my life.
My mom once told me she knew I would drop out of school and have a baby by the time I was 16. I was 13 at the time my mom shared her expectations/prophecy with me. Praise God Almighty, His plans and expectations for me were much higher.
The night before I left my parent’s home, I remember my prayer so vividly, "God, if you’re really real, please watch over me and protect me, because I don’t know where I’m going." Well, God IS real! It was a major turning point in my life.
Children’s Homes helped to mold me in the way God wanted me to go. They helped to restore my self-worth, gave me the confidence that I needed to be productive, gave me love, encouragement, counseling and the source to draw my strength from. I had access to tutors when I struggled in school; they helped to further my education. There were so many avenues of my life that Children’s Homes was able to provide through the generosities of kind-hearted people.
When I think about how my life was before Children’s Homes, and what has become of me since then, I thank God every time. God has blessed me through Children’s Homes. For those who have supported in one form or another to this ministry, this child thanks you. The time, money and energy that you have put into the unknown faces of those children, as a part of that, I am so grateful. If it wasn’t for your compassion, I would not be a child of God, or be the wife and mother that I am today.
In closing, my husband and I have only been parents for four years. We realize we only have our children for a brief amount of time. So, we try to make the most of every opportunity that we do have with them, because they are very impressionable. I want to thank my Children’s Homes family for the wonderful impact that they were on me for the short amount of time I was with them."
Shelby Fortenberry
(Shelby and her husband, Rick, have been happily married for seven years. They have two beautiful children. They are active members in the Lord’s church. Shelby is currently working as a certified community interpreter for the hearing-impaired).
"I first came in contact with the Paragould Children’s Homes when I was ten years old due to the death of my parents. I moved into one of the cottages in August of 1976. I remained on campus until I moved into a foster home at age 17. During my stay at the Home, I was provided with clothing and most of all, a Christian family. Even though I no longer had my natural family, I had many of the same things that I would have experienced. My family at the Home helped me through typical childhood crises’ and also shared in my triumphs and joys. They encouraged me to excel and do my best in all that I attempted.
My experiences I had at the Home assisted me in establishing myself as a productive and happy adult, although I didn’t agree at the time with all the rules, and went through several house parents, but now I am older and see things different. I am now married, have a new home, and I’m in the process of completing my college education. Without my stay at the Home I may not have had the guidance to help me realize my potential."
Tim Norman
Coach - Ridgefield Christian School
"I remember as a thirteen-year-old girl driving on to the grounds of the Children’s Home for the first time. I was so surprised that the houses looked like homes and not institutions. The most important thing I learned in my five years at the home was trust; how to give it and how to get it. I want my own girls to be well grounded in this area also. My house parents, the ones my girls call Granny and Papaw, are the most wonderful people in the world. They believed in me and taught me to believe in myself. They taught us about God and His love for everyone no matter how unworthy we may feel at any give time. They taught us to make a life for ourselves and not use our past misfortunes as excuses. The sacrifice that they made was tremendous, even though I didn’t recognize it at the time.
The opportunity at attend Crowley’s Ridge Academy, a private Christian school was a definite plus. The teachers and staff made us feel like we belonged. The best thing about Children’s Homes is that it gives kids a chance to belong to a family and learn to make a way for themselves despite past obstacles."Debbie 'Fitzgibbon' Honeycutt
"I’m thirty-four years old and have been happily married for twelve years. We have an eleven-year-old daughter... I came to the Children’s Homes when I was in sixth grade. I came from a family of child abuse, both mentally and physically. I was your typical "tough kid." I had been hurt by adults for so long, that I was determined not to let a new set of adults hurt me.
The Home provided counseling for me, and my house parents provided the first real love that I could remember. I was enrolled in school at Crowley’s Ridge Academy which provided me with a Christian education that I am truly thankful for. I graduated from the Academy in 1982. I continued my Christian education by attending Crowley’s Ridge College for two years.
I am a cafeteria manager and for the past ten years, with the help of my husband, have helped organize Christmas for the children at the Home. We deliver the gifts in time for Christmas and make sure that the kids get what they’ve asked for.
It’s very important to me to give back to the home. They didn’t give up on me and I’m thankful that they are still helping children and families. I’m impressed with how much they have been able to do in the past and know that they can do so much more with the right help."
Kimberly Garner