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Post by Jackie on Apr 10, 2011 14:23:01 GMT -5
Today was the 60th anniversary of our Presbyterian church here...a former assistant pastor came from Denver to do the sermon and it was about how mainstream denominational churches will survive. His message essentially was to be come "mission oriented". As I sat there I remembered an idea I once had of churches sponsoring group homes. After discovering what ISN'T out there for independent or semi independent living for Emily I had started wondering WHY churches couldn't be providers. Think how nice it would be if a church had a group home and involved the residents in all sorts of activities as well as things through the church. All the group homes Emily and I looked at were rather sterile and boring...and in those you go to the church the attendant chooses if any at all unless you have family to pick you up and go. I personally feel that too many churches go to far afield looking for missions when there is great need right in their own back yards. No doubt this is complicated and not easily done ...but now I am going to actually inquire about how to do it...probably not for my church but maybe just to get the ball rolling.
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Post by laurasmom on Apr 10, 2011 20:39:48 GMT -5
This is such a wonderful idea. I have wondered about this myself in the past. I found a couple places just doing a quick search www.gbgm-umc.org/aldersgatehomesinc/http://www.hearthavens.org./ There is a Methodist church in Alabama, northern part, that was going to start a group home. Can't remember the church, if I find it, will let you know. Sharon |
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Post by Chris too on Apr 11, 2011 8:58:59 GMT -5
"I personally feel that too many churches go to far afield looking for missions when there is great need right in their own back yards. "
I totally agree with this.
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Post by Jackie on Apr 11, 2011 8:59:02 GMT -5
Thanks Sharon...odd coincidence but my inlaws in Topeka Kansas years ago moved into a local Aldersgate for Seniors...it was a lovely place on a country campus with all levels of senior living. Frankly it is a concept I could see working for people with developmental disabilities too so they could live in more apartment like environments. I have always thought it would be good for a wing of senior living places to house those with developmental disabilities in apartments. Yes the typical people would be mostly elderly but think of the services people with disabilities could perform for those not physically able...and we all know that most seniors have tons of people in their lives who are younger. Of course I would do away with the country campus and put it in the city...but just think...small kitchenettes, a cafeteria, vans for transportation at their disposal and on site support. No in your face house supervisor. Also good for the seniors to help with things like balancing check books reading improvement...etc. Wouldnt work for everyone but for the more able think it would be perfect. those who work could come and go.
My thoughts on church group homes is that the individuals would be assimilated into the church families for many things.
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Post by Jackie on Apr 11, 2011 9:02:53 GMT -5
also...let me say for those of you who think...that is YEARS away from now for us....its closer than you think. You cant wait until your child is of an adult age to plan for this...believe me...we would be up "you know what" creek if this foster/companion care situation for Emily had not opened up. And at this point in time if for some reason the situation goes South...only option would be for her to come home which she would hate. I think with all the govt cuts we cant depend forever on the social services to do these things...private groups are going to have to fill the gap.
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