Wow! What a month! What a last week!
You already know about our 2nd National Summer Learning Day early in the month from a previous posting. The last week of July was one of our busiest yet. Instead of sending you multiple e-mails, you will find links to six separate items of importance to FHC that we think are interesting and each one of them has yet more links to pictures or information you will want to see. Just click on each of the bold underlined topic headings below.
We have been blessed to have wonderful dedicated volunteers who have worked with our Education by Gardening campers, worked planting and pulling weeds in the garden, and/or worked on the renovation of our buildings. Words can not express our gratitude and joy!
Education by Gardening Camp
This was the last week of our camp. Week 8's themes included: Vermi-composting final follow-up, Life of a child in rural Ethiopia, Harvesting in the garden, Anti-drug discussion and how drugs can keep you from your dreams. and Garden storybooks. On Thursday, some deaf and blind students joined us in the garden for hands on garden experience. At the conclusion of each day this week, campers were given an opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences, which will be considered as we plan for next summer. Volunteers were also ask to rate various aspects of their experience and were given an opportunity to brainstorm ways to make improvements for next year.
Summaries of activities for each of the eight weeks of camp may be found on the web page tab: Programs> Education by Gardening - Recent Activities
FHC's Intern and Report
FHC was blessed to have an intern from the Indianapolis Peace Institute with us for 9 weeks this summer. In addition to working with our campers and helping obtain support for orphans at Sebeta in Ethiopia, she has done some research and wrote a report that you will find interesting.
Other interesting news may be found on the web page tab: Latest News
Tour by Greater Northwest Baptist Church on Monday, 27-July
The Greater Northwest Baptist Church's Men’s Prayer Fellowship and Leadership Training Meeting was held at FHC this week. They provided support for last year's Christmas party and are going to meet some of the needs of the Ethiopian orphans at Sebeta.
Visit by Lilly Endowment on Thursday, 30-July
One of our supporters, Lilly Endowment representatives, came for a tour and visit to see how their funds were being used at our Education by Gardening Summer Camp. The visit went very well and you can read the follow-up letter we received on Monday, 3-Aug.
Disciples of Christ Volunteers and Panel Discussion on Friday, 31-July
On Friday, some volunteers from the Disciples of Christ General Assembly Meeting gathered at FHC where they took a tour, dug weeds and participated in a panel discussion. The General Assembly's theme this year was "Back to the Garden" and FHC offered a hands-on experience.
Renovation of 1650 Sheldon Street
This past week another milestone was reached towards the completion of renovation work. All the drywall work is complete and siding was placed on two sides of the building.
Other recent events may be found on the web page tab: Events. Find the date in the column on the right and follow the link to read more.
FHC Receives a Mini-bus
Indy-Go has given one its retired mini-busses to FHC! The vehicle has 12 passenger capacity, automatic transmission, diesel engine, and a hydraulic wheelchair lift. It is a 2004 Ford model and is in "as is" condition. We are very excited at the doors this will open for FHC. However, this blessing will require us to raise additional funds for insurance, maintenance, and operation.
Volunteers Still Needed
There are several months of work still to be done in our garden harvesting, weeding, and planting fall crops. When the renovation work is complete on the building at 1650 Sheldon, there will be lots of moving and organizing of supplies to do. Soon after school starts, FHC will again be working with children in after school programs. With the completion of a kitchen, other activities will be possible, and they too will require volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering for an hour one day, an hour a week, or more, please contact us!
If you want more information call: 317.545.2245 or email us a info@fhcenter.org
Below are pictures of cauliflower, peppers, and zucchini in our garden.
