Harden House News

by Debra Russom

Development Associate

Do you remember the old hymn, amp"Love Lifted Me"? That hymn comes to mind thinking about Valentine's Day at the Harden House Group Home for Girls. The Christian Women's Fellowship of First Christian Church in Tupelo brought 13 ladies and a very supportive van driver to shower the girls with carnations, candy and gift cards. The group brought pizza for everyone as well. They took keepsake pictures for each of the girls to remember this special day.

The girls at Harden House Group Home are getting ready to enjoy Spring Break. We will be sharing their fun filled week in next month's article. In the meantime, we must brag on our girls.

Two of our girls assisted behind stage during the play at Itawamba Agricultural High School. While keeping a near straight A average, one of our girls finds time to volunteer at "A Way Out"; tutoring younger children after school. Our college student is doing quite well making the adjustment to college life and the activities at Itawamba Community College. We may even have a budding author in our midst! One of the girls has written an exceptional short story for her creative writing class. We will be watching for more good writing. Our newest young lady is a member of the Girl Scouts and was busy working to meet her amp"cookie quotaamp". All of our girls are continuously involved in activities in the community.

This month's independent living skills subject for the girls at Harden House is employment skills. Different scenarios are played out while they learn about job responsibilities (getting to work on time, looking presentable, courtesy towards fellow co-workers and customers, etc.). We are proud of the girls for their achievements and so very grateful to the community for making them feel at home.

Erika Thrasher of Fulton, better known as "Granny" continues to come to the home and play beautiful music on her harmonica and bless the girls with powerful Bible stories. They love it that "Granny" is a strong part of their lives.

Everyone loves to eat out, right? On May 1, 2009, Eat With Us Group is joining with us to celebrate National Foster Care month. You can already make those special plans to attend "Dine Out For Kids" at the following restaurants in Tupelo: Fair Park Grill, Sweet Peppers of Tupelo and Peppers Express in the Mall at Barnes Crossing. These restaurants will be giving a percentage of their proceeds to benefit the Harden House Adoption and Foster Care Programs. We hope to see you that day!

You may wonder, amp"What can I do to help?amp" The Harden House Programs which include the Group Home for Girls in Fulton and the Adoption and Foster Care Program based in Tupelo are changing lives every day and we welcome the involvement of the community. Our wish list for the Group Home includes school supplies, kitchen supplies (cookware, cutlery amp& storage containers), a new porch swing and a new roof.

The Harden House Adoption and Foster Care Program operates on the premise that every child has the inherent right to the stability and security of a permanent home and loving family. Many services are available to assist families in becoming adoption and /or foster families. Included is a respite service for adoptive/foster families offering a safe place for children while parents take a break. For more information on how to become a foster or adoptive parent please contact Patricia Digby at 662-680-9191 or hardenad@comcast.net.

Financial support and volunteer involvement are always welcome. If you would like additional information on how you can help, please contact Debra Russom at 601-680-9191 or debrussom@comcast.net.