GREETINGS FROM NEW LEAF CHILDCARE….
I hope 2012 has started off in a good way for all our New Leaf family. So far the daycare is going good. We are getting ready for our Step Up To Quality inspection. We are hoping to make it to the next star level. Please keep the center in your prayers, especially in March, as this is a very important step for us.
We ended last year on a good note despite several setbacks from the state. We are still feeling the impact of those changes and will be for a while as some are just going into effect. Many of you have asked how you can help the center out. Some New Leaf family members have donated toys and clothing as well as supplies. I was also told by a family member that stopped in the office to tell you of their commitment they are making to us this year. They are pledging $10.00 a month to us above and beyond their normal church giving. They said that they know that it may not be much, but they feel that the ministry that we do to the community and the area is one that is worthy and needed. They just wondered if there would be any other New Leaf family that would join them? Last year we helped serve 139 children, which came to a total of 292 people including the parents, grandparents and foster parents of the children. There were a total of 98 families. Half of the families that were served were those of state assistance families. The numbers so far this year have not changed. All our rooms are full to capacity and we have a waiting list for each age group. There is such a huge need in this community for quality care for children that I feel guilty telling families that they have to wait for a spot. God has been blessing us and we have been growing. I have deep faith that God will always supply our needs and that He will be the one to gain the glory that our center brings to the area. I am so thankful for a church family that cares for us the way New Leaf does. I have talked to many other administrators of centers that are located within church walls and they are all amazed at the support we receive. All I can say to them is that we have a church family that cares, that loves the Lord, Loves each other and always works to make disciples for Jesus Christ.
I need to give you a few updates. First I want to give you a BIG THANK YOU for all the newspapers that you brought in. We were able to raise $2,959.32 in 2011. We now also have a very large rolling bin that the papers are going in. It is still located in the hallway of the Madison Street entrance, but it is on the opposite side of the hall. Please keep those newspapers coming in. Also, located on the bulletin board at the Madison Street entrance is a wooden box. This box is for you to deposit you Labels for Education points that can be found on many products other than Campbell’s soup. And finally, next to the large rolling bin is a trash can that we use to collect aluminum cans. All contributions are greatly appreciated. Our big goal is to break the $3,000.00 mark on our newspaper collection this year.
In Christ’s love and service, Linda Brown