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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Louisiana United Methodist Children and Family Services, Inc. Supports 36 Youth and 12 Employees from Methodist Home for Children in New Orleans
Ruston, LA - September 1, 2005 - On Sunday, August 28th, a total of 36 children and 12 staff were evacuated from The Methodist Home for Children in New Orleans and brought to the campus of the Louisiana Methodist Children's Home in Ruston, LA due to Hurricane Katrina. They brought enough clothing and some supplies to remain for a few days. It is now apparent that they will be required to remain in Ruston for a lengthy period of time due to the current development in the New Orleans area.
Plans are being made by the Children's Home in Ruston to accommodate the needs of the New Orleans Home for at least 60 days. Both Children's Homes need help to accomplish this. Food, clothing and qualified staffing will have to be provided to meet basic health and safety needs. Costs to provide for these needs for 60 days are estimated to be: $6,000 clothing, $18,000 food, and $70,000 to provide quality staff supervision. Additionally, funds for recreational expenses are yet to be determined, and educational needs will also have to be addressed. (Here's our Wish List.)
Currently the children range in age from 9 to 17 years of age. Sixteen (16) boys and 20 girls are being housed in the Chapel and in a small vacant cottage on the campus in Ruston. More permanent housing will be required for the children currently living on mattresses in the Chapel. A Bunkhouse capable of housing the children is nearing completion at the OWL Center Campus in Dubach, LA. At the current pace of construction, which is determined by the availability of volunteer labor, it will be at least 6 weeks or more before completion. Volunteer labor groups are needed to speed the process. Completion would allow the children to be housed comfortably as long as needed. For more information on volunteering, please call Terrel DeVille at 318/242-4620.
Both of the Children's Homes need your help during this special time of need. Please
respond with a donation made out to: Louisiana Methodist Children's Home, with the notation on your donation: "For Children's Special Fund". Mail to P. O. Box 929, Ruston, LA 71273-0929. For a non-monetary donation please contact Jane Ellen Boothe at 318/242-4638.
As needs evolve, notices will be communicated by Keith Rhodes and Terrel DeVille on
behalf of the children. They both ask for your prayers for each child, staff member and family represented. May they be restored with a sense of peace and reconciliation during this very difficult period ahead.
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