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I am sure you are all enjoying the beautiful weather as much as we are. The parks, beaches, and boat have been getting a lot of use from the Stutzmans this spring. It has been a while since I have written an update on what has been going on with Power House, so I figure it is time.
The school year did not end at all the way that we would have liked it to. Our last in person meeting was on March 16th. Our volunteers and board of directors knew it was important that we developed a new plan of how we could stay in contact with the students. Here is a list of what we have done over the past few months to keep building relationships with the students of Rusk County: 1. Window/door visits to deliver cookies 2. Dropping off food for those families that needed some extra help 3. letters and cards 4. Zoom gatherings 5. LOTS of phone calls, emails, texts, social media chats Our weekly Zoom gatherings have been the highlight of our communication. We start the night off with introductions/ice breaker questions like "if you were a bicycle which part would you be and why?" Then we play a game like never have I ever, scavenger hunts (students have to find the items that are listed off in their homes), name an animal that starts with.... etc. We do a drawing for a prize which is their choice from a series of gift cards. They get an extra name in the bowl if they invite a friend and they join. Through this, we have had new students join which has been fun and encouraging! This platform has allowed us to have guests from places and professions that we never would have been able to otherwise. I think one of the favorites was a rocket scientist from Florida who works at Camp Kennedy Space Center building rockets! We heard from guests in Texas and Minnesota including topics on financial management, our perspectives, a trip to Romania and how the trip impacted her life for Christ. God totally orchestrated a discussion on equality and perspective right after the George Floyd and riot events. This topic was covered by one of our very own Power House students and he did an incredible job. There was more feedback on his night than any other one so far. It was very relative and I think coming from one of their peers made it so much easier for them to relate. Although we haven't been able to meet as a big group, we have been busy continuing to reach out to the students and let them know we are here for them, offer encouragement, and stay in contact. In other exciting news, Lord willing, we will be moving our location to the old Ladysmith Elementary School when our on-site programming is able to resume! This is going to open up many more doors for programming, growth, and opportunities to reach the youth. All the details of this move are still in the process of being worked out and we would appreciate your prayers that God will continue to lead and guide the board. The planning for our third annual fundraiser in October is underway! It is going to look different this year but I am SUPER excited for what the committee is organizing and you will have a creative opportunity of hearing all of what has been happening at Power House over the past year. Our speaker this year is Chrissy Anderson and she has a beautiful story of growing up in Ladysmith, overcoming life's challenges, and finding success in her career as a probation officer. Please mark your calendar for Tuesday, October 6th @ 7pm at Colonial Nursery in Ladysmith! More information will follow. Thank you so much for your continual financial and prayer support of Power House. We are making a difference in the lives of not only the youth but families in our community. We are not able to do our summer fundraiser this year so if God lays it on your heart to send a financial donation to Power House we would appreciate it. Your tax-deductible donation can be made to Power House and sent to P.O. Box 426 Ladysmith, WI 54848 or you can go online and donate here! Together we are making a difference in the lives of the youth! Blessings, Lanita Stutzman Ex. Dir. Power House |
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