VOLUNTEERING GIVES MEANING TO RETIREMENT

Experts tell us that an increasing number of Americans can expect to live as many retirement years as they have had in their vocational careers. On this “second time round”, retirees are not seeking financial benefit and career advancement. Many, having secured a measure of financial freedom, now seek to invest their time in activities that bring lasting meaning and purpose. They realize that finding a passion for making a difference “makes all the difference” in both their emotional and physical well being.

Ms. Jill Growney, a 21 year resident of Christian City, embodies this growing trend among seniors. “While I was working as a teacher, my life was busy with the responsibilities of my job – classroom, conferences, lesson plans. I did not have much of a concept for my retirement years other than some traveling – but that is no longer the case,” she stated. Ms. Growney notes that her life has certainly changed for the good since having the time and opportunity to invest in the lives of others; “I had always been a people person, yet after the death of my husband I found myself alone. In spending my time investing in the needs of others, I have found new ways.. meaningful ways, to enjoy my life."

Indeed Ms. Growney has! In addition to the recreational activities she enjoys, her desire to serve others has brought her into (among others) a meaningful role as a volunteer chaplain to the Christian City community. For over ten years, her love of ministry has been evident as she has led a weekly bible study for those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease. She warms the room with her bright smile and residents look forward to hearing her uplifting message each week. She expressed, “My service as a volunteer has definitely changed me – I find so much enjoyment and purpose in helping others. My life now has a new sense of worth. ”I recently started square dance lessons – I say to myself....“I can’t believe I am doing this!”

Located on a beautiful 500 acre campus in Union City, Christian City is home to over 1,000 senior residents and is always in need of enthusiastic volunteers like Ms. Growney. In addition to being an active retirement community, Christian City offers housing for those on limited income, assisted living, nursing and rehabilitation, convalescent care and care for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Less fortunate children also live on campus at The Children's Village. For more information or a free tour please call 770-703-2600 or access www.christiancity.org
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Huge Tent Sale at Christian City

On Friday, May 9th from 9am to 2pm. Christian City is hosting a huge tent sale at the baseball field on their campus, next to Graceland Thrift Store at 7345 Red Oak Road, in Union City. Brand new merchandise will be sold at bargain prices including storage rooms full of area rugs, home and garden decor, grills and patio accessories and much more. Proceeds will benefit the abandoned and abused children who live in The Children's Village. For more information call Mike Cater at 770-969-9957. For more information on Christian City and their ministries for children and seniors, call 770-703-2636 or access www.christiancity.org.

Congressman Westmoreland Addresses Senior Issues at Chamber Luncheon

Recently Congressman Lynn Westmoreland was the guest speaker at a legislative luncheon hosted by the Newnan Chamber of Commerce.

High on the list of topics discussed were issues affecting seniors.

Bob Crutchfield (left), President/CEO of Christian City, a senior community with over 1,000 residents located in Union City, and Congressman Westmoreland share a moment afterwards.

Christian City is a non-denominational, non-profit, with a mission to minister to the needs of families with particular emphasis on children, the aged and the infirm, by providing high quality, efficient, effective and affordable residential, health and social services delivered in accordance with the principles of the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Dr. Byron Harper dies. His legacy? Christian City.

Last Saturday, Dr. Byron Harper, Jr. passed away. There was a funeral on Wednesday and then he was buried in simple grave in a small cemetery. He ended his personal presence as humbly as he lived…quiet, unassuming, loving, positive, an encourager of all that is good and decent. His voice is now silent, but his legacy is not.

Dr. Byron Harper, along with his wife Rose Marie, was the driving force behind the creation of Christian City over 47 years ago. It was around his kitchen table that Christian City was prayed for, birthed and nurtured. It was on Dr. Harper’s land that Christian City became a reality. It was with Dr. Harper and Rose Marie’s direction, encouragement and support that Christian grew from one cottage for homeless children in 1963 to a sparkling new Children’s Village; from 50 acres of scrub pineland to a 500-acre campus housing over 1,000 children and seniors today.

Doc Harper loved people. He helped provide affordable housing for thousands of seniors many of whom had little or no income. He encouraged the building and operation of a 200-bed nursing and rehabilitation center, an assisted living and personal care facility, and an Alzheimer’s Disease center on Christian City’s campus. He provided free medical care for children without families of their own, the aged and infirm. He cared for hundreds of employees of Christian City, went from floor to floor to see and minister to residents, worked tirelessly in the clinic, and still maintained his private medical practice to thousands of patients from around the city.

Dr. Byron Harper is with us no more. He will be missed, but his legacy lives on in the thousands of families that have been touched by his servant heart. Dr. Harper was a great man.

Bob Crutchfield,
President/CEO,
Christian City

Fayette County Civitan Clubs Host Statewide Golf Event to Benefit Christian City's Initiative For Developmentally Disabled

The Georgia District Civitans lead by local Fayette County and Line Creek clubs are hosting a golf tournament on Monday, April 7th to benefit Christian City's new initiative to provide housing for developmentally disabled residents.

The event will be held at the Braelinn Golf Club in Peachtree City. Tee time is 9am and entry fee is $100, which includes lunch catered by Shane's Rib Shack.

Recently, Bob Crutchfield, President/CEO of Christian City was invited to address over 100 Civitan leaders at their annual meeting in Athens to promote the upcoming event and garner support for Christian City's new initiative.

Since 1965, Christian City has been providing homes for abandoned and abused children in a family centered setting in Union City. The construction of a new Children's Village on their campus leaves existing cottages vacant to be retro-fitted for "adults functioning as children".
Line Creek Civitan and Tournament Chair Steve Kiser commented, "On an international level, Civitans are dedicated to helping children and adults with developmental disabilities. Georgia District clubs are stepping forward to help Christian City start this new program to provide a safe living environment for those who are cognitively challenged."

He continued, "Christian City will be able to offer not only housing but gainful employment according to each individual's ability...and a built-in sense of community. We expect this tournament to become an annual fundraiser for Christian City's programs for those in this sector."

For more information, or to register for the golf tournament call Steve Kiser at 770-487-4550. For more information on Christian City call 770-703-2636 or access http://www.christiancity.org/.

LEADERSHIP FAYETTE RAISING MONEY TO BUY COMPUTERS FOR CHILDREN AT CHRISTIAN CITY

Members of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce group, Leadership Fayette, are raising funds to purchase computers for the children's study labs at the new Children's Village at Christian City. As part of their fundraising efforts, a tag sale was held recently at Coldwell Banker offices on HWY 74 in Peachtree City.

Christian City is a nonprofit organization that has been caring for abandoned and abused children in a residential setting on their campus in Union City for over forty three years. For more information on Christian City and their programs for children and seniors please call 770-703-2636 or access http://www.christiancity.org/. For more information on The Fayette Chamber of Commerce, please call 770-461-9983 or access http://www.fayettechamber.org/

PHOTO: Leadership Fayette Team members, a shopper and staff of Christian City stand by the tag sale sign on HWY 74, PTC; L to R: Tim Carter, Mary Ann Glazner (shopper), Vicki Butler, The Home for Children at Christian City's Program Director Noelle Porter and COO Phil Kouns, Scott Woodward, Holly Woodward, Cheri Scranage, Lyal Scranage

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CHRISTIAN CITY HOSTS FOSTER PARENT ORIENTATION

The Children's Village at Christian City is hosting a foster parent orientation on Thursday, February 28th from 6pm-8pm on their campus at 7347 Red Oak Road #19, Union City.

They are looking for married, Christian couples living within a 50 mile radius of Christian City's campus. You will learn what it means to be a foster parent, what the requirements are, and about the application process.

Please RSVP by calling Jill Thompson at 770-964-9390.

As a nonprofit organization, Christian City has been caring for abandoned and abused or neglected children since they opened the first cottage on Valentine's Day, 1965. For more information on the ministries offered for children and for seniors, please access www.christiancity.org or call 770-703-2636.

WORLD GYM DONATES CARLOADS OF GIFTS TO CHRISTIAN CITY

Fayette County World Gym employees delivered car loads of gifts for the children who live at the Home for Children/Children's Village at Christian City. World Gym members and employees from all three locations came together to make the holidays special by choosing children to sponsor from an angel tree.

Located in Union City, Christian City has been providing loving homes to abandoned and abused children on their campus for over forty years. Sponsorships and financial support are needed year round.To find out more about Christian City and how you can make a donation, become a volunteer or Sponsor A Child, please call 770-703-2636 or access http://www.christiancity.org/

CHRISTIAN CITY APPOINTS THOMPKINS AS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Christian City President and CEO Robert Crutchfield announced today the appointment of Mr. Terry Thompkins as Executive Vice President for Senior Operations at Christian City.

"Mr. Thompkins brings a wide range of expertise and experience to Christian City. I am impressed with Terry's record of success in the senior services industry and feel certain that Christian City will flourish with the addition of Mr. Thompkins to our staff," Mr. Crutchfield stated.

Terry is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a degree in Business Management. He received his Master of Divinity from Emory University, Candler School of Theology, and is an Ordained Methodist Minister. He holds a license as a Nursing Home Administrator in the states of Georgia and Oklahoma as well as being a certified Retirement Home Professional through the American Association of Homes and Services for The Aging.

Terry served as Executive Director of Wesley Woods, Inc from 1995-2005, and has worked in the Services and Housing for the Aging field for over 15 years. Active in the community, he has been a member of numerous Boards of Directors including YMCA of Newnan, Georgia Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, The Keith Brooking Children's Foundation and the United Way.

Mr. Thompkins comments, "Christian City has a long and strong heritage of meeting the needs of those we serve in an outstanding fashion. I am honored to serve the residents and employees in this tremendous ministry and look forward to the future with great hope and expectations."

Conveniently located in Union City, just minutes from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Christian City is home to over 1,000 seniors and operates with a staff of more than 400 employees and 200 volunteers. Christian City boasts a vibrant retirement community including life-lease patio homes, options for independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitative care, apartments for those on limited income and facilities for those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease.

As a nonprofit organization, Christian City also cares for abandoned and abused children on campus through their Home For Children/Children's Village, and will soon launch a new program offering residential care for the developmentally disabled. For more information call 770-703-2636 or access http://www.christiancity.org/.

THE HOME FOR CHILDREN/CHILDREN'S VILLAGE AT CHRISTIAN CITY CALLS ON COMMUNITY WITH SPECIAL NEEDS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY

Christian City, a nonprofit, nondenominational organization serving less fortunate and neglected children as well as seniors, the elderly and the infirm, is calling on the community for financial donations, gift cards, and pantry items. The following is a list of needs for the Home for Children/Children's Village:

Cereal
Batteries (AA, AAA, C, D)
Paper towels, plates and napkins
Cereal
Boxed Drinks (100% Juice)
Canned Fruit
Boxed Dinners
Peanut Butter, Jelly
Chips
Toilet Paper and facial tissue
Laundry Detergent – powdered or liquid
Soaps (hand or bar)
Cleaning Supplies
Canned Fruit
Crackers, chips, snack cakes (individually wrapped)
Gift cards to local stores such as Wal Mart, Target, Kroger, Ingles

Christian City, located in Union City, relies on community support to continue to meet the needs of the children in their care. To make a donation, sponsor a child, become a volunteer or for more information on the Home for Children and the new Children's Village under construction, please contact Phil Kouns, Chief Operating Officer of Children's Services at 770-703-2641 or access www.christiancity.org

CHRISTIAN CITY, A REMEDY FOR THE “AFTER THE HOLIDAY BLUES”

By Barbara Foster, Christian City - NHA, Professional Counselor

Many seniors look forward to the holidays only to feel let down when the celebration is over. For no known reason as the new year approaches, depression increases, especially in older adults. Depression affects nearly 3-5% of the population at any one given time, and there is a 20% chance of having an episode of clinical depression at some point in one’s life. However, it can be successfully treated more than 80% of the time with medication, counseling and/or life style changes.

Symptoms of clinical depression include:

• A sad mood most of the day, nearly every day
• Significant weight loss and/or weight gain or decrease/increase in appetite
• Trouble sleeping (either too much or too little)
• Feelings of restlessness
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Problems with concentration or decision making
• Recurring thoughts of death or thoughts of suicide

Christian City is the perfect place for those prone to feeling let down after the holidays. They offer a professional, loving staff who monitor for signs of depression and make sure residents get the attention they need. Keeping seniors engaged is an important factor in maintaining good mental health. Morning exercise classes, three nutritious meals taken with friends, water aerobics in the heated pool, an ice cream shoppe, library, and numerous planned social occasions keep residents active and happy. Seniors can make new friends and be a part of a vibrant community.

Located on a beautifully wooded campus in Union City, Christian City has a long history of offering excellent retirement opportunities, assisted living, nursing and Alzheimer’s disease care. Call our admissions department today for more information or to set up a free tour at 770-703-2600. You can access our website at www.christiancity.org. In the new year, come to Christian City….your place for life!

LOCAL CIVITAN CLUBS SUPPORT CHRISTIAN CITY'S NEW INITIATIVE FOR COGNITIVELY CHALLENGED (DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED)

Fayette County Civitans, the Line Creek Civitans and the Civitan Foundation have enthusiastically gotten behind Christian City's new developing initiative to serve cognitively challenged adults by providing residential care in a community environment on their campus.

Cottages previously used by the Home For Children will become available for use when the children are relocated to a new Children's Village under construction, due to open in spring 2008.

Local Civitan Clubs, long known for their commitment to the developmentally disabled, are leading the way in terms of support for the new project by donating $8,000 collectively toward retrofitting and furnishing the existing cottages to ready them for the new tenants.

Christian City, located in Union City, is a nonprofit, nondenominational organization with a long history of ministering to those needing a safe place to call home including abandoned and neglected children, seniors on limited income, those who suffer from Alzheimer's Disease, retirees, those in need of assisted living and convalescent care. For more information on Christian City, to make a donation or to volunteer, please call 770-703-2636 or visit their website at http://www.christiancity.org/

THE HOME FOR CHILDREN at CHRISTIAN CITY CALLS ON COMMUNITY WITH SPECIAL NEEDS LIST

Christian City, a nonprofit, nondenominational organization serving less fortunate and neglected children as well as seniors, the elderly and the infirm, is calling on the community for financial donations, gift cards, and pantry items. The following is a list of needs for the Home for Children:
Cereal

Canned Fruit

Crackers and Chips (individually wrapped)

Snack Cakes

Stove Top Boxes and easy make meals (dinner)

Flour

Granulated Sugar

Brown Sugar

Vegetable Oil

Napkins

Paper Cups (dinner size)

Paper Plates (dinner size)

Toilet Paper

Paper Towels

Liquid Hand Soap

Dish Towels and Rags (for washing and drying)

Batteries of all sizes

Gift cards to local stores such as Wal Mart, Target, Kroger, Ingles

Christian City, located in Union City, relies on community support to continue to meet the needs of the children in their care. To make a donation, sponsor a child, become a volunteer or for more information on the Home for Children and the new Children's Village under construction, please contact Phil Kouns, Chief Operating Officer of Children's Services at 770-703-2641 or please access www.christiancity.org

Piedmont Fayette Hospital Auxiliary Collects Summer Fun Toys For The Home For Children at Christian City

Members of Piedmont Fayette Hospital Auxiliary supported the Home for Children at Christian City by collecting "summer fun" toys at their recent annual luncheon at Flat Creek Country Club in Peachtree City. Christian City provides residential, family-centered care to children who have been abandoned, neglected or who otherwise don't have a safe place to live. For more information or to learn about opportunities to volunteer, make a donation, or sponsor a child, please call 770-703-2636, or access http://www.christiancity.org/.

Fayetteville Wal Mart Supports Christian City

Recently, the Fayetteville Wal Mart presented a check for $1,000 to support The Home for Children and new Children's Village at Christian City. As a nonprofit organization, Christian City has been caring for abandoned, neglected and otherwise less fortunate children in a residential setting since opening the first cottage to eight little boys in 1965. To better serve the needs of the children, Christian City is currently building a new Children's Village with up to 10 new cottages, administrative offices and recreational facilities on their campus. The existing cottages will be retrofitted to serve those with developmental disabilities. Located in Union City, Christian City also serves seniors, the elderly and the infirm including care for those who suffer from Alzheimer's Disease. For more information, to make a donation or for volunteer opportunities, please call 770-703-2636 or access www.christiancity.org

Cell Phone Drive Helps Abandoned And Neglected Kids at Christian City

The community is invited to help local businesses collect cell phones to support the abandoned and neglected children who live at the Home For Children at Christian City. Collected phones will be sent to a recycle center who will refurbish and recycle the phones, giving Christian City between $3-$10 for each phone. The money raised will help pay for food, clothing and medical attention among other needs for the children who live in the cottages on Christian City's campus.

All types of cell phones are desirable, working and non-working. The following sponsors are serving as drop off locations:

Fayetteville
Wal Mart at The Pavillion
Crumpton's Furniture, 640 Glynn Street (HWY 85)World Gym 931 Glynn StreetWorld Gym 1964 HWY 54Melear's BBQ HWY 85 So.
Peachtree CityBoxes N Go, 420 Huddleston Road
J93.3 radio station in the Publix shopping center on HWY 54
Neighborhood Community Bank, across from Publix shopping center HWY 54
Bruster's Ice Cream, across from Publix shopping center HWY 54

Tyrone
Tri Star Automotive, 100 Powers Way

Union City
Christian City at the Welcome Center, 7345 Red Oak Road
Firestation #1 on High Point Road
Firestaion #2 at 6393 Shannon Parkway
Police Station by City Hall, 5060 Union StreetSo Fulton Chamber of Commerce, 6400 Shannon ParkwayComfort Inn at 6800 Shannon Way

Newnan
Bank of Coweta, 110 Jefferson Drive

Located in Union City, Christian City has been serving the community since 1965 when they opened the first cottage for eight little boys who needed a safe, loving, place to live. Now, over 40 years later, this nonprofit, nondenominational organization is home to over 1000 residents including seniors. Community support is always needed and the cell phone drive is an easy way to get involved and help meet the needs of those less fortunate. If you would like to participate in the cell phone drive to help raise money for Christian City kids or for general information about Christian City, call Debs MacNellis at 770-703-2636 or access www.christiancity.com

Union City Firefighters and Police help Christian City Children

Christian City kicked off their cell phone collection drive recently with the support of the Union City Fire and Police Departments. Cell phone collection boxes will be distributed at Fire Stations #1 and #2, the Union City Police Station at city hall, The Comfort Inn and the So. Fulton Chamber of Commerce.

Collected phones will be sent to recycle centers who will refurbish the phones and give Christian City between $3-$30 for each phone. Money raised through the cell phone drive will be used to support the ongoing ministries for abandoned and neglected children, as well as services for seniors, Alzheimer's patients, the elderly who live on their campus.

Located in Union City, Christian City has been serving the community since 1965 when they opened the first cottage for eight little boys who needed a safe, loving, place to live. Community support is always needed and the cell phone drive is an easy way to get involved and help those less fortunate.

For more information, to get involved, make a donation, or volunteer please access http://www.christiancity.com/ or call 770-703-2636

The community is invited to drop off used cell phones at these locations in Union City: Firestation #1 on High Point Road
Firestaion #2 at 6393 Shannon Parkway
Police Station by City Hall, 5060 Union Street
So Fulton Chamber of Commerce, 6400 Shannon Parkway
Comfort Inn at 6800 Shannon Way

Christian City Need List for March

Christian City, a nonprofit, nondenominational organization serving less fortunate and neglected children as well as seniors, the elderly and the infirm, is calling on the community for help. The following is a list of needs for the Home for Children for the month of March:

Granulated Sugar
Brown Sugar
Flour
Paper Plates
Laundry Detergent (liquid and/or powder)
Toilet Paper
Facial Tissue boxes
Napkins
Fabric softener for laundry
Zip Lock Bags-all sizes
Lunch box items (fruit cups, individual chips, etc.)
Cereal-all type’s children would enjoy
Band aids-all types
Batteries –all sizes especially AA
Beach towels
Flash lights
Gift cards for: Kroger/Wal-Mart for grocery items (i.e. Milk, Fresh Produce)

Christian City, located in Union City, relies on community support to continue to meet the needs of the children in their care. To make a donation, become a volunteer or for more information on the Home for Children and the new Children's Village under construction, please contact Phil Kouns, Vice President of Children's Services at 770-703-2641. For more information on Christian City and their ministries, please access www.christiancity.org or call 770-703-2636

Former Rainbow House Executive Director Phil Kouns Joins Christian City As Special Assistant to the President for Program Development

Phil Kouns recently joined the staff at Christian City as Special Assistant to the President for Program Development. Kouns was the founding Executive Director of Rainbow House, an emergency shelter for children in Clayton County, and served in that position for 18 years. He is widely recognized for his commitment to the needs of children in crisis and has received many awards and accolades, the most recent being the Lifetime Achievement Award from Georgia Association of Homes and Services for Children. With 26 years in the field of Child Welfare/Human Resources and as an ordained minister, it is clear he has a "passion for ministry."

In his new role, Mr. Koun's main responsibilities will include the development of our children’s programs beginning with the construction of our new 30 acre Children’s Village at Christian City. Additionally, he will form a program that will define the training and development needs for new foster parents. The intent of the program is to go into the community and recruit potential foster parents, train them on campus, develop a support system and a follow up system so when they receive children into their care they will be fully prepared and supported.

Mr. Kouns commented, "Leaving Rainbow House was a monumental decision for me and a painful decision, but not in respect to the excitement of the challenges here. I've known about Christian City my entire life, there is no other place I would have considered going."

Christian City's Home for Children, located in Union City, has been meeting the needs of abandoned and abused children for over 40 years. With the support of the community, they have provided a safe and loving home to over 1000 children in crisis. Mr. Koun's expertise and understanding of the needs of these children will help carry Christian City into the future and will help form the direction for the next 40 years to come.

For more information on Christian City, to make a donation, or to volunteer, please call 770-964-3301 or go on line www.christiancity.org

Volunteers at Christian City Treated Royally

 

Christian City recently thanked their volunteers with a royal event straight from the Renaissance.  Jack Sias, President of the Georgia Renaissance Festival, asked his staff to help entertain the over 270 volunteers that lovingly donate their time and talent to the residents at Christian City.  Lunch was served by an appreciative Christian City staff under a big white tent while performers impressed and engaged the audience.  Among the performers were Bret Blackshear, who demonstrated Curious Magic, Kathleen Finger, an Irish harpist, and Court Poetess, Laurel Wordsworth.

 

A big part of the over 40 year success of Christian City is due to the tireless, dedicated  volunteers who serve by working in Graceland Thrift Store, the ice cream parlor, the library or lending by lending a hand in the many campus activities such as the Country Fair and the Arts Alliance concerts.  Help with fundraising efforts is always needed as the organization relies on donations and community support.  Patty Johnson, volunteer coordinator commented "Working with the volunteers always gives me such joy.  I love combining people's talents with the needs of our residents.  It's a win-win combination!"

 

To become a volunteer, make a donation or for more information on Christian City, call 770-964-3301 or go on line www.christiancity.org