Bashor to add new school building to campus

GOSHEN, Ind. - Ground was broken and fundraising efforts are under way at a North Indiana United Methodist-related children's home.

"Yesterday, Today. Tomorrow . A Campaign for the Educational Future of Bashor Children's Home" is easily the most ambitious project agency has launched in its 83-year history. The project will add approximately 26,000 square feet to the existing 8,000 square foot school building at a projected cost of $4 million.

Improvements include:

Eleven classrooms for the alternative school, residential education program and the newly created elementary program,
Individual science lab, arts and crafts room and computer lab,
Library and media center,
Expanded dining room and food service facilities,
Conference rooms and group rooms for family counseling sessions and parent-teacher conferences and
Serenity courtyard for quiet time, reflection and private family time.

"This building has been designed to welcome children and their families," President and CEO Don Phillips explains. "Many of our families can be intimidated by typical school settings. They didn't have positive school experiences themselves and avoid coming back when their own children need help. We want to create an atmosphere where they feel more comfortable and accepted."

Why build now?

The demand for space and services dictates immediate action. Bashor now serves 77 percent more children than it did in 2002. The average daily census has climbed to 110 clients - about 75 in residential care and 35 or more attending during the day for the alternative school or elementary program. At first, Bashor used the basements of the cottages and the board room to meet the increased need for space. Then Bashor brought in used portable classrooms.

"The clock started the minute the portables arrived," Phillips said. "They (portables) have been a God-send because we could receive more kids, but it sends the wrong message. We were saying there was a place that cares for kids at risk and wanted to help them but when they arrived on campus, their classroom was a portable. There were two choices: do this or say 'no' to kids."

According to the home's officials, Bashor has emerged as a regional provider for children's services. Boys and girls from 20 different counties have been provided help for today and hope for tomorrow during the first six months of 2006. Bashor officials expect the service area to continue expanding.

Meeting needs

"What we try to do is if we see a need, we try to meet it," Phillips explains. The counties we serve realize we care about these kids . they keep coming back for help. Once we get involved, we'll be involved for as long as they need us. That mindset has brought us a lot of kids. Eighty percent of the battle with kids is getting them to believe in themselves. That's what we give them. Any kid that comes back and keeps trying, we'll be there for them. Eventually, they'll make it."

Chris and Sue Graff of Middlebury chair the campaign committee responsible for conducting the fundraising campaign.

"This is about taking care or our kids," Chris says. "I don't know there is anything more important that we can do in our community. These kids need us.

"Once people hear the story (of) and see these kids, they get passionate about it."
For more information on this project, please contact Vince Turner at 574-875-5117 or by e-mail at bashorumcvt@aol.com. A free informational video also is available.

Last updated on 25 Apr 2008

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