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Visit our website atwww.cherishcenter.org

KCompassion and Care

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

Paid Okoboji, IA

Permit No. 1003

Box 1003Okoboji, IA 51355712-338-3333

Address services requested

Physical Location: 1004 22nd Street, Milford,2 blocks south of Perkins712-338-3333 info@cherishcenter.orgMailing address: Box 1003, Okoboji, IA 51355

CHERISH HOUSE (maternity home for teens)

PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING

Pregnancy Testing

RESOURCES FOR YOUNG MOMS (including pregnancy testing, coun-seling, adoption support)

MARRIAGE MATTERS Mentoring for married couples

PARENTS CONNECT(young parents group)

MENTOR MOMS/MENTORS FOR MENEARN WHILE YOU LEARN (parent training)

THEE GARAGE SALE (providing low and no-cost items for those in need)

NO APOLOGIES FOR TEENS/TWEENS (sexual abstinence training for teens)

FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE

MOTHER/SON FUN NIGHT

Available at

raised in healthy homes, were the two factors which led me towards getting involved in raising up this organization. There was then a subsequent call a year or two later where I literally heard the voice of God in my dining room as He said, “I have called you to do the work of Shepherd’s Fold.” I cried, “but God...you don’t see my heart.” And He responded…”I will call whom I will call.” From then on I knew that I was not the perfect executive director, but I was the “called” executive director. (I have so many other stories like this...for another time.)I will greatly miss the connections I have had with many of you. Some of you have been great encouragers and others

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truly good friends who shared my passion for the work of this organization. I cannot thank you enough. I treasure your continued friendship.Change is not difficult for me -- it actually energizes me -- and even though I will grieve the loss of daily contact with some very wonderful people (clients, staff, donors, and volunteers) I look forward to the next steps that God has for this organization and also for my life (including a little extra time to get those walleyes!) Your prayers are needed...that God would continue the great work He is doing here. Pray also for me. There will be grief in the “loss of this child" organization that I had the responsibility of “raising” during the past 13-14

years. If I look a little numb and an occasional tear in my eyes, I know you will understand. May God be glorified in the transition!Jan Kinterviewing process for the new executive director. “The staff and Board of Directors of Cherish Center are very thankful to Jan for her faithful service and dedication to Cherish Center. We celebrate all that was accomplished by God through her passionate leadership. I look forward to assuming the reigns of the ministry as we seek the next Executive Director.”

KIn this IssueCherished Gifts . . . . . . . 2Governeors Award . . . . 3Join Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Providing a HOME and HOPE for young women in need

Compassion and Care

Volume 14, Issue 2 • Summer 2013

BY JAN TURNER

It is with very mixed emotions that I write

this column today. I have reached the age of retirement and need to pass the reigns of this organization to the next generation.My plan to retire was announced at our annual One In Heart Banquet and the board decided to have an interim director as they proceed with the interviewing process of a new director. I look forward with hope to where this organization can go from here. As many of you know, when God calls, He provides. I have seen that countless times in the raising up of Cherish Center. It was seemingly impossible, especially in our small rural area, but it happened and today we can offer services that are seldom available in small communities.I remember the first “call” I sensed when a letter went out to members of the community about the possibility of a maternity home. My service on the school board and state board, as well as the gratefulness that my grandchildren were being

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Jan Turner Retires after 14 Years

Jan Turner, executive director of Cherish Center, has announced her retirement

from the position that she has held since the non-profit organization was formed 14 years ago.Cherish Center was originally formed as Shepherd’s Fold in 1999 with the purpose of building a maternity home called Cherish House. Jan led the drive to raise $400,000 to purchase a lot in Spirit Lake and to fund the construction of Cherish House in 2004 and 2005. It opened in 2006 and to date has served 45 teen mothers, their babies, and their extended families. She also put other programs into place to meet the needs she saw in the community, including mentoring and parenting programs, the No Apologies program, and most recently professional counseling services. Thee Garage Sale, Plants to Cherish Sale, and the Father-Daughter Dance were also started and expanded under her leadership.The organization was originally housed in small rental spaces on a side street in Milford and later expanded to their current location (Cherish Center/Thee Garage Sale) on the north end of Milford.Jan has served under three presidents during her tenure: Gary Owens, Bethany Brands, and currently Laurie Simington (pictured standing). During 2000-2005, she produced eight “Okoboji Sonshine” concerts which brought area church musicians together for a community concert. Continuing to emphasize the value of working across denominational lines, she also brought area youth pastors together every month to work together on projects, including the No Apologies events. Also meeting monthly at Cherish Center during the past two years have been social service agencies and other non-profit leaders (CPPC) who work together to make life better for kids. “Few small communities can offer the services we are now offering, and we’ve done it without government funding,” Jan said. “It’s happened because area churches, civic organizations, and generous individuals have cared enough to financially invest in this grass-roots organization and the people it serves. I am so grateful for the staff, the board, the many volunteers, and our generous donors who helped make this dream become a reality. Many, many lives have been impacted.”“While my work here has ended, I will continue to tell others as I have told the clients that we serve through Cherish Center, that there is a God that loves them, that He sees them as a person of value, and that He has a good plan for their life,” Jan concluded. Laurie Simington, current president of the Cherish Center Board of Directors, has agreed to serve as interim director while the Board completes the search and

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GIVING FOR OTHERSK KAllie Green by Beth HagbergStephanie Niccum & Aiden by Mark & Monica NiccumMy four children by Kathy CondonMy grandchildren by Ardyce DodgeMy mom Mary Jean, mother of 10 by Senator David JohnsonHeidi & Kingston by Scott & Jamin TrautmanHeather and Casey, our children’s birthmoms by Mark & Kristina CampbellMy adopted nephews Parker & Braedyn by Lori BirklandMallory by Ruth HobsonJan Turner and her dream fulfilled by Rev. Donna GrayJeanette Roetman by Carla RoetmanOur baby’s due date by Jordan & Karla EllisAlynn Ingledue, our granddaughter by David & Jane KruseGeorge Kruger by Gary & Denise TolzmannMy birth/biological mother by Abbey RudenLuella Kruse by Ron & Wanda BechlerPastor Eric & Connie Hullstrom who have adopted a baby girl by Karin TrosineJan Turner’s Dream by Garland CarverIn honor of Jan Turner's retirement by Rick & Dianne PorterIn memory of:Margaret Cravens by Dennis & Dori LipponDarlene Petersen & Dorothy Ann Schueneman by Arthur & Kay SchuenemanMary Kroon by Lois NortheyPatricia Jones by Charles Jones

Cherished gifts can be sent to Cherish Center Box

1003, Okoboji, IA 51355

Mission Statement

To transform lives, strengthen families,

enhance communities."...I know what I am planning

for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you,

not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good

future." Jeremiah 29:11"This is pure and undefiled

religion, to visit orphans and widows in their

distress..." James 1:27

BOARD OF DIRECTORSLaurie Simington, President Mark Leiss, Vice President

Dave Butterworth, Secretary Pastor Russell Muilenburg Brad Olsen, Shelly Robison

Aimee DietzenbachINTERIM EXECUTIVE

DIRECTOR Laurie Simington

CHERISH CENTER OFFICE STAFF

Jane Loveall, Financial Adm Sonya Anthes, Office Manager Melissa Graves, Staff Counselor

Karen Kosse, Baby Bottle Coordinators

HOUSE PARENTS Kevin & Patti Johnson

RELIEF HOUSE PARENTS Ronna Dirks Lyn Messer Ellen Moffit Diane Porter

PARENTS CONNECT Erika Graves

Kevin Johnson Patti Johnson

THEE GARAGE SALE 712-338-3334

Warren Jager, Manager

CHERISH CENTER office 712-338-3333

info@cherishcenter.org www.cherishcenter.org

CherishedGifts

In Honor of Betty Louscher by Dee Dee McCoyJoel & Sadie Hansen by Harold HansenBaby Cash Rolling by Mary KriegerDorothy Janvrin by Karrey LindebergBetty Schmitz & Vonna McCloud by Alan & Dee SchmitzBaby Girl Granddaughter by Nona Lair-KleinTopsy Cramer by Joan SchneiderLena Jansen by Nona Lair-KleinOur mothers Myra Kindwall & Lucille Cook by Ron & Janet KindwallCathy Hough by Jason & Josie HoughIsabella Elizabeth McGary, 10th great-grandchild of Anita DrysdaleStephanie Niccum and my adoptive parents Jim & Peg Ebel by Julie EbelThe Hessenius Family by Ken & Cheryl HesseniusKenna Marie Roan, Rilynn Marie Mercer, Kaylea Joy Miltenberger, Baby Roan & Baby Mercer by Marietta Smith-KruseJoslin Winkowitsch by Darwin & Jo WinkowitschJan Turner by Pastor Karl & Pastor Jan WhitemanMy mom Jan Turner by Tara Rabenberg

Make a "Cherished Gift"

in honor of someone special.

Angela Rolling by Vaughn & Pam WickhamGertrude Elser Lenz by Merlyn & Norma KriensMerle Simpson by Skeeter & Sally LawrenceMerle Simpson by Leona SimpsonJenean Hall by Gene & Diana JacobsenAgnes Potter by David & Helen SmidtAlma Van Kley by Stephen & Leanne Van KleySarah Rolfes by Kim IngwersenMartha Swanson by Linda WeberDavid Stein, Sr. by Connie SteinMargaret Johnson by Judy Ann JohnsonMary Haakinson by Betty ElginAaron Clark by Deborah ClarkJoe Carroll by Mary Coats CarrollSpenser by Dr. Steve & Sandy BaskervilleBradley Graham Jr. by Francel GrahamGraham Petty by Scott & Julie PettyAngela Johnson by Doug & Amy KueperVivian Fisher by Cleo & Phyllis JohnsonMarjorie Wassink by Deona VandeBergCarol Spear by Mark & Mary BehrendsLynn Oskvig by Carroll & Martha Oskvig

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CARING FOR OTHERSK K

While it is not unusual for TGS volunteers to find $1 or $5 here or there as they sort through and clean books, purses, and luggage imagine Jean Mahannah’s surprise when she found $1400 in cash as she was cleaning out a cookbook! Fortunately for the donor, Jean and the TGS staff remembered who had donated the box of books. TGS store manager Warren Jager was able to return the money that same day. The owner was very thankful as she was moving out of town that same day and the displaced money had been set aside for her deposit and first month’s rent.

$1,400 FoundJEAN MAHANNAHRECEIVES GOVERNORS AWARD

Jean Mahannah of Arnolds Park was the recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Award 2013 at a special recognition ceremony of volunteers from throughout the state in June.Show above with Jean is Governor Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds. Jean is a longtime volunteer at Thee Garage Sale and was nominated by Warren Jager, manager of the store, and Jan Turner, Executive Director of Cherish Center. Thee Garage Sale helps raise funds for Cherish House (a maternity home for teens located in the lakes area) and other programs for Cherish Center. The Governor’s Volunteer Awards program was created in 1982. What began as a small program only available to state government agencies has expanded over the years and now provides all Iowa nonprofit, charitable, and government organizations a way to honor their volunteers with a prestigious state-level recognition award. Several hundred volunteers are recognized each year.Iowa ranks among the top three states for volunteerism. “The Governor and I sincerely congratulate all of this year’s award recipients,” said Lt. Governor Reynolds. “All are very deserving of the honor, and we thank them for their tremendous and selfless efforts and devotion to make a difference.”

WelcomeSonya Anthes

We would like to welcome Sonya Anthes to our

position of Office Support Staff. Sonya will be taking over for Emily Parrott who has accepted a job at Iowa Lakes Community College. We thank Emily for her years of service to Cherish Center.

Sonya is originally from Mississippi, and has a wonderful southern accent to prove it! She lives in Jackson, MN with her husband Mike and dog Bella. When you call or stop in please join us in welcoming Sonya to our team. Sonya serves in the office answering phones, managing the website, and taking care of staff needs.

We LoveOur

Volunteers