OPEN HOUSE FOR SHEPHERD'S COVE FOSTER HOME TO BE THIS WEEKEND

GORDONVILLE -- Danielle Bellew has one wish for the four foster children she and her husband care for: She wants them to have a chance at a normal childhood.

"These kids deserve every bit of a chance, and that's what they're getting," she said.

The Bellew's four foster children will be joined by others at a new children's home, Shepherd's Cove.

The children's home, a project of Abundant Life Church in Gordonville, is holding an open house this weekend.

The house will be open Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. both days. People will be on hand both days to give tours and to answer questions about the project.

"We are currently foster parents," Bellew said. "But we wanted to be able to care for more children. We just outgrew our house."

Finishing touches on the home are still being done. The carpet and flooring have yet to be laid. But those touring the house will have a look at the floor plan and can learn about the project.

"We want to give people a good look at what Shepherd's Cove is really all about," said David Butler, pastor of Abundant Life Church. "Everyone who has driven by in the past six months is welcome to come in and take a look."

Shepherd's Cove Children's Home is associated with Abundant Life Church but isn't a church project, the pastor said. The church donated land for the building. A non-profit organization, Christian Ministry International, was set up to oversee the project. Butler is the organization's president. Church members have volunteered their help to build and maintain the home.

The structure has six rooms for foster children, three for girls and three for boys, with two children per room. In addition, two bedrooms are set aside for the foster family.

Work on the building is about 90 percent complete, but two large construction projects are still waiting.

The house is on the eastern part of the church's 10-acre tract.

A 4-inch water main must be run from Highway 25 to the home, at an estimated cost of $16,000. In addition, the house requires three septic tanks, at an estimated cost of $12,000.

"We've had several surprises in this construction," Butler said. "And quite honestly, we've run out of money."

Throughout the project several local businesses and individuals have donated. Butler and church members are in the process of doing some additional fund raising to get the final parts of the project complete.

"I have faith that the money will come through," Butler said. He expects the home to be operational within 30 to 45 days.

Shepherd's Cove will be a licensed foster care home, housing up to 12 children. Children, ages 6 to 18 years, will be placed in the home through the Division of Family Services.

House parents Howard and Danielle Bellew are experienced foster parents who are also members of the Abundant Life Church.

The plan is to house six or eight children on a semi-permanent basis. The additional beds would be available for emergency placements. Sometimes children need to be placed in foster care for a day or two while other arrangements are made.

The idea of a children's home has been around for several years at Abundant Life Church. About two years ago the church congregation decided to proceed with the project.

"It's our heart-felt obligation to do whatever we can for the good of our community," Butler said.

"We've seen just this week what can happen with children ages 12, 13 or 14 when something goes wrong. We want to be a positive impact in their lives," said Butler.

Bellew agreed. In the three years she has been a foster parent, she has cared for more than 30 children, some for one night and others for months.

"I've seen so many kids who maybe to other people were nothing," she said. "But I've seen them, with love and some stability, change. It's awesome to see. These kids are wonderful."