Children’s Homes Partners Dedicate
New Home for Developmentally Delayed Women
May 17, 2010
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Dr. Jerry Haag, president of the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes speaks at the dedication of the new care home in Fort Myers for developmentally delayed ladies. The home was constructed by Protected Harbor and will be managed by the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes.
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Dr. Hayes Wicker, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Naples presents one of his Bibles to the new care home for developmentally delayed ladies. Cleo Pappas, a developmentally delayed lady from First Baptist Naples accepted the Bible on behalf of the home.
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Pictured is the new care home for developmentally delayed ladies that was dedicated on May 16. The new home will house six developmentally delayed ladies with their own bedroom and bathroom as well as separate living quarters for caregivers.
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Hayes Wicker, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Naples and a group of volunteers cut the ribbon on the new care home for developmentally delayed ladies in Fort Myers.
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LAKELAND, Fla. – A dream that started nearly ten years ago by a group of parents of developmentally delayed adults at First Baptist Church Naples was finally realized on Sunday, May 16 when the new home for developmentally delayed ladies, called Protected Harbor, was dedicated in Fort Myers.
The new care home, which will be managed by the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, is approximately 5,200 square feet and will be able to house six developmentally delayed ladies with their own bedroom and bathroom as well as separate living quarters for caregivers.
“The ladies will receive round the clock quality care as well as instruction on living skills. They will also have vocational opportunities and be able to participate in various enrichment and social activities. In addition they will be encouraged to grow spiritually and emotionally,” said Dr. Jerry Haag, president of the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes.
The Children’s Homes has been providing services to developmentally delayed adults for more than 20 years and currently operates a home for developmentally delayed ladies on its Lakeland campus called the Sonshine Residence.
The new care home came about through the partnership of the Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, McGregor Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Naples, the Royal Palm Baptist Association, and Protected Harbor. Protected Harbor is a faith-based nonprofit corporation that was formed nearly ten years ago specifically to raise funds for the construction and maintenance of the home.
Haag spoke to the more than 100 people gathered at the dedication. “We aren’t dedicating a building here today. We are dedicating a home and a ministry. This is a place where six special ladies will call home. Generations will eventually call this place home,” Haag said.
“This is a true partnership effort. It is a great example of how the Body of Christ has come together to help those who are not able to help themselves.”
Everett Rafferty, director of missions for the Royal Palm Baptist Association said that the new care home was evidence of a strong cooperative spirit among numerous organizations and individuals.
Hayes Wicker, senior pastor of First Baptist Church Naples delivered the message at the dedication. “This place is sacred space. God raised up a group of people to do great things here,” Wicker said.
“Although these have been tough economic times, this home came together in exactly one year from the time we broke ground. God has brought about a unique effort,” Wicker said. “The Word of God will be taught in this home. Lives will be encouraged and built up.”
At the conclusion of his message Wicker presented one of his Bibles to the home. Cleo Pappas, a developmentally delayed lady from First Baptist Naples accepted the Bible on behalf of the home.
