From the burden of one individual, Our Father’s Arrows was formed.
The mother of three biological children, three adoptive children, and one foster child found herself with a burden so heavy on her heart she could not sleep.
“I felt the burden about 10 years ago,” shared Sarah Ellis of the Fidelis Community. “I dismissed my thoughts about the calling God placed on my heart as too big, too much which just couldn’t happen.”
In January of 2013 the feeling Ellis avoided for so long could not be denied any more. “I started researching and praying,” continued Ellis.
Ellis united a committee of 44 volunteers who eagerly joined in her mission. They all have an abundance of passion for children and for following their Christian beliefs.
Ellis worries about children who need love, children who have been dealt difficult circumstances at an early age.
“There are so many children in need,” said Ellis, “children who are hard to place in a home. There is so much work to be done for our children,” Ellis said. “Children who are older than the age of 10, who have special needs, are minority; children with siblings who do not need to be separated are just a few examples of the needs in our communities.”
Ellis visions providing assistance with any of the needs families and or children may encounter. “We want a food bank, clothing available and a safe place if needed.”
She strongly believes in the good within all people, especially those of Northwest Florida. “Not everyone can provide a home for an adoptive child or a foster child, but everyone can do something important in the life of a child. Even if is making a gallon of tea to use in a fundraiser.”
Ellis and her committee members have each accepted different leadership roles to ensure every capacity of serving children in need is fulfilled and the importance of a supportive organization likes My Father’s Arrows can operate and be of value. “I want our community to know what the real needs are.”
One board member who serves as vice-president of My Father’s Arrows, Carly Enfinger has known Ellis for six years. “My Father’s Arrows is working so hard to make a difference,” Enfinger shared. She herself struggles with the thought of siblings having to be separated in times of crisis, “I cannot imagine been torn away from my sister.”
The hope is to educate the public about the needs of children, to help open eyes and hearts to the roles that anyone an assist with. “There is a need for Guardians-ad-Litem, fundraising, mentoring and compassion.”
“I just want to inspire our communities to realize that these children are truly a blessing from the Lord,” she continues. “We need to pull everyone together and unite as a resource.”
“I have learned so much from children service organizations like Children and Families and Family First,” Ellis stated. “There is such a need, such a burden. These organizations do so much good for our children and families. I just want to open people’s eyes to what we can all do to assist these organizations and offer an avenue for our local residents to make a difference.” These organizations have welcomed Ellis’ involvement and determination. Her willingness to support their efforts is being noticed and respected.
Ellis said she has encountered a lot of negative attitudes within the public. “The stipends that are provided to families who fill the role of caregiver are not adequate. People who take in children are definitely not doing it for the monthly check. We are seeing success stories. Just last week a family who had never considered opening their home took in three siblings. This family stepped up for the children,” she said.
The desire to have a physical location for their group and then to build a foster care home locally is also on the heart of Ellis.
“These children deserve the same as our own kids,” Ellis emotionally shared. “We need churches and civic groups to let us share our mission with us so that we can educate them on how they can offer assistance.
Ten years ago the thought crossed my mind and heart that someone should do something for our children and families in crisis. I am that someone, you are that someone,” Ellis’ voiced quivered as she said, “I can rest better knowing that we are making progress for our children.”
“We just have to pull everyone together,” Ellis added. “Phase one of our mission is working. We just need everyone to unite with us whether in prayer, time, financial support, donations that we can post on our online fundraising site that others may purchase, and or just to be there for a child.”
Enfinger summarizes her outlook about My Father’s Arrows and children, “If we are able bodied, why we would not do something for God’s children?”
For more information visit My Father’s Arrows web site at www.myfathersarrows.organd like them also on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: My Father’s Arrows works to fulfill children’s need for stability