Thornwell News

At Thornwell, there's always something fun, educational, encouraging, and nurturing going on! Just take a look at our calendar or browse through our Photo Gallery and see for yourself. We also have links to up-to-date news about our campus and all the goings-on. You can even send a postcard created by our children to a friend or support Thornwell with merchandise purchased for yourself, family members, or friends. To stay connected, sign up for emails.

blue_ribbon

June 24, 2009

Shelia_Moses_Event_Web Award winning author Shelia Moses is coming to Thornwell's campus to conduct a writing workshop for the children and youth of Thornwell. Please join us on Tuesday evening, July 7, for an author's reception at the Gillam Center for the Performing Arts. Doors open at 7:00 pm. Refreshments to follow.

Event Questions? Click here!

Read the Press Release.

blue_ribbon

June 18, 2009

Congratulations Thornwell Graduates!

Seven of Thornwell’s high school seniors, along with hundreds of other Clinton High School graduates, gathered in the Clinton High School gymnasium for one last time as students. Brophy_Grads As they crossed the stage to receive their diplomas, one by one they became 2009 graduates and Clinton High School alumni.

Silliman_Grads As part of the Thornwell family, each of our graduates has used his or her time on campus to learn, grow and prepare for life after high school.

All of these graduates will take part in Thornwell's Preparation for Independent Living program - a program designed to help graduates prepare for life on their own, both during and after college. Kevin_M

Congratulations (L to R) to Lynn, Edwina, Maurissa, Jolie, Ashley, Kayla and Kevin!

blue_ribbon

May 15, 2009

Thornwell Celebrates Fifth Annual

Family Teacher Appreciation Day

On Tuesday, May 12, Thornwell Home for Children held its fifth annual Family Teacher Appreciation Day, in honor of the hard work and dedication of all those who care for Thornwell’s children on a daily basis.

The theme this year was a Southwestern Fiesta, complete with maracas, sombreros, piñatas and great food, courtesy of Moe’s Southwestern Grill. All Family Teachers were presented with the annual Family Teacher Celebration FTA_Tshirt_Winnter T-shirt, designed by Thornwell Family Teacher, Kerry Goodson.

Family Teachers were also presented with other gifts and awards. Among those honored were Jim and Cathy Cornelius and Kerry Goodson for their outstanding work with teenage boys. The much anticipated Practitioner of the Year Award was presented to Family Teachers, Ken and April Haywald. Haywalds_webphoto

“The Practitioner of the Year Award is very special,” said Program Director, Keri Chavis, just before the award presentation. “It is given based on the votes of fellow practitioners and administrators, and honors the Family Teachers who provide an extraordinary level of service to the children they serve. The recipients are considered role models in the Teaching-Family Model of care by their peers.”

The Haywalds have been Family Teachers at Thornwell for the past seven and a half years. They are seven times certified in the Teaching-Family Model and are currently working with the elementary school girls of Wilson Cottage.

blue_ribbon

May 6, 2009

First Presbyterian Church Saint Marys, GA Sunday School offering given to support Thornwell's Children

Tyler Kinson, member of First Presbyterian Church, Saint Marys, Georgia, presented Nancy Lindeman with a check for $128.94 for the children of Thornwell from the children of Saint Marys Church. The children of the church collected the funds during Lent. In addition to this offering, the church gives its Sunday School offering each Sunday to Thornwell.

L_to_R____Nancy_Lindeman__Tyler_Kinson_and_Rev

“When the offering is taken each week, someone from the church always says, ‘The children of Thornwell thank you!’” said Nancy. “It was nice to be there in person to say ‘thank you,’ on behalf of Thornwell’s children.”

Pictured on the left: Nancy Lindeman, Tyler Kinson, and Pastor Rick Douylliez.

In addition to First PC Saint Marys’ long-standing support of Thornwell, Saint Marys pastor, Rick Douylliez, serves on Thornwell’s Board of Trustees. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank Pastor Rick and the members of Saint Marys Church for all they do to support Thornwell’s children.

blue_ribbon

April 27, 2009

Thornwell's Board Of Visitors visit Campus

On Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24, thirty-seven members of Thornwell’s Board of Visitors came for a two-day stay on campus to learn all about the many programs offered to the children and youth of Thornwell, as well as the community.

09_Benefactor_Award After arriving on campus late Thursday morning, these enthusiastic, Thornwell advocates from all over Florida, Georgia and South Carolina, began their visit with a time of fellowship over lunch, then, an afternoon tour of the farm and the Learning Center, followed by a visit to a cottage.

On Thursday evening, the entire campus gathered at the dining hall for a barbeque dinner, where Board of Visitors Chairman, Rich Brashear, presented the annual award for Thornwell’s Distinguished Benefactor to Lake Murray Presbyterian Church, Chapin, SC. Mr. Brashear also presented Thornwell employee, Larry Smith, with the Distinguished Service Award.

09_Service_Award Afterwards, the members of the Board of Visitors gathered together in the Nelson Building to hear from some of the children and youth about their experiences living at Thornwell. At the end of the evening, Rich summed up the day by saying, “I wish everyone could experience what each of us has had the opportunity to experience today. Thornwell is truly a remarkable place.”

On Friday morning, Thornwell staff gathered with the Board of Visitors on last time to provide them with the materials and information they needed, as they prepared to go back to their own communities to share the Thornwell story with their family, friends and church members.

We would like to thank each and every Board of Visitors member for taking the time to visit our campus, learn about our programs, and carry the wonderful story of the work of this ministry with them into their communities.

2009 Distiguished Benefactor Award Press Release

2009 Distiguished Service Award Press Release

blue_ribbon

March 25, 2009

Florida's Port Orange Presbyterian Preschool holds a Bike-a-thon and Hop-a-thon to benefit Thornwell

Teresa Schwalbe of Port Orange Presbyterian Preschool writes:

Our preschoolers had a great time participating in the fundraiser. While our 3-year old children conducted a Hop-a-thon, hopping as many hops as they could, our 4-year old classes brought their bicycles, tricycles and three wheelers to drive around our makeshift highway. They had a great time and learned about giving to [others].