TFH invites YOU to "Ring the Bell of Hope with us!"

The onsite school at TFH is busting at the seams and needs your help. TFH is building a two classroom school with a library and gymnasium to accommodate the growing educational needs of youth in our care. Given the abuse and traumatic backgrounds of the youth at TFH, they need a specialized environment to foster learning, healing and social development. Educational services will also be available for students who are unsuccessful in the public school setting.

The Classroom needs:

  • - Desks & Chairs
  • - Laptop Computer/Software
  • - AV Equipment
  • - Art Supplies
  • - Black/White Boards
  • - Educational Games

The Gynmasium needs:

  • - Colored Parachute
  • - Gym Mats
  • - Tables/Chairs/Benches
  • - Stop Watches
  • - Sporting Goods
  • - Fitness Supplies

The Library needs:

  • - Bookshelves
  • - Large Table & Chairs
  • - Bulletin Board
  • - Books/Videos
  • - Reference Materials
  • - Maps/Magazines

Testimonials

Kia Jane Richmond, Assistant Professor of English-Secondary Education at NMU - “For the youth at Teaching Family Homes, I find that books are just another way for them to reach both into themselves for self-understanding and outside of themselves to develop empathy. When visiting the TFH campus, many youngsters ran up to me to tell me what they were reading. Their enthusiasm for reading was tangible and I was filled with pride and joy when I saw how much the young people wanted to read and to have their own books.”

Teresa Zielinski, Retired Special Education Teacher - “Because the youth served by Teaching Family Homes (TFH) come with challenging backgrounds and behaviors, learning is more difficult than for the average student.  At the TFH School we want to build on student strengths and gifts. Troubled students served by TFH deserve to be educated in a place and manner that will encourage them to be shining stars and live a healthy, active life.”

Irv Dieterle, Retired Educator and Basketball Coach - “Sports and recreation activities are very important in a youth’s personal development, building life skills and teaching responsibility. Children need to be provided with opportunities for recreational activities that are fun, challenging and allow them to develop self-esteem and build healthy relationships. Not only are these activities important for teaching social skills, but they can also enhance learning opportunities and provide a healthy alternative to drugs, alcohol and other at-risk behaviors.”