Open Arms Christian Ministries

Since 1985, Open Arms Christian Ministries, located in Greene County near Switz City, has provided homes and education to those who need hope in a desperate time in their lives. This mission is based upon the belief that all youth have fundamental rights to a healthy home environment, good parents, and a wholesome family life that is God focused. Open Arms Christian Ministries, a 401C not for profit organization, offers hope to youth through several avenues of service.

What do we do here at Open Arms? The Miriam Home The Miriam Home has the philosophy and subsequent approach to child care that often provides a troubled youth with their first positive parenting experience. Those youth in the Miriam Home, on average, have experienced eight other placements before Open Arms. They may have been abandoned, neglected, and/or physically/sexually abused (most often by family). Thus by the time they arrive, they may be extremely angry, defensive, hostile, and aggressive. They have learned how to survive by either turning their anger outwardly on the world or inwardly upon themselves. Although we are licensed for youth ages 6-21, we specialize in female youth ages 14 and older, and youth with attachment issues. We work with youth who have a history of past alcohol/drug abuse, conduct disorders, sexual offenses, running away, and truancy. Structure and reality therapy are an important part of the environment provided for them. Changes for these youth come because they are given the opportunity to learn how to take control of their lives. As they learn how their choices affect their present life, the youth begin to see how present decisions affect their future. Change occurs because the youth decides to change. Program Description •Biological family members are involved in a youth's program whenever possible. •Individual and/or group counseling offered on campus near Switz City with a consulting therapist available every week for assessments, and evaluations. •A wholesome family environment. •On-grounds tutoring offered twice weekly (or as needed). •Participation in community activities in order to enrich them by giving to others is encouraged. •Independent living skills are taught. •Church-related activities are enjoyed. Program Philosophy The Open Arms Residential Treatment Facility's program is reality based. The agency believes all behavior has meaning. Therefore, it addresses each youth’s issues that have proven to be destructive by assisting the youth to carefully consider the decisions they are making in their life. Open Arms firmly believes that every youth has the ability to make good choices. We believe all youth have the fundamental right to a wholesome, stimulating family atmosphere. Therefore, the program is designed to provide a safe, secure, stable setting within the context of a caring family home. Facility Information The Miriam Home is a two-story 10,000 square foot home that houses up to twelve youth. Upstairs, along with the bedrooms and bathrooms, lies a large family style dining room, a kitchen, a laundry room, a living room and a level room. Downstairs lies the tutoring room, an activity room with exercise equipment and a ping pong table. What is Foster Parenting? Children in foster care have been removed from their home due to abuse and neglect. They are in need of loving temporary homes to keep them safe until they are reunited with family, are adopted or move into independent living. In other words they are modern day orphans in need of a family. Potential Foster parents with Open Arms must: ■Be 21 years of age or older ■Have a stable income from another source ■Have adequate space in their home to accommodate foster children ■Complete state licensing and training requirements, including a physical exam, positive references, and criminal background checks ■Be willing to love a child unconditionally As a foster parent you will receive: Services and support, including, ongoing training, 24-hour staff support, counseling services, financial reimbursement, and respite care. Two different licenses are available: ■Therapeutic Foster Parent ■Standard Foster Parent Once licensed, Open Arms assists with placement and case management for children placed in the home. Becoming a foster parent opens a door of opportunity for you to make a difference in the life of one child. To learn additional requirements, receive more information and/or to request a licensing packet email Marcie Dierdorf at marcie@openarmschristian.com. Adoption Currently, in the state of Indiana there are 11,401 children in foster care. Approximately 200 of those whose parents’ rights have been terminated remain un-adopted in state care. These children need Christian families to reach out to them and show them love. If you are considering adoption, Open Arms offers: ■Foster to Adopt. Open Arms offers home studies, training, counseling services and ongoing support for those who long to adopt a child in need through our foster parent training program. ■Private Home Studies. All adoptions require a home study. Open Arms can provide this service to the public for a charge. For more information on either of these services please contact Marcie Dierdorf at marcie@openarmschristian.com or at 812-659-2533. Turning Point Education Center (TPEC) Turning Point is an Adult Basic Education (A.B.E) & High School Equivalency (HSE) Preparation Program operated by Open Arms. Our mission statement is as follows: Turning Point Education Center is dedicated to maintaining the highest degree of academic excellence within the context of a trusting, respectful, and moral environment. The environment will help students gain knowledge and goal setting skills necessary to make sound decisions regarding their futures and to become productive and responsible students. 4516 W SR 54, Bloomfield, IN 47424 This past year there have been more than 60 graduates from TPEC. The center also has the highest graduation rate in the state among adult education programs. Who uses Turning Point? (Adult Basic Education) ■Persons behind on high school credits. ■Persons wanting to prepare for the HSE. ■Persons wanting to brush up on math, reading, or English skills. ■High school graduates who want to upgrade and enhance skills. ■Out-of-school youth (16 years & older). ■Persons preparing for college & vocational admissions tests. ■Persons wanting to improve employment opportunities and gain confidence. ■Parents wanting to help their children with homework & success in school. Turning Point Education Opportunities Turning Point offers three educational opportunities: ■HSE Preparation (16 years and older). This program is designed to help increase basic skills in Reading, English, Writing, and Math. It is available in a classroom setting with one-on-one instruction as well as online to students who qualify. ■High School Credit Classes (16 years and older). This program is a self-paced program that assists students to earn the credits they are lacking toward receiving their diploma. ■WorkIN. Microsoft Office Specialist course offered at Turning Point to earn certification in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.