DBS Brief

August 1, 2008

Welcome to the first edition of the DBS Brief. We plan to bring you regular, concise, bulleted updates on DBS programs, services and developing partnerships with Regions, Areas and Congregations. This e-mail is being distributed to all Regional and Area Ministers. If you know of others who might like to receive this newletter, please shoot an e-mail to mrcrawford@nbacares.org. Of course, your feedback on this newsletter is also invited.

· Chaplaincy Care – The program is running at full speed at the Barton W. Stone Home and surrounding community in Jacksonville, Ill. Chaplain Gladys Herzog has made such an impact on residents, families and staff, that we are now planning to soon hire a second chaplain to help serve the community. The program is about to be launched in Des Moines, Iowa, to serve the residents and staff at Ramsey Home, as well as the surrounding community.

· ECHO – In partnership with Memorial Boulevard Christian Church, area preschool and elementary children are attending VBS during the first week of August. A community Back-to-School Fair is scheduled for August 9 and school-aged children will receive free school supplies, backpacks and underwear. Information booths and workshops are available for parent workshops. Southeast Gateway Area (SEGA) congregations have helped by collecting school supplies for this event. The 16^th annual YTB Lou Brock Golf Classic benefiting ECHO is taking place August 4 in Chesterfield, Mo. As a sponsor of St. Louis Restoration Network, we are partnering to feed the underprivileged and homeless in the community.

· Florida Christian Center – FCC published and mailed its first newsletter, reconnecting with friends and donors throughout the Florida and Alabama-Northwest Florida Regions. A partnership with a local health and rehab organization provides opportunities for healthy lifestyle choices for the residents in the area.

· Woodhaven – Plans are underway to build an additional home in Columbia, Mo., where Woodhaven serves more than 100 developmentally disabled adults in community-based homes and apartments. During 2007, 108 men and women were served in the Community Living Program in 45 homes and apartments.

· CSCA – Children’s Services for Children in Alabama has recently expanded its Family Preservation program in the 6-county area surrounding Selma. Specially trained professionals work with families to teach them the skills and provide them with the resources necessary to keep the family unit intact.

· Personal Care Homes – DBS staff are taking steps to develop “just like home” residences for older adults who need daily living assistance but not nursing home or medical care. The residences will serve between 3-4 persons each in addition to a round-the-clock attendant. We plan to partner with congregations to develop these homes. A DBS gift component is available to help start such new ministries.

· Regional Assemblies – DBS participated in the recent National Convocation in Memphis and will be attending the following Regional Assemblies this year: Upper Midwest; Pacific Southwest; Kansas; Nebraska; Ohio; Southwest; Arizona; Tennessee; Greater Kansas City; Georgia; and Illinois-Wisconsin. DBS staff also attended spring 2008 Regional Assemblies in Alabama-NW Florida; California, Northern Nevada; North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

President and CEO

Disciples Benevolent Services

"Continuing the proud tradition of the NBA..since 1887"

149 Weldon Pkwy, Suite 115

Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3103

314-993-9000, Ext. 116