JESUS CARES MINISTRIES

The Problem:

Drugs, premature sex, abortion, child abuse and divorce are some of the many factors contributing to the moral decay of today's youth. With the realization that our youth of today will be our leaders of tomorrow, a burden to be positive influence in these lives burned within the hearts of Tom and Doreen Strohm, program directors and founders of Jesus Cares Ministries.

Background and Focus:

Not knowing where or how to begin they visited the Sunshine Acres children's home in hopes of becoming house parents. Encouraged by Vera Dingman to begin their challenge with one teenager at a time in their own home, they inquired about foster parenting with the Department of Economic Security and applied for their license in 1980, shortly before the birth of their second child. Since that time their experience includes work with the physically and sexually abused, delinquent minors and the emotionally handicapped. The focus since the birth of the ministry in 1983 has been to meet the needs of the epidemic that is sweeping our nation today...teenage pregnancy. Their long term vision for Jesus Cares Ministries is to build a 34 bedroom home that will facilitate pregnant teens and unwed mothers. On the outskirts of the home they hope to have apartments for the elderly that have a desire to remain productive in society. They can serve as grandparents to the girls and their babies and give them the affection that they so desperately need. In turn, they too will find purpose and direction. Tom and Doreen, both born and raised in New York, have resided in Arizona since 1977, shortly after their conversion to Christianity. With a deep commitment to fulfill Christ's commission to "Go ye into all the world," they left behind in New York a successful family owned and operated business and a busy lifestyle. Tom sought employment in the accounting field and Doreen accepted a position in banking, where she remained until the birth of their first child. They currently have four lovely children, Stefanie Lynn, Chistina Joy, Melody Rose, and Tiffany Anne. If you have any questions about the ministry, need help or desire to be part in helping their outreach, please contact Tom and Doreen Strohm .

Serving the Individual:

Jesus Cares Ministries is a non-profit tax-deductible corporation formed in 1983 to share the love of Jesus Christ with teenagers experiencing a crisis pregnancy. Nestled in a quiet East Valley neighborhood in Mesa, Arizona, the home has the capacity to feed, clothe and shelter seven individuals on a short or long-term basis. The emphasis on personal responsibility and cooperative family living have enabled many broken, shattered lives to emerge with the confidence and self-worth that comes in being a part of a loving family environment. The program, developed by Tom and Doreen Strohm over their years of experience in Foster Care is designed to minister to the needs of the total man, spirit, soul and body. The home provides an atmosphere of love and acceptance where each individual girl can make decisions and goals based on what is best for her and her baby. The following are some of the necessary requirements for any girl coming into the program:

1. A desire to change her lifestyle and general openness to God's leading through His Word, the Bible.
2. Willing participation in household and personal responsibilities.
3. Participation in family activities (mealtimes, church attendance, picnics, outings, etc.)
4. Must be working or in school full-time.
5. After giving birth the girl may return to the home for continued support and guidance. Regardless of her decision to keep or place her child for adoption, there is a wide range of programs and assistance available to meet her personal and individual needs both during her pregnancy and after giving birth:
   1. Individual goals talks (designed to encourage personal achievement and follow-through).
   2. Group and family discussions.
   3. Personal and group Bible studies.
   4. Childbirth education.
   5. Independent living skills (money management, budgeting, food preparation and shopping, job and apartment hunting.
   6. Relationship building (emphasis on strengthening character through relationships, CHILD/PARENT, HUSBAND/WIFE, EMPLOYEE/EMPLOYER, etc).
   7. Education on love, sex, dating, and marriage.
   8. Interaction with agencies that provide the following: support groups, after placement groups, career planning, counseling and foster and adoption assistance.

For most girls, the home provides the only security and love they have ever experienced. When it is time to leave the home and return to family or pursue an independent lifestyle, the transition can be made smoother when ongoing love, encouragement and direction is offered. The girls are encouraged to stay in touch by phone or letters and some even return for weekend visits.

Serving the Community:

The outreach of Jesus Cares Ministries extends beyond the home and into the community as we provide the following services to those in crisis situations:

1. Clothing and furniture bank.
2. Phone counseling and referrals to other experiencing crisis situations, pregnancy or otherwise.
3. Education to public and private schools, organizations and churches on pregnancy prevention, abortion, and pro-life alternatives.
4. Assistance to families in crisis pregnancy situations.

If you have any questions about our community services or would like more information on having a presentation in your church, school or organization, please contact Tom or Doreen Strohm Founders and Directors and house parents.