ST. PARIS – Operation Rebirth lives the motto: It is better to build boys than to mend men. The Christian boarding school for boys will use this year’s Match Day gifts to purchase new textbooks for the various ages of boys served.
Located on 17 acres in the St. Paris area, the school provides a year-round educational program using the Alpha Omega curriculum. The Christian-based learning program is administered by a full-time teacher and new, updated books are needed.
“We assist boys up to 18 years of age who are having problems adjusting to school, home and community life,” said Dr. Sam Ronicker, executive director along with his wife, Teresa. “The staff and volunteers provide academics, real life experiences and work to strengthen and restore family relationships through the application of God’s Word.”
In addition to traditional student coursework, Operation Rebirth offers a program of farm and animal management and supervised dorm life built around a warm home environment where Christian principles are taught through Bible study, responsibility and relationships. The school is recognized by the state of Ohio, but accepts no public funding.
“For 42 years, our program has helped boys from throughout the region develop personal and vocational skills and get their family involved in counseling to work through issues that may be disrupting the relationship,” said Teresa Ronicker. “We take the boys on outings and go camping to give them new experiences, as well as teach them resourcefulness and responsibility.
Matching funds sought
“A large shelter house was built using last year’s Match Day gifts,” she said. “It will get use for our own programming in the future and has already saved us money from renting temporary tents for our Day on the Farm open house this fall.”
The Community Foundation of Shelby County is repeating its Match Day event, after a successful inaugural event November 2017.
On Match Day, Nov. 27, the foundation will offer a total of $70,000 to 14 area charities that can each receive a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $5,000.
Participating organizations are challenging their supporters to give to the Community Foundation and to earmark gifts for their charity. Gifts must be made payable to the Community Foundation of Shelby County and received by Nov. 27 to be eligible for the match. Match Day coincides with the national Giving Tuesday, held annually the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
To support Operation Rebirth on Match Day, gifts must be made payable to the Community Foundation of Shelby County with: Match/Operation Rebirth noted on the memo or in an accompanying note or form. Details and forms are available at the Community Foundation website at www.commfoun.com and at Operation Rebirth. Gifts must be received on or before Nov. 27 to be eligible for up to $5,000 in matching money.
