Vol. 27 | Iss. 05 | MAY 2023
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NEW HORIZONS GROUP HOME CELEBRATES 24 YEARS
By Libby Hopkins
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Columns: Grace Notes: Hooked On Books: Faith & Footprints: News From The Wire:
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New Horizons Group Home has been part of the Brandon community for 24 years. They will be hosting an anniversary luncheon on Saturday, June 10. “This is a great opportunity to learn more about New Horizons and its history that has brought us to where we are today,” said Brenda Watkins of New Horizons Group Home Inc. “There will be a delicious lunch and a short presentation by our residents.” In 1992, several parents, teachers and friends of members of the Special Ministries Department of First Baptist Church Brandon identified a need for long-term living facilities for developmentally disabled men and women. A committee was formed to investigate the requirements to undertake this task. Out of this group, New Horizons Group Homes was born. The mission of New Horizons Group Homes is to provide a family-oriented Christian group home living environment that supports adults with disabilities to help them achieve their
a Christian home with a family atmosphere, and the most important thing to me is that it has remained just that. Our daughter has been in the home since the first one opened in June of 1999, and she loves being there. As parents, my husband and I are so happy when she is at our home and are also happy to see that she loves going back to her home. It has been so heartwarming to see how all of the residents have blossomed over New Horizons Group Home the years. The very best part of has been part of the Brandon Community for 24 years. It will be this whole experience has been hosting an anniversary luncheon seeing how God has provided for on Saturday, June 10. Tickets all of our needs.” for the organization’s upcoming New Horizons is home to 16 resluncheon are $25 for an individidents. “We have two homes for ual ticket or $175 for a table of men and one for ladies, and we eight. The deadline for purchasing tickets is Saturday, June 3. currently have openings for three men,” Watkins said. “Our homes are based on Christian principles and have a family atmosphere where our residents are encouraged to reach their full potential. They have gained a wonderful sense of independence while having 24/7 supervision. Six of our residents work in the community, while the others go to different day programs.” Tickets for the organization’s highest potential for independence through a variety of services em- upcoming luncheon are $25 for an phasizing faith, family, choice, inde- individual ticket or $175 for a table pendence, dignity and respect. “It is of eight. The deadline for purchasing amazing to look back to when New tickets is Saturday, June 3. If you’d Horizons was just an idea with a group like to learn more about New Horizons of people wanting to make it into a re- Group Homes, visit www.newhorizonality,” Watkins said. “We all wanted shomes.org.
IMMANUEL TEACHER PEGGY RANKIN CELEBRATES RETIREMENT AFTER 42 YEARS By Madeline Gardner
Helping to brighten young minds for over 40 years, Peggy Rankin is officially retiring a her teaching position at Immanuel Lutheran School at the close of the 2022-23 academic year. Having joined the Immanuel Lutheran staff in 1996, Rankin remains appreciative of all the creative opportunities and growth her time at the school offered her. Receiving a double major in elementary education and physical education from Concordia University Chicago, Rankin began her career by teaching in Wilmington, Illinois. Enjoying the community connections within the small town, she taught middle school P.E. and worked as an athletic director. After relocating to Tampa Bay, Rankin pursued a fourth grade teaching opportunity at Robles Elementary for a year before settling down at Limona Elementary for three years as a fifth grade teacher. Despite having been awarded teacher of the year during her final year at Limona, Rankin cited a strange twist in fate as the reason for landing a position at Immanuel Lutheran. While walking across the church grounds after the service one day, Rankin encountered a friend from college who had gone on to teach at Immanuel Lutheran herself. Intending to relocate, her friend suggested Rankin take up her position. At that same moment, the principal of Immanuel Lutheran came down the church steps and extended Rankin an opportunity to interview. Believing it
the way, she eventually became the athletic director, a position she had there for 17 years. Ultimately becoming a sixth grade homeroom teacher in 2007, Rankin created a classroom treasure box that allowed children to exchange ‘big bucks,’ a reward for completing homework or helping out a fellow student, for a prize. Realizing her students were learning a valuable lesson on how to count and save, she founded Immanuel Lutheran’s superstore and opened it once a month for about 12 years with help from church volunteers and even her own parents. While looking forward to a retirement spent with her grandchildren and volunteering, she said she Peggy Rankin helped continue Immanuel Lutheran School practices, will still miss being a part of her students’ ‘lightbulb’ such as taking the sixth grade students to the Luther Springs Camp- moments. ground in Hawthorne as part of their outdoor education. “The thrill that you get when you’re teaching a stuwas her time to give back, Rankin accepted the job. dent and they get it. All of a sudden, the lightbulb “I do believe God has plans for you,” said Rankin. goes on, and they’re like ‘oh’ — I will miss that,” said Her first few roles at the school ranged from cover- Rankin. “Because that’s really joyful.” ing seventh grade science, eighth grade math, seventh Rankin’s colleagues have currently created a Kuand eighth grade computer classes and five P.E. courses doboard for members of the community to post send-off while helping coach athletics. Within her first year, she messages. Those interested can find the page by visiting established the school’s student council. Further devel- www.kudoboard.com/boards/Jt3vMVU2#view. Addioping a legacy for herself, she also initiated the field day tionally, Rankin looks forward to seeing past students tradition that same year, providing students across var- and their families at her retirement party on Saturday, ious grades the chance to work with one another. Along May 20 from 1-5 p.m. in the Immanuel Lutheran gym.