TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Highlands Today

Sometimes The Best Retirement Is No Retirement

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

From left: Bill Stephenson talks with volunteer Janet Heberer recently at the Avon Park Church Service Center.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sue Ann Carpenter

Published: November 5, 2007

AVON PARK –– Some people dream of sailing off into the sunset upon retirement, but only a few actually try it. Bill Stephenson spent 40 years in Vermont with his own agency as a manufacturer's representative selling agricultural and industrial machinery. His wife Mildred, affectionately known as Midge, had been his office manager. Upon retirement in 1995, they set sail.

While on the Intracoastal, they lost an engine in Cocoa Beach. Some friends owned property at Lily Lake in Frostproof and invited them to stay there while their boat was being repaired that summer.

"During that hiatus, we agreed that our age was beyond our ability to sail and then we got involved with the Union Congregation Church," Stephenson said.

Starting in 2003, he volunteered at the Avon Park Church Service Center, sorting food and packing bags for people. This month the Church Service Center celebrates 20 years of service under Dwight Ritenauer, Al Oppold, Bill Plouffe and Bill Stephenson, who has now served four years as director. It takes approximately 40 volunteers a week to pack bags with food, sort clothes, and help clients with needs. All are dedicated to this work and some have been there for the past 18 years.

The center is unique because the 17 churches of the Ministerial Association of Avon Park is its sole support, instead of each church offering a separate food pantry. Not one cent goes for anything except the telephone, electric and water. In partnership with the city of Avon Park, rent on the building is $1 per year, allowing for all their donations to be used for helping others.

Previously the budget was $42,000. It is now over $100,000. Last year they paid over $19,000 in electric bills, $20,000 in rental assistance, and $18,000 for food. In 2006 over 196,000 pounds of food went out the door to over 6,500 families. People who come in must show their Social Security card, proof of income and expenses.

He believes that when single moms are paid $6.50 at a fast food chain and get 22-27 hours a week with no overtime or health benefits, it's just a matter of time before there's a problem. It costs about $2,000 to change residences because everyone wants first, last and current rent, plus utility and water deposits.

"It's hard to be objective when you see tragedy and heartbreak, but this is reality," Stephenson said.

When a girl becomes pregnant at 14, her learning curve stops. Although he knows they're merely bailing her out, they also provide Christian counseling, try to make a common sense budget a priority and set goals.

He feels they make a difference because people are not put out on the street for the night. By helping with rent, it gives 30 days to help solve problems. No money is ever given to a client. The center partners with other agencies to come up with the needed amount.

He said, "I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth, and I don't feel that just giving is the answer." But he does help. Sometimes an expensive prescription for a sick child can ruin a tight budget.

A volunteer nurse is available to take blood pressure and consult how best to help medically. Three sets of clothes are provided for each member of the family at no charge. And there are plenty of blue jeans that are clean, not stained or without buttons to choose from. It's important that children aren't ostracized by others for their clothes.

They determine a couple's marital status and counsel that prayers can be answered if they live the way God wants them to live. A photo of the Lord is over Stephenson's desk. "He's the boss of this organization and there are no requirements. I'm a strong Christian who's head over hills in love with Jesus Christ," he said. "I can tell you He is the answer. He understands all our needs and provides them." Stephenson sees the tension leave peoples' faces and their attitudes change. He knows they are thankful for all the help given.

Stephenson said, "This is very satisfying to me. Although it's a non-paying job, the retirement benefits are fabulous: heaven."

The Avon Park Church Service Center is located at 198 Rowe in Avon Park (in the old Fire Station).Open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 452-6464.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT