









Operation Christmas Child brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations around the world through gift-filled shoe boxes and the Good News of God’s love. For more information, please visit: samaritanspurse.org.








Youth in Action began 22 years ago when Al Sammartino (now a CBTS member) organized a group of youth that wanted to assist the community. They sought to paint houses, build handicap ramps and perform general services for those in need. Al joined forces with Richard Schlitt, a local painter who also had a volunteer group and 35 youth painted their first house.
Many people erroneously assume that Indian River County has services available for homeless women. Some think that the Women’s Refuge Network of Vero Beach offers these services, but it does not. That is a counselling facility, not an emergency shelter for homeless women. Others think that Safe Space is such a ministry. It is not. It is a refuge for battered women to escape domestic violence with their children. There are many women living on their own who suddenly find themselves without housing for a variety of reasons, including financial problems from large medical bills, loss of housing after care-giving for a family member who passes away, mental health issues, etc. Many Vero churches recognized this need because such women would suddenly be living unsafely on the streets and come to local churches for help. For shelter, such women would have to be referred to Melbourne to find a facility that would accommodate them. So, the churches recognized the need, banded together and, along with private donations, pooled their resources and purchased Naomi House, a facility which will accommodate up to 16 women.
Christ by the Sea (CBTS) donated our Christmas offering to help purchase this property. The real estate transaction was finalized in February and CBTS offered a team of volunteers who painted the facility, furnished it, moved in the furnishings and outfitted it for occupancy with linens and housewares. It was dedicated on May 22.
At the June 2017 Serve Team Meeting, the team voted to make Naomi House an ongoing ministry. We are grateful that Steve and Kathy Barth have agreed to represent us as liaisons to the advisory board. Please welcome Steve and Kathy to their new roles as ministry leaders. Naomi House will be managed on a day-to-day basis by Treasure Coast Homeless Services Council and will receive advisory support from the board composed of the participating church representatives.