Amarah's Corner: Couple shares dream of children's home in the San Luis Valley

Dear Amarah,

Thank you so much for inviting us to share our story! My name is Sheri Fuca. My husband Vince and I live in Tucson, Arizona. He's a pastor and former police officer, with many years of experience with children and youth. We also led a church for five years that was an outreach to those in recovery and their families. And, God connected us with a pastor and his wife in Moffat, Colorado. We felt prompted to make a trip to visit them for a week during which they kept asking us, “So, has God told you why he brought you here, yet?”

During our visit, we met with the mayor and others in Moffat. We helped at the Food Bank, learned about the school and visited a foster family in Crestone. We met with other pastors, people in Alamosa, Salida, and generally tried to get to know more about the area. As we did, we became aware of the extreme drug use, violence and domestic issues. These issues often leave children, "Kids like me,” physically, sexually and/or emotionally abused, neglected and falling through the cracks of the system which leaves kids scared and angry.

After much prayer, we felt God wants us to start a faith-based, non-profit children’s home in the San Luis Valley. We want to have a safe place for kids to learn about and feel the love of Jesus especially in a time of crisis in their young lives! Mark 10:16 says, "And He took the children in His arms, placed His hands on them and blessed them."

When we returned to Arizona we shared our vision with friends and family and began building connections there in Colorado as well (like you, Amarah)! We discovered a similar home in Mesa, Arizona. (We had no idea)! It’s called, Sunshine Acres. It’s a huge place that’s been established for 50 years! We have been there a couple of times now, touring the grounds and talking with the director and staff. It’s very exciting to see all that God is doing in the lives of the children who live there!

We have been researching the need in the San Luis Valley and the requirements that need to be met. I’m sure there will be even more we need to know and do once we are there! We made another trip to the Valley with a U-Haul full of warm clothing and bedding this past winter. Our home church here in Tucson helped collect the items and paid for the truck and trip.

We are anxious and excited to start this adventure! First, we need to move to the Valley so that, as residents, we can apply for the 501©3 non-profit status and begin the process of getting everything in order for the children’s home. When we arrive in Colorado we will not have jobs or income.  

One of our friends in Arizona is graciously donating a 25-foot travel trailer for us to live in while we begin doing what needs to be done to get things started! He and some other friends are working on it now to fix it up for us. God is so good! Then we will need a place in the Valley to park it so we can live in it while we get established.

It’s our dream to eventually have a home, with plenty of room for the children, on property where we can have a garden, chickens, goats, rabbits and even donkeys! We have learned that sometimes when kids are struggling, it’s nice to have animals to interact with and talk to. Animals take us as we are — unconditionally and without expectations. “Animal Therapy” is healing, and working with animals also helps with other life skills. It’s a great way to learn some of life’s lessons from God’s creatures while learning about the love of Jesus!

We have friends who have experience in building and have done some work building for missionaries. They may be able to help once we are ready. But, we don't have the funds to just move to Colorado, buy property and build a home — it will have to be a "God thing!” God says in 2 Corinthians 9:8, "God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." We firmly believe that!

We will continue to pray for you and your ministry to "Kids like me.” You are a blessing and an encouragement to others. We would ask that you and your readers pray for us as well, as we prepare for the move to Colorado to help children in crisis. May God continue to bless you and your family!

In His service,

Sheri Fuca

PS: If your readers want to contact us our address is: Vince & Sheri Fuca, 3225 E. Pinal St., Tucson, Arizona 85739

Reminder: FREE BOWLING at Alamosa Bowl, 204 Victoria Avenue, for Kids Like Me, 1-4 p.m., May 6. Go in and complete an application. Thank You, Alamosa Bowl!