My Nonprofit Reviews

Is Jacob’s House a paradise for children?
I am a volunteer at Jacob’s House but my role has been unique. Even though, I have on occasion cleaned, cooked and done laundry, my perspective is deeper. While at Jacob’s House, I have witnessed the children in all their charm, grace and normal childhood, stubbornness, playfulness and orneriness. I have seen them dressed for church, and covered in mud from a fun day at the creek.
But, I say my perspective is deeper because I have come to know the directors, Penny and Dan Koontz at a heart level by helping Penny write her life story, I Thought You Had A Bigger Dream. I know their dreams, their goals and most importantly their motives. I know their heart cry for each child whose life they touch. I am very well acquainted with their adopted children, Jacob, Jeremiah and Haley, who I have known for eight years.
What stands out to me about this home, Jacob’s House, is that it is not just a roof over the kid’s heads, a warm meal in their tummies and a clean bed. It is so much more. These children, the ones who truly know it as home and the ones who may be at Jacob’s house for only a few weeks or a few months are given the opportunity to learn how to live life successfully.
How is that accomplished? It is taught minute by minute as they go through their day. It is taught with wisdom and patience. It is taught through perseverance. It is taught through example.
The children are taught respect:
They are taught to respect each other and their belongings. They are taught to show respect to all the volunteers who come and go through Jacob’s House, performing a myriad of tasks. They are taught to respect their Jacob’s House parents who know how to show firm correction when needed, always followed up by gentle affection and encouraging words. It is taught in hopes that the respect they practice at Jacob’s House will carry over to their natural parents, teachers, and all future relationships.
They are taught good communication skills:
Even the smallest voice is heard at Jacob’s House. Penny, Dan and the volunteers are very sensitive to the needs and personalities of each child. The children are encouraged to open up, share their feelings, and speak up for any concern they may have. They are taught to ask, not demand. They are taught to communicate with politeness and patience. Are they perfect in their efforts? No, they are normal kids. But the high standard is set and they are helped along the way each day.
They are taught responsibility:
Some of the volunteers like to take the kids on nature outings. If a child hasn’t been compliant with the basic rules like doing their chores, they are restricted from the activity in an attempt to teach them the consequences for poor choices. They are taught there is honor in duty and reward in cooperation and trustworthiness.
They are taught basic social skills and common courtesy:
They are taught to share and take turns. Sometimes, the children come from dysfunctional homes where good examples of common civility are not shown. At Jacob’s House, they learn by example, how to get along with their siblings, their friends and their whole, big world which they will soon have to face on their own.

They are taught to be honest:
Be honest and you win in the long-run is a rule of the house. Manipulation and lying will only lead to trouble and disappointment. Oh, that all adults would operate with that understanding.
They are taught to recognize and develop their God-given talents:
The children are encouraged to step out and try new things that they are interested in. Whether it be playing a musical instrument, cooking, baking, writing—nothing is beyond the reach of a child who applies themselves to the task.
They are taught to be industrious:
While school work and household chores are priority in that order, there is always plenty of time for them to just be kids. But, being couch potatoes is highly discouraged. They are taught to set and pursue goals and are aided in the development of every pursuit when possible. They have special programs to help nurture their ideas, learning how to make and handle money as well as other basic business principles.
They are taught to love:
The children are taught to love Jesus. They are taught to love themselves. They are taught to love each other. They are promised a “Forever Family” at Jacob’s House. Even when they move away, they know they will always be loved by their Jacob’s House family. Over the years, as these kids have matured and ventured out on their own, many have returned to their roots with messages of gratitude for the safe haven offered as well as the firm voice of correction which they eventually heeded. The proof is in the testimonies of those who have lived and loved at Jacob’s House. The truth speaks.
They are taught life:
Jacob’s house has farm animals and pets. They have a garden in the summer. They do carpentry projects. There are grounds to keep. Life is full and exciting at Jacob’s House. With each new child entering the door for the first time, the kids are taught to reach out to the new kid so they too can feel the love in their “Forever Home with their Forever Family”.
“Come on, I’ll show you my pet chickens,” Jacob offers.
“Here, try one of my cookies but be careful. They are still hot,” Haley giggles, her pet parrot, Emmy, perched on her shoulder.
Jeremiah pauses from his saxophone practice, making it a little easier to hear, and asks, “Have you ever ridden a horse? Come on, Jake and I will show you how,” he grins, showing his beautiful smile.
Is Jacob’s House a paradise for children? No—life still happens there. The children are not wrapped in a cocoon of perfect bliss. There are often hard choices and tough circumstances to deal with. They sometimes must be told no due to financial constraints or wise judgment. But regardless, they are led in the way they should go…in preparation to live a successful life: A life of good relationships. A life of direction and stability. A life which reaches out beyond themselves. A life which speaks of the love they received at Jacob’s House.

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