But Fuhrman said she isn't letting that past disappointment hinder the goal of constructing a multi-building children's home on a 6-acre tract outside of Hawk Point. Thanks to the donation of land by resident Jeane Duncan three years ago, Fuhrman has set out again to build the El Shaddai Children's Home ministry, a facility that could hold up to 40 children who need a safe haven from family struggles. El Shaddai, which means God Almighty in Hebrew, would be open for newborn babies and children as old as 18. Fuhrman is asking for the area's help to bring her vision to a reality. She is hosting an open forum Monday, July 6, at Calvary Chapel Church, located on Snyder Road off Highway H in Troy. She encourages anyone from contractors to donors to community members interested in the project to attend and get more information. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. She hopes to raise enough money at next week's meeting to begin construction on the first building by the end of the summer. "Kids need love and care," she said. "It's just a passion of mine. The whole mission of El Shaddai is to take in these kids, care for these kids, love these kids while mom and dad are off taking care of business since the family is in a crisis." Fuhrman acknowledged two weeks ago the organization has only $1,000 in its account. However, $180,000 is estimated to be the starting point for constructing the first building. Additional monthly expenditures between $6,000 to $10,000 need to be raised to cover utility costs, food, salaries and other upkeep. Fuhrman's dream for the property is to have four support homes capable of housing eight to 10 kids each and providing room for two house parents. Fuhrman, who teaches math at Winfield High School and taught previously in the Wright City R-II District, said she saw the need to provide the children's home after participating in a prison ministry with Warrenton Wesleyan Church in 1999. The facility, she says, would be a much needed refuge for children who are caught in the middle of a family crisis such as a divorce, family illness or financial difficulties. She said whatever the case, the children could stay there while still attending public school, most likely in the Lincoln County R-III School District. Fuhrman expects most of the children to come from a four-county area (Warren, Lincoln, Montgomery and St. Charles), but is open to the possibility to expanding the need across the state and country if the facility is prospering. Fuhrman also has plans for a fifth building to house staff and an area for emergency beds. Another much larger building will house offices, kitchen, classrooms and a gymnasium. Down the road, Fuhrman hopes to find funding to construct a dormitory-type facility for college-aged individuals. The entire plan drawn up by Fuhrman is estimated to cost $2 million in construction alone. Children have always had a special place in Fuhrman's heart. After having two children with her husband, they adopted two boys from Russia to go along with his two kids from a previous marriage. Due to the economic downturn, Fuhrman understands the timing might hamper construction progress but believes there are community members willing to contribute. "If it's meant to be, it's going to happen," Fuhrman said. "That is what I really believe. God is going to build this thing and he's going to bring forth the means to build it. People's hearts will be drawn to it because they believe in what we're doing. There are a lot of resources out there, but we have to convince them." The organization, with Fuhrman serving as president, has a seven-member board. Fuhrman said a 501(c)(3) designation has been received and the organization is a member of the Missouri Association of Christian Child Care Agencies, Inc. "It's hard to get support for a dream," Fuhrman said. "I believe the community will embrace the idea. I just believe it's going to happen."