Vineyard Family House

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from The Vineyard Family House to all our family and friends.
This is our first post since the tragic loss of our fearless leader Marty Tackett in March of this year. While it has been challenging, we have been so blessed and thankful for the outpouring of support from so many of you. Our goal has always been since that day to make sure Marty's vision of helping others in their times of health crisis are met and continue with that mission today.
While there are so many things and people we are thankful for I want to list a few.
1. Marty's Family in great support of carrying on the Vision
2. Dr. Robert Greene for picking up the mantle of President and guiding us through these past months and the support of our board
3. All of our volunteers continued support including the traveling church groups and Catholic High School for all the yard work on our grounds.

It has been a busy fall at the Vineyard. During the months of October and November, we were at near capacity with our 7 rooms occupied most of the time. It is our joy to serve these families while their loved ones are receiving medical care in area hospitals. Many of our guests who come to us as strangers, become friends.
On Halloween several of our guests, joined us in passing out candy. They had a great time. I must tell you, God worked a great blessing for one of our guest that night. He had just lost his wife the day before but joined us that evening enjoying all the kids in their costumes. While passing out candy to one of our largest groups, a little girl pushed her way through the group without saying a word, came onto our porch and walked straight up to him and gave him a big hug and then walked over to his brother and did the same. He was so moved! He said GOD knew I needed a hug and sent an angel.

Today, our new Resident Servant, Amanda, will be hosting a Thanksgiving meal for friends and Vineyard guests.
I am reminded today of the quote from Rhonda Byrne "There is always something to be grateful for."

03/22/2024

Dear friends and family,

We wanted to make you aware of some events that have transpired over the last week. We regret to inform you that Marty and Dennis Tackett have passed away. A funeral service is being held tomorrow, March 23 at First Baptist Church of Pensacola. The family will receive guests at 9:30AM and the funeral will begin at 11AM.

We acknowledge this may be shocking to some of you. We have been connecting with as many people as possible this week. The family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider donating to Martha’s Vineyard. If you would like to watch the service online, you can do so at the following link:

Welcome to First Baptist Church of Pensacola online! We are glad you're joining us for worship. You can watch both our contemporary and traditional worship services below.

03/11/2024

Dear Family and Friends:
We want to welcome in Sara B. Her husband, Leon C. is at Sacred Heart hospital being treated for cancer therapy. Once released, it is probable he will complete his out-patient cancer therapy with us.

Per Michelle, her husband Rex, is staying strong while undergoing out-patient radiation therapy. She shares that they will be meeting with both oncologists (radiation and chemotherapy) this week. Asking for your continued prayers for his esophageal cancer.

Per Judy H. her daughter Erin is improving at Baptist Hospital. Judy spends her days also helping Erin and Kyle's three young children. Judy is from the great state of Virginia. Asking for your continued prayers for Erin and family.

Per Lisa, Bobby is also improving very well at Select Specialty hospital. He "Wants to go Home!" every day. But, Lisa knows he has attain physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Asking for prayers and patience!

Briggs B. and family are taking a month off to go see family and friends out-of-state. They will be back in May to complete out-patient therapy at West Florida Rehabilitation center. Ms. Briggs is doing fantastic as she overcomes hurdles from her stroke back in October. She gives ALL credit to Our Lord. So wise at just 35 years young!!

Including a few pictures of Spring/Easter décor done by our wonderful volunteers!

Blessings,

Marty Tackett
Resident Servant
Martha’s Vineyard of Pensacola a.k.a.
Vineyard Family House
110 West Strong Street
Pensacola, FL 32501
850-469-1466

Like us on Facebook:
https://facebook.com/vineyardfamilyhouse

Or, on our website:
www.vineyardfamilyhouse.org

Like to Donate:
You can directly through our website OR:
We have an Amazon “WISH” list on our website. We charge nothing for our guests to stay with us. Because donors assist us with items we use here at the house, this keeps our overall costs down.
If you shop Walmart.com, online, you can designate our non-profit and “round-up” your change which then comes directly into our bank account.
Click on:
Martha’s Vineyard Foundation Inc.
In your check out. Every penny does count! THANK YOU!

02/26/2024

Dear Family and Friends:

Today we welcome Erin C.’s mom from the great state of Virginia. Erin is a patient at Baptist Hospital. Judy is here to multi-task. She will be the care-giver of Erin and Kyle’s three children, and helping Erin. Please keep the entire family in your prayers.

Per Lisa, Bobby is doing a little better each day. He remains a patient at Baptist hospital. But, the family is praying he is to be able to do his rehabilitation at Select Speciality hospital here in Pensacola. Jennifer, Bobby’s daughter, has been also staying with us. Bobby is recovering from pneumonia. They are from Alabama.

Per Michelle, Rex has tolerated his radiation treatments well. His oncologists are to decide this week further chemotherapy treatments. This sweet couple is from Century, Florida. Please, keep them also in your prayers.

We also welcome Sherry R.’s family from various states. Donna, her sister, has been staying with us. Sherry’s brothers are staying with us on the weekends. There are three of them! Sherry is a recent transfer from Providence hospital, Mobile, Alabama to Select Speciality hospital for rehabilitation following her prolonged ventilator support. Please keep Sherry also in your prayers.

Per Anne Bruni, Briggs continues to amaze her therapists at West Florida Rehabilitation out-patient therapy department. She is literally “re-training” her eyes to keep both pupils focusing together following her left-side stroke back in October, 2023.

It’s a bit busy here! But, thanks to my wonderful group of volunteers, we are taking care of everyone here, and this beautiful house and grounds. Have been working in the gardens to prune away all the dead leaves! Thank you Amazon WISH LIST givers. Many “Presents and Needed Necessities” have been coming in to help this house function. From dryer wool balls, shower curtains, cleaning products, etc. THANK YOU!

Thank you also to our First Baptist Church “Bunco” group. They also supply us with products that keep this house running smoothly. Our “out-of-product” costs go down when our donations go up!

Blessings,

Marty Tackett
Resident Servant
Martha’s Vineyard of Pensacola a.k.a.
Vineyard Family House
110 West Strong Street
Pensacola, FL 32501
850-469-1466

Like us on Facebook:
https://facebook.com/vineyardfamilyhouse

Or, on our website:
www.vineyardfamilyhouse.org

Like to Donate:
You can directly through our website OR:
We have an Amazon “WISH” list on our website. We charge nothing for our guests to stay with us. Because donors assist us with items we use here at the house, this keeps our overall costs down.
If you shop Walmart.com, online, you can designate our non-profit and “round-up” your change which then comes directly into our bank account.
Click on:
Martha’s Vineyard Foundation Inc.
In your check out. Every penny does count! THANK YOU!

BUNNIES EVERYWHERE!

SPRING DECORATIONS!
HAPPY EASTER!

02/19/2024

Dear Family and Friends:

We welcome in Lisa B. Her husband was transferred to Baptist hospital here in Pensacola, FL for ECMO (heart-lung assist) from Providence hospital in Mobile, AL. Per Lisa, “Bobby” developed Influenza “A” late December, 2023. Developed pneumonia in early January, and required intubation and ventilation while at Providence. He was transferred to Baptist where it was determined that ECMO could help him. Ten days later, he is off ECMO and now the ventilator. Lisa will tell you how literally God placed just the right people in Bobby’s path to move him here for treatment. Their daughter is to also be a guest here. Asking for continued prayers for Bobby.

Per Jesse P. and daughter, Lisa, “Dot” is doing much better! Arrangements to transfer her to Select Rehabilitation hospital in Panama City are being finalized. This will cut their driving time down to 1 hour versus 3 ½ hours. Asking for your continued prayers- “They are working!” per Dot’s family.

We are asking you to lift up Rex S., undergoing both chemotherapy and radiation therapy for esophageal cancer. Per Michelle, his wife, Rex is having difficulty keeping food down, much less trying to keep his appetite up. He is on week #4 of his treatment regiment.
Pictured are Michele & Rex Sheldt, Christmas 2023

Briggs Bruni, our out-patient West Florida rehabilitation guest and mom, Anne, continue to be our guests as Briggs continues her physical, occupational, speech, and now ophthalmology rehabilitation. Just 35 years young, Briggs is advancing very well. So excited for her in recovery of her stroke back in October. She gives ALL credit to God, her Lord. What an inspirational person to be with!

Volunteers continue to totally re-arrange our storage room in the basement so we can find items better. They are also cleaning, dusting, and starting work in our garden to cut down the frost-bitten flowers. Always something to do here! But, they are such a blessing to have and know!

Blessings,

Marty Tackett
Resident Servant
Martha’s Vineyard of Pensacola a.k.a.
Vineyard Family House
110 West Strong Street
Pensacola, FL 32501
850-469-1466

Like us on Facebook:
https://facebook.com/vineyardfamilyhouse

Or, on our website:
www.vineyardfamilyhouse.org

Like to Donate:
You can directly through our website OR:
We have an Amazon “WISH” list on our website. We charge nothing for our guests to stay with us. Because donors assist us with items we use here at the house, this keeps our overall costs down.
If you shop Walmart.com, online, you can designate our non-profit and “round-up” your change which then comes directly into our bank account.
Click on:
Martha’s Vineyard Foundation Inc.
In your check out. Every penny does count! THANK YOU!

02/05/2024

Dear Family and Friends:

We were blessed last week to get installed new gutters with screen guards for the main house. This is Metal Masters second trip here. Last year, they installed gutters on the Carriage House. Hurricane Sally destroyed our gutters on the front porch three years ago. We are SO blessed to get this project done! Thank you Metal Masters once again!!

We have been hard at work transforming the Vineyard into spring. Our families tell us they really do enjoy the seasonal decorations. Sending a few photos of the inside of the house.

Side table decorated for Spring

Mardi Gras Wreath
Blessings,

Marty Tackett
Resident Servant
Martha’s Vineyard of Pensacola a.k.a.
Vineyard Family House
110 West Strong Street
Pensacola, FL 32501
850-469-1466

Like us on Facebook:
https://facebook.com/vineyardfamilyhouse

Or, on our website:
www.vineyardfamilyhouse.org

Like to Donate:
You can directly through our website OR:
We have an Amazon “WISH” list on our website. We charge nothing for our guests to stay with us. Because donors assist us with items we use here at the house, this keeps our overall costs down.
If you shop Walmart.com, online, you can designate our non-profit and “round-up” your change which then comes directly into our bank account.
Click on:
Martha’s Vineyard Foundation Inc.
In your check out. Every penny does count! THANK YOU!

02/05/2024

Dear Family and Friends:

We are so sorry to report that Tilo Lopez went home to the Lord last week. His family was so grateful for all of your prayers and his care given by Baptist Hospital. Hospice was able to transport him back to his home in Round Rock, TX. Mr. Tilo, as you recall, sustained a major stroke in early November, 2023. We were blessed to have his family for just over a month with us. Our hearts and prayers with the Lopez family.

Per Lisa, her mom, “Dot” required a tracheostomy and remains on a ventilator at Sacred Heart Hospital. Lisa and her dad, Jesse have been staying with us the past two weeks. Dot was transferred from Panama City, Florida to Pensacola for renal dialysis, sepsis, and pneumonia.
Please continue to keep them all in your prayers.

Rex continues his chemotherapy and radiation for esophageal cancer. Per Michelle, his wife, he has good days and bad ones too. Asking for your prayers as he continues his out-patient cancer therapy.

Briggs Bruni continues to amaze her therapist at West Florida Rehabilitation center. In high school, Briggs was a cheerleader and on the dance team. Sharing a video of her in therapy at West Florida. Briggs, as you recall is just 35 years young and sustained a major stroke back in early October, 2023. Her left arm is still affected from her stroke. But, she has dance moves!! GO BRIGGS!

Blessings,

Marty Tackett
Resident Servant
Martha’s Vineyard of Pensacola a.k.a.
Vineyard Family House
110 West Strong Street
Pensacola, FL 32501
850-469-1466

Like us on Facebook:
https://facebook.com/vineyardfamilyhouse

Or, on our website:
www.vineyardfamilyhouse.org

Like to Donate:
You can directly through our website OR:
We have an Amazon “WISH” list on our website. We charge nothing for our guests to stay with us. Because donors assist us with items we use here at the house, this keeps our overall costs down.
If you shop Walmart.com, online, you can designate our non-profit and “round-up” your change which then comes directly into our bank account.
Click on:
Martha’s Vineyard Foundation Inc.
In your check out. Every penny does count! THANK YOU!

More than just a house Our mission is to provide a physical and emotional home away from home for families who are in our community to care for their loved ones in times of healthcare crisis. Anchored in Christian beliefs of service to others, we offer compassionate, loving, emotional support, and g...

02/05/2024

01/26/2024

Dear Family and Friends:

In early January, we finally were able to get a long awaited needed spray foam insulation project done in the main house. Koala Insulation did a phenomenal job! We highly recommend them!

We welcome Michelle and Rex S. of Century, FL. Per Michelle, Rex has started both chemotherapy and radiation for esophageal cancer. Asking for your prayers during this time of treatment and recovery. They expect to be with us the next 5 ½ weeks.

We also welcome back the Bruni family! Briggs, as you recall, had a stroke back in October, 2023. Briggs is just 35 years young. She is going to out-patient physical, speech, and occupational therapy at West Florida Rehabilitation center here in Pensacola. Her mom, Anne, and Terryl, Brigg’s sister are here to “cheer” her on during therapy. Briggs is doing Awesome!!

We welcomed in today Jesse P. and daughter, Lisa. Wife/mom Dorothy P. is critically ill. . She is in acute kidney failure. She is a patient in the Sacred Heart hospital ICU. This family is from Mexico Beach, FL. Asking for your prayers.

Please keep Tilo L. and his entire family in your prayers. We have had this family since December 22, 2023. Mr. Tilo initially showed great promise recovering from his stroke he had in early December. Per Joseph, his son-in-law today, Tilo has been placed in hospice care. As per their wishes, he is being transported back to Texas this coming Saturday to be near family and friends in his own home. Ms. Paulo, his wife, told me yesterday that Tilo knows in his heart his Lord. She draws great strength from this. But it is so sad too. Tilo is just 55 years young.

Blessings,

Marty Tackett
Resident Servant
Martha’s Vineyard of Pensacola a.k.a.
Vineyard Family House
110 West Strong Street
Pensacola, FL 32501
850-469-1466

Like us on Facebook:
https://facebook.com/vineyardfamilyhouse

Or, on our website:
www.vineyardfamilyhouse.org

Like to Donate:
You can directly through our website OR:
We have an Amazon “WISH” list on our website. We charge nothing for our guests to stay with us. Because donors assist us with items we use here at the house, this keeps our overall costs down.
If you shop Walmart.com, online, you can designate our non-profit and “round-up” your change which then comes directly into our bank account.
Click on:
Martha’s Vineyard Foundation Inc.
In your check out. Every penny does count! THANK YOU!

12/28/2023

Dear Family and Friends:
We want to welcome in the family of Chubby W. of Troy AL. Unfortunately Chubby had a serious car accident and had to be flown to Sacred Heart hospital here in Pensacola. His sister, Jennie is going to be staying with us. Please keep him in your prayers.

Per Jaz, Tilo’s daughter, he is off the ventilator! Starting to move extremities, and appears to be following people as they talk to him. It has been a little more than a week since his stroke. His family continues to ask for your prayers.

We received a fantastic Christmas gift from Oreo and Ni Orellano. He donated all of his labor. Created a dining room table for the Vineyard Family House! We will finish the table to match the kitchen and dining room colors. Many thanks Oreo and Ni!!
New dining room table designed and made by Oreo Orellano, retired US Navy.

Blessings,
Marty Tackett
Resident Servant
Martha’s Vineyard of Pensacola a.k.a.
Vineyard Family House
110 West Strong Street
Pensacola, FL 32501
850-469-1466

Like us on Facebook:
https://facebook.com/vineyardfamilyhouse

Or, on our website:
www.vineyardfamilyhouse.org

Like to Donate:
You can directly through our website OR:

12/25/2023

Dear Family and Friends:

Following our WSRE presentation of “Christmas Remembered” tree and wreath, our volunteers were hard at work taking down all of the pumpkins and putting up all of the Christmas decor in every bedroom (All 7 of them!), Every bathroom (All 8 of them!), and decorating both the inside and outside of the Vineyard Family House

We welcomed Tom and Melina Fink last week. Asking you to keep this sweet couple in your prayers. They flew in from Portland, OR. It was to be an arranged adoption of a newborn. The biological mother decided to keep her baby. Tom and Melina shared that even though they did not get this baby, they know God has total control over their lives as well as this baby’s parents. It was just not meant to be. They stayed with us for just a few days.

The family of Humbertilo A. has joined us also. Mr. “Tilo”, just 55 years young, sustained a severe stroke while traveling I-10 through Pensacola. He is a CDL truck driver. His wife, Paola, daughters, Blanca, and Jazlin, as well as son-in-law, Joseph are all staying with us. Per Blanca, he is in critical condition, on a ventilator, and at Baptist hospital. They are asking for your prayers, but know, God is in control.

Main Staircase decorated by volunteers.

As always, so grateful to all our volunteers who assist in decorating the bedrooms and common areas of the house.
Santas’ abound all around the Kitchen area.

All the bedrooms were decorated for Christmas!
As well as the front porch with lighted garland and Christmas decorations.

Blessings,
Marty Tackett
Resident Servant
Martha’s Vineyard of Pensacola a.k.a.
Vineyard Family House
110 West Strong Street
Pensacola, FL 32501
850-469-1466

Like us on Facebook:
https://facebook.com/vineyardfamilyhouse

Or, on our website:
www.vineyardfamilyhouse.org

Like to Donate:
You can directly through our website OR:
We have an Amazon “WISH” list on our website. We charge nothing for our guests to stay with us. Because donors assist us with items we use here at the house, this keeps our overall costs down.
If you shop Walmart.com, online, you can designate our non-profit and “round-up” your change which then comes directly into our bank account.
Click on:
Martha’s Vineyard Foundation Inc.
In your check out. Every penny does count! THANK YOU!