Kids Hope USA Ministry of the Canton Evangelical Free Church

Update from Alice

2011-12-15T06:17:00.000-08:00

My heart rejoices with yours for the wonderful program last Sunday. Carla presented a sweet, beautiful program......so many little angels singing their hearts out for Jesus!

Afterwards we had our Kid's Hope Christmas party---8 children came. Naturally, I wished all could have been there but am thankful that some new children attended. We had cookies, made a candy cane ornament, played "bingo" and then the opened their gifts..........a Christmas book and a fleece tie-blanket........hopefully they will think of their mentors as they cuddle up at night to keep warm.

Thank you, thank you all for helping to make the party a fun evening, especially Holly and Marilyn R. Also, many of you did extra by making 2 blankets. They were beautiful. For those mentors that weren't there, you will have to find a special time to give them their Christmas presents.

I also want to inform you that Michael Harmon will be back to mentor next semester AND another man came up to me after church last Sunday and said he would like to mentor......praise God. I didn't even have to ask!!!

I thank God for each one of you, your love and faithfulness to God and your student. Thank you prayer partners for your continued prayers..............remember, the prayers of a righteous man availeth much.

Hoping your Christmas and New Year will be filled with a joyful heart, laughter and a deep sense of the Father's delight in YOU.

Love in Christ,

Alice

Christmas Party Reminder

2011-12-05T10:35:00.000-08:00

Dear friends of Kids Hope,

This is just a reminder that Sunday evening we are joining the Children's Musical and having a little Christmas with our kids afterwards. We have invited the families of our Kids and hope they will come also.. Please remind and encourage your student to bring back the permission slip that was sent home with them this week. You can also call your childs home and invite them a little later in the week --try to get an idea of how many are coming.

Our gift to the students are the blankets we have made.........many of you have helped tie them.............thank you, thank you........they are beautiful. ( Some of you didn't have time to make a blanket but they are done and we will have them for you Sunday night. The rest of you , please wrap them up and bring them. If you student does not come, you can pick p the blanket and give it to them the last week you mentor before Christmas vacation. If you want to give them a little extra, feel free to do it discreetly. If you have any questions about Sunday evening, let me know.

Blessings, Alice
" God Is faithful and and always working on our behalf!!!!The program starts at 6 pm, so plan to be there a little earlier as we need you to greet any of the famiies that come. This is for mentors, prayer partners and volunteers.........I love you all and praise God for you love and faithfulness. Pray, pray for all the students to come.

KIDS HOPE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

2011-11-14T16:38:00.000-08:00

Dear Precious Volunteers,

Just a note to say THANK YOU for all you are doing..............helping, mentoring and praying. This Thursday is KIDS HOPE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER........SO PLEASE PRAY FOR THE WHOLE COUNTRY...........There are 718 sponsorships in 33 states, (over 20,000 kids being loved and mentored.God is at work in the public schools and the childrens families..........may God be praised!!

Also, CHRISTMAS is coming soon and we have decided to make tie blankets for each of the students (14 of them). So I will be at the church THURSDAY AFTERNOON AND TEACH ANYONE WHO DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO MAKE THEM. Some have already picked up the fleece. I will have the rest by Thursday. They do not take that long to make but we need to have them finished by Dec. 11. Looking forward to seeing you there.

I also need volunteers/helpers to help with the party on the 11th. We are inviting the mentors, prayer partners and students to come to the church Children's Christmas Program. After the program we will go into another room and have a special party and give them their blankets, etc. So, if you would like to help me plan the party, please email or call me. 6491654 Thank you all very much. "whatever you do, do heartily as unto the Lord in word and deed"

Blessings, Alice

Christmas Fast Approaching

2011-11-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends of Kids Hope,

Just want to remind you to pick up your Nov/Dec packet in the church hallway.............if you don't have a list of mentors/prayer partners, teachers emails, etc., they are also on the kid's hope table

I also want you to know that we will making "throws" or those fleece tie blankets for the kids.for Christmas gift........14 of them. I know some of you have made them and it would be helpful we we could set a day to get together and make them..at least get started. So if you would like to help, please email me......maybe some of the sewing ladies would like to help also. Guess I could put a couple dates in the bulletin. Will keep you informed.

We have finished the fall newsletter and I will pass them out at church. You can also read them on church website, etc.. Lots of new ideas!!

Just praising Our God for .all of you..........as I encounter our times with our children I get overwhelmed with their needs...they have so many. And God has given us the privilege of loving and helping them and praying for them on their young journey. May God's grace abound in you in every good work!!

Please put DECEMBER 11 ON YOUR CALENDAR...THE KIDS HOPE CHRISTMAS PARTY!

Serving together for the Kingdom,

Alice

KIDS HOPE FALL NEWS

2011-10-31T06:27:00.001-07:00

Can you believe it? Fall is here and almost gone and we have enjoyed 6 weeks of our 2nd year with KIDS HOPE USA!!! Carla started us off with our first "Prayer Walk" around Eastview Elementary. The KIDS HOPE team and all the EFree Church was invited to the walk. As we walked the perimeter of the school and playground we asked God to bless and protect the children and help them grow in wisdom and understanding. We prayed for the whole staff at Eastview, for the teachers to have patience, integrity and love, for the mentors, prayer partners to be faithful and filled with love and care for the students. What a great beginning to the year! Then on Sept. 19 we started mentoring 14 second and third graders. It was fun to get reacquainted with our students after summer vacation and the kids were happy to see us again. We gained one new mentor, Jim Hinchee, with his wife Cindy serving as his prayer partner. We can always use more mentors and you can go through training any time. There is a HUGE need for men mentors, as the teachers have identified several young boys with a need for a male mentor in their life, so men, let’s see if we can’t meet that need.

CALENDAR REMINDERS - CHECK THE DATES

2011-10-31T06:20:00.001-07:00

11/10 - Early dismissal 2:15

11/11 - No school

11/18 - Kids Hope National Day of Prayer

11/23 - Thanksgiving break

12/2 - Early dismissal 11:30

12/21 - Early dismissal 2:15

12/22-1/2/2012 - Christmas break

1/3/2012 - School resumes

1/13/2012 - No school

MENTOR/PRAYER PARTNER WEBSITE UPDATED

2011-10-31T06:19:00.001-07:00

Kids Hope USA has a new website just for you!!! Have you seen it? If not, take some time to check it out. It's a great resource put together chocked full of ideas for your mentoring hour, encouragement, musing from Dr. Sellon and others.

It has ideas for the prayer partners on how best to pray and to stay connected with their mentor. Go to www.kidshopeusa.org and click on mentor/prayer partner at the top right and sign on. You will be glad you did.

Fall Wiener Roast a Success

2011-10-23T12:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Kids Hope Friends,
Reporting on the Sunday School Teachers Wiener Roast with Kids Hope at Big Creek Park last weekend.........it was great fun!! It was a beautiful fall night, just right for sitting around a fire. The leaves were falling and the kids loved raking and jumping in the leaves............. kicked the soccer ball and played catch with hedge apples!..............But thanks to Bobbi Thornton and volunteers we all enjoyed hot dogs, marshmallows, chili, carmel and apples and chocolate chip bars...while Ron and Terry kept the fire burnin".
There were six kids and their mentors who had time together but the kids also felt right at home with all of us. They ate lots of dogs and burned a ton of marshmallows... It was a great evening and the kids weren't ready to go home. As I dropped off my little boy, he yelled " thank you, what are you doing tomorrow, I want to go bowling". Think I'll invite him to Sunday school next week.
Thank you all for a successful evening, especially for the kids.
Remember, " you can change a life, and that's no small change"!!
Serving together,
Alice

Fall Wiener Roast at Big Creek Park Oct 15

2011-09-30T05:52:00.000-07:00

As this 2nd week rolls around I'm hoping that your 1 hour sessions are going well. Mentors, have you called your prayer partners? I'm available if you have any concerns or questions.

At our back to school meeting we talked about having a fall outing with our students and have decided to join with the Sunday School Teachers wiener roast on Sat. Oct 15 at 4 pm at Big Creek Park (at the north end firepit, diagonally across from the playground as you round the curve).

I am making an invitation for the students to take home and get permission. If the student needs a ride, I will contact you. Please set this day on your calendar . This is an opportunity for mentors, prayer partners and students to have some fun time together and all get to know each other better.

REMEMBER: OCTOBER 15 TH............4 PM-6PM..................AT BIG CREEK PARK!
Make sure you mention the wiener roast the next time you mentor and get them excited!!................and be praying!!!

Attention Prayer Warriors!

2011-09-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

Everyone from Evangelical Free Church of Canton is invited to join Kids Hope, USA mentors and prayer partners for a Prayer Walk at Eastview Elementary School this Sunday, September 11 at 1:00 pm.

Kids Hope USA is an organization that helps churches partner with elementary schools to help mentor kids at risk. Kids Hope motto is: one child, one hour, one church, one school at a time – through one –on – one mentoring relationships. Where we fit in as a church is providing mentors for the children in need and praying. If you are not a mentor, well, here is your chance to be a part of helping these kids…..Prayer Walk.

We plan to “walk” around the school and pray for the many needs for the children being mentored, the school faculty, prayer of protection and so much more.
After second service get yourself some lunch and then head over to Eastview Elementary School, located at 1490 E. Myrtle. Park in the west parking lot and meet by the front doors of the school (which face the north). We will break out in groups and pray at four different locations around the school. At each location there will be a list of prayer suggestions that you will pray for out loud as a group. You will spend around 15 minutes at each location and be done in about an hour.
This Prayer Walk is so important as it starts off the year with prayer for the kids, teachers and mentors. We all know how powerful prayer is especially when there are a group of believers who come together to lift up others in prayer, especially the children of this community.
Please join us!
Serving Christ Together

Carla Bobell, prayer coordinator

Latest Update from Alice

2011-08-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

Fall will soon be here and school starts the 18 of August, so hope you are getting excited to see your child again....I know they can't wait to see YOU again!!

First I want to review the Kid's Hope Carnival/Ice Cream Social..............It was tooooo hot outdoors and perfectly wonderful in our gym. Two jumping inflatables fit at one end of the gym leaving plenty of room for many games and snacks/ice cream (4 different flavors) There was a cake walk and I believe most of the kids were excited to win a cake or cupcakes and bring it home. I was a little disappointed that only 2 of our kid's hope kids attended but there were 2 other new children there who have already started to come to Sunday school...also many of our church children came and had a ball. It was great fellowshipping with everyone and all agreed it was a success. Thank you Ron, Teka, Carla, and all you volunteers.

During my last conversation with the principal and teachers we thought the middle of Sept. would be the time to begin mentoring but I will keep you informed. Please put SEPTEMBER 8 ON YOUR CALENDAR...this will be a meeting for mentors, prayer partners, substitutes...it is important for ALL of you to attend.

I am counting on all of you to continue with your mentee this fall with the exception of Lily and Michael (school responsibilities). If you are unable to commit for the next year, please call me.........my number is 309-649-1654. I am anxiously awaiting to see you all again and get started. What a privilege that God has chosen us to love a little one for Him. I ask everyone to be in prayer for all this to come about........as we are faithful to Him, He promises to direct our steps. Praising God for all His blessings!

Serving together with you, Alice

Upcoming Dates to Remember - Get those Calendars Out

2011-07-07T10:38:00.000-07:00

To all my wonderful Kid's Hope volunteers...

It's been quite a while since we communicated and I miss seeing you all. It won't be long as there is only about 6 weeks till school starts.............. and we have some fun and a lot of work to do to prepare for the new Year!! I've talked to some of you and some sent back the forms .......if you haven't given me your response, you can reply to me by e-mail......otherwise I will be calling you.

At the end of the year we talked about an outing for mentors and their children..............we have set a date for Sunday, July 24 at 1:00PM. It will be a Carnival-Ice cream social, and there will be inflatable jumper toys, games, face painting, popcorn, and quite a few of us making ice cream. This will also be for church families to come and participate and get acquainted with mentors, prayer partners, volunteers and learn more about Kids Hope. This will be an opportunity for you to invite those you think would want to be mentors, etc. and join the Kid's Hope team. PLEASE put this date on your calendar!!!! Mentors, you can call your child and his or her mother and invite them anytime you think appropriate. If you need numbers, call me.
Have any of you had an opportunity to get together with your child..........if not, this event will be fun for them and hopefully for their families too. The Youth group will help us with activities, a great way to get to know our young people.
On Sunday, July 10, I will be recruiting mentors for Kid's Hope...........I know we will lose some volunteers and so I'm hoping for 5-10 or more to sign up. Please pray BIG and encourage your friends to check it out--there will be an information table in the lobby. A couple mentors will share the joy they have experienced as a mentor ....pray for them. I'm open to any ideas for this summer and our program next year. Just to let you know, I will be training new mentors the 1st Thursday in August and then meet with all Volunteers the 1st Thursday in September. We probably will begin mentoring the middle of Sept.

This gives you an idea of upcoming events-----------mark your calendars. I'm looking forward to a new year serving with all of you. How I appreciate you.........the time and love you share with your child. I know God has great things planned for us as we trust in Him and do our part....all things are possible!! All that's been done is because of God's faithfulness and mercy...to Him be the glory!!!
Together you all make an extraordinary difference...........because when you change a life, it's no small change!!

Serving together,

Alice

Appreciation Brunch

2011-05-16T19:39:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that there will be an appreciation brunch this Saturday, May 21st beginning at 9AM for everyone involved in the Kids Hope Ministry...Mentors, Prayer Partners, etc.

Alice would like an RSVP so she knows how much food we'll need.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU one and all...

2011-04-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU, THANK YOU one and all for all your help in making our Easter Party a success!!! A big thanks to Teka, Karen, Sue, Carla, Marian and Ron. We had 8 kids come (half) ...what a joy to see the fun they had with mentor and prayer partners.......some of the children didn't even want to go home. The puppet show put on by the Grace Presbyterian Church Kids did a wonderful job, and Licorice, the real Easter Bunny was a hit. (I hate to take him home to my grandson).
I am so sorry that all of our precious children couldn't come but God is at work in every relationship and we will trust the second year to have more communication with parents. Mardell is calling to get the addresses of children so maybe some of you can continue to communicate this summer, or maybe we can have one summer get together.

Could anyone send me some comments made by children or cute stories for the newsletter.......need them this week. Also, bring a donation for school secretary and Principle for a year end gift. Bring to office or give to me.

AND PLEASE PICK UP A QUILT BLOCK AT CHURCH IN MY OFFICE. (PART OF A GIFT) IT WILL BE GIVEN TO PRINCIPAL TO HANG ON HER WALL. YOU JUST HAVE TO HAVE KIDS DESIGN AROUND THE PLACE FOR A PICTURE WITH FABRIC MARKERS THAT WILL BE LEFT AT MARDELL'S DESK WHEN YOU SIGN IN TO MENTOR. If you have questions, please call.

REMEMBER
APRIL21.......EARLY DISMISSAL AT 2:15 If any of you want to reschedule, check with your teacher)
APRIL 22 AND 25.................NO SCHOOL

Let's rejoice in God's blessings as we continue to celebrate Jesus resurrection, and have a blessed Easter!!
In Christ's love, Alice

Dear Friends

2011-04-13T09:33:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder of the Easter Party for Kid's Hope this Friday at 6 pm. Please bring your prayer partner. You have permission to call the parent of your child and remind them, or ask if you can pick them up.
The year is coming to a close and we need gifts for the principal and the secretary at Eastview for being so cooperative with us. if you would like to donate a small amount, please give it to me or bring to church (put in envelope in office) by April 26.
The gift we will be giving Martha Davis, Principal, is photo quilt, so I will put in your folder at church a quilt block. All you have to do is have students decorate around the picture area with fabric markers left at the front desk, and return it to my office at church by May 6!

We will also be doing a newsletter right after Easter would like to put some of your sweet "storys" in it, something cute or memorable your child has said, so either send me an e-mail or call me … whatever works for you.
Save the Date … May 21 … We’re planning an Appreciation Brunch for all Kid’s Hope Volunteers! More info to come.

I appreciate you all and hope you will help me to accomplish these things for Kid’s Hope.

Looking forward to seeing you Friday.
Serving together,
Alice

Prayer Partners Update

2011-04-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Prayer Partners,
Let me begin with this verse..."Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. I joy over You with thanksgiving!!

Sometimes it's hard to realize that we are making a difference, BUT you are!! God has promised that each time you pray for your mentor and your kid's hope child that He hears and will bring results. He is faithful and it is encouraging to me to see how God uses so many people to bless one precious little lamb. It's really not about us---but about what GOD will do though us if we let Him.

I know we have not had much opportunity for you to get acquainted with the child you are praying for but I hope the picture helps to at least see the little face you are praying for.
As you know we are having 1 more party, an Easter Party...........Friday April 15. It is for the mentor, child and YOU, So I hope you will plan to come and get better acquainted. Because it is at the church we can explain what a prayer partner is.

Thank you again for your loving concern for others. I appreciate each one of you and pray you will be blessed abundantly. Please continue to connect with your mentor weekly and keep up with progress and prayer requests.

Trusting God to achieve His purposes in us for His glory,
Alice

Easter Party April 15th

2011-03-31T19:42:00.000-07:00

Mentors and Prayer Partners, mark your calendars as Teka and Alice have put together another great event for Friday April 15 at 6:00. We will have the puppeteers from Grace Presbyterian come and set up by 6:00. When students arrive, they will have their pictures taken with their mentor and/or prayer partner and a bunny or chick (hopefully).
The children will then enjoy the puppet show, followed by a couple games (The three-legged "bunny hop" with the mentor, the egg and spoon race relay, guess the jelly beans in the jar, etc.) then snacks and a Easter picture frame craft that they can put their photo in and take home.
The invitation specifies that the party is for the students only and that they should be dropped off at 6:00 and picked up by 8:00 promptly.
We have asked Marian Rude to head up snacks, Karen Hickman to head up the photo card craft, and Alice will be asking Sue Handy and Carla Bobell to help with activities.
If you have any questions, be sure to give Teka or Alice a call. See you there!

March 21-25 is SPRINGBREAK for Canton School District

2011-03-16T19:21:00.001-07:00

Dear friends of Kids Hope,

Wanted to get a newsletter out but will have to wait till after Easter. However there are so many things I would like to bring to your attention.
First I would like to thank you all for coming to our mentoring meeting last month.......it was good to finally get together, share positive and negatives experiences and discuss ways to improve our relationships with our children-- I appreciated your input and know we learned much from each other. For some of you that were not there, we concluded that we are not the teacher and expected to just complete homework leaving no time to really listen and be a friend.............loving and encouraging the child is most important. I hope your are all utilizing your prayer partner, calling and letting them know what your needs are.........building that relationship is vital too. I would love feedback from you, please don't hesitate to call or e-mail anytime.

We have good news......We have added 4 more mentors and prayer partners!!! They are Linda Clapper with prayer partner Marilyn Riley;
                                                                                                                                                                Mike Harmon with prayer partner Kathi Harmon
                                                                                                                                                                 Anthony Eberle with prayer partner Teka O'Neill
                                                                                                                                                                 Brogan Hickman with prayer partner Karen Hickman
Carla Bobell also went through the training but has willingly consented to being Prayer Coordinator while Sandy Powell is caring for her husband.

I just want to remind you that next week , March 21-25 is SPRINGBREAK for Canton School District ---there is NO school so you will not mentor next week.

The leadership team is planning a Easter Party on April 16............we feel that 10 am on SAT. morning would be better than a Friday night. We are having Grace Presbyterian Church bring their "PUPPET SHOW" and we will have games and treats. We are considering only invitiing mentors, prayer partners and the mentees so more time getting to know each other without distraction from other siblings. However, we are still in the planning stages and would love input from YOU. PLEASE put the 16th on our calender.

I'm Praising God for each one of you, your caring and loving committment. Realize that you are part of a much bigger puzzle that God can use to change young lives. YOU ARE "LITERALLY" KID'S HOPE!     Keep up the good work!!

Serving together,
Alice

Eastview School Bookfair

2011-03-11T12:13:00.000-08:00

Dear Kids Hope Volunteers,

First as always, I want to thank you all for your love and time for Kid's Hope. Without YOU this program wouldn't work and children would miss out on your mentoring and prayers and teachers would be at a loss. I will be writing another e-mail soon as to what's is happening but I promised I would invite you to participate at Eastview school.

Just a reminer ... next week (14th-18th) they are having a bookfair at Eastview and Glo Davis asked if we would be able to help in the mornings or afternoons and help the kids shop and purchase books--it gets very hectic!! She said she needs people from 8:30 to 11:00 and 1pm-3pm on Tues, Thurs and Friday. I'm sure she would appreciate a call. Just call 647-0136 and ask for Glo. If Mon or Wed is better for you, I'm sure she could use you then also.
This is an opportunity to build stronger relations with Eastview. Prayerfully consider. Thank you!

Serving together, Alice

You can also reach her at the following email address.

Glo Davis
gdavis@cantonusd.org
Eastview Librarian

All Ministry Meeting Feb 15th

2011-02-08T06:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Ones, Valentines Day is almost here and it just gives me a reason to tell you how much I love each one of you and appreciate who you are and what you are doing to make a difference in the lives of God's special children---so I am Rejoicing in you and for your loving example to all. There will be a meeting on Feb. 15 th at church, 6:30 so we can discuss mentoring ideas, etc. Please bring your mentoring bag --it will be a great idea to see what you use during your mentoring hour and hopefully discover new ideas to apply when necessary. It will also be a time to get to know each other, pray for each other and rejoice in all the changes and blessings you have experienced being a mentor. All are welcome so I hope to see you Tues, the 15. Until then, Alice

Mentors and Prayer Partners Needed

2011-02-03T16:46:00.001-08:00

As many of you know, the Kids Hope USA program of mentors working with children at Eastview Elementary kicked off in the fall of 2010 with 12 mentors and 12 prayer partners. This in itself was an answer to much prayer and confirmed to Alice Grieves, Teka O'Neil, Sandy Powell and myself, along with the Outreach Ministry, that God was calling us toward a more active ministry within the community. Early meetings with the teachers of Eastview were very encouraging, but always the comments were "WE NEED MORE MENTORS", as the needs there are great. You can look up your own statistics on the number of single parent families these days and the many struggles that families are going through but to hear it directly from the teachers each week speaks volumes to why God has called us forward on this. Since October when we started we've been able to add an additional 2-3 mentors but once again the call is "WE NEED MORE MENTORS", as Alice has been receiving urgent email requests from teachers. The time requirement is only one hour, once per week, meeting directly with one child. Alice and her staff have many resources available to help you plan your hour but many times it's just working with the teacher to see where the largest need is and then filling that need. The rewards? Talk to any of the mentors...they'll be glad to share how these relationships have become something that both mentor and child look forward to each and every week.

Can you spare an hour a week? For a child? To make a difference in someone's life? Let Alice know, either by phone or email. Or look her up at church if you have a desire but need more info.

We also will be needing more prayer partners as well. Each mentor is paired with a prayer partner so maybe that's the direction God is calling you to. Let us know.

Lastly, we're looking for someone who would be willing to come along side and assist Sandy Powell as Prayer Director. With Dean's upcoming surgery she will have her hands full caring for Dean and we're needing someone who could continue her role of working with Alice and the mentors during this time. This is major responsibility, as prayer is what this ministry depends so highly on, as only God can truly change the lives of these children.

A thought on National Mentoring Month

2011-01-27T09:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends of Kid's Hope,
Once again, a reminder that this is National Mentoring Month. A thought came to mind that we realize what a tough job the teacher's have and what a great effort they give.............so maybe we could give our appreciation by bringing a treat to the teacher's lounge or one for your childs teacher. So, if you feel led or have time.........surprise them.
Thank you for all you do.........God bless you all!!!!! Serving together, Alice

ps......we all don't have to do it next week, whatever the Lord leads.

Note from the Director

2011-01-21T07:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

I'ts already begun but I want to wish you a Blessed and Happy New year! I thank God for you all of you MENTORS and your commitment and love for Kid's Hope kids. I see smiles on the faces of your kids and the whole classroom when you go for a visit . And the teachers are so appreciative of all you do. Thank you ,too, Kid's Hope PRAYER PARTNERS, for your pleas to heaven for hope to enter your child's heart.

Thank you VOLUNTEERS for being available when the need arises. Together, we can make an extraordinary difference!!!!

I want you to know that we have lots of new books, games in the library--Cindy brought in some Max Lacado books...some are even approved as ar books ,so please come in any time. Teka and I put together another packet that is in your file box in church lobby...please pick it up. If you have any needs or ideas that would benefit other mentors, please let me know. Also keep a notebook on sweet things your mentee says--would like to send to Kid's Hope organization. I'll be around to visit you in the new year/and talk to you about your feelings on progress of mentee. So keep the faith and know when you change a life, it's no small change!!! .

"Hope is the indispensible fuel for all human action". When Hope enters a child's heart, anything is possible.

To God be the glory!

Love in Christ, Alice

January is National Mentoring Month!

2011-01-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

Each year since 2001, January has been recognized across the country as National Mentoring Month. Originally sponsored by the Harvard School of Public Health, this annual recognition of mentoring relationships and their power to impact lives has continued to grow and garner national attention. The stated goals of National Mentoring Month are to raise awareness about mentoring, recruit mentors - especially in programs where students are waiting, and to promote large scale growth in mentoring by enlisting more organizations to be champions for the cause.

We also just heard an urgent plea from Eastview Elementary that they need a female mentor for one of their students with a real need and so we're asking you to pray that God would place it upon one of our congregation's hearts to sign up and get involved. Praise God that He not only continues to answer prayer but that He also continues to open doors. Now all we need to be is obedient to His leading and calling us. Is God speaking to you?

Christmas Party Highlights

2010-12-09T16:52:00.000-08:00

Friday, December 3rd, we had our very first Kids Hope USA Christmas party for our mentors and Eastview kids and parents. While not everyone could make it this year, we had 6 of our students, along with their families, join us for a time of crafts, songs, games and stories. They were all encouraged to sing along in Chase Gaumer's "12 Days of Christmas" presentation which included quite a few interesting movements to go along with the words. Then it was off to one of two tables, either to decorate some sugar cookies or make a cellophane wreath for the door. Treats were available during the party, as were coloring pages and games. Wrapping things up was a telling of "The Christmas Story" by Sue Smith, along with a book gift for each of the Kids Hope kids. It was great to be able to meet all the kids and their families and get to know them a little better. Several shared how they'd begun to see changes as a result of the Kids Hope program...to God be the Glory! Alice and Teka did a wonderful job pulling all this together and I look forward to their next party.

For pics, check out these on our Kids Hope Facebook page.

Christmas Party Friday, Dec 3rd

2010-11-24T07:06:00.000-08:00

We’ll be having a Christmas Party for the kids and everyone at at the church on Friday, Dec 3rd at 7PM. We have a special program including crafts, cookie decoration, Christmas Caroling, and a holiday skit that will be fun for all. There will be storytelling and the Youth Group will regale us with a rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas”.

We’d love for everyone to join us and for you to take this opportunity to meet with the mentors and the rest of the Kids Hope group. Please let the office know by Tuesday, November 30th if attending so we’ll have an idea on attendance.

How Can You Become a Part of Kids Hope

2010-11-15T06:39:00.001-08:00

As part of my job as Communications Coordinator, I'm tasked with keeping you, the church body, informed as to what's happening with Kids Hope and how you can be more involved. It's our desire that Kids Hope become more than just a ministry of this church, but instead is something that each and every one of you can take ownership in some way. So, how can you be a part of Kids Hope? Maybe God's calling you to mentor a child. Yes we currently have 14 mentors and we're grateful to God for each and every one, but already we're hearing from other 1st and 2nd grade teachers at Eastview of the need for more. One of our church members who is a teacher shared with me last Sunday that she'd overheard at a teachers workshop about the mentoring that was happening at her school (Eastview) and of all the other students who could benefit from such an approach. The need is HUGE and I'm certain that it aches God's heart to see the need...could you set aside an hour a week for God to meet this need? How about being a prayer warrior? Even though each mentor has a specific prayer partner, how awesome would it be to have many in the church bathing this outreach in prayer each week? Talk with Alice and ask how you can be praying. Lastly, there's a financial need as well. In order to get started with Kids Hope, there was training involved, affiliation fees and materials to acquire. Although the church budgeted for much of these costs, the one-time affiliation fee of $3,000 was to be met through pledges and donations. Through God's provision we've been able to meet all but $1,000 of this but need your help in meeting this balance. If God's moving you to be involved financially, please designate "Kids Hope USA" on your check or envelope and we'll see that it goes to the proper fund. I'm confident that this ministry is God's will, as He has met every need that we've placed before Him, and I urge you to find your place in this ministry as well. May God Bless. Ron

Your KIDS HOPE USA Story of the Week

2010-10-30T08:14:00.001-07:00

The story this week reminded me that often we may feel that perhaps we're not making a difference but it's the things said after we're gone that tell the true story, so be encouraged.

"Recently," observed a KIDS HOPE USA mentor, "I had begun questioning whether or not Jason really wanted to be with me during our regular mentoring time. His responses were not enthusiastic and he was rather easily distracted. Later that week, his teacher mentioned that the class had been engaged in a discussion about people who cared for them. She was very moved, and so was I, when Jason said, 'My mentor cares for me.'"

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9

Update from Alice

2010-10-26T08:57:00.001-07:00

Dear Mentors, Prayer partners and volunteers.

We have now begun our mentoring program at Eastview....thanks be to God!! Some started last week and some will have their first visit with their child this week. I have been meeting with as many as possible and it's exciting to see the joy, smiles and excitement as they meet the first time with their special boy or girl. Trusting God to go with us and fill us with as extra portion of love. Mentors, please remember to let your prayer partner know when you are mentoring and then call afterwards and fill them in on the details so they can pray specifically. ( Also mentors, don't forget to fill out the daily progress report when you are finished mentoring.) I will eventually get pictures taken of mentor/child so you can have a visual reminder. Put the picture on your mirror and pray often! "The earnest prayer of a righteous man has great power and produces wonderful fruit". The prayer planner has some very good ideas for praying--if you didn't get one call Sandy Powell or stop in at my office.

"Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ." Phil.1:6
Serving together with you,

Alice

Kids Hope Mentors need your prayers

2010-10-21T07:47:00.000-07:00

This week, Oct 18-21st, the Kids Hope Mentors each met with their respective children at Eastview Elementary for the very first time. These are boys and girls in either 1st or 2nd grade who were matched up with their mentors by the school, with input from Alice Grieves and Teka O'Neil. I'm certain each has a unique story to tell from that very first meeting...perhaps they'll share a bit about this day. Meanwhile, would you be in prayer for all the Kids Hope Ministry? Pray for the mentors, the prayer partners and each of the 12 children, that God would be at work in their lives and that they would stand strong in their faith. We serve an awesome God who is always there for us each step of the way.

Child and Mentors Orientation

2010-10-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

Dear Kids Hope volunteers,
The day has finally come....I received an e-mail from Martha Davis that they are ready for us to come to orientation. Cara Miesner, one of the teachers will be working with us. She is excited and wants to get started right away so I hope you are flexible and able to join us on this Thursday, Oct 14, at 3:00 pm. at Eastview Elementary School. Teka and I will be there to greet you at the front door and we will go in together. This is definitely for all the mentors and substitute mentors. Prayer Partners are encouraged to join us as this will help picture just where your mentor and child will be learning. The teachers have matched up the children and you will find out who your teacher/child will be on Thursday. If for some reason you are unable to be there, please let me know and Teka or I will take you through the orientation as soon as possible. We want to get started the following week so let's pray that our Heavenly Father will direct our steps and give us grace to do what we have committed to do. If you have any questions please call me at 678-9165 or 649-1654 .
Serving together in Christ,
Alice

Odds and Ends

2010-10-02T06:10:00.000-07:00

Found in my inbox this morning this jewel from Kids Hope USA...
How does it make a child feel to have a caring KIDS HOPE USA mentor come to see her -- just her! -- week after week after week? First grader Sharona used these words to describe that very special feeling:

"Miss Carla, you make me shine inside!"

Also, Alice asked that I share that we're still in need of a bookcase for her office. If you've an older one that you're no longer needing, stop by an see her.

God's perfect plans

2010-09-30T10:53:00.001-07:00

Dear Precious Volunteers, As I realize Oct. is almost here, you are on my mind. I know you are anxiously awaiting for this program to begin, but we will wait on the Lord. His timing is perfect and he is never too early or too late......praise God!! It is humbling to think about the responsibility that we have committed to--to encourage, affirm and love the child that God gives to us. Some might feel you won't know what to say, but past mentors say that somehow the right words always seem to come. Trusting in the Lord will give you peace. Prayer is the key and the power. " Prayer is a process by which our human plans become alined with God's perfect plans" .

The principle is waiting for permission slips to come back and as soon as I hear from her, we will have our orientation. You will not want to miss this event. Till then, enjoy each day that God gives you and seek to get to know Him more. In Christ, Alice

Meeting rescheduled

2010-09-20T19:09:00.001-07:00

Dear Prayer Partners and Volunteers,
Due to the unavailability of many to attend on Thursday evening, we are changing the meeting to Sunday evening, the 26th, at 6pm. Hopefully this will be a better day for all to come. It is very important that all of you attend. Mentors and prayer volunteers are invited also. Please e-mail me if you are unable to attend. Praying and trusting God to go before us to complete this commitment. Thank you time and prayers.

with anticipation and love for each one of you,
Sandy Powell and Alice Grieves

Prayer Partners Meeting

2010-09-17T20:02:00.001-07:00

Dear Volunteers,
I know we are all anxiously awaiting to get started with our Kids Hope Mentoring program. It will be exciting to me to see the mentors and mentees relationships develop and thrive over time. But, we still have a couple meetings to attend. First on Thursday, the 23 of Sept we will have a meeting for all prayer partners and prayer volunteers---the mentors are invited to attend also as this will promote better communication and understanding. Then, as soon as we hear from the principle at Eastview, we will have an Orientation at the school. We will be prepared with God's help!!

Please pray for the principle and the teachers as they put all the details together.

The meeting will be at church on Sept 23 at 6:30. Please let me know is you cannot attend.

Co-laborers for Jesus, Alice

Training Day

2010-08-28T16:38:00.000-07:00

Today, almost 30 gathered for the kick-off training for Mentors, Prayer Partners and Back-Up Mentors. It was awesome to see that many willing to give of their time and with a love for children. Director Alice Grieves and Events Coordinator Teka O'Neill walked us through the training DVD, with time for questions, comments, prayer and of course snacks and lunch. Thanks go out to the Women's Ministry and Karen and Shelley for the great lunch. There will still be another shorter session with the mentors and one for the prayer partners as well as we get closer to begin working with the school, so watch for those dates. I'll also be posting some pics from today's event so check back soon.

Supplies Needed for Mentors

2010-08-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

As we get close to starting with the Kids Hope program at Eastview, Alice asked that I share that we have a need for children's books, age level grades 1-4 (no christian books) and also for games, flash cards, color books etc. for mentors to use. Also am in need of a bookshelf for the children's books. We have some funds budgeted for purchases such as these but anything you might have that could be used would be welcomed. If you would leave them in the office with a note that they are for Kids Hope, Alice will pick them up from there.

Thanks!

Letter from the Director

2010-08-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

Dear KidsHope Volunteers,
Welcome to this new ministry---I am thrilled and honored that you said "yes" to this important calling and am looking forward to getting together on the 28th of August at 8:30 a.m.

We now have a Leadership Team, 14 mentors, 14 prayer partners and 2 sub-mentors. God has proved faithful again and again!!

I hope and pray that this training will be educational, uplifting, fun and a glory to God. You will be encouraged and challenged. We will learn and laugh, care and share. You will be equipped to begin what you volunteered to do--love children in Christ's name.

Please know you are all special. You are a gift to our church and neighborhood elementary school in general, and to at-risk children, in particular. May our time together reflect the love of Christ and may His name be glorified.

"Now unto Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" Ephesians 3:20
Blessings and love to you in Christ's name,

Alice Grieves, Director

Frightening statistics

2010-08-08T20:00:00.000-07:00

Close to a million homeless students attended U.S. public schools in 2008-2009. That was a 41 percent increase over the previous two years. (Source: "Schools report surge in homeless students," USAToday.com, July 31, 2010)
Can you even imagine the need here? In this environment, how can the learning process take place? Where are the incentives? The needs are huge!

Reminder about training

2010-07-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

This is just a reminder about the Kids Hope training session August 28th for all this year's mentors, subs and prayer partners. We'd really like everyone to attend as we begin to build the team and it's a great chance for the prayer partners to get with the designated mentors (will be matched before this training). The session starts at 8:30am with coffee and rolls and will run until after lunch. Also, Alice wanted me to be sure to remind the mentors to please get fingerprints done asap. Remember to make an appointment. Questions, call or email Alice. I know it seems like a long way off but school starts back for Eastview on August 18th and we're hoping to have the mentors matched with the children soon after the open house and be in the schools by October.

Kids Hope Director Training

2010-07-14T17:04:00.000-07:00

Our Director, Alice Grieves, attended this year's February training session in St. Charles, Il. For pictures from the session, check out this flickr set.

Here's Director Grieves...3rd from the left.

What's Your Motivation

2010-07-07T18:18:00.000-07:00

Found this article in Christianity Today thought provoking and it was even more so when I discovered who the author was...check it out!

Training Date Set

2010-07-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

Kids Hope USA Training:
All those who have expressed an interest in being a Kids Hope mentor, back-up mentor or prayer partner...we will be having a training session on Saturday, Aug 28th beginning at 8:30am until 1:30pm, with lunch provided. All are encouraged to attend, as this will be the only training session. Questions, contact Alice Grieves at alice.grieves@gmail.com. Hope to see you there.

Welcome

2010-07-07T12:15:00.000-07:00

Glad you've found us! As the Communications Coordinator for the Canton Ill Evangelical Free Church's Kids Hope USA ministry, it's my desire to use any and all avenues of communication available to keep our mentors, back-up mentors, prayer partners and church body informed of events, important dates, ways to be involved, etc and to provide a way of getting your feedback on the program. I'll be updating our web site at http://www.evfreecanton.org periodically, as well as adding events to our calendar. Our monthly newsletter will highlight the coming month's activities and of course there's always email and Facebook for more critical communication so be sure to send me your email address or Facebook profile name.