Training Day

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

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

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

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!