[Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of articles from Arborlawn's Kids Hope USA ministry. The program has been in place about a year now with our church partnering with J. T. Stevens Elementary School. Adults from Arborlawn meet one-on-one with the children, and each relationship is covered by prayer from a third person. It's hard to tell who benefits most in this equation, and that's a beautiful side benefit of the mission.]
There is a desperate need among America’s at-risk children to be the “one-and-only” in the life of a caring adult. This need for love can only be met one child at a time. You can do something real and be that one caring adult. So when your Kids Hope USA child asks, “How many other children do you see at my school?” you can say, “I'm here, just for you.” When kids feel loved and valued, they are better able to learn, grow and succeed.
Evelyn McKimmey shared her experience with her J. T. Stevens Kids Hope child: "We bonded early, and one special memory was when I was arriving at the school. This young man is always at recess when I get to school and obviously not allowed to run up to visitors. He gets as close as he dares and on this occasion told me, "I knew you'd be here today!" What a warm feeling that I was being at least somewhat successful. He has asked whether I would be his mentor next year - in 6th grade - and in high school. He has asked if he can come to my house, at least in the summer. His spelling grades have come up and his reading has improved, at least the reading we do in the Kids Hope room."
Watch for more experiences from Kids Hope mentors in the coming weeks. For information on becoming a Kids Hope mentor or prayer partner for Fall 2013, contact Shirley Watkins or Laurie Ryan.
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