- Abney has more needy kids this year than they ever have. When the new school opened this year, they were rezoned, and picked up a lot more needy families. 27% of their students qualify for free lunches, and another 7% qualify for reduced rate lunches.
- They have several kids with a parent who is incarcerated, and one child who has both parents in jail.
- Because of the current state of the economy, their funding sources are obviously not nearly as strong as they were.
- They're in pretty desperate need of mentors and a strong male presence to be "around" (more below). They have a lot of kids that have very little adult influence in their lives.
What projects could we be involved in?
*Mentoring - could we send some of our great adults up to the school, even for just a short period of time once a week (or even every two weeks) during school hours to mentor kids? This would involve reading with them, playing a game, etc. It would be a one-on-one deal, where you connect with the same kid repeatedly.
*Watch D.O.G.S. Full Explanation - they'd love to start this program. Men donate one day a month to be on campus- helps with security and more male role models.
*Christmas Project - this is more of an immediate need. They have several kids that they sponsor for Christmas as a staff, but this year, there are so many more kids, and many teachers can't afford to help. I'm checking with Marlon to see if we can direct some of the "Christmas at NorthStar" funds there.
*They used to have an emergency fund, for when a needy kid needs glasses or shoes, etc - they can help. Maybe this is an "Extraordinary Giving" thing we do after we get started?
*I spoke with one of our current NS members about beginning a program to send home food with needy kids either every day or on Fridays. This would take a lot of coordination and support, but could make a HUGE impact. They loved the idea!
*Provide snacks for kids that can't bring one every day. This could be done at any time!
So, that's the scoop. What do you think? Post a comment here, or email me with your thoughts.
Hey Brad,
ReplyDeleteThere is already a back pack program for sending food home on Fridays. I can't remember what its called but maybe we could get on board with that. Angie's preschool sponsors 25 kids and we send in food periodically to go home with the kids. I don't know which elementary school that covers but I could try to find out the name of the program. It may be easier to get involved with a program that already established than to try to start our own. Just a thought!
Rachel
My hubby, Jeff actually met with Amy Durham at the beginning of the school yr to try and get the Watch Dog program started at Abney. She was very excited about the idea and Jeff was waiting to hear back from her to know what step to take next. With Amy no longer being at Abney, Jeff wasn't sure what to do to get the ball rolling. Glad to hear the school is still interested in the program. Jeff went to a Watch Dog meeting this past fall at Pickett's Mill Elem. He would know who to contact about the program because he met the guy who is over the program at the meeting. (I am volunteering my hubby without asking, but I am sure he wouldn't mind.):) Brad, why don't you talk to Jeff about that program and he would love to do whatever he can to get it started at Abney.
ReplyDeleteMy heart is so heavy for those kids who are in need and I am so glad the Lord has hand picked each of us "for such a time as this" to intercede on their behalf. It is not by coincidence that the Lord called NorthStar to Dallas!
All - The person who started Watch DOGS at Shelton, Bubba Rainwater, is a good friend of mine and I am in a men's Bible study with him each week. I am sure he could help us with any questions about the program or maybe help us with a starting point if needed. Please let me know if I can provide his contact info to anyone. This is a really cool program.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Jason
Everyone - those are great comments - email me with any details that you discover...
ReplyDelete