For many years, I have helped numerous people. This is something that gives me great joy to do so, far more than just writing a tithe check. The most common need for help is for someone that is starting over. I could not begin to guess how many people I have bought all necessary household goods for. This does not compare to the number of bibles I have bought. I believe I have done my part in keeping ChristianBook.com in business!
A recent need, that I have become aware of, is the nation-wide issue of disadvantaged children. These are children from all areas and families of all income levels. It has been shocking to me! My years in the accounting world and dealing mostly with business owners shielded me from the matter right in my own community. I decided – after being very vocal for the last few years – to do something about it rather than just complain. These children are the future of our society!
I am currently in the process of becoming a volunteer at the local children’s home. I have spoken to a woman at the home in reference to my ideas.
- First up, bibles for all!
- Second, yoga mats and yoga books, so they can learn how to deal with stress and anger in a healthy way.
- I plan to spend time with the children twice a month (schedule with tax season will be hectic). I want to help prepare them for life. I want to be accepted by them and trusted so that I can have a good influence.
- I want to teach them about being each other’s family.
- I hope to make some nice childhood memories for them through simple things as pizza parties, playing board games, and maybe making crafts.
- I want to prepare several of these young women (ages 16 and 17) for life. I need to find out if they have driver’s education in school or need assistance paying for it. Talk to them about job applications and interviews.
- I want to help them understand their interests to help them pursue their future careers. A lot of you have heard me say, “It is best to do what you love. That is when you are successful.”
- I want to help them learn how to maintain a home (a lot of us take this for granted because we were taught).
- Most importantly, I want to teach them how to manage money!
Later, I plan to meet with the Attorney General to discuss the juvenile detention center issue as well. I read that one thousand additional children were placed in juvenile detention in 2020 (I cannot find a total number for all). The cost to house a child in juvenile detention is $214,000.00 per year. Do the math for just those “additional” children placed. Google, and just start scrolling, to see the amount of juvenile detention centers there are on the east coast alone. It is mind-boggling.
Most of the reasoning for placing a child in these facilities is drug offenses. I do not support drug offenses; however, a probationary process would be a much better option. I am concerned of the impact of their future from living in such an environment. Even if their record is expunged, there will be lasting emotional impact.
If there are violent offenders, I promote psychiatric evaluations, court-ordered therapy sessions and parenting classes for their parents, as most children are a product of how they are raised.
Anyone of you that knows me well knows I will be bossing the Attorney General around quite well! 😊
You ask why I am announcing all of this to you? I am hoping to raise money to assist with the bible, yoga mats, board games, driver’s education (if necessary), etc. I have never done anything to this magnitude on my own. The bibles (I was unable to bargain and believe me I tried) will cost $1,600.00 (before shipping and tax). The yoga mats for the girls and weightlifting books for the boys will be an additional $800.00. Currently, I do not know the cost of other matters (one step at a time). I can see this adding up to thousands of dollars in no time. Despite grantmaking efforts on behalf of the children’s home, there is not always enough money for the extras. We all know if we pull together, even in small amounts, we can make a big difference!
I would also like to list corporate and large amounts contributed by individual donors. Please let me know if you wish not to be listed.
Thank you for your generosity!
Gratefully,
Barbara
THESSALONIANS511.ORG 