One of the most important things we can do is create a strong and lasting bond with students. It is so significant and powerful to see relationships grow outside of school. Doing something fun and memorable that breaks the routine helps everyone connect. Mentors in Corpus Christi, Texas will be doing that at the beginning […]
Going Beyond the Mentoring Hour Read More »
To discuss the challenges and solutions of protecting at-risk youth in the community, KIDS HOPE USA, a not-for-profit organization seeking to expand its mentorship program in local elementary schools along with local Culver’s owners Chris and Karen Blair, and Tom Blair hosted a clergy lunch on Tuesday, February 28th in Elgin. Attendees included, KIDS HOPE
Culver’s and KIDS HOPE USA host local leaders and churches Read More »
A few weeks ago I was invited to Washington D.C. to be a part of a summit Christian organizations involved in mentoring. Thirty-one leaders from all across the country gathered together to discuss how to better mobilize and serve the Church. I’ve been to enough of these types of meetings to look forward to 3 inevitable moments: The moment a story
“But you can count them on one hand, right?” Read More »
This last week alone, Kids Hope USA Director Trainings took place in Colorado, Chicago, and Dallas. When fully developed, the churches training this week will mentor over 800 at-risk children. Children like Fernanda. Fernanda’s life was being written, and the ending was looking predictably grim, with little hope for a positive future. But as you
The first time I travelled to Knoxville, TN it was to meet with a possible first Kids Hope USA church in Knoxville. It was 2005 and at that point, there wasn’t a single Kids Hope USA program in the state. We were just hoping for one church that would step forward. And we found one! An
Reasons to Go South in the Winter Read More »
As recently as three years ago, the thought of having three Director Trainings in one month seemed out of the question. There simply wasn’t the need. Fast forward to today, where the training team has just wrapped up its third Director Training in one week! As recently as three years ago, the thought of having
My How You’ve Grown… Read More »
Top 3 reasons I love Ohio (No, this isn’t a bet I lost as a Michigan fan, to our friends to the south): 1. The Community Connection TV Show (Youngstown, OH). This Easter Sunday, a most remarkable message will be telecasted about the power of God’s love and hope to change lives. No, it won’t be from
“Yea Ohio!” was heard in Michigan?!? Read More »
I know, I know..one of the most boring titles imaginable right? (and yet reflects 90% of the status updates on Facebook I see. But that is fodder for another blog.) An hour ago I got a haircut. And as Stacey led me to my chair, I got the standard question 1 and 2: “Here on your lunch break?” “Where
“An hour ago I got a haircut.” Read More »
This past week I was reminded of the old saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” Fortunately, it wasn’t trying to shovel snow off my driveway in Michigan that brought this to mind. I was in Fort Worth, TX at a special meeting convened by Mayor Betsy Price. Her purpose was to invite several
Eating an Elephant Read More »
Have you ever done a Google search on someone before meeting them? After hearing the words “In preparation for our meeting, I googled your name” from the head of a large school system, curiosity drove me immediately from the meeting to my computer. Here’s what I found: Drew Peirce the Special Effects genius. “Mastermind Drew Peirce and
“I googled your name.” Read More »
