Teaching Homeless Kids to Be Kids

Imagine being 9 years old and never having ridden a bicycle. Imagine what your friends at school would say when they found out. Or even worse, imagine not having any friends at all!

Many kids at our Hope Family Center don’t have to imagine; it's a painful reality they live out at school every day. You see, the greatest obstacle children who are homeless face in school doesn't stem from not having the right supplies or clothing—we provide them with those things—it's "fitting in," says Case Manager joAnna Russell.

"In general, people still label our children ‘homeless children,' instead of 'children who are homeless,' which would put the emphasis on 'children' first," joAnna explains. So youngsters are already burdened by the stigma of homelessness before they even step through the classroom door.

On top of that, their academic, social and coping skills have often been delayed because they've moved from school to school or their moms were sick and didn't provide appropriate parental guidance.

When children first come to Hope Ministries, our counselors talk with them to find out where they struggle, and then write care plans to address those areas. For many youngsters, it's simply making friends. "One little boy just made his first friend the other day and was so excited," joAnna shares. "So we sat down with him and said, 'OK, you've met somebody, now what are you going to do—what's the next conversation going to look like?'"

We also try to catch them up so they go to school with basic age-appropriate skills. Those skills may include things as simple as playing ball or skateboarding—things most kids take for granted. "Then they can participate in activities with other children; they can relate," joAnna says.

"We shine 'em up, bring ‘em to the forefront and let 'em know they're worthy!"

God has given Hope Ministries so many opportunities to touch the lives of women and children at their most vulnerable times and offer them love, guidance and His hope for bright and fulfilling futures. Through your prayers and gifts, you become a vital member of our team in this important work!