KIDS HOPE

Over two decades ago, Dr. Virgil Gulker researched a question that led to Kids Hope USA’s launch: How can churches have the greatest impact on America’s at-risk children? The answer – Fill the relational voids in kids’ lives. In other words, send people to personally meet with students who need reliable, caring adult relationships. And start with children in the earliest grades.

One of the churches he approached was Maplewood. We agreed to match mentors with students from a nearby elementary school. Each mentor/student relationship would also have a person who prayed for the relationship. Maplewood and Holland Public Schools have remained faithful through many school changes. We now mentor at Holland Language Academy. Prayer partners provide support and encouragement. Mentors meet with their students for 45 minutes during the lunch hour with a focus on relationship building by playing games, crafting, reading and supporting school work.