It feels like we are off to a great start this year. All returning mentors have been warmly greeted by their Kids Hope students. We had a wonderful response to our request for mentors and are so delighted to welcome new mentors: Paige Convis, Peggy DeHaan, Danielle Floerchinger-Herrington, Lynn Japinga, Terry Pott, Anna Ritsema (a member of Third Reformed Church), Barb Roe, Dave and Barb Schmitt, and one new substitute mentor, Claudia Berry. Thanks to these new volunteers and our ten returning mentors, we have been able to increase the number of students we serve from 14 to 19, which is the most we have been able to mentor in several years.
Despite this wonderful response, we still have some children on our waiting list. In each case, the referring teacher is longing for someone who can create a positive relationship with this student. If you are aware of anyone who has ever considered becoming a mentor, please make them aware of the needs of these children. We would be happy to conduct an individual training session for any new volunteer at the time that best suits them and we would love to hear from anyone who is even considering the possibility of working with one of the at-risk children of Vanderbilt.
For further information about Kids Hope, please call Anne Duinkerken in the church office at (616) 392-7947 ex. 114.
Anne Duinkerken & Barbara Joldersma, Kids Hope USA Co-Directors