PROGRAMS
GET INVOLVED
SITE SEARCH |
|
provided by google
|
|
Urban New York Youth Find Summer Refuge
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of a New York summer, over 4,400 urban children left their single parent homes, homeless shelters, foster care, or other walks of life to attend more than 30 OBI supported Bless A Child activities last year. Come meet a few of the children you were a part of helping...
Nicole proudly looked over her blooming garden! Along with 149 other children and teens, this 16-year-old has learned responsibility and interaction skills as well as the values of sewing and reaping by taking part in We Care, Inc.'s garden project in Middle Island. "(Over two summers,) Nicole's outlook and attitude has greatly improved," commented activity coordinator Joy Herbst. "She is much happier and has grown into a beautiful young lady!"
Parents like 10-year-old Theresa are so pleased with The Garden Project, they hope to send their children again this coming summer! "I was happy I got to do this project," Theresa said. "I learned how to plant and give of myself. It taught me now to love others." Participants also were treated to daily lunch and snacks as well as new clothes, Bible comic and coloring books.
For siblings like Brooke and Daniel, having new things were few and far between. Both of their parents were in prison, leaving them to live with a grandmother in Newark, New Jersey. While attending day camp at Newark Gospel Tabernacle (NGT), 9-year-old Brooke's temper eased and her reading skills improved. Now she aspires to be a doctor. Her 14-year-old brother showed shyness and low self-esteem when beginning the camp, but soon began excelling in computer skills and reading.
Volunteer school teachers, social workers, and parents poured into the lives of 92 children and teens through teaching and one-on-one counseling during NGT's day camp. The Gospel was presented through Bible study, skits, and crafts. A few times they were able to escape from city life and went on field trips. Campers were also fed breakfast, lunch and daily snacks. Program Director Annie West commented, "Our desire is to expand the program to include the entire summer and to be able to accommodate additional children."
"Whether it was playing baseball, learning to dance, practicing phonics, discovering Biblical truth, developing work skills, or simply receiving a hot meal and learning the value of good nutrition, our kids were impacted by the generosity and love of Operation Blessing," expressed Jim Esposito, director of OBI's Metro New York center.
As the summer is quickly approaching, please consider giving to OBI's Bless-A-Child program. Help enable the "Daniels" and "Nicoles" across the United States to continue developing year round!
Give your gift here...
|
]