OUTREACH, FAITH, AND MY LIFE
“I choose to “PUSH BACK”…not by complaining but, by shining a bright light on programs, people and policies that work.” Brad Lupien
One of the focus areas of Easter’s outreach ministries is education and youth. These partnerships range from Easter Preschool to the TreeHouse and Homework Help programs operating out of Easter by the Lake.
Easter’s youth partnerships are critical because education is important. All kinds of education are important – from preschool onward. Why is there no endpoint for education? Because we continue learning throughout our lives.
I serve on the board of Reaching Up MN and volunteer at Homework Help. At Homework Help by Reaching Up, we work to help students and families reduce barriers and succeed in school, so that they have choices when they are adults and can continue learning throughout their lives. We work with students from elementary school through high school graduation. At Homework Help we are shining a bright light on our wonderful students as they grow and develop into more confident lifelong learners.
One of our students came to this country from a dangerous situation in Central America. He came to Minnesota speaking, reading, and writing only Spanish. He had not gone to school for at least one year before arriving in Minnesota. “Why wasn’t this student in school?” you may ask. Due to local gangs and violence, it was often too dangerous for students or teachers to go to school. After just four years in the U.S., he is excelling in English and other subjects. Four years ago, he was at 2nd grade level in math and is now doing well in Algebra 2! Imagine making that kind of personal progress!
Even in this particularly difficult school year, he has managed to maintain top grades in every class. It has not been easy for him. There are times when he cannot go to school, because he has to work to support his family financially. When it snows in the winter, he will often work snow removal for 24 hours, missing sleep and working through school hours. In the summer, he works in roofing. Despite his personal circumstances and the complications they create for focusing on his education, this young man will graduate from high school next year, only the second person in his family to do so. Notwithstanding the challenges of his four years in this country, he has grown into a determined, diligent, and self-directed student. He will continue to value education and help his family and others.
At Homework Help I see God in the students, volunteers, and relationships that are built when we work together. As volunteers, our students bless us even more than we do them. We grow in our faith and see Jesus in the eyes of our students and their families, in both their smiles of triumph and tears of frustration. We rejoice when a student understands a new concept, and we prayerfully accompany them through the hard times. Of course, we also celebrate every student’s success as a community - learners, volunteers, staff, teachers, and families together. We invite you to consider volunteering as a tutor, reading with elementary students, or helping us with outdoor activities.
Dear God, please guide our Homework Help students, families, and volunteers that Your light may continue to shine on us and bring our community closer together in learning and care. Please help our relationships grow and allow us to work together in community for the good of all Your children. Amen.