Children/Education



February: Dinner with The RelativesDate: February 26, 2014 Location: Christ ChurchWebsite: : The Relatives Crisis Center began in 1974 by members of Dilworth United Methodist Church and local social services professionals to provide a shelter for runaway and homeless teens. When Dilworth United Methodist first housed the shelter in their church, they tried to decide on a good name to share it with the community. “When I come here, “ commented one of the youth who frequently came for shelter, “I always tell people I’m staying the relatives” And so the name was born for a place where youth could come to find support and acceptance any time night or day. Originally housed at the church, The Relatives moved to a two-story home on East Boulevard where it remains a vital part of the community. What it is: At the Crisis Center, the Relatives provide 24 hour shelter for youth 7-17 years old. They work with youth and their families to address the issues that brought them to seek help. Problems such as family homelessness, children living on the streets, or family problems that make dome situations unsafe are often the causes. The goal is to make sure youth are safe and families receive the support they need to remain together and safe in the future. The Relatives do this by offering walk in counseling, a 24 hour crisis hotline, aftercare, and parenting classes. “When I hear other people talk about being at home it seems like it’s supposed to be a warm, friendly place where you can be at peace. I don’t know what that feel like—to be safe in my home.” –SaraWho does it serve: The Relatives provide shelter to nearly 300 youth (7-17 year olds) each year. More than 150 of those are served through walk-in crisis counseling. The Crisis hotline receives nearly 2500 calls each year.How you can help: On February 26th, you and your family are invited to prepare dinner and eat with the youth staying at the Relatives. A day or two before, you can call the Relatives (704-377-0602) to find out how many youth are staying and if there are any allergies. The Relatives eat dinner at 6pm and so it is recommended that you arrive with enough time to heat up/serve the meal on this schedule. There is a kitchen if you need to warm up any food. Also, we ask that you provide the whole meal (drinks, main dish, and dessert). Lastly, we really encourage you and your family to sit down and eat with the youth and house managers. It is a great opportunity to break bread and spend time in fellowship with the youth. Location: 1100 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203Reflection Questions for Volunteering with the RelativesBefore: As a family, take a moment to begin to place yourself in the shoes of the youth coming to spend the night at the Relatives. Imagine what they might be feeling coming into a new place. Imagine how it might feel not to have felt safe in your home (Nearly 1.7 million youth run away from home because of unsafe family situations like violence, abuse, substance use, and neglect). Carry these feelings with you. Challenge: Sit down with and begin to get to know the youth. Find out what they love, where they were born, what their dreams are, etc. What do you all have in common?After: What did you learn from getting to know one of the youth? Did anything surprise you? How did you feel as you were talking to the youth? What did this experience make you realize about your family? Other Ways to Volunteer This Month: Rama Rd. Elementary School: Every school day, many Christ Church parishioners are volunteering as tutors, classroom assistants, club leaders, and so much more. Reach out to Deanna Chillemi (deanna.chillemi@cms.k12.nc.us) and see if there is a need your family can meet (Location: Rama Road Elementary School, 1035 Rama Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211)Donate School Supplies and Uniforms to Rama: Since Rama Road Elementary just became a uniform school, go out and find khaki or navy blue pants or white, light blue or navy polos. The clothing closet is always in need of more items. Call Deanna to find out what the biggest need is! (980-343-6730) Also, donate school supplies for the beginning of the new semester! (Location: Rama Road Elementary School, 1035 Rama Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211)Looking for a book to read?How Children Succeed: Paul Tough “Why do some children succeed while others fail? The story we usually tell about childhood and success is the one about intelligence: success comes to those who score highest on tests, from preschool admissions to SATs. But in?How Children Succeed, Paul Tough argues that the qualities that matter more have to do with character: skills like perseverance, curiosity, optimism, and self-control.How Children Succeed?introduces us to a new generation of researchers and educators, who, for the first time, are using the tools of science to peel back the mysteries of character. Through their stories—and the stories of the children they are trying to help—Tough reveals how this new knowledge can transform young people’s lives. He uncovers the surprising ways in which parents do—and do not—prepare their children for adulthood. And he provides us with new insights into how to improve the lives of children growing up in poverty. This provocative and profoundly hopeful book will not only inspire and engage readers, it will also change our understanding of childhood itself.Family Conversation Starters: FairnessScripture: Matthew 20:1-16 (The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard)“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So they went.“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’ “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’“When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’?“The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. ?So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. ?Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”Quotes: “Comparison is the thief of joy” – Theodore Roosevelt (26th President of the United States) “Being good is easy, what is difficult is being just.”? -Victor Hugo (Poet, novelist, and dramatist. Author of Les Miserables)Facts: 1 in 5 children now lives in poverty in Mecklenburg Country; a 49% increase from 2008-2010; that is equivalent to more than 16,000 additional children living in poverty which would fill over 200 school buses. 1 in 3 African American children is living in poverty.2 in 5 Hispanic children living in povertyQuestions:What are some ways that school is fair/unfair? Does it depend on who is in power?If you could give someone who is last at school/work a chance to be first, who would that be? Why?When are you first? When are you last? ................
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