Kids Hope USA
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KIDS HOPE USA is a national church-owned, school-based mentoring program that equips a church to build a partnership with its neighborhood public elementary school by providing faithful mentors to at-risk children. One caring adult mentoring a child who may be struggling academically, emotionally or socially for one hour every week can result in a huge impact. When kids feel loved and valued, they are better able to learn, grow, and succeed.
Eastside Church of Christ has partnered with DeVaney Elementary school for over 10 years and currently has 17 mentors volunteering one hour a week to meet with a child who was recommended by his or her teacher for the program. In addition to providing mentors, Eastside provides a luncheon for the teachers and staff at DeVaney on the Teacher Work Day at the beginning of the school year and collects hats, gloves/mittens, and scarves at Christmas to be given to any child at DeVaney who needs them. Every mentoring relationship is supported by a dedicated prayer partner who prays regularly for the mentor, the child, and their relationship. The Kids Hope Director is supported by a leadership team which includes a Prayer Coordinator (Doreen Waldbieser), a Celebrations/Event Coordinator (Polly Bryan), a Match Support Coordinator (Terri Stott) and a Communications Coordinator (Mary Ellen Adams). |
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Rachel Cromwell (Director)
Rachel and her husband Phil grew up in New Mexico and met in high school. They were married in 1987, and have two sons, Wesley and Stephen. Rachel became a Christian in 1977, and has been attending Eastside since 1989. She is currently serving as Kids Hope Director at Eastside, and she also volunteers with the Crisis Pregnancy Center and North High School.
