Last week we welcomed youth and families into the launch of The Refuge Pilot, a Christ-Centered Faith & Wellness Initiative for Youth and Families.
It was a beautiful first night!
We shared an amazing meal prepared by Birdsong Bradford’s Catering. Some of our teens really stepped up and served as leaders. Our Littles used hand paint to create an image reflecting how God made each of us, knows each of us and invites us to be part of HIS story. Every person in that room matters to God.
Our teens also heard from youth business owner Waylon, who shared how he is allowing his love for others and his passions to be expressed through his business.
And our parents had space too! Some worked on a puzzle together while others simply talked and connected.
Teens will begin mentorship, and our K–5 will have interactive learning and literacy activities planned for them.
Parents, SELAH is still open for you! While your children are in their spaces, you are welcome to stay and enjoy the crafting corner, reading corner, coffee and conversation or simply have a space to sit and breathe. You don't have to participate in anything. The space is there for you to get what you need.
Friday, October 23 at 6:00 PM
Teens will have their first job site visit, giving them an opportunity to get outside of the classroom, see a real workplace, ask questions and gain exposure to different career possibilities.
Permission slips went home with youth and are also attached to this email. Please complete and return the permission slip if your teen will be attending.
For those who joined us last week, we look forward to welcoming you back. And for families who may still be deciding if The Refuge is a good fit, you are still welcome to join us.
Questions or interested in joining us: givingitavoice@gmail.com.
Testimonials
In August I came not expecting anything other than my daughter to make new friends.
Not only did she make new friends, but the program led me back the to the One who first loved me-God. Being around the GIAV leadership team has caused a positive disruption in the way I lived my life. There has been improvement in every area of my life and my daughter’s life. We are forever grateful for the Giving It A Voice program and their staff.
~Parent
I cannot say enough about Giving It A Voice. It has been an amazing journey
throughout the summer and now fall. The mentorship for the young ones in my family has been super beneficial not only for them, but for my family as myself as well. Thank you so much for your love and support of our young ones and allowing them to shine!!
~Parent
My name is Hannah Horton, I’m 16 years old and I’m a gymnast, but beyond that, is that the thing that really defines me? Whenever I’m asked, I usually would not know how to answer the question, “Who are you?” This should be a fairly easy question to answer since no one knows you more than yourself, right?! But I never knew how to answer it.
The “Who am I Project" allowed me to find the time to pay attention and realize what it meant to be me as we were taught about our gifts, trust, identity, forgiveness, etc. We did activities to help better our understanding of these topics and be more involved in our community. One of the first classes that I went to that still sticks with me is when we were discovering our own gifts. After this 6-week program I can finally answer the burning question, “Who are you?”. Who I am is someone who will support someone when they need it; who can look past one’s mistakes and forgive; who tries to find the best in others and tries to keep peace even if that makes me a "turtle"; who enjoys being in the presence of those I love and spending quality time with them, and someone who others can trust and who inspires, whether it’s on the gym floor or not.
I’m still on the journey of discovering all the things that make me who I am, but I’m blessed that this project has given me the opportunity to look inward rather than seeing myself one dimensional.