| | 
Not much! A short phone call,
a
piece
of gum, a sugar-filled soda. |
|
| |
But did you know that for just 50 cents
a day
($15/month), you can change a
young life right here in Bluefield? |
Many people give monthly to international organizations that help children around the world. When confronted with the facts, they cannot help but act to relieve suffering. But did you know there is also a critical need in your own community? The statistics paint a sad picture:
- Mercer County has the largest caseload of abused and neglected children in the state and ranks fourth in juvenile delinquency.
- Over half of middle school students have tried smoking, and one-third have used marijuana. Currently, 20% of adults in Mercer County lack a high school diploma.
- Average income is $14,000 less than the national average, and one in every five individuals lives below the poverty line (double the national average).
Unless something is done, the children raised in this climate do not have a fair chance at life.
 |
Several years ago, we formed a nonprofit organization and raised the money to buy the former Wade School facility. After renovating the historic building, we began several valuable programs:
- Afterschool Program - helping children perform better in school, discover a love for learning and develop respectful attitudes
- Boys and Girls Clubs - giving children a place to belong, learn life skills and talk about important topics like bullying and dating
- Coffeehouse - providing a safe alternative to loitering on the streets for many teens on the weekends.
Our programs help our caring adult role-models create strong mentoring relationships . The kids are learning to read better, increasing their computer skills and getting exercise in the gym. Best of all, they are now inspired to seek a bright future. |
 |
 You may not be able to change the world with what's in your change drawer, but you can help give one child a better life. The initial part of our work was largely funded by foundations, corporations and grantors. Their large gifts paid for the huge renovation project. We've finally arrived at a very exciting time. Now, the restoration of the building is complete, and the restoration of lives is beginning. Instead of relying on just a few large donors, we're hoping that many, many people can enjoy being a part of this work by making small, regular gifts.
Will you help? Fill out the form below, and we'll send you return envelopes for your contributions. Or, if you prefer, schedule automatic donations of $15 per month with your credit card on our DONATION page.
|
|