Kinship Grandparents Motivated by Love
September 2023 · Forward in Hope
Hopefully, you were able to spend some time with the elder members of your family last Sunday. In case you missed it, September 10 was Grandparents Day.
Hopefully, you were able to spend some time with the elder members of your family last Sunday. In case you missed it, September 10 was Grandparents Day.
Saint Francis began as a boys’ home in the small Kansas town of Ellsworth, Kansas. Fr. Bob Mize Jr., an Episcopal priest, had seen too many young men get into trouble and then disappear into the criminal justice system. He believed that they – and all of us – deserve a second chance. He believed that there is room in every life for redemption.
Today, more than 150 million Americans are expected to take to the air and to the highways in anticipation of the Labor Day weekend. That’s about half of the adult population in this country, and it couldn’t happen without other people.
For most families living in the six states served by Saint Francis, a new school year has begun. That means more children and young people are now moving about in the mornings and afternoons.
School begins this month for many students across the U.S., including the six states in which Saint Francis Ministries serves. That means back-to-school sales for clothes and supplies. Yet, despite the sales, many families find it a challenge to purchase the supplies their children need to begin the school year. What’s more, teachers often must dip into their own resources to provide materials for their students.
As the summer comes to a close and the back-to-school season approaches, it's time to consider the needs of children and families who are less fortunate. Is there room in your cart for another? By extending our compassion and generosity, we can empower these children with the tools they need to thrive academically and beyond.
Earlier this week, Tuesday to be exact, the world observed World Listening Day, established in 2010 to celebrate listening. Why, you might ask, does this matter? What does it have to do with child and family welfare?
No one wants to see a child removed from home and placed into foster care. In fact, foster care should always be considered a last resort, necessary to keep a child safe and healthy. Even then, it’s a temporary solution – until a child can safely return home to a family restored to health.
Saint Francis Ministries believes – actually, we know – that strong families make children’s lives better … because the fundamental feature of a strong family is love. Strong families nurture children and provide structure and safety in the home. Strong families communicate and discipline in healthy ways. Strong families provide food, clothing, shelter, and proper medical care for children. And all of these are manifestations of love.
Although the July 4th holiday doesn’t officially take place until Tuesday, many will begin celebrating this weekend. That means fireworks, grills, and swimming. Carelessness with any of these three can turn a fun celebration into a tragedy.
