2024| VOL. 28 NO. 4
We are really excited to share more about the wonderful opportunity that God has called us to – working with children. Virtually every adult who enters the Mission Addiction – Recovery Life Transformation Program has been the victim of childhood trauma (see below). And their path to homelessness and addiction was most often paved with self-medicating to dull the pain of their childhood. Another interesting observation is that children who were raised in abusive situations will generally repeat that abuse on their children. While we will continue to help any adult who lets us, the possibility of changing the trajectory at childhood (so as adults they never reach the Mission doors) is a compelling reason to act.
In 1998 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Kaiser Permanente published the ground breaking study linking child hood trauma with negative health outcomes. They coined the term ACEs – Adverse Childhood Experiences. They further differentiated the ACEs between Family Level and Community Level.
Today, a significant body of evidence suggests that children/adults exposed to four, or more, ACEs are two to five times as likely to experience: depression, substance use disorder, suicidality, and numerous chronic health conditions (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular, cancer). The impact of ACEs starts during childhood and continues through life. The greater the number of ACEs the more likely they are to experience: anxiety and depression as children, development delays, academic challenges, behavioral health issues and specialized health needs. ACEs also increase the probability of high school non-completion, not having a college degree, being unemployed as an adult, living below the poverty line, and experiencing homelessness. (1)
Children living below the Federal Poverty Level are five times more likely to experi-
ence greater than 4 ACEs than those living in stable households. (2)
On the other hand, children with decreasing exposure to ACEs, or whose exposure is mitigated, exhibited higher resilience, supporting the idea of neuroplacity or children’s ability to overcome adverse effects if given access to needed supports.(3) This means that early interventions are critical in supporting healthy development. They build on the natural resilience of children and build up protective factors.
Every child that builds up these protective factors and does well has had at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive adult. (The Science of Resilience, Why some children can thrive despite adversity, Harvard Graduate School of Education, Posted March 23, 2015, by Bari Walsh) The next most im-
pactful support is to be placed in a social/neighborhood environment where the child feels safe and supported.
While, After School Programs (ASP) cannot duplicate the impact of a constant stable relationship with an adult role model, the safe, social environment created has been shown to have a very significant impact on the mental and emotional wellbeing of a developing child. Community based ASPs – like the Mission’s Club Hope – provide a combination of academic instruction, recreation, mentoring, health promotion and social and emotional skill training with a goal of increasing the positive bonds with pro-social peers, adults, parents, and program staff. Studies have shown that youth who consistently attend and participate in ASPs demonstrate higher school atten-
dance, improved reading skills, and lower odds of incurring suspension for disciplinary issues. Subjectively, their proficiency in math and science is also believed to improve. (4)
We believe that God has called us to represent Jesus to children living in two major low income housing areas by establishing an ASP at each site. PLEASE, take the journey with Mission staff as we labor to alter the future of young lives! The primary goal is to foster resilience in the children to the Adverse Childhood Experiences they encounter outside the ASP. The key markers we will be looking for are reduced anxiety and depression. The second goal is improved school attendance and performance – grades. The third is sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. Assesments will be subjective through anecdotal information provided by the child and parents or guardians.
References:
1.Homelessness and Adverse Childhood Experiences, The Health and behavioral health consequences of childhood trauma, National Health Care for the Homeless Council, Fact Sheet, February 2019.
2.Halfon, Neal, Kandyce Larson, John Son, Michael Lu, and Christina Bethell. 2017 “Income Inequality and the Differential Effect of Adverse Childhood Experiences in US Children.”Academic Pediatrics 17: 70 – 78.
VegOut Success Over the Years...
Maria and the Mystery Meals
Maria, a shy 10-year-old, lived with her single mother in a large low-income apartment complex on the westside of Olympia. They often struggled to make ends meet, and many nights, dinners were sparse. One day nearly eight years ago, Maria got off the bus and was surprised to see a farm stand full of fresh produce waiting for her and her friends who lived in her apartment complex.
Maria was delighted to find fresh fruits, vegetables, and even her favorite pasta. Katherine a vol unteer from the Mission explained that the food was free and would be arriving weekly to help families like hers. As weeks went by, Maria noticed a sense of relief in her mother’s eyes as they used the food to prepare meals together without worry ing about their food budget.
One evening, Maria decided to write a thank-you note to Katherine, the volunteer she met that first day. To her amazement, she received a reply from Katherine, who shared her love for baking. They started exchanging letters and cooking recipes, and over time, Katherine became a mentor and friend. This connection not only filled Maria’s belly but also warmed her heart, building a bond that extends to today.
Jamal, a Family Chef
3.Lanier, Paul, Kathryn Maguire-Jack, Brianna Lombardi, Joseph Fry and Roderick A. Rose. 2017. “Adverse Childhood Experiences and Child Health Outcomes: Comparing Cumulative Risk and Latent Class Approaches.” Maternal and Child Health Journal 22:288 – 297.
Two winters ago Jamal, a 12-year-old boy, moved with his family to a mobile home park several miles outside of town. His parents worked multiple jobs; but it was often hard to put enough food on the table for Jamal and his three younger siblings. Despite the hardships his family faced, Jamal found a way to stay positive.
As you can imagine Jamal was thrilled to learn that there was a program that delivered food to his trailer park every week. He was surprised by the variety of food and often looked forward to what would be available that week. Jamal came to enjoy the challenge of learning about the different foods and sharing his love of the Food Network show “Chopped”
4.McKelvey, Lorraine M, James P. Selig, and Leanne Whiteside-Mansell. 2017. “Foundations for Screening Adverse Childhood Experiences: Exploring Patterns of Exposure through Infancy and Toddlerhood.” Child Abuse and Neglect 70 (August) 112 – 121.
with Judy a volunteer who regularly brought the food for distribution to his neighborhood. Now at age 14, Jamal is happy to tell anyone and everyone of his dream to someday become a chef. This new hobby is welcomed by his Mom and Jamal enjoys contributing to his family with his new-found passion for cooking!
Lily’s Delivery Club
Lily is a 12-year-old girl with a heart full of compassion. She lives with her grandmother who struggles to keep up with the growing cost of living. When she found out that the Olympia Union Gospel Mission VegOut program delivered food to kids in her low-income apartment complex Lily was excited! The food provided was not only delicious but often came with little notes of encouragement from members of a church nearby. Inspired by this kindness, Lily started the “Delivery Club,” where she and her neighborhood friends began delivering food for several elderly folks in their neighborhood who were unable to make it out of their apartments to gather some of the food provided by The Mission. The program created a sense of community and empathy among the children, and Lily’s grandmother was proud to see her granddaughter growing into such a thoughtful and proactive young girl. The relationships built through these small acts of kindness created a supportive network that extended beyond the Mission and into the larger community.
At age 10, Mia who had a love for sports, lived in a low-income complex with her Aunt be cause her parents were both struggling with addiction. Her Aunt did her best to provide, but their meals were often simple and repeti tive. Mia regularly felt sluggish and had little energy for her favorite activities, including playing soccer. When the Mission started delivering nutritious produce and other food items to their complex, it made a world of difference for Mia. The deliveries often included a variety of healthy options like yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit, giving her the energy boost she
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needed to start her day. Along with the food, there were words of encouragement and scriptures that uplifted Mia even on her hardest days when she missed her parents the most. These notes, coupled with the healthy food, made Mia feel empowered and cared for. Mia felt a renewed sense of self-confidence, not just because of the nutritious food, but also due to the genuine care and encouragement from the Mission staff. She is now excelling in soccer and academics, and has a curiosity for learning more about God.
This July, Mia will be attending her very first Vacation Bible School at a church within walking distance of her home.
As time has gone by the VegOut program has evolved. Currently, there is a club house at the complex where Maria grew up and it is open five days a week. Kids who attend the club house are im-
proving on their science, art, math, and reading skills. Having a safe place in their back yard has been a blessing to both the children and their parents.
As of today, five parents have participated in two, one-hour parenting classes. Seven parents plan to attend the third class scheduled for the fall.
In the hopes of gaining access to a second VegOut Clubhouse location, we have partnered with Westwood Baptist and are hosting a dinner. Every Wednesday, Skip, Mindy, and Donna from the Mission and our Westwood friends sling hotdogs, slice watermelon, and enjoy a meal with the families who live there.
Your prayers are appreciated as we patiently (mostly) wait for the approval to move into the newest Clubhouse location, where we can begin serving the children of this community on a more regular basis.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matt 19:14
The Olympia Police Department recently recognized the Mission’s staff with their Community Partner Award. Congratulations to the staff for being the hands and feet of Jesus and being honored for your good work— thank you!
VegOut 2024 Summer Lunch Program
Thesound of the last school bells ringing signals the beginning of the summer lunch programs, except for children with no transportation.
This summer, the Mission’s VegOut Program meets that need by delivering lunches to children in Thurston County 5 days a week, where they live, from June - August.
According to Mission staff member Kevin, “Delivering the meals has made me realize how dependent the children are on adults and the impact that an adult can make in a child’s life”.
Another staffer, James commented that “Sometimes it’s difficult because we cannot do more.’’ He went on to say, “At times like these, I know I’m in the center of God’s will.”
JackReynolds started his bucket list late in life, attacking it with gusto and Guinness World Records. He became the oldest man to get his first tattoo (his name and birthdate) at age 104. Then, at 105, the oldest to ride a roller coaster; at 106, the oldest to ride a zip line; and at 107, the oldest to perform as a guest star on a TV show.
There was more than the rush of excitement and world records to Jack’s centenarian thrill-seeking. He used the publicity around each event to raise money for a cause close to his heart, making an impact in the here and now.
Maybe generosity is a “someday” item on your bucket list. But there’s no need to wait. Your retirement assets are a great way to jump in and start giving now (no tattoos, roller coasters, or zip lines required!). Here’s how you can use those resources:
GIVE YOUR TIME.Time is a retirement asset. Consider giving out of that abundance as a volunteer with a ministries you love. Investing your time and service pays lasting dividends in lives impacted and allows valuable resources to be allocated where they’re most needed.
SHARE YOUR EARNINGS. It’s common to carefully protect retirement earnings to ensure they last as long as needed. What if you used yours now to bless others while also saving on your tax bill? When you make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to charities, your retirement assets can change lives. When you do, you get the bonus blessing of seeing your gift at work and stewarding your assets wisely, opening more opportunities for generosity.
We can give generously now because God gives generously always. Remember, “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” ~ 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
