Do you see signs of new life where you live?
Across southern Georgia, the signs of new life are everywhere—azaleas in bloom, fresh green grass replacing winter brown, and longer, warmer days filled with anticipation.
Here at Raintree Village, we see that same renewal in the lives of the children and teens in our care.
Young people who arrive carrying heavy burdens begin to experience something different—consistency, encouragement, and genuine love. Over time, hearts begin to open, confidence grows, and hope takes root.
You make these transformations possible through your prayers and financial support. Thank you!
This month, we’re grateful to share a glimpse of that new life through the story (below) of two sisters learning what it means to grow, heal, and move forward—together.
Another sign that it’s spring is our upcoming Mother’s Day Special Collection. Please be praying for how you can participate. More information below…
Gratefully,
Kenny Holton
Executive Director
P.S. The Lowndes County Homebuilders Association chose Raintree Village as the recipient of their annual Clay Shooting Fundraiser proceeds. As you can see in the picture, I was honored to receive their check and express our appreciation.
Mother’s Day Special Collection
This year marks the 39th year for the Mother’s Day Special Collection. Funding from this annual campaign assists us in meeting the daily needs of our kids and provides an opportunity to complete much-needed capital improvements.
Here’s how you can participate on SUNDAY, MAY 10:
- Begin promoting it (if you haven’t already) within your congregation.
- Plan to donate personally. Every gift matters, so your donation online or through the mail will make a difference.
- Give “in honor of” or “in memory of” your mother or grandmother.
If you want more information about the Mother’s Day fundraising opportunity, please email me at kholton@raintreevillage.org.
Your gift enables us to provide stability and guidance for vulnerable youth like Dashonae and Ariyana…
Youth Spotlight
Dashonae and Ariyana
Sisters Reunited and Moving Forward with Hope
For sisters Dashonae and Ariyana, being together again means everything.
Originally from Tifton, Georgia, the girls are part of a large sibling group of twelve. For much of their lives, they have been separated from their older siblings—many of whom have aged out of foster care.
Ariyana, the youngest, entered foster care at just eight years old. Though the sisters spent several years together in a private foster home, that stability eventually came to an end two years ago when the home was dissolved and the girls were separated.
Today, thanks to Raintree Village, they are finally reunited!
Ariyana, now 16 and in 9th grade, arrived at Raintree three months ago. She describes her previous placement as limiting—few activities and little freedom (including no cell phone). “(Raintree) gives me more hope, for real,” she says about her new home. “I love it here.”
At Raintree, Ariyana is thriving in an environment that encourages both personal responsibility and meaningful connection. She enjoys dancing, spending time outdoors, and participating in campus activities like Thursday night Bible study. Just as importantly, she’s learning practical life skills—cooking, cleaning, working hard in school, and preparing for adulthood.
“I have learned to listen to the authorities in my life because they really do know better,” she shares. “I’m just a newbie in life.”
Dashonae, 18 and currently in 11th grade, arrived more recently—just two weeks ago. The transition hasn’t been easy, but being reunited with her sister has made all the difference.
“On my first day, I was sad to leave what I called ‘home,’” Dashonae says. “I’m still new and transitioning to the way Raintree runs, but staying with my sister is most important. Thank you for everything!”
Dashonae enjoys puzzles, movies, and spending time outdoors. She has already built friendships within her cottage and speaks highly of the House Parents who are investing in her future. Her resilience is evident—she has maintained a steady job with McDonald’s for six months and is focused on graduating high school, attending college, and building a successful future.
Her story also includes overcoming significant hardship.
“I have overcome a lot. I have overcome abuse,” Dashonae shares. “With the help of my (foster) mom and the love of my sister, I know now that I need to take advantage of every opportunity given to me. At Raintree, I will have many more opportunities and I plan to take hold of them!”
For both sisters, the simple gift of daily connection is something they no longer take for granted. “Getting to wake up every morning and having my sister and housemates to talk to” is what Ariyana says she’s most grateful for.
Make a Difference!
At Raintree Village, Dashonae and Ariyana are not just finding stability—they are discovering hope, healing, and a path forward together. And for these two sisters, that makes all the difference.
Their journey symbolizes what many teens experience as they come to Raintree from difficult circumstances. They have the opportunity here to gain a new perspective on their lives and envision a brighter future.
But that’s not possible without your help.
Would you please consider contributing today so we can continue providing those life-shaping opportunities?
Thank you for being part of the work God is doing through Raintree Village!
You can also mail a check to:
Raintree Village
c/o Kenny Holton
3757 Johnston Rd.
Valdosta, GA 31601