Are you ready for fall?
I am! And I think our staff and kids are too! While our students are off to a good start with the new school year, we’re looking forward to cooler temperatures and autumn activities.
Speaking of campus activities…
Live Oaks Cottage has been getting a facelift!
- Bathrooms are transformed with new vanities, mirrors and fixtures.
- Flooring is repaired or replaced.
- A calm color palette of fresh paint fills the cottage.
We appreciate the many hands and hearts that have contributed to this much-needed project. We anticipate the re-opening of Live Oaks Cottage and getting to meet the kids for whom it will become a new home.
We could still use additional support to complete the remodeling. If you would like to contribute to this project, please go to the donation page on our new website.
Gratefully,
Kenny Holton
Executive Director
P.S. One of the greatest joys of working with hurting, lonely teens is the opportunity to teach them how valuable they are to God. I commend our staff for their desire to share God’s love through the gospel. One of the young men on campus recently experienced the transformation that occurs when one is open to the good news of Jesus. Read below how Cadon’s life went from “blurry” to focused on Christ.
Why you should visit our new website…
Stay Informed
Find news, stories, and FAQ’s about our mission.
See Impact in Action
Read stories, view photos/videos, and learn how your support changes lives.
Join the Mission
Volunteer, donate, and register to receive our monthly e-newsletter.
Build Community
Spread the word, share links, follow us on social media, or subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter.
Learn something new about Raintree Village:
- How many staff members have earned Master’s degrees?
- What core values guide our daily decisions and actions?
- What are the qualifications to become a Foster Parent?
Youth Spotlight
Cadon Clark
“The best thing about Raintree is the support and love from staff.”
Cadon’s young life has changed dramatically in the last 19 months.
The 18-year-old from South Georgia describes his life before coming to Raintree Village as “dangerous, uncomfortable, crazy, desperate, and unpredictable”.
Can you imagine a home environment like that? Where would you be if you had endured that lifestyle when you were a teenager?
Cadon believes he would be in jail or dead if he had not had the opportunity to come to Raintree Village. He admits to robbing houses and fighting people. He shares, “I didn’t really like talking to people I didn’t know, and I had bad social anxiety. Life was like a blur.”
Fortunately, he now enjoys safety, calmness, predictability… and caring people to talk to!
He credits the staff for creating a better living environment, saying “The best thing about Raintree is the support and love from staff”.
He also describes how Raintree has impacted his life by…
–separating him from his old ways,
–opening his mind on how big the world is, and
–bringing him closer to Jesus.
Cadon had already noticed his grandmother’s humility and gentleness rooted in knowing Christ, and he sensed that God was working in his life. So he was open to studying the Bible, experiencing God’s love, and understanding he has a Savior who died for him. Cadon was baptized into Christ last month!
Obviously, we’re proud of Cadon! In addition to learning to live up to the expectations of his Heavenly Father, he is studying for his GED exam. When not studying, he enjoys boxing, basketball, and reading. He is also considering going to college for theology or learning a trade. But his most important goal, he says, is “to live a Christ-centered life”.
What a difference 19 months can make!
Make a Difference!
Cadon serves as a great example of how your support transforms a young life!
Did you catch Cadon’s description of his life before coming to Raintree?
“…dangerous, uncomfortable, crazy, desperate, unpredictable…”
By donating, you equip us to counter negative home environments by providing a place of safety, comfort, peace, calm, and stability.
You enable us to continue serving vulnerable youth, giving them a place to find healing, belonging, and direction.
Bring peace and stability to the hearts of more at-risk kids.
Donate now on our website or mail a check to:
Raintree Village
c/o Kenny Holton
3757 Johnston Rd.
Valdosta, GA 31601