We’re coming off another memorable summer at Raintree Village!
Thanks to our awesome staff, we kept the kids active throughout June and July. They enjoyed a variety of activities like skating, bowling, water days, and various sports. Most importantly, we saw the Lord at work in their lives!
So, what is going on now?
All of our kids are enrolled in Lowndes County Schools. Like most families, we are thankful for the added structure the school day provides. Kids are active with weekly tutoring, fun activities, and daily chores.
We are “refreshing” two of our cottages–Palms and Live Oaks–with fresh paint, new furniture, and household items (dinnerware, utensils, cups, glasses, etc.). If you would like to contribute to those projects, please go to the donation page on our new website.
That reminds me… a significant portion of our funding comes during the later months of the year. Please prayerfully consider how you can help us. You don’t have to wait until December to make a year-end contribution.
Damien’s story below serves as a good example of how your gifts enable us to meet the daily demands of serving troubled youth by providing a home where they can heal and grow.
Gratefully,
Kenny Holton
Executive Director
P.S. By the way, we are looking for an additional maintenance person. If you know a handyman with skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, please have them contact me.
Have you checked out our new website?
We continue to receive positive feedback about the site. It’s designed to be informational and inspirational.
You will likely learn something new about Raintree Village:
- Do you know our name before we became Raintree Village?
- Do you know the five benefits of having licensed counselors and therapists on campus?
- Do you know the various ways you can help the youth and staff?
If you benefit from visiting our new site, I have a favor to ask…
Could you please encourage a friend to visit our website and register to receive the monthly e-newsletter?
Just like you, their heart will be drawn to the “God story” behind Raintree Village. They, too, will be touched by the stories of how kids heal, grow, and thrive.
Youth Spotlight
Damien
Choosing a better path… and graduating early!
“Hectic and chaotic”.
That’s how Damien describes his life before coming to Raintree Village 10 months ago.
The 17-year-old from Tifton, GA recalls his experiences before arriving on campus…
“I was heading in the wrong direction with drugs, guns, and overall street life and kept getting in trouble. And each time it got worse. It involved being in the streets and (dealing with) family challenges and school issues. Just mainly in and out of trouble in school, moving around houses with my mama and my grandpa, and things like that… we struggled for everything we had.”
Damien believes that if he had not come to Raintree Village, he would probably be in jail or struggling with a lot of different problems.
So, how has coming to Raintree Village affected him?
“It has helped me get off the path I was headed on. I feel like just being at RTV gave me time to really focus on bettering my life for the good and work on some things that only I could fix like mental and emotional things. It also helped me because I was in a new environment. I was not around all of that (negative influence) anymore.”
We’re proud of Damien’s progress! In addition to sitting for his drivers license test soon, he has graduated from high school EARLY. He officially finished his classes this month. He worked hard and took extra classes to finish early.
As you can imagine, the significance of this accomplishment is magnified when you consider how Damien has persevered through changes of living conditions and family/guardianship. RTV has supported his educational needs through tutoring, accountability, and a dependable living situation, but he deserves the credit for his determination and motivation.
Damien has accepted a job with a local manufacturing company producing heavy duty components for high end contractors.
When asked what he likes best about RTV so far, he responded, “No bills and free food, and some of the people I’ve met.”
We can assure Damien he will not receive a bill from us and he can eat as much food as he wants!
In fact, we commit to Damien–and every young person here–that we will continue to provide safety, structure, and guidance to help each of them choose a better path.
Make a Difference!
Like Damien, other students have experienced the life-changing effects of Raintree.
Read what Jonathan, Marcos, and Karisma have to say about their time at RTV.
If you wonder whether the time and effort (and blood, sweat, and tears) we pour into the kids is worthwhile, their stories will answer your questions.
More stories are unfolding as you read this. For those stories to have a happy ending, will you consider supporting Raintree Village?
Your contribution today will ensure more vulnerable kids find healing, belonging, and direction.
We are able to impact young lives because of generous friends like you. Join us in making a difference.
Donate now on our website or mail a check to:
Raintree Village
c/o Kenny Holton
3757 Johnston Rd.
Valdosta, GA 31601