Where Vulnerable Youth Find Healing, Belonging, and Direction
A Season of Growth at Raintree Village
Your support continues to make a difference for vulnerable youth at Raintree Village!
Did you know we are now housing 29 children and teens? That’s the most at one time since 1998! And we are adding more almost daily.
Increased enrollment means we are hiring two new Case Managers and House Parents.
Never a dull moment at Raintree Village!
I’m grateful for your prayers and support that enable us to serve troubled youth by providing love, stability, and guidance.
I’m also thankful for the opportunity to share more good news: Reporting the results of our Mother’s Day Special Collection. Introducing you to a young lady whose progress is inspiring. Unveiling our new website.
Keep reading…
Thankfully,
Kenny Holton
Executive Director
Report from Mother’s Day Collection
Thank you for giving generously on Mother’s Day! Your combined efforts raised $123,000 for young people at Raintree Village, surpassing our goal of $100,000!
For the 38th consecutive year, we asked churches and families to use Mother’s Day to remember kids who come from difficult family situations. And you responded!
Funding from this annual campaign assists us in meeting the daily needs of our residents and provides an opportunity to complete much-needed capital improvements.
Here are the numbers to date:
–48 churches participated.
–257 individuals or families donated directly.
–$383 was the average gift amount.
Your generous gifts on Mother’s Day are already changing lives. See how your support is helping a young woman thrive and dream again…
Youth Spotlight
Jaida Parks
A Journey Toward Stability and Success
“A mess” is how 16-year-old Jaida describes her life before coming to Raintree.
Unfortunately, throughout childhood, her family environment was not good. She needed help.
She came to Raintree originally a few years ago. She then tried moving back with her family, but… life was still messy.
Fortunately for Jaida, she returned to Raintree Village nine months ago. She’s thankful for the opportunity. She describes the atmosphere as “more calm”.
She understands more clearly how living at Raintree is helping her. She shares how she’s learning to control her emotions and how she loves being out in the fresh air.
She also comments on how she likes the staff and enjoys getting to be herself.
Jaida’s Case Manager Dymin Johnson reports that Jaida has shown tremendous progress since coming back to Raintree. She’s respectful to staff and follows directions. She gets along with peers. She even works part-time at Hardees.
As a high school student, Jaida has been doing well in school, passing her classes with A’s and B’s. She plans to enter a dual enrollment program next school year, taking classes at Valdosta State University.
We’re excited to see Jaida’s growth! She’s gaining the tools needed to “clean up the mess” and live her life with vision and purpose.
Have You Seen Our New Website Yet?
We recently launched our new website and invite you to take a look around! Explore the updated site and let us know what you think by emailing Kenny.
- What do you like about it?
- Do you learn something new about Raintree Village?
- Is it easy to navigate?
- Do you have any questions that are not answered on the site?
If you know someone who may be interested in receiving our monthly e-newsletter (like you are!), encourage them to go to the website to subscribe. The request box is in the footer.
Make a Difference!
As mentioned above, we have more children and teens on campus now. In addition to more mouths to feed, we have to hire additional staff. And all that costs money…
Even with the successful Mother’s Day collection, the need for funding continues. Please join us in providing life-changing services for troubled youth. Donate on our new website or click the green button below.
You can also mail a check to:
Raintree Village
c/o Kenny Holton
3757 Johnston Rd.
Valdosta, GA 31601
