On Mother’s Day… provide stability and security for at-risk youth
Can you imagine not knowing where your next meal is coming from?
…or having to move from house to house without a stable home?
…or wondering if you would ever see your siblings again?
When basic needs aren’t guaranteed, a child’s brain shifts into survival mode. Instead of focusing on learning, growth, or long-term goals, their energy goes toward immediate concerns—Where will we sleep? When will we eat again?
That was the case with five brothers who arrived at Raintree Village in January 2025.
Fortunately, because of your prayers and financial support, we were able to help the brothers—the largest sibling set Raintree Village has ever welcomed.
You have another opportunity on Mother’s Day, May 10, to give vulnerable youth the gifts of stability, peace, and hope.
Before learning more about how you can give on Mother’s Day, you’ll want to read the rest of the brothers’ story…
A Band of Brothers… with a Place to Belong
For years, these boys had known what it meant to rely on each other. Though they have a loving and devoted mother, their lives had been marked by instability—moving from place to place and never quite knowing where their next meal would come from. Through it all, they stayed close… functioning as a team, bound together by loyalty and love.
So when they first stepped into their cottage at Raintree, something unexpected happened.
Even after being told they could spread out—that they only needed to share a room with one brother instead of four—they instinctively gathered together in a single space. When each bedroom was furnished with a TV, they still chose the couch… sitting shoulder to shoulder, just like always.
Because for them, together was normal.
And then came another moment they’ll never forget.
As staff carried in bedding, pillows, and groceries, the boys immediately jumped in to help, forming an assembly line without being asked. Once everything was inside, they looked around and asked a simple question:
“What is all this food for?”
When they were told, “It’s all for you,” they were speechless.
It was more food than they had ever seen in one place.
A Difficult Decision Affecting Their Future
Not long after arriving, their story took another turn.
The three younger brothers were able to reunify with their mother—a moment of joy for the entire family. But the oldest brothers, Christian (17) and Jaon (16), faced a difficult decision. As older teens, they were given a choice: return home or remain at Raintree Village.
It was not an easy one.
They deeply love their mom. But they also recognized something important—Raintree offered them the stability, structure, and support they needed to finish strong.
So they chose to stay.
Here, they are focused on completing an accelerated high school program so they can graduate on time. Here, they have consistency. Encouragement. Space to grow.
And maybe most importantly—they still have each other.
“It is good,” Christian shared. “It helps me with my family.”
“I have someone to talk to,” Jaon added.
Growing, Dreaming, and Looking Ahead
The boys acknowledge that before coming to Raintree Village, their family was “just jumping house to house, not having a stable place.”
Christian realizes that if he had not come to Raintree Village, he would “…probably be doing things I’m not supposed to do.”
Today, these brothers are doing what teenagers should be able to do—dream about the future.
Christian hopes to one day run his own business.
Jaon dreams of joining the Marines.
They’re finding joy in simple things—fishing at the campus pond, spending time outdoors, connecting with others, and yes… enjoying regular meals together.
When asked what they’re most grateful for, their answer was simple:
“My family, my life… really everything.”
Why Your Support Matters—Especially This Mother’s Day
Stories like Christian and Jaon’s are why Raintree Village exists.
Most children in foster care have siblings. Yet many foster homes simply don’t have the space or resources to keep large sibling groups together. Too often, brothers and sisters are separated during an already difficult time.
Raintree is different.
With cottages designed to care for up to eight teens, there is room to say yes—even to a family of five brothers.
Because of faithful supporters like you, siblings can stay connected. Bonds can remain strong. And children can experience stability without losing the relationships that matter most.
This Mother’s Day, as we celebrate the love and sacrifice of mothers everywhere, we invite you to be part of a story like this.
Your gift helps provide more than just food and shelter.
It provides togetherness.
It provides stability.
It provides a place where children can grow, dream, and prepare for a brighter future—without losing the people they love most.
How You Can Help
For the 39th consecutive year, we are asking individuals, families, and churches to use Mother’s Day to remember kids who come from difficult family situations.
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:
- Give “in honor of” or “in memory of” your mother or grandmother. Special acknowledgement will be given in an upcoming newsletter, and those honored will receive notification via mail.
- Donate personally. Every gift matters, so your donation online or through the mail will make a difference.
- If you are part of the approximately 200 congregations that support this effort, continue promoting it! (If you still need PowerPoint slides, email Kenny today.)
- If your congregation has not participated before, and would like to, you still have time. Email Kenny to express your interest. He will send you the information you need.
You can go to our website to contribute!
Your gift enables us to provide stability and guidance for vulnerable youth like Christian and Jaon…
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