Because of friends like you, vulnerable youth at Raintree Village are finding healing, belonging, and direction.
Two great examples of that are highlighted below. I encourage you to read the profiles of Cadon and Donavon. We see the Lord at work in their young lives.
If you’d like to help provide more life-changing opportunities, you can support Raintree Village today.
We received good news last month when we were recognized as a nominee for Nonprofit of the Year by the Valdosta-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce. We finished in 2nd place to our friends at Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), who also work with neglected children involved in the court and foster care systems. We were happy to see increased awareness of our collective work!
Let me remind you of the annual Mother’s Day Special Collection for Raintree Village on May 10. This marks the 39th year of 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.
I’ll be sending more information soon to churches who have participated previously in the Special Collection, but if you have not been involved before and would like to be, please let me know of your interest.
Gratefully,
Kenny Holton
Executive Director
We were thankful to receive an award check of $500 for 2nd Place as Nonprofit of the Year! Pictured from left to right: Lydia Kanton (Administrative Manager), Kenny Holton (Executive Director), and Dymin Johnson (Clinical Manager).
Student Spotlight
This month, we have a special treat for you! We’re highlighting not just one, but TWO teens who are benefiting from time at Raintree Village.
As pictured below, Cadon (left) and Donavon (right) recently earned their General Educational Development (GED) credential through Wiregrass Georgia Technical College and are starting college classes. Can you see the joy in their expressions?
They both make us very proud! Considering the journeys each is on and the obstacles they’ve had to overcome along the way, you can be proud of them too.
CADON
We featured Cadon in our newsletter last summer, and he has continued to thrive, grow in the Lord, and take advantage of every opportunity.
He states emphatically, “I am not the same person that came into Raintree two years ago, thanks to Jesus and the staff at Raintree.”
In addition to getting his GED, the 18-year-old has also earned a forklift certification and is currently applying for jobs where he can use that skill.
His future plans include going to college to learn theology and history. He enjoys studying the Bible and wants to do mission work anywhere people need Jesus.
He credits Raintree Village for providing a new environment where he has received the help he needed. His house parents, behavioral aide, and case managers have all guided him to refocus his life and goals.
He shares his advice to other youth needing encouragement: “Weigh your pros and cons. Surround yourself with people who want to succeed and love Jesus.”
DONAVON
Donavon is relatively new to Raintree, arriving last August from Carrollton, GA. He has made quite an impression already!
Staff describe him as funny, charming, outgoing, and gifted in math. He recently started his first job (at McDonald’s) and is enrolled in an accounting class at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College.
Approaching his 18th birthday, Donavon already expresses a desire to become a therapist so he can help people. That inspiration stems from his time at Raintree. He shares, “Raintree has changed my worldview by helping me realize that everyone’s situation is different, and everyone goes through (difficulties) even if they’re not showing it.”
In his short time here, he has realized he has a say in how his life plays out. He has also learned that all you have to do is ask for what you need at Raintree. We believe these “life lessons” will serve him well as he continues to grow and progress.
Cadon and Donavon are great examples of how your support creates life-changing opportunities for young people who need hope and guidance.
You can help another teen experience the same transformation by clicking the green button.
Make a Difference!
Help the next teen rewrite their story.
Every week, about 25 young people–like Cadon and Donavon–call Raintree Village home. Your support provides a safe environment, food, transportation, counseling, and spiritual guidance.
Give today and help another teen who needs healing, belonging, and direction.
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