Spring Awakens New Life — In Nature & In Our Kids
Spring at Raintree Village …
Azaleas blooming, dogwoods emerging, centipede grass trading brown for green …
This “awakening” symbolizes the changes occurring in the young lives in our care.
We see troubled teens transform as they receive love and guidance. Lost kids emerge from the darkness as they find their way. Neglected children grow in confidence as they discover their purpose.
Stephanie, a high school junior, serves as a good example of how living at Raintree can be transformational. Check out her story below.
While you’re at it, check out the updates about campus improvements also.
You make these changes and transitions possible through your prayers and financial support. Thank you!
Gratefully,
Kenny Holton
Executive Director
P.S. The annual Mother’s Day Special Collection for Raintree Village is quickly approaching. If your congregation would like to participate, let me know, and I can send you information.
Youth Spotlight – Stephanie
A journey from hardship to healing
Since moving to Raintree Village from Atlanta nearly three years ago, Stephanie has found the family and support she needs.
With little support or encouragement from her biological family, Stephanie left a “hard life” (her words) to seek help.
Now 17 years old, she admits she’s not sure where she would be without Raintree. She believes Raintree has turned her life around for the better.
She shared, “RTV has helped me get my life together and helped me get through some things.”
Here, she has support systems provided by her case manager, Dymin, and house parent, KiKi. Her support system includes her older sister Karisma who graduated from high school last May after residing at Raintree since April, 2022. Stephanie sees how Karisma changed for the better because of the guidance she received while at Raintree. The sisters enjoy hanging out together and getting their nails done.
We see how much Stephanie has grown since coming here. We are proud of her and know she’s headed toward a promising future!
Campus Spotlight
Roofs repaired following Hurricane Helene
Thanks to your generous support (combined with insurance claims), all of the roof repairs have been completed following the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. The process took about three months, but the cottages were finally able to shed their tarps, and normal activity resumed inside. (Pictured: Pines Cottage with new roof)
Sidewalk Project Phase II completed
Again, thanks to your timely contributions, the second phase of the sidewalk expansion project is now complete! Staff and kids can get to the Administration Building without having to walk through grass or mud. We’re now preparing for Phase III.
Make a Difference!
As you observe the fingerprints of God this spring, would you consider contributing to Raintree? Your gift helps struggling youth experience spring-like transformation.
You can mail a check or click the green button:
Raintree Village
c/o Kenny Holton
3757 Johnston Rd.
Valdosta, GA 31601
Mother’s Day Special Collection
This year marks the 38th year for the Mother’s Day Special Collection. 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 on SUNDAY, MAY 11:
- Begin promoting it (if you haven’t already) within your congregation.
- Plan to donate personally. Every gift matters, so your donation online or through the mail will make a difference.
- Give “in honor of” or “in memory of” your mother or grandmother.
If you want more information about the Mother’s Day fundraising opportunity, please email me at kholton@raintreevillage.org.
