This outreach has been life-transforming for many children in previous years. This is an opportunity for them to take their focus off themselves and their problems and to experience the joy and esteem building effect of helping others. They feel empowered and realize they can have a future and do have something to offer the world!
Read Merriam & Heather's story about how this outreach has changed their lives.
About the Schools
First Place School in Seattle daily picks up children grades K-5 from shelters, tent cities, and transitional housing. These homeless children are fed breakfast and lunch (often their only meals), given counseling and educated. All are dealing with the trauma of homelessness and the crises that impact family stability. Visit the First Place School web site.
Echo Glen Children's Center is a WA State Correction facility and a school (run by Issaquah S.D. ) that houses 185 boys and girls as young as 9 and up to 19 years old. Most come from abusive or neglectful homes and do not know what it is to be respected and loved. Nearly all have dangerously low self-esteem.
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No artistic talent is required!
Volunteers present simple directions to the classes and then encourage the youth while they work.
Your time and compassion are what makes this program so great.
When you volunteer your time, these children feel that they have value and, with your encouragement, they get to learn that they too can help others.
Can't make it to the schools but still want to help?
Help with prep work. We need volunteers to iron paper inside T-shirts or attach yarn to shipping tags for the friendship necklaces. This can be done at your convenience at home.
Questions?
Ready to be a role model?
Contact S. Evans at smilepower@smilepower.org
