One aspect of a rescue mission that people don’t always realize is that kids come to us homeless, too. If a mom arrives in our Crisis Center after having to sleep in her car, or couch surf from house to house, usually her children have also been living that experience.
This issue’s cover story brings you inside Rockford Rescue Mission’s Child Care Center, where we have recently expanded what we offer families. Now that we have our own in-house staff, the center can offer child care in both the morning and afternoon, four days a week. What a joy to see that large room alive with energetic kids and our wonderful staff. Thanks to a grant from the Kjellstrom Family Foundation, we also are in the process of purchasing new furnishings for the center, including educational fixtures, toys and activities for early childhood development.
Some of the kids we care for will only be with us for a day or two while their moms sort out a difficult time in their lives. Most are here a little longer than that; the average stay in our Women’s Crisis Center is 45 days. During that time, our Child Care Center provides kids with a semblance of stability, structure and love. They learn together and play together—basically getting to be normal kids.
Meanwhile, as moms seek housing, or a job, or education, they can do that with peace of mind, knowing their kids are safe and well-cared for under the same roof. And as the moms receive spiritual help and direction—often coming to faith in Christ for the first time—the kids interact with Bible-based stories and activities.
If you support Rockford Rescue Mission, know that the dollars you give are impacting families’ lives for eternity. Thank you.
Partners in Hope,
Sherry Pitney, CEO
