by Debbie Westover

Since switching churches to the Emmaus House Chapel I have had the opportunity to help teach Sunday school to the kids. This past Sunday the lesson was based on Mark 1:40-45 where a man with leprosy is healed by Jesus. Even though Jesus tells him not to tell anyone who healed him, the man goes into town so excited and thankful about what has happened that he tells everyone. I had the kids share about stories where they were told secrets and were so excited they accidently told other people. After the discussion, all the kids filled out little pieces of paper stating what they are thankful to God for and want everyone to know, and they taped them up on a poster board.

Unsure of how the kids would respond to the activity I was surprised to see how much thought they put into it. In particular, one boy who I’ve gotten to know put a lot of thought into what he wrote. He quietly got up, taped his paper up, and looked at what everyone else was putting up. Then one of the other kids blurted out, while laughing, “who wrote they were thankful for food stamps!?” This boy looked at the group of kids and simply said, “I did…you know some of us wouldn’t have anything to eat without them.” And he walked off. While some of the kids continued to laugh, there seemed to be a sense of understanding amongst others.

This boy spoke a truth that not only he faces, or his friends may face, but what millions of people across this country face every day. In my neighborhood, Peoplestown, it is an issue I see daily. The Senior’s discussing the need for more money because food is expensive, writing constant referrals to various food banks around the city, Emmaus House’s own food pantry on Friday’s, and the number of kids I know on free or reduced-price meals at school.

Read More…

This past summer the Senior Strollers took a weekend trip to Tuskegee, Alabama to see the  Tuskegee Institute.  

This January, George Lucas released a new movie about these national heroes called Red Tails which we took the Senior Strollers to see.  The following week they shared reflections on the movie and related it to their experience in Tuskegee. One senior started off the conversation by saying that it was a “tear-jerker.” As the conversation went deeper, one Stroller remarked it brought to life the forgotten story of the heroes of the Tuskegee Airmen and their accomplishments.  They reflected how it took too many years for the Airmen to get the recognition that they deserve.  Finally, one Senior commented on what a powerful experience it was being at the actual air field where the Airmen trained and expressed her gratitude for being able to visit such an historic place.  The Strollers got to see some of the planes the airmen flew and parachutes they used.  The Tuskegee Institute also has a museum which the Strollers got to tour.  One senior described the trip to the Institute as “educational and enjoyable.”

Here at Emmaus House we are continually surprised and impelled to do better by our neighbors in Peoplestown. One of the programs we offer is called A Great Start for Parents and Children. It is an eight week program where parents or guardians of young children come together to learn about child growth and development, creating baby smart homes and family traditions and building strong and healthy families.

This past fall we added an anger management component due to feedback from parents in earlier classes. We had a representative from a partnering agency come and teach a course about practical steps to control stress and anger. One of our participants in the fall 2011 class named Shirley Swain runs a pre-K child care center out of her home.  She came to us hoping to pick up some skills that would help her relate to the 3 and 4 year olds she teaches daily. After our anger management class, Shirley asked to take a manual with her and was determined to set a meeting with the parents of the kids enrolled in her childcare, where she would teach them to use these same skills at home.  By teaching and empowering this one dedicated participant, we were able to reach out to parents beyond our own network.

Our Great Start for Parents and Children class is now in its fourth year.  During March and April we are starting a new session and working with a fresh group of parents and guardians of young children.  There are two ways to get involved.  If you are a parent or guardian with children that are infants to age 5, and you are interested in joining, please call 404-525-5948 to register.  We also give away door prizes to our participants and are in need of donations that support healthy parenting. These could be cleaning supplies for parents, books or school supplies for children, or baby items such as diapers or formula. We just ask that the items are new or like new.  If you have donations, please contact Katie Bates at katiebates@emmaushouse.org or 404-525-5948 ext. 25.

We are now accepting applications for five college students to create an intentional, Christian, living and learning community. Interns will support the summer programs of Emmaus House through service work, and engage in opportunities for spiritual growth.  Click here for more information and to submit an online application.