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KIDS HOPE USA

  • FAQ’s

    Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the KIDS HOPE USA program?

    KIDS HOPE USA gives church members an opportunity to model the love of Christ by building a relationship with a Holland West School student (Kindergarten through 5th grade). This relationship affirms the child while helping him/her increase their reading, writing, and possibly math skills.  Mentors spend one hour per week with their student.  A prayer partner is identified for each relationship.

  • What is KIDS HOPE USA?

    KIDS HOPE USA was created in 1993 by International Aid to help local churches address the growing needs of America’s children.  The relational model was adopted after extensive research with professionals in human services, health services, religion, education, government, business and volunteer services showed that children performing below grade level could make improvement if trained church volunteers would affirm them by developing a relationship and helping them learn to read.  In 2002, the rapidly expanding KIDS HOPE USA national office became an independent organization and is located in Zeeand, MI.

  • Who is in charge?

    Our trained KIDS HOPE USA Program Director is Mary Ann Hayden. She provides training, supervision, and affirmation for the volunteers.  The Director is assisted by members of our church who serve on a KIDS HOPE USA Leadership Team.

  • Who can be a KIDS HOPE USA volunteer?

    Any Christ Memorial regular attendee over the age of 16 who can read, loves the Lord, and has a heart for children is eligible to participate in the program as a relational volunteer.  The Director, one of our pastors, and the KIDS HOPE USA Leadership Team members are our first volunteers.  All volunteers will be “interviewed” by the Director, submit reference names, and must agree to have a police background check.

  • Who are these children?

    One principal described the KHUSA children this way:
    1. Quiet, lost souls;
    2. Kids who exhibit behavior problems;
    3. Kids who need help learning

    We are generally asked to work with children whose emotional, social and/or academic needs can be met through a relationship with a caring adult.  The teacher and/or principal select these children.

  • How much time will I need to commit?

    When it comes to your contact with a child, a few minutes will go a very long way.  Indeed, teachers report significant changes in behavior and academic performance for some children after only two visits.  All we ask is that you give one hour per week for a school year to your assigned child.  Children who lack structure in their lives need to count on those special moments with you once each week.  We will try to offer you flexibility as to when the hour occurs based on your schedule.  Most of our mentor/tutors meet with their child around the lunch hour.  We also have trained substitute tutors who can meet your student if you have to miss a week.

  • Does one hour really make a difference?

    Yes.  Teachers consistently report that the KIDS HOPE USA children show significant improvement in four areas:  Attendance (the kids don’t want to miss their visit with their KHUSA friend); academic performance; attitude; and behavior (children stop fighting, for example, because they are loved and because they do not want to disappoint their friend).

  • Will I receive training?

    Two training sessions are required for all volunteers.  These sessions, including one session at our school, will give you an understanding of the child as well as appropriate educational skills.  They are designed to make your experience fruitful and fulfilling.

  • What if I need help after I’m working with the child?

    The KIDS HOPE USA Director, working cooperatively with the teacher, is ready and able to help you.  They are part of your support system.

  • What if the relationship just does not work or I have to drop out of the program?

    The Program Director will help the volunteer and the student resolve differences and, if necessary, accomplish a “no fault” separation.  Special care will be taken to protect the participants from feelings of guilt and rejection.

  • When and where will I spend my hour?

    Your tutoring time will be scheduled at Holland West School during the school day. Most of our tutoring takes place in the media center.  Liability issues make unsupervised meetings between an adult and child outside the church or school setting unwise.  All meetings during the first semester will be at the neighborhood school.

  • What is the goal of the program?

    KIDS HOPE USA volunteers provide emotional support for children while helping them learn to read.  When KIDS HOPE USA volunteers believe in the children, the children begin to believe in themselves. That’s when change occurs.  A study at one school found that KIDS HOPE USA children had fewer detentions, were more attentive, exhibited greater concern for other students, and demonstrated significant improvement in reading, spelling, math and test-taking.

  • How do I get involved?

    Contact Mary Ann Hayden for more information at 616-796-3394
    or at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

  • 2009 KIDS HOPE USA