Family Wellness Encourages Advocacy

 

"After attending a Spanish-speaking Family Wellness class at 'The Other Way' my husband has learned the importance of getting more involved with our children’s education.  Before the class, he was worried that the teacher would not understand his English and thought it should be up to me to communicate with the school.  After the class, he realized that he needs to be more active in supporting our children and now attends Parent Teacher conferences with me.  In fact, he did most of the talking at the last conference!"

 

- Neighborhood mother of two children

 

 

 

Women's Ministry Opens New Doors

 

After several years of meeting for Bible Study with 20-25 women from the Westown neighborhood, God challenged us to take a step outside our comfort zones and begin attending Community Bible Study (CBS) with women from all over Grand Rapids. This was a scary proposition after being in the safe place of knowing and being known by those in our group, but we knew we had much to give and receive by taking this step of faith.

 

Recently a single mom with great daily challenges in her home remarked, “When I first thought about going to CBS, I imagined a group so big and so scary that I wouldn’t have the courage to open my mouth. Now I think I would dare to go all by myself! I’ve met new friends and learn so much from the study and other people’s perspectives.”

 

- Deb Borst, Ministry Program Director / Women's Ministry co-manager

 

 

 

Teen Chases New Opportunities

 

After spending three years as an employee and one year as an assistant supervisor of the Youth Employment Service (Y.E.S) at “The Other Way”, 18-year-old Fred has been hired to work full time at Camp Geneva for the summer.  His work and leadership experience with the Y.E.S program have given him the knowledge and skills that will be necessary for him to succeed in his new full-time position.  

 

- Fred, a junior at Union High School came to the U.S. from Liberia as a refugee in 2003.  He hopes to become a doctor someday.

 

 

 

Conversation Leads to Parent Partnerships with School

 

At our most recent Family Camp we held a conversation with parents about how we are to live out community together as part of becoming “Stronger, Christ-centered families.”  From this conversation flowed the specific topic of communication and relationships between the parents and the local public schools.  The parents expressed a great deal of frustration with the manner in which the schools have been communicating and the lack of respect they have received.

 

It became clear that “The Other Way” could partner with these parents to help facilitate a more positive relationship between them and the school.  As a result of this partnership, God has opened the door for one or two of these parents to be considered to serve in the Parent Leader role at the local public elementary school where they will be able to advocate on behalf of community parents and children.    

 

- Brian, Melita, & Natalie - Family Development Team