Kids Hope USA is a program that gives church members an opportunity to model the love of Christ by building a  relationship with an elementary school student.  This relationship affirms the child while helping him/her increase their reading, writing and possibly math skills.  Mentors spend one hour per week with the same child throughout the school year in order to provide emotional support for the child while also helping them to learn.  A prayer partner is identified for each mentor to provide additional encouragement and support.

Since 1997, Fellowship has partnered with Lakewood Elementary School which is located just down the road from the church.  We are generally asked to work with children whose emotional, social and/or academic needs can most effectively be met through an additional one-on-one, caring and supportive relationship.  The teacher and/or principal select these children, although parents may request participation as well. 

Any church member over the age of 16 who can read is eligible to participate in the program as a mentor or prayer partner.  All mentors are interviewed by Karen Donker, Program Director of Kids Hope USA, and must agree to have a police background check.  Karen also provides training, supervision and affirmation for all volunteers. 

If you have any questions please, contact Karen Donker, kldonker@fellowshipreformed.org.