We had another busy year making a difference for kids! We can’t express enough gratitude to the faithful and committed volunteers who keep on with the work. You are true heroes!

Here’s what’s been going on:

Jeff went on a trip with World Orphans to Haiti in March. It was an exploratory trip which included visiting several different models of orphanages. They also worked in some of the homes and brought water purification kits. What he saw was tragic. It was a very somber time as the group witnessed how little progress has been made to improve living conditions since the earthquake. Tent cities continue to be a way of life for over 600,000 people. The 300,000 orphans before the earthquake rapidly grew to over a 1,000,000. There is much need in Haiti. Orphan’s Bridge is exploring ways in which we can provide support. Check back soon to see how you can help!!!

Once and sometimes twice a month we spend an evening cooking with teenagers at Mountain States Children’s Home and Tennyson Children’s Center. The kids kick into gear when we show up. We’ve got them chopping, mixing, stirring, you name it! They are learning to work with fresh, healthy ingredients and they’re learning basic cooking skills. Not only do our volunteers and the kids have a good time, but the staff of the homes don’t complain about having a night off from cooking! They’re more than happy to let us take over the kitchen!

Game nights continue at Mountain States thanks to Amy. By the way Amy…CONGRATULATIONS on your wedding! We’re so happy we still get to have you around for a little while longer! Our thoughts and prayers continue for your husband as he serves our country in the Armed Forces.

A brand new program for us is tutoring preschool children at a local safe house. We are helping these young children prepare for school with reading, writing, and math lessons once a week.

Orphan’s Bridge sponsored a new program this year called Jumpstart. We provided a summer tutoring program for students who need a little extra to get ready for the school year. Our volunteers set aside two weeks in July to provide lessons in math, writing and reading to help prepare these kiddos for a successful school year.

We were pleased to provide a scholarship for a young lady from the Mountain States home for her first year of college. She is an enthusiastic hard worker with goals in life that include helping others.

We have not been able to visit Mexico due to the dangerous conditions. We have been pleased, however, to keep up communication with the directors at Mama Paulita’s Orphanage in Mante, Mexico and to continue to send support for school supplies and basic needs once a year.

Our second annual 5K was a great success!!! We were thrilled to have doubled the number of runners. Great prizes from local organizations and sponsors helped make it a success. And, of course, it couldn’t have been done without the incredible effort of our volunteers.

We have more challenges to tackle in 2012. We would like to increase our support for students who want to continue their education beyond high school. We are exploring more avenues to provide support to Haiti, as well.

You can help! More details for support in Haiti are coming soon!

Donations are accepted