“Prophetic Tagging” by Caleb Parker I love the moments a teenager thinks they are getting away with something, with little awareness that the adult standing nearby is actually fully aware and actively engaged in the choices they are making. I am the kind of leader who tends to take a step back, collecting the stories […]
Dear volunteers… from Shelby Bell and Team of the THRIVE Program THRIVE volunteers are intentional, dedicated, and sacrificial. Stepping into a relationship with our young adults is not always easy, but you all have jumped with two feet into the messiness of life with us. Thank you for being willing to not just dedicate your […]
You are welcome and you are worthy. What do you think of when you hear the word “Christmas”? Many people think of Christmas presents, trees, music, cookies, traditions, and celebrations. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for everyone. The Christmas season is painful, lonely, and shaming for many individuals who have experienced domestic abuse, homelessness, under-resourced […]
“Because when you’re hit at your wits’ end Can’t bare the screaming anymore You’ll take one look at their impressionable eyes And see you’re bound to this eight-year-old human as a friend” —-From “Non-Biological Children” by Hannah Pennock Imagine a sixteen-year-old girl wearing a powder blue dress with lace appliques and a poufy tulle skirt […]
Summer is so fun! If you’re a kid… it’s even more fun. Popsicles, long days, mangos with limón and chile, vacation Bible school, and fireworks! It’s also a time for Summer reading challenges at Fullerton Library, day camps and new excursions. For OC United, having fun in the Valencia Park community looks like bringing kids, […]
“Get the [expletive deleted] away from us! You’re so [expletive deleted] weird! We don’t want you here!” We could hear the heckles of preteens from outside of our window. Children cussing in the neighborhood isn’t something new, but hearing aggressive language aimed directly at one person is unexpected. We look down from our patio and […]
In Romans 15:13, the Apostle Paul explains how God sources hope into our hearts, which fills us with peace and joy as we trust in Him while waiting for Him to make our dreams happen. God then gives us power to overflow this same hope to others. Franklin Garcia is the pastor of Calvary Chapel […]
When a child from hard places begins blessing others, restoration has begun for the whole community. In our neighborhoods initiative, we all thrive when there is a two-way stream of giving and receiving. Here’s one story of restoration. Andrew was nominated for Valencia Park Elementary’s (VP) mentoring program where he met Gaby, our director. As […]
“What impact can an 86 year old retired teacher or a 17 year old Buena Park High student make on a Title I School? Over 75% of the kids enrolled in Valencia Park Elementary are learning English as a second language and 72% are receiving free lunches because of financial difficulty. Furthermore, did you know […]
SOLful is a one-month summer program for kids at Valencia Park Elementary! Eight years ago, the Fullerton School District had budget cuts that took away summer school programming for children. A local nonprofit collaborated with parents and the school district to create a summer alternative for their students. Thus, SOLful began. Kids have lots of […]