As of last month, I began working with homeless children through an afterschool program at Church in the City, the inner-city Church of Victory Church Center in Charlotte.  The children and their families are currently living at the Salvation Army Shelter in Charlotte.

We focus on homework, science, reading, story-telling and skits too.  We are just a few weeks into the program and as more volunteers come we plan to incorporate individual mentoring and coaching. The children have memorized John 3:16 with much enthusiasm and recognize there is a God who loves them.

What’s the saying, it more blessed to give than to receive.  Oh Yes it is.  I come away with a heart full of joy.  Do they try and test us, OH YES! but it’s worth it.

Continue to keep the Pineville Dream Center in your prayers.  As we serve others, we know without  doubt God will make available all of the resources necessary to establish a permanent residence for the Dream Center.

It’s not where you serve but it is being a vessel and being available to serve.  It’s about God’s will.

God Bless you and keep us in your prayers.

 

Velma Hutchines

 

 

We are always excited to serve young people in need.  It is rewarding and such a blessing.  My heart is so full whenever the opportunity is available to coach, encourage, teach and laugh with a kid who has gone through, to many of us, the unimaginable at such a young age.

The Pineville Dream Center has partnered  with The Relatives, a  non-profit organization in Charlotte. We are working with adults who participate in their On Ramp Resource Center. They are 16-24 years old and need help making the successful evolution from youth to being an independent adult. Our Life-Skills workshops began in May. The work continues and we are committed to the slow process of trust and patience necessary to build their confidence in us.   We’re there to offer the tools needed to help them establish a solid foundation for their lives.

Thank you for your prayers as we continue to share the love of Christ in this journey.

 

Velma

 

We were happy to partner with Elon Homes and Schools, The Village.  During our five months we presented life-skills workshops to help the residents transition to independent living.  We feel the course material gave them an understanding of what it takes to prepare to live on your own successfully.

The opportunities to impact the lives of children continues for PDC and we look forward to what’s next!

Thank you for your support and prayers.

 

Velma Hutchines

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

What a joy to see another year unfold.

A woman at my gym this morning was speaking negatively about her upcoming birthday in a few days.  I said girl, birthdays are a blessing.  She said I don’t like getting older.  But I said to her, well the alternative is death.  Which do you choose?  Her eyes got wide and she started to laugh.  I’ll take the birthdays she said.  Each day is precious and so are we.

As we look back on last year, we are thankful for serving the young men at the Villages, a transitional home for former foster youth. We are excited to see them thrive.  At this writing, 100% are working or in school and beginning to envision a bright future.

Along with so many other people, we are grateful to be a part of shaping their young lives through our life-skills courses, leadership and integrity lessons and spiritual foundational teachings.

As the days, weeks and months unfold and so rapidly these days, please remember us in your prayers and support. It is our mission and vision to help at-risk children and youth in our communities.

Remember every day is precious!

 

Today my husband and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary, which is wonderful and a blessing from God.  However we were excited to begin our series of Life Skills workshops with Elon Homes and Schools transtitional living program for foster youth. The facility is beautiful and immaculate. My heart was full with joy knowing these youngsters will have structure and stability in a safe and welcoming environment they can call home for sometime.  Our collective goal is to provide resources and programs to help them successfully transition into adulthood by focusing on independent living skills such as financial management, resume writing, career exploration, mentorship, daily living goals and more.  An integral part of the Dream Center’s mission is to promote the healthy physical, emotional, social and spiritual development of each participant. Our lessons will emphasize quality characteristics of good leadership, integrity and the positive impact it can have on the individual. We look forward to serving these young people, letting them know they matter and are loved.  We’re humbled to be a part of shaping their young lives.