Family Connection:
Linking Our Family with Yours
Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name
welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me
does not welcome me but the one who sent me.
Mark 9:37
Many of our boys have little or no family contact. Because of the nature of the problems that brought them to Cedar Ridge in the first place, they may have little understanding of how healthy families relate to one another. Positive relationships with adults have been few for these boys.
All children need positive role models and positive family relationships in order to help them develop these kinds of relationships in their own adulthood. Although we work hard to provide a loving, nurturing atmosphere within our cottages, we recognize that our boys need to experience the warmth and love of spending time with couples, families and men that can demonstrate positive values to them. Through Family Connection, you can become that affirming influence for one of our boys.
Through one of these avenues, you may help bring hope and healing to one of our boys:
Family Resource: Married couples and families who would like to share their time, family life, activities and home once or twice a month with residents who may not have a family that he can regularly visit.
Mentors: Mature male individuals to provide a positive role model through sharing their time and joining the boy in various activities.
Tutors: assist boys academically by monitoring homework completion, progress and special school projects.
Family Connection
Requirements:
Families and individuals are required to work with a Cedar Ridge social worker to complete some paperwork, to be finger printed, and to match up expectations, needs and interests with those of the boy(s) at Cedar Ridge. The social worker’s goal is to walk the individual or family through a process of preparing them for a meaningful relationship with one or more of the boys. The social worker will maintain regular contact and is always available to assist. Being a part of the Family Connection is a rewarding way of serving the Lord, but it can be difficult. It requires a commitment to the boys as you will quickly become very important to the child(ren) with whom you spend time.
|
