I met the most amazing woman!
To give you background, I have been researching aftercare programs for our families. COVID has really
impacted the aftercare programs in our community. I was amazed by the number of schools that can no
longer offer aftercare programs due to worker shortages and COVID issues.
My friend, Candace, (and yes, I do have more than one friend…LOL!) recommended that I reach out to
Granny’s House in Columbia, MO. I checked out their website and was so impressed by their offerings!
Would you believe that they have a Princess Academy? Isn’t that too precious! I can see little girls being
enamored by that name and then proudly telling their friends that about being in the Princess Academy.
On the flip side, they offer a Sons of the King program for the boys. Here is the description from the website.
“The Sons of the King is for boys who are 10 years and older. During this nine-month program, the boys learn
what it means to be men of honor, integrity, responsibility, and strength. Whether it’s hearing from a guest speaker,
or playing basketball on the court, these young men learn what it means to “live out their faith” and be authentic
Christian men.” I love the values listed in the description! We need more young men with honor, integrity and
responsibility.
I was touched by the director’s enthusiasm and by her love for the children in her program. She was quick to tell
me that it was a Christian program but all faiths were welcome. Some children simply want homework help. Others
want someplace to hang out while mom and dad are at work. The director laughed and shared her heart during the
conversation; I heard the love in her voice as she shared her favorite success stories about children who have been
impacted by her nonprofit. This amazing woman feels such a personal connection to these children, many of whom
are refugees or immigrants. She told me that she never calls them clients because they are Javier, Elise, or Mary.
She sees the value and individuality of each precious child.
After talking with the director, I hope to swing by and visit her onsite. I would love to meet the amazing people
that give so selflessly to helping the children in the Columbia Housing Authority. It is definitely on my short list
of places to visit.
Each day I am amazed by the good people of Columbia, MO. I can’t believe that I did not realize how many
people were working so hard to combat poverty at some level. The staff of Granny’s House is directly
responsible for encouraging children to go to college, join the military or launch into a career. You have my deep
respect and gratitude for your amazing service to our community! Thank you!
All opinions expressed here are solely mine and are not a reflection of the opinions of the Americorp VISTA
program or of City of Refuge in Columbia, MO.
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