Unexpected Blessings

What we envisioned Provide families a break –Birth through completed High School –Include siblings Staff with church volunteers –Feed the volunteers Have fun –Not therapy, school, or church Must be sustainable

Unexpected Blessing #1 Teenage Volunteers Bring the fun & stamina! Provide an opportunity to practice social skills

Unexpected Blessing #2 Volunteer Growth Understanding and ability to care for a child with special needs improves over time Changes rolled over to school and other places outside Revive You don’t have to be good with kids to find a place to serve at Revive

Unexpected Blessing #3 Relationships are made Children & Volunteers –Look forward to seeing friends & their “buddies” Parents –Families network –Double date –Feel more accepted –Help with ideas, tools, programs –Opportunity to attend church

Unexpected Blessing #4 Effects our Community Share knowledge, procedures, etc. with other churches Volunteers come from –High schools & Universities –Service Organizations –Churches Relationships extend beyond Revive

Unexpected Blessing #5 Ready for the next step Friendship Team – adult Bible class Revive for after completed High School group What other needs can we address?

Unexpected Blessing We love it! Parents, Kids, and Caregivers all think Revive is for them – win/win/win!