"We must not only give what we have; We must also give what we are." - De’sire-Joseph Mercie

Dear Friends,

Today, a staff member shared this story; he attended a SARB (Student Attendance Review Board) meeting on behalf of a student.  This student had difficulties attending school regularly and the review board was in the process of harshly reprimanding him when he noticed the tears running down this boy’s cheeks.  His mother then spoke quietly in Spanish, “Why are you crying?  Is it because your father and I are getting a divorce?”  The young man shook his head “No” and pointed to the individual who was criticizing him.

The staff member stated, “it was then that God impressed upon me, ‘This is why you are here – to love and give compassion to this boy.’  “I just wanted to grab him up and tell him I love him and want to help him.”

Later that day a school counselor from a local high school called and told me of a young lady who is also having difficulties attending school.  The counselor said, “this student really wants to turn her life around, she is tired of seeing her mother in tears.  She wants to be a good example for her younger brother and sister.”  The counselor then proceeded to ask this girl about her father and she said, “He doesn’t talk to me anymore.  I guess he got tired of calling me a whore and a scrub.  I don’t care anyway.  I want to change for my mother.”  It was at that time the counselor said, “Oh, I think you do care what your father says.  I bet you would love to hear him say, ‘I’m proud of you hija' (my daughter).”

As I write this letter my heart breaks.  It breaks because many kids want to change- they just don’t know how.  It breaks because parents are in pain over their children and they don’t know how to communicate effectively.  My heart breaks because everyday I hear about children, adults and families that are lost and in need of our Savior’s love and compassion.

Friends, I do not desire for the pain in my heart to stop and I do not want to be desensitized to the needs of our community.  My desire is that City Impact become more involved with those who are hurting.  Do you have an hour a week, we have room for you – there is always a child in need of a loving adult who lives Jesus.

Thank you for your continued love and support of the ministry of City Impact.

May God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving season.

With much thankfulness,
Betty Alvarez Ham
President