Meeting Kids Halfway

Providing fun and sharing the love of Christ

There's a place in our town where kids go after they are removed from their homes by Child Protective Services—it's basically a halfway house until they go into foster care. There's nothing fun there; no toys to play with or anything interesting to do.

So twice a year (summer and Christmas), our small group takes tons of fun stuff to those kids. We bring balls and toys and craft materials and journals and books—anything we can get our hands on. Then we just hang out and play.

One of our group members takes her scrapbooking items and helps the kids make cards or bookmarks. Some of the guys go outside to play kickball or football. One Christmas we took each child a brand-new, wrapped Christmas gift. There were about 50 kids at the time, so it was an investment. But they loved it, and it was worth every penny. The next year we told them the Christmas story and gave them Santa hats and candy canes.

The best part of every visit is the end, when I say, "Does anyone want a hug?" That's when the dog-piling begins!

Free Newsletter

Sign up for our Weekly newsletter:

Related

Fostering the Parent

Fostering the Parent

How a small group cared for a foster mom in the everyday trials of life
Serving Your City Starts Before Tragedy Strikes

Serving Your City Starts Before Tragedy Strikes

How to mobilize your small groups to impact your city
Five Resources to Help Your Small Group Make a Local and Global Impact

Five Resources to Help Your Small Group Make a Local and Global Impact

Use these books on your own or with your group to gain vision and training.
Engage Your Community

Engage Your Community

Discover the real needs of your community, and make a plan that fits your group.
Meet People Where They Are

Meet People Where They Are

Move your small group to a non-traditional meeting place.
5 Ways Small Groups Empower Women

5 Ways Small Groups Empower Women

Providing opportunities to serve, developing leaders, and more