Changing Young Lives In Our Neighborhood
For over 25 years, our church family has been in relationship with the students, families, and staff of an area school. First, it was Irving School. Now, our Peoria Public School District 150 Adopt-a-School partner is Lincoln K8.
Whether you are helping a first grader read, or lending a hand in the choir or after-school arts, you are showing something to young people that is often missing in their lives - love and commitment. When you join this partnership, you make a difference in the lives of young people, a difference that can transform their lives forever.
Recently, three sisters volunteered at Loaves and Fish prior to returning to their pre-med studies at Western Illinois University. These young ladies grew up in the neighborhoods down Perry Street when they became FUMC Buddies at Irving School. Even though many at Irving School came from low income homes, they were shown priceless love, hope, and grace by their FUMC Buddies. Because of programs like the Buddy Ministry, and the Can-Do Scholarship Program, these little girls and many others from Irving School, were shown hope, love, and confidence and learned that there were no limits to what they could do in life.
Not long ago, a successful young business man from Miami Beach volunteered to serve at Loaves and Fish. This was no random volunteer, rather a former Irving School student and FUMC Buddy that had come home to visit family. Growing up in Taft Homes was not easy, and this young man worked through difficult times at home and school. Thanks to a supportive FUMC Buddy, this young man persevered. He went on to set the state long jump record in high school, then became a graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in business. Today he lives in Miami Beach. A trip home to his old neighborhood would not be complete without reconnecting with Mike Illuzzi and his FUMC family.
It’s simple and easy to be a part of the FUMC Lincoln K8 Adopt a School program. It requires no special skills (other than a willingness to share your love), and your involvement can be as little or as much as you'd like. The programs begin in October.
Whether you are helping a first grader read, or lending a hand in the choir or after-school arts, you are showing something to young people that is often missing in their lives - love and commitment. When you join this partnership, you make a difference in the lives of young people, a difference that can transform their lives forever.
Recently, three sisters volunteered at Loaves and Fish prior to returning to their pre-med studies at Western Illinois University. These young ladies grew up in the neighborhoods down Perry Street when they became FUMC Buddies at Irving School. Even though many at Irving School came from low income homes, they were shown priceless love, hope, and grace by their FUMC Buddies. Because of programs like the Buddy Ministry, and the Can-Do Scholarship Program, these little girls and many others from Irving School, were shown hope, love, and confidence and learned that there were no limits to what they could do in life.
Not long ago, a successful young business man from Miami Beach volunteered to serve at Loaves and Fish. This was no random volunteer, rather a former Irving School student and FUMC Buddy that had come home to visit family. Growing up in Taft Homes was not easy, and this young man worked through difficult times at home and school. Thanks to a supportive FUMC Buddy, this young man persevered. He went on to set the state long jump record in high school, then became a graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a degree in business. Today he lives in Miami Beach. A trip home to his old neighborhood would not be complete without reconnecting with Mike Illuzzi and his FUMC family.
It’s simple and easy to be a part of the FUMC Lincoln K8 Adopt a School program. It requires no special skills (other than a willingness to share your love), and your involvement can be as little or as much as you'd like. The programs begin in October.
Here's How You Can Help
Tutor Buddies
Helping to read with K-3 students
Birthday Buddies
Monthly parties to celebrate birthdays
Lincoln Choir
Assisting staff with choir practice and performances
After School Arts
Working with kids as they experience art hands on
The Good News Club
An after school Bible study group that meets and shares the good news from the Bible
Backpack Buddies
Twice a month, help pack bags of food for kids that may go hungry over the weekends away from school
Helping to read with K-3 students
Birthday Buddies
Monthly parties to celebrate birthdays
Lincoln Choir
Assisting staff with choir practice and performances
After School Arts
Working with kids as they experience art hands on
The Good News Club
An after school Bible study group that meets and shares the good news from the Bible
Backpack Buddies
Twice a month, help pack bags of food for kids that may go hungry over the weekends away from school