As you prepare to launch into a new school year with a fair degree of uncertainty, I simply want to take a moment to encourage you. I understand that many of you are transitioning from in person relationships to ‘virtual’ platforms or ‘pen pal’ arrangements, and while this might be discouraging or intimidating, any type of connection or communication with your mentee offers a sound opportunity to sprinkle hope and spread compassion to students who are desperately searching for consistency and connection. With that in mind, I want to share four simple principles that will promote resiliency in your relationship with your student.

First, be Present. I have had the privilege of working in the counseling field for over twenty years, yet over the past six months, I have encountered students who are suffering from disconnection and isolation unlike anything I have previously witnessed. As weeks of lockdown orders lingered into months for students, friendships dwindled and loneliness became pervasive. As we enter this school year, students are starving for meaningful connections. Being available and present for a student throws a lifeline fostering human connection and relationship. When you write them a note, they realize that they matter. They are important. And someone else holds them in mind. Then, when you are able to connect in person and you can add the ingredients of active listening and empathy, students develop the strength to break the shackles of loneliness and embrace their identity as children of the King of Kings.

Second, be Positive. Wow, has our culture grown to inflate negativity! Spending a few moments reading the news or following social media reminds me how hostile, angry, and negative our mainstream culture has become. Students are drowning in this swell of chaos as well. Many are bombarded by criticism on Instagram posts or assaulted with put downs among ‘friends’ while they are gaming. Filling your words and relationship with positivity and kindness builds trust and heals wounds. Kind words create an alternative and corrective experience for kids. Their internal voice changes from ‘I’m worthless’ to ‘Maybe I matter?’ When you see things from a positive perspective, you invite your mentee to experience the world in that way as well. Help them look for the ‘good.’

Third, be Playful. There is nothing like a good laugh to lighten a mood. Stuart Brown, a national expert on the value of play quipped, “When enough people raise play to the status it deserves in our lives, we will find the world a better place.” And isn’t this true! Pause for a moment and consider how you feel when you take the time to play. Whether you are on the tennis court or playing a card game, the act of play triggers positive, happy feelings. I hear many of you wondering, how is it possible to do this when I am not even able to see my mentee in person? While that might be true, there are a multitude of ways to encourage play. If you are meeting them virtually, there are screen options that allow you to play games like Uno or crossword puzzles together. There is even a ‘whiteboard’ where you can play games like dot-to-dot or tic tac toe. If you are writing notes, perhaps you can encourage play through including a coloring page or sharing a pretend story. Encouraging kids to create space for play will indeed make the world a better place.

Finally, be in Prayer. Having less face-to-face time with your student is challenging. They are probably facing obstacles of which you are not even aware. Even so, keep praying for them. Just this morning, I had a conversation with a mom who shared that she had been wrestling with how to create restrictions around her son’s screen time since he had been spending inordinate amounts of time on his Xbox. She committed to praying for him for a week to see if Jesus would provide her direction. Wouldn’t you know, her son approached her a week later and said he was “kind of sick of his video games.” He had decided to try some other activities with friends. What a testimony to answered prayer! Not all changes occur radically like this one, but we can trust that our God is at work and He is making a way. We simply need to ask.

Friends, you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers as you build relationships with students this year. In some ways, you may feel challenged more than ever. Even so, I am confident of this. You will continue to pour hope into places of hopelessness and spread light in places of darkness. “And let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). And may you be richly blessed as you press on.

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Philippians 4:6- Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

For the Students: that they would know they are still loved and valued and cared for by their teachers and mentors and have not been abandoned; that they would be healthy and well fed; that they would be protected from anyone that would want to do them or their siblings harm; that God would give them creative ideas for how to safely and wisely spend the hours of their day at home and that encouraging words would be brought to their minds.

Psalm 17:6- I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.

For the Teachers: give them perseverance so they may continue to serve students faithfully, despite technology issues and separation from their students; help them make a lasting connection with each student; give them stamina, protect their health, and the health of their families; help them establish routines and provide the tools they need to teach well.

1 Chron 16:11- Look to the Lord and His strength, seek His face always.

For the School Leaders and Counselors/Social Workers: that God would bless and encourage principals as they lead their teachers and their students during this new season of online learning; that God would give school leadership wisdom, patience, the support of their community, and the physical and mental energy for their tasks; that school counselors and social workers would have ample and available resources to best serve their students and families during this time and be instruments of comfort and stability.

Psalm 145:18- The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

For the Parents: that God would provide strength during this difficult time for all parents, with the stress of work, stress of loss of income, stress of loss of connections, and the stress of now serving in the role of teacher. We pray that our Kids Hope parents will experience peace beyond measure and grace without limits, so that they in turn can create loving and nurturing homes that are safe harbors for their children. May God remove their burdens of worry and the pain of isolation. May all parents experience the fullness of peace that only God can provide.

Ephesians 6:18 – And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

For the Program Directors and Church Leaders: that God would give our Program Directors and Church Leaders health; that they would have favor with the school leadership, helping their relationships to grow so the church can be even better partners in their communities; that Directors would have wisdom to guide their Mentors and that all efforts to connect with the school and families would be blessed; that Pastors would have wisdom needed to lead their congregations and deliver messages that God would want delivered to the people; that technology will assist the churches in reaching more people with the Gospel than ever; that churches will have the financial provision necessary to fully cover their ongoing expenses.

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18- Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

For the Mentors and their Families: during this time of separation from their student, help them to not lose heart; encourage them to use this time to focus on praying for their mentee; where possible, please make a way for each mentor to connect with their student; protect their health and the health of their family so they may continue to
do the work you would have them do.

1 John 5:14- This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

For the Prayer Partners, Donors and their Families: thank you for their commitment to our programs and students through prayer and financial support; that they would remain faithful and consistent; that God would remind them that their prayers are powerful and effective in the work of this ministry and the lives of our students; that God would bless them and their families with good health and protection.

Colossians 4:2- Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

For Healthcare Workers and First Responders: that God would protect their health, including their mental health, and the health of their families; that they would have adequate rest, stamina, and a supernatural infusion of compassion; that they would have God’s wisdom in decision making and adequate supplies necessary to combat this virus.

1 Timothy 2:1-2- I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

For Decision Makers: that everyone who is in a position of serving others would not feel overwhelmed but be strengthened with resolve to do what is best; that God would give wisdom to our national, state, and local leaders as they work together to make decisions related to public health and safety to protect His people.

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I would like to extend warm greetings to the Kids Hope USA community—mentors and directors—that faithfully serve on the front lines of KHUSA on a regular basis along with all of our school partners, students and families that are a part of our wider family. You are treasured! While this week has been replete with worldwide changes, an array of health crises, and daily uncertainty, there is no better time for us to rise to the challenge and bring Hope to chaos. We have unending peace, hope and joy that begs to be shared. As you navigate the next several weeks, I would encourage you to consider a few practical tips that I believe will draw our little ones into feelings of comfort and safety.  

1) You. As an adult, you are a blessing and the best bridge to peace and hope. When you remain calm and steady in the midst of chaos, kids notice. They will be drawn to you. They will seek safety and comfort from you. Your presence and modeling communicate more than words. Even though you are no longer able to see your child at school, there are many ways to connect with kids that do not require face to face contact. I would encourage you to write notes and let kids know you are thinking of them. Perhaps you can call them or offer to FaceTime. Hearing your voice and knowing that you remain constant can be a source of great encouragement. It helps them to know that you are “holding them” in your mind.  

2) During times of change and uncertainty, kids often do best when they can count on some structure and routine. That being said, I suspect it will be terribly difficult for our students to enjoy consistent routines over the course of the next few weeks. Even so, checking in with students once a week allows you to give them something to look forward to, even a bit of predictability. As you connect, you can confirm that their basic needs are being met. Perhaps you can ask how they are spending their time? Do they have fears or concerns? Creating space for them to be heard can dispel fear. Also, encourage kids to consider the “3 for 20” guidelines: each day, it is important to play (preferably without screens) for at least 20 minutes, read for at least 20 minutes, and “help” for at least 20 minutes. Helping might include a few chores at home, or writing a card for a teacher or neighbor. Research shows that moods improve and anxiety lessens when there is a concerted effort to look outside of self. Another possibility might include creating and sharing a Thanksgiving Journal. You and your student can record 3 things per day for which you are thankful.  

3) Be honest and clear. If a child has lots of questions, give honest and age appropriate answers. Early elementary students will benefit from brief and simple information. When in doubt, let the child lead with questions that are important to him/her and listen carefully. There are times when adults assume that kids are worried about things that are not even on their radar. Letting the child lead creates opportunity to address concerns appropriately. For upper elementary students, you may have the opportunity to help them separate reality from fantasy. Older students also benefit from knowing that adults and leaders are working hard to ensure safety. It might be helpful to remind students that at the present moment, there are very few people in our nation who are sick. There are many more people who are healthy! Since COVID-19 is thought to spread between those who are in close contact with one another, closings and postponements are intended to prevent the spread of the disease and keep kids safe. 

4) It can be helpful to help kids focus on the things that they can control. While practicing good hygiene is important, you can emphasize that kids can be the boss of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Maybe together you can create two separate lists including some things that can’t be controlled and other things that can.  

As you maintain contact with your mentee, you can be confident that “Every child you encounter is a divine appointment.” -Wes Stafford 

Blessings to each of you! Be the bridge to hope… 

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A short message from Kids Hope USA President, Karen Pearson.

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Join Karol Ladd for some words of encouragement during this unique and uncertain time.

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• Pray: Cover our Kids Hope programs and students in prayer. Please pray for students, families and for the school staff, teachers and administrators as they navigate school closures and academic disruptions.
• Mentoring Pause: To ensure the health and well-being of all Kids Hope volunteers and children, we ask that mentors do not meet in person with their student in or out of school until further notice.
• Staying Connected: Because schools are canceled all over the country, we would love to offer suggestions for how mentors can stay connected with their students. Please consider the following:
  • Mentors: if you already have contact information for the student’s family, we encourage you to write a note to your student or offer to FaceTime them. Hearing from you will certainly be a bright spot for the child and will give them some additional encouragement and fun. There are so many ways to use mail to connect with your student in the coming weeks, but remember to wash your hands before writing the note and don’t lick the envelope!
  • Mentors: if you don’t have direct access to their student’s contact information such as home address and phone or email, connect with your program director about becoming a “pen pal” with your student. Directors may be able to facilitate sending notes from the church and get them mailed them out.

• What to Expect Next: In the coming days, check back to this website for new communication from Kids Hope USA. Our website (www.kidshopeusa.org) will be a gathering place for information, suggestions, and prayer requests. Specifically, we are hoping to host or create the following.
  • A few “Director Idea Exchanges,” inviting Directors to participate with other Directors within their region and with Kids Hope USA national and regional staff. Be watching online for days and times to be communicated.
  • A prayer calendar and several online opportunities to pray together.
  • Other helpful communication tips and resources to equip you and your mentors
  • A list of FAQ’s and answers

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