Smile Power
Help Troubled Youth Help Others
“Do unto others as you would have them do
unto you.”
Matthew 7:12
 |
 |
 |
| Ugandan
children receiving T-shirts |
Helping others has been life-transforming for these kids! It allows them
to take their focus off themselves and their problems and to experience the
joy and esteem building effect of helping others. They can learn first hand
that this golden rule benefits the giver as much as the receiver. These
kids feel empowered and realize they
can have a future and
do have something
to offer the world!
International Smile Power Outreach in November
Volunteer to help the Echo Glen youth paint T-shirts and write friendship
messages that will be delivered to Ugandan children by
Smile Power 
volunteers in January. The Echo Glen kids will see photos & hear
stories from last year’s outreach. Then when the Smile Power team returns,
a follow-up assembly will be given to show them photos of the smiles they
have put on the faces of the Ugandan children that received their gifts.
All are welcome at the presentations, but it is not required for
volunteering.
This outreach
has been life-changing impact for many of the children in previous years.
Marriam is an great example. Marriam and her friend Heather will be
spending 25 years behind bars for a crime Heather’s mother persuaded them to
commit when they were 13 & 14 years old. Marriam and Heather participated in
this outreach their first year at Echo Glen. When we came back their 2nd
year, Marriam stood up in front of all of her fellow inmates and said, “I
used to be self-centered and think the world revolved around me. But after
doing the t-shirts and seeing the smiles I put on the faces of the Bolivian
kids, I realized I am happiest when I am helping others. So, Heather and me
have spent this last year making scarves and hats for those orphans.”
Like Marriam, many of the children at Echo Glen have been led astray by parents
who perpetuated the mistakes of their parents. These children desperately
need good adult role models; they need, crave & appreciate positive
attention from caring adults. They may take your heart as you fall in love
with their eagerness to help other children that they view as being worse
off than they are.
No artistic talent required - Volunteers present simple
directions to the classes and then encourage the youth while they work. All
supplies are provided.
Questions? Ready to help these kids live the golden rule? Contact
the Echo Glen Outreach Coordinator.
|