Usually, August is the month that we all start thinking about kids going back to school. It is often both an exciting and anxious time for kids and their families. This year, families in our communities are faced with unique challenges as the Covid19 pandemic has resulted in school looking very different for many. At a time when our most vulnerable children and families are at risk of being significantly impacted, i am grateful that ministries such as ICM exist! Imagine being a single parent working multiple jobs in order to keep your family afloat financially. Now imagine that you lost one of those jobs due to your place of employment being closed down and your other job operates only during the hours your kids are in school. Unfortunately, your kids now do not have school "in person" and will be home all day. What happens if you have no safe person to leave your children with while you work? Even if you could find appropriate childcare, you have no financial ability to pay for it and now you are faced with impossible choices!
These are the types of situations many of our families face. It has been a blessing to watch our Family Care program be able to come alongside those most impacted by the pandemic. Sometimes this looks like providing a hosting for children when needed. Other times this looks like our Family Care team utilizing the Family Relief Fund that so many of you contributed to several months ago, to make sure a family doesn't lose their housing. Sometimes, this looks like contributing resources in order to ensure that safe childcare is available to families. Regardless of the needs and solutions, we at ICM feel honored to be able to love and serve vulnerable children and families as they face challenges brought about by the unprecedented times in our country! A special thanks to each of you who have played any role in helping provide a safety net for those in need!
Praises and Prayer Requests
1. Pray the Lords protection over children and families as we enter a school year that will look very different for many of us!
2. Ask for wisdom for staff and volunteers as we walk alongside families facing unique struggles due to challenges brought about by the Covid19 pandemic.
3. Thank the Lord for all who partner with ICM, whether it be volunteers or financial partners.
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