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Frequently Asked Questions

                      


                Frequently Asked Questions




How or why are the children a part of Kids Hope USA?  
The teacher and/or principal select the children to participate.  
Children who are referred are recognized as those whose emotional, 
social and/or academic needs can most effectively be met through 
an additional one on one caring relationship.

Can a person work with more than one child?  
No. The question mentors hear most often is, “How many other children 
do you see at my school?”  Knowing that one person cares only for them 
and faithfully comes to see only them is what makes such a profound 
impact on the children.


Must parents approve?  
Yes.  Kids Hope USA mentors cannot work with a child until the parent 
signs a consent form.


When does the mentor meet with the child?  
The teacher and the mentor determine the day and time that works 
best for both the student and mentor.  Mentoring takes place during 
the school day, at school, between 8:30am and 3:15pm.  Teachers 
are willing to share the children during the day because they see that 
what the child receives from individual attention outside the class 
equals or exceeds what they would receive in the classroom.


Does one hour really make a difference?  
Yes!  Ask any of our current mentors.  Teachers consistently report
 that Kids Hope USA children show significant improvement in 
attendance, academic performance, attitude and behavior.

Who are eligible to be a Kids Hope volunteer?  
Any church member over the age of 16 is eligible to participate 
as a mentor or prayer partner.  All mentors are interviewed by the 
director and must pass a criminal background check.

Can I be involved in Kids Hope USA without being a mentor?  
Yes, yes, yes!  There are many opportunities for involvement.  You could
 be a prayer partner for a mentor where you are asked to pray for the 
relationship between student and mentor. You can serve at special events 
or help plan a special event and you could help to provide encouragement 
through notes or treats to the staff at Brown Elementary.

Is training provided for mentors?  
Yes.  Your Kids Hope USA director 
has all the materials necessary to train mentors and the supplies 
required to equip you in your mentoring session.  Training takes 
place right at church and will teach you how to develop a relationship 
with your student and prepare you for the hour you will spend with 
your student.

Does Kids Hope violate Church-State issues?  
No.  All participants are trained to abide by the guidelines of separation 
of church and state.  The mentors understand that at school they are 
not allowed to evangelize or pray.  It is understood that a violation 
could result in the termination of the program.  If, however, the parents 
choose to allow their child to participate in events at the church, it is 
possible that there will be evangelism there.

Who do I contact if I am interested in Kids Hope USA?  
You may contact Chris Kruithof who is the Kids Hope Director for 
1st Byron CRC by email at clkruithof@sbcglobal.net or by calling the 
church office at 878-9768.