Parent Volunteer Program One of the ways in which we reach out to whole families is through the Parent Volunteer Program. We believe in building trusting relationships built on dignity with the parents of our kids that will lead to increasing participation in the ministry and in the community. The Parent Volunteer Program began three years ago in effort to give Christmas “back to the parents” of our children. Traditionally we had adopted families for Christmas and delivered the gifts to the homes of the children during the holidays. While the children were happy and full of excitement, we recognized the bitter sweet looks on the faces of the mothers in the home and the absence of the fathers. Who wants to be reminded that once again we do not have enough to make ends meet for our children this year? We knew there had to be another way to do Christmas that emphasized dignity and empowerment. Inspired by stories of others Christian community developers we asked the parents to come to our two-acre campus to work for parent volunteer hours, which would earn them “parent bucks”, to redeem at our Christmas Parent Store. Churches, businesses, and individuals from all over the valley contributed gifts and financial donations towards the store. After an overwhelming success the parents asked when could we start again. We responded by adding two more seasonal stores during the year. In the spring they redeem their hours for household items like dishes and used furniture. We also sponsor a “Back to School” Store where the parents redeem their hours for backpacks and school uniforms. The Parent Volunteer Program has grown to be much more than meeting practical needs through seasonal stores. We offer church services in English and Spanish, ESL classes, a sewing class, and Spanish Bible studies. We provide daily work opportunities that utilize and develop practical job skills. The Parent Volunteer Coordinator on staff is an indigenous woman from the neighborhood whom we met through this program. She is a growing leader in her family, the church, and the community. She represents the power of Christ transforming individuals and empowering them to make a difference in their families and community breaking cycles of poverty and despair.