Program Overview
Eager Beavers (K-2) | Study Buddies (3-5) | Champs (6-8) | Stars (9-12) | Family Support
Dear Friends:
Early in the school year, I talked with each group
of students about our name, Loaves and Fishes, and what they thought it
meant. I asked them what they would have done had they been the little boy
in the Bible who had five loaves and two fishes to share with a crowd of
thousands because I couldn’t see myself offering such a meager lunch to try
to feed so many. I would have been embarrassed or feared being laughed at or
brushed off. Yet many of the kids said that they would have offered their
lunches without fear of embarrassment or not having enough.
And I have watched them bring their gifts one after the
other this year, and I have seen God multiply them beyond my imaginings. I
watched the Eager Beavers bring their gifts of compassion and caring as they
helped Annie prepare for running a marathon for the Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society. I saw the Study Buddies bring their gifts of laughter and joy to
the residents of Country Club Prime Time Retirement Village as they
participated in the Meet Me There Friends Program. I witnessed the Champs
and Stars bringing their gifts of encouragement, determination and strength
to the ropes course this spring at the Betsy Jeff Penn 4-H Camp. I observed
the gifts of creativity and passion that the Eager Beavers and Study Buddies
brought to the pictures that they prepared for Artsplosure.
This is just a small sampling of the gifts that I have
seen this year. I am grateful for each of the staff and volunteers who bring
their gifts each day. One thing that the kids noted was that Jesus gave
thanks before giving out the loaves and the fishes. May we always remember
to give thanks for whatever we have, and never forget that Jesus can take
and multiply it all.
Cheri Coleman
Program Director
The Goals of Loaves and Fishes are:
- To provide the children with a continuum of carefully
selected, well-trained staff and mentors whose care and support inspires
the children to believe in themselves and their ability to achieve a
meaningful future.
- To create motivational, academic, and experiential
learning opportunities within which children will explore individual
interests and succeed at their own rate, working with teachers to ensure
that school curriculum is paralleled and enhanced at each grade level.
- To foster abilities in children to make wise choices
and take action to help themselves and others, culminating in graduation
from high school with competent social skills, responsible character,
leadership ability, workforce preparedness, and aspirations for higher
learning.
Children normally join LAF as kindergartners and
stay through high school. All students participate daily for three hours
after school. They are divided
into the following age groups for their activities:
Eager Beavers (Grades K-2)
Study Buddies (Grades 3-5)
Champs (Grades 6-8)
Stars (Grades 9-12)
Family Support
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