The Happy Kids Project

 

*We belong to The Happy Kids Project. Today, Stephen is presenting the program to the Lewisburg Rotary. Below are some frequently-asked questions about the program.*

 

The Happy Kids Project

Frequently Asked Questions

  

What is the program’s purpose? We meet the school-related needs of children based on the referrals of their Guidance Counselors.

What are the goals of “Happy Kids”? 1) To be a resource for obtaining school-related needs, boosting a child’s self-confidence and self-worth in school; and 2) To be a resource for supporting school-sponsored activities, helping to plant resiliency factors in the lives of children where few or none exist.

Who participates in the program? We began as a network of churches, supporting students from our own local community. We now also have individuals and community organizations that sponsor children in their local communities.

How does it work?  Guidance counselors refer the needs of a particular student to a sponsor in their local community. For example, a child from Lewisburg needed a winter jacket. Edgewood Presbyterian was asked to provide a girl’s winter jacket, size medium. They bought the jacket and left it at the school for the Counselor, who anonymously gave it to the child in need. 

Where is the program?  In the 2010-2011 school year, we ran a pilot program at Eastern Greenbrier Middle School, partnering with their counselors and Communities in Schools.

Is the school system supportive?  Yes! We consulted with them before beginning the pilot project, and Guidance Counselors from across the county concurred that many needs are going unmet.

Do you plan to expand?  Yes! Our intention is to have this program in every primary and secondary school in the county, but we need more partners in order to achieve that. 

Are you a 501c3?  No. We are a network of churches, organizations, and individuals working towards a common goal.

How can I help?  We need additional sponsors to expand the program. If your church, organization, or family would like to serve as a sponsor for a local community, please contact us (304-647-4400, www.RoncevertePres.org, or stephen.h.baldwin@gmail.com).