Sara and her sister arrived at Epworth with all of their belongings in two plastic garbage bags. Their single mother, because of her problems with alcohol, was not able to adequately care for her children. Epworth welcomed them, and they settled into life at Epworth.
Sara was the more energetic of the two girls and at 15 could sometimes be headstrong and opinionated. With patience and care, she began to invest in her school work and other positive activities. At 18 she graduated from Dreher and entered Epworth’s Independent Living program in order to give herself a chance for a bright future.
After a few months in the Independent Living program, the call for more freedom, fewer rules, over shed her better judgment and she signed herself out. She secured an apartment and two part-time jobs.
Almost two years went by. Then one afternoon the phone rang. It was Sarah and she was in trouble financially. Family members whom she had become reacquainted with had abandoned her again and left her in danger of losing all she had worked for. Epworth stepped in and helped her keep her apartment and car insurance so she could continue to work.
Sara said to the woman to whom Mrs. Warble, our Vice President for Residential Services, was paying the overdue car insurance to, as Sarah pointed to Mrs. Warble, “This is one of the ladies I should have listened to at Epworth.”
Sara left Epworth with a high school diploma and a good work ethic. She could have left with more.
Please give generously in order to provide traditional and follow up support services to young people like Sara. Resources like mentors, and job coaches to keep young people focused and on track. You can give online here.
Jesus said: Let the children come unto me for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
Did You Know
100% of your Work Day offering provides comprehensive care for children at Epworth. Epworth is not an apportioned item in the Annual Conference. Work Day is a vital means of supporting Epworth’s ministry to children and families who are in need.
Did you also know: That there are over 4,000 children in state custody in South Carolina.
That South Carolina ranks in the bottom tier in the nation in overall child well-being.
Next to the last tier in economic well-being.
Next to the last tier in children’s health.
And ranks in the bottom tier in education.
Our children need our help.
John Holler
President, CEO
*Name, age, and photo changed for the protection of the children.
