Here we are, the evenings are starting to cool down, and summer is on its way out. The change from summer to fall happens whether we are ready or not! Our children are back in school moving forward, the change from kindergarten to the “big kids” school, grade school to high school, high school to college, from college to the world of adulthood! Change happens in our lives and in this world for us all whether we are ready or not, most of the time not!
What makes the difference is the people, the support, and the love we receive from those who care for us. To that young child, fresh out of kindergarten, facing “big kids” at their new school, it can be frightening. Having Mom and Dad tell them it will be fun, that they will take them to the classroom, that they will be there at the end of the day to pick them up, maybe having some milk and Oreo cookies waiting for them at home! Priceless!
Just as the summer changing into fall is inevitable, our children will change into adults, ready or not! Children today face more pressure growing up than ever before, what hasn’t changed is this: children need parents, family and teachers to shape, mold, and encourage them to make the gigantic leap into the rest of their lives! Just like that first step on the moon was a small step for man but a leap for all mankind, we are all in this together! We all have our turn to step out onto the moon! We need to celebrate our children’s spacewalk!
As our world changes faster than ever, sometimes parents are at a loss at how to help their children through things that they never faced themselves. That is why we are here at Family First, to help and encourage the parents to be there for their children. Providing our “Storytime” program for young children to prepare them for “big kids” school, our “Ten for Teens” program to help our teens navigate the sometimes rough transition from childhood to adulthood. Family First is here for families to help them face the future, be prepared for that future, sometimes a listening ear, just like that glass of milk and Oreo cookies, priceless!
Just as our Lord Jesus promised: “I will never leave you or forsake you”, we have that security knowing we will make it, we are not alone. Will you join us here at Family First and let the next generation know they are not alone in this world? Set out a glass of milk and Oreo cookies!
God bless,
/s/ Frank and Clare
Exciting news! The Arizona State Legislature just doubled the Charitable Tax Credit from $400 to $800 for a married couple, $200 to $400 for an individual! You can give to Family First and receive a dollar for dollar tax credit for your Arizona State taxes and at the same time as a deduction on your Federal income taxes. To receive a credit for this years taxes you must send in your donation by December 31st! Thank you for your gifts to Family First to help families here in our community!