Servias Ministries Blog

From the school counselor we work with:

I wanted to share about my personal Village student. Our nurse identified last Fall that she needed an eye exam. I mentioned it to mom several times throughout the schoolyear but mom never followed through on making an appointment. This mom never responds to calls from the school but she always responds if I call or text her personally. The student mentioned a couple weeks ago that she still hadn’t been to the doctor. I worked with the nurse to get them set up with Soonercare. We identified that the whole process was just too overwhelming to mom. So I got her a phone number for a pediatric optometrist that accepts Soonercare and told her that I would help her figure out transportation once she scheduled an appointment.
The little girl ran up to me this morning and was so excited to tell me that she finally had an eye doctor appointment and was going to get classes! It’s a couple weeks away but I’ve been able to help mom arrange transportation through Sooner Ride.
Last year we gave mom Crest cards several times throughout the year. I’ve also provided snacks and frequent check-ins with the student. The harder part is providing accountability for the mom even and having tough conversations with her about attendance and the child’s needs. A year ago, she was extremely defensive and wanted nothing to do with anyone from the school. But we’ve been able to establish trust and a good relationship where she knows I prioritize her kid. Now we’ve been able to introduce her to community resources that she can access on her own. I feel very strongly about getting them to church next.

I know that there are so many kids out there in similar situations. We may never identify or help ALL of them, but what a gift to be able to help the ones that God opens the door for!

Bob, 

We are ending this year with a bang, and I had to share with you! Every quarter, elementary teachers submit a student from their class for an award called Sensational Citizen. This is a student that has demonstrated exemplary behavior and modeled the school’s core values of Respect, Responsibility, and Readiness. It’s not uncommon for the same kids to receive the award year-after-year through their elementary career. And while they are very deserving and work hard for this honor, it always stands out when someone unexpected receives the honor. 

Today was that day. I was quite honestly shocked when I heard this student’s name called because I know some of the struggles his teachers have gone through in the past with him. And then his teacher sent out a message to the staff that said: “I need you all to know that I have not lost my mind, but this boy right here has had a complete and total change, and has truly done what is needed to earn this award this last quarter of school! He has overcome so much! Love on him if you see him! I hope and pray it carries into his future years.”

I wish I could describe the way his face lit up when he heard his name called. This is a kid who NEVER expected to be honored like this. As I kept thinking about it throughout the day, I realized that he was an original Villager. Mrs. Kirkpatrick and I each had specific kids in mind when we dreamed about The Village program, and his face is on that list. He has not always been easy to love.  When we say “It takes a village,” there are no words more true to describe his elementary career so far. So many people have provided emotional and physical support for this kid. Thanks to Servias Ministries, he has received 2 winter coats, shoes, lots and lots of clothes and probably hundreds of dollars of snacks and food over the years! But one of the things I will never forget is when we gave him and his brother bicycles. His Villager picked one out for him, you ordered it, our maintenance staff assembled it, and those boys were so excited that they rode their bikes down the hallway and out the doors of the building because they couldn’t wait to get on them! 

There are so many kids that we give everything we know to give. We lose sleep over these kids because we feel like nothing we can do will ever make a difference. A lot of times we never get the privilege of seeing the rewards. And then sometimes, after 4 long years, we see the Light and it makes it all worth it. This is a kid that I’m not sure we would have been able to reach without your support. His teachers would have loved him and cared for him, but I truly believe that he learned to trust us because we were able to meet him in tangible ways. 

Three different local high school kids’ apartments were totally burned down.  These were low-income apartments.  We saw the story on the local news channel.  We supplied Target and food gift cards for the families through their high school counselor.  Clearly, their needs are great.

This is a further expansion of our impact on local schools.  Thanks for your continued support.

From the local grade school principal:

I wanted to share a little information on a recent experience where the Target and Crest gift cards have served a student/family in a wonderful way. Due to DHS being involved, I can’t share specifics but I can tell you that we have a student who recently got placed with his great aunt for the next 4 weeks. She currently has 3 kids under the ages of 4 living in her house as a single adult. We were able to provide her with a few gift cards to help accommodate any clothing or food needs during this time. When we provided them to her at drop off, she began to cry with gratitude. 

Thank you for providing us the opportunity to serve our students in a beautiful way. This takes the pressure off our teachers who already go above and beyond. While some believe academics is the primary role of school it simply is not. Kids need their basic needs met such as food and clothing in order to feel safe enough to learn. With you and your generosity, this is possible. 

I just received an email from one of the school counselors.  I knew that this would bless those who are able to give into Servias:

I wanted to share a couple of stories that illustrate the impact we’ve been able to make in the lives of our students through your generous support of gift cards. One story that stands out is that of a sophomore student.

He and his family faced an unimaginable tragedy when they lost their home to a fire. This devastating event left them without shelter and in a state of uncertainty. As if this wasn’t enough, shortly after the fire, his mother passed away from cancer, leaving the family to cope with both loss and hardship within a span of just two to three months.

During this incredibly challenging time, we were able to provide him with gift cards that allowed his family to purchase essential items and needed supplies. Your generous contributions have given comfort and support to this family during their darkest hours, showing them that our school community truly cares for them.

These stories highlight the importance of your efforts to support students in crisis. The gift cards not only meet immediate needs but also serve as a reminder that our community stands together in times of hardship.

Thank you for your ongoing support in making a difference in the lives of our students.

One of the grade school counselors reported:

We have a family who has been really struggling. Her car broke down and she lost her job but has since found transportation. Her son has special needs and is non-verbal plus she has an additional son. We provided her with Crest gift cards this week to help out with food. She had been going to food pantries but it’s not enough.

Your contributions have helped this family and FATHER has credited your Eternal account.

Yesterday, Servias paid off the breakfast/lunch cafeteria past due debt of 98 elementary students. This elementary has the most kids in need of any other school in the area. We are feeding the hungry so they can focus on learning.

Thank you for your contributions!

To those readers who have been able to financially support Servias, Thank You! Your contributions no matter how great or small are truly appreciated. Each month, we continue to help the kids in need at three local school districts. Virtually 100% of your contributions goes to those in need.

From a elementary school counselor we work with:

I just wanted to let you know that I have purchased 6 coats for students that needed them immediately due to the cold temps, along with providing Christmas to a homeless family (they reside with relatives, so they double up). I have given Crest cards to a single mom who is not receiving child support and works 2 jobs. Another set of Crest cards went to a single Mom with a child with special needs, I am also going to get them a few things for Christmas because she cannot afford much, in addition to some pull ups for the disabled child.

These cards have been a HUGE help to our families! The ability to go out and get a coat instantly has been such a blessing!

FYI: Crest cards are food cards from a local grocery chain.