1. My name is Dianna Lawson and I am one of the Program Coordinators for Micah House.
Micah House is an after school outreach of Trinity Community Foundation located in
Redlands, CA. I would love to introduce you to our program and some of the many
amazing students, co-workers and volunteers who I get to work with on a daily basis.
2. Micah House got its name from the Bible verse found in Micah 6:8.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
3. By focusing on both the spiritual and educational needs of our students,
we strive to put this verse into practice in very practical ways.
4. Developing strong literacy skills is at the core of what we do at Micah House.
Teaching our kids to read, then teaching them to LOVE to read
is one of the secrets to the success of the Micah House program.
5. Literacy is not just about reading books, but also about building strong skills using
technology. Students are given opportunities to practice computer literacy each
week, ensuring that they can keep up with peers who have computers at home.
6. When the homework seems hard, having a dedicated volunteer like Maria
is a great help. This year Micah House helped over 110 students, from
1st-11th grades increase their skills, their confidence and their grades.
7. Andre the Chihuahua is our Micah House mascot. Nine years ago he was found in
the park across from Micah House, abandoned and soaking wet. Andre was nursed to
health by the students and is now part of the family. One of his daily duties is to be a
reading partner with the kids. It’s a special cuddle time for both!
8. Mike our “bike guy” has been our faithful team leader for over 12 years!
Students increase their skills and confidence by working on their own bikes. Each year
many of our kids enjoy racing in the world renown Redlands Bicycle Classic.
9. Many schools have responded to tighter budgets by cutting art and music program.
Micah House fills in the gaps the best we can. Jan is a retired teacher and
delights in sharing her love of art with the next generation.
10. Having fun and making memories is at the heart of the Micah House program.
11. Martin Luther said “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest
treasure in the world.” Thanks to generous donations and volunteers like Vicky,
Micah House offers guitar lessons to interested students.
12. In apartment blocks and crowded neighborhoods, many Micah House kids have never
worked the soil. There is so much you can learn and experience through vegetable
gardening. From planting to watching it grow…plus you get to eat what you harvest!
13. Last summer, several Micah House students worked with a local artist
and painted a mural in the Micah House flower garden. The garden is a
favorite place to hang out, have devotions or just sit and talk.
14. Many of our volunteers are students at the University of Redlands.
Thanks to a strong partnership with the University, students like Isaac take on
the role of mentor as they invest their lives with these pre-teens.
15. With encouragement from her Middle School teacher Mike, instead of working on a
poster board presentation, Suh-Myrah chose the more difficult route and used the
Micah House computer lab to create an online presentation for her history class.
16. Three Soto sisters have been with Micah House for over nine years! Sarah (right),
will be a senior next year. She will be our first Micah House graduate that started
in elementary school and went all the way through our program.
Sisters Daisy (left) and Nancy (middle) will surely follow her foot steps.
17. TWO locations, ONE Mission. Lisa Salas (center) is the Program Coordinator
of our second Micah House location. It’s a privilege to partner with someone who
shares the same passion for serving the kids of our community.
18. One of the special community partnerships we have is with the Rochford Foundation’s
Burrage Mansion. Through their enrichment workshops and the generous use of their
beautiful facilities, Micah House students are inspired to DREAM BIG!
19. Part of doing well IN school is feeling good ABOUT school.
Helping students get off to a great start is part of it. In partnership with the
City of Redlands, local businesses and community volunteers, last year
Micah House gave away 1,200 back packs filled with school supplies.
PhotobyGregSchneider
20. Luis and his family celebrate the reading award that he earned at school. Little brother
Santos is getting ready to start with Micah House next year. Having several siblings go
through our program is common. Once a family starts with our program, they stay!
21. As you can see, there are many levels to the Micah House program.
Everyone is welcome to join us in this important mission.
Come and invest your talents and help impact a life!
www.MicahHouseRedlands.org
PhotobyDaynaMore
