One Child at a Time

Christ Resurrection Church is transforming the Freedom Drive Community one child at a time.  And I can tell you from the bottom of my heart there isn’t anything I’m much more proud of… than being part of the solution.  There is a sense of overwhelming joy and goodness that follows me when I leave the doors of their after school program on Mondays.

It’s called “A Better World.” And that’s what it is… and what it does… The program creates a better world for the kids who would otherwise be left at home alone as soon as the bus dropped them off from school.  Many of them are children of single mothers… working multiple jobs to make ends meet.  A Better World is amazing.  Pastor Ken Gilliard and Kisha Darden are the backbone of the program… and they think of everything.  The kids get a snack, tutoring, free computer access, sports training, Bible study, a hot meal for dinner before they go home… and get this… the kids even get to take home canned goods and toiletries.  Leaders believe if kids aren’t given the bare necessities they will find a way to get them- often through negative- even criminal activity.  So it is actually helping out you too… the taxpayer… lowering welfare and incarceration costs.

The other philosophy the group lives by is that consistency from mentors builds sincere relationships… and that fosters positive development… it also edges out the negative environment that often surrounds the youngsters ranging from elementary to high school students.

Ironically on the other side of town… the church I attend… mega-church Forest Hill lead by David Chadwick… helped plant a seed to start the program.  I didn’t even realize the connection when I started volunteering.  I had done a story at A Better World for Fox News Rising… and it inspired me to help…. But how?  I volunteered to help by using one of my gifts… a passion for fitness and nutrition.

Studies show us it’s very often minority kids from lower socioeconomic families that have some of the biggest waistlines… and as we all know as Americans… our waistlines are growing at an alarming rate and the obesity epidemic is out of control.

On Monday afternoons, the kids greet me with smiles and hugs… they are eager to take my TURBO/Hip Hop Hustle 30 minute exercise class that I teach them in the church’s quaint sanctuary.  But the sound system is off the hook… so we really rock it out!  The kids hoot and holler and dance like no one is watching… what’s REALLY cool… is that I learn from them every time I’m there. They have incredible spirits… they are thankful for everything they have.

For as much joy these kids bring me… I sure hope these amateur pictures and iphone video make you smile too!

ALSO… please join me for my next Bootcamp at Freedom Park…. It’s Saturday, May 29th  from 8:30am-10am.  It’s $15 a person. Email me below for details.  It’s for all fitness levels and sure to be tons of fun! See you there!

~ Anna Kooiman