It Takes A Village, UnKuhrupted
"It takes a village "... Together We Stand, is a group of neighborhood kids who has decided that maybe if we do for our community, our community will do for us! "We not bad kids, we just like having something to do!"
See more information and pictures at www.facebook.com/freelawncareservice
The kids involved in this movement are Travis, Demontae, Thomas and Alan. Well mannered, respectful kids who noticed that some of their neighbors are unable to maintain their yard due to various reasons. Some are elderly and their health prevents them from working in the heat, single family homes who can't afford the proper equipment, abandon homes that have been trashed and vandalized, especially in the west end. Among other struggles in their community, this neighborhood burden and eyesore effects these kids outlook on poverty within their community because they are exposed to it on a daily basis.
BOREDOM! When boredom strikes a child, they seek action. The type of action that the kids today are exposed to are not the positive actions that lead children into a productive lifestyle. With all the media, TV, and music influence that seem to raise our children, we tend to forget to teach our kids selfless acts of kindness, morals and values for life. Yes, money is good to have but at what cost is it not worth it? What happen to the respect and mentorship that we as humas, once displayed to ensure that our children and community is a safe place?
As the parent/guardians of these boys, my husband and I work hard to try to keep our boys busy and occupied and out of trouble. Giving our children expensive gifts and special rewards for staying out of trouble is fine. But what are we really teaching our kids if we just give them things to keep them out of trouble? Yes, they do chores around the house, bring home "ok" grades, respectful and well mannered. But what are we really teaching them? If you do what we say, you get what you want? NO! Absolutely not! This is what made us decide that we are going to teach our children to love thy neighbor. Rather they like it or not! Let's build a work ethic in our kids, create morals for them to help people only from the kindness of their hearts, teach them values that their life and freedom should not have a cost, give respect to all mankind without judgement because we don't know a person's journey! Lord knows, we all have a testimony!
Although, this cause was originally Travis' ideal, we are encouraging all young men to participate. We have offered to keep it more interesting, motivational and exciting for them. We have agreed to keep track of their donated labor and give them credit towards an annual chartered trip to Disney World! A charter sponsored by Empress Excursions to show, not only our kids, but the kids in our community that there is a world out here so much bigger than "our hood"!
Funding requested is from the free services reendered, you may have received a Together We Stand post card stating that service was provided requesting a donation only (NO PAYMENT IS REQUIRED). Donations are used for equipment, maintenance, fuel and our 1st annual Disney World charter for any kid willing to donate their time for this cause.