"ANOTHER SECRET DOOR?"

At Granny’s House, it’s the season of the “Secret Door.” It’s all gift-wrapped and adorned with a great big red bow. Locked tight to shield it’s content from all those curious little eyes at Granny’s House. It’s the “Christmas Store.”

The Christmas Store at Granny’s House is a place where kids can go to shop for a glitzy bracelet for mom, fuzzy slippers for grandma, some dominos for dad, or perhaps a pocket planner for a favorite teacher. Many kids can hardly wait to show up on that last day of school before the holidays with a gift all wrapped up just for their teacher. For some, this will be a first.

At Granny’s House, we set up “Stores” as one of the many ways we mentor the kids in being givers and providers: a store for KAA Kamp gear, one for Christmas gifts, and one for personal items, like toiletries and socks, games or toys etc.

Our stores afford the kids opportunities to work hard for the things they want and need in life. No handouts here – just kids who step up to the plate to give rather than get.  It helps kids link “Provision” with “Hard Work” in their hearts and minds - an invaluable life lesson that will bear precious fruit for the rest of their lives!

And, how much money do they bring to the store? Actually, the kids purchase every item in the store with points, not money. For months now, Granny’s House kids have been earning points by doing chores around Granny’s House: serving in the dining room, picking up trash in the front yard, tidying up the “Learning Loft” (homework room), helping with administrative tasks in the office etc. Our eager shoppers learn that hard work pays off AND blesses the ones they love!

So what have we been collecting and hiding behind that Secret Door? Bobbles and bangles, and candles and scarves… gloves, and slippers, tool kits, and totes. Just about anything a kid might want to give their mom, dad, grandma, or teacher.

On December 10th and 11th, they’ll gather at the “Secret Door,” points in hand, lists on their minds, and with the help of volunteers and staff, they’ll spend their points to do their Christmas shopping for ones they love… Tune in in a couple of weeks to see just how they choose to spend those precious points at our wonderful Christmas Store!  

AMP-ing It Up

After a couple months of volunteering, Alex Tungesvik discovered a need at Granny’s House and acted upon it - a need for kids to get more serious about school.

“Growing up, I always had people in my life who believed in me and pushed me to be better, whether it was my parents, a teacher, or a coach. I owe e

very success in my life in part to these people,” says Tungesvik. Alex hoped to instill confidence and unlock the po

tential of children at Granny’s House. He reflected on challenged initiated by his high school physics teacher and began brainstorming a program designed especially for Granny’s House.

Alex brought his ideas to Granny Pam who connected him with Granny’s House intern, Kimberly Johnson Anderson. “After hearing Alex speak, I was very excited. I’ve personally experienced the importance of education and how it has and is continuing to allow me to create a better life for myself.” says Johnson Anderson. She continues, “Intimate relationships with God coupled with education allows the kids to create a brighter future.”

The two solidified the program’s framework and named it AMP - Academic Motivation Program. In its first semester, more than 40 kids participated, recording over 170 study hours. Participants were recognized and presented with awards and grade level winners received monetary prizes and trophies.

Deborah, Elementary Winner; Marri, High School Winner; Ange, Grand Prize Winner. Not pictured: Consolee, Middle School Winner

“Honestly, the program is more successful than we imagined. We didn’t anticipate this level of participation. On many days, study sessions extend out of the Learning Loft and into the office, next door, or even outside,” notes Johnson Anderson. AMP is currently in its second semester and is projected to exceed last semester’s success.

More on Alex and Kim

Alex is graduate of the University of Missouri. Currently, he works as an ER technician at Capital Regional Medical Center while applying to medical school. Alex has been a volunteer at Granny’s House since June 2011.

Kimberly will be graduating from the University of Missouri in May. She will be returning to Kansas City to work for Aldi, Inc. as a district manager. Kim has been serving at Granny’s House since February 2010.

The Learning Loft

Equipped with two computers, a printer, books, and supplies, the Learning Loft serves as the dedicated place for the children to study. Each day, GH kids pour into the room for homework help and tutoring.

For more information on how you can support or get involved with Granny’s House, visit our How You Can Help page.

We Believe in Miracles!

Yes, we do believe in miracles at Granny's House... When I first met with Adrian Clifton several months ago to discuss volunteer opportunities at Granny's House, I left that meeting with my head spinning and heart racing. PhD candidate, wife, and mother of three young children all wrapped up in one beautiful package.

But it was as she began to unwrap the layers of her past life that I began to see the miracle emerge. Having lived through and triumphed over so many of the temptations and challenges that Granny's House kids and families face, I immediately thought "Wow! she'd be so effective as a G.I.R.L.S. group team leader working with girls who have outgrown The Princess Academy." (The G.I.R.L.S. is an acronym for "Experiencing God In Real Life Situations"). She's been working with the G.I.R.L.S. team ever since.

Her amazing story is featured in this month's Inside Columbia Magazine:

http://www.insidecolumbia.net/6926/2011/12/real-inspiration/

After reading her story, I'm think you'll agree that her life is an amazing showcase

for God's grace, mercy, and power! -Granny Pam