When Marianna and her mom first came to Hope Gardens last spring, Marianna was frightened and traumatized. “She was very quiet and fearful,” says Diane, the volunteer head of Level Up, Hope Gardens’ after-school tutoring program. “She was overwhelmed and behind educationally, especially in math.”

Level Up pairs volunteer tutors with individual students to help them with their homework, to build their self-confidence, and to get them back up to their academic grade level.

“Marianna and I really seemed to connect,” Diane says. “She knows I’m only here to help and encourage her. It’s all positive. We worked really hard on her math, and she has progressed so much. She’s already up to grade level, and she’s doing well at school! She’s come so far. I’m a little surprised actually. Over the past several months, since I started working with her, I’ve watched her self-esteem and confidence grow. I didn’t realize that I was having that kind of impact on her. She’s such a sweetheart.”

“Before I came to Level Up, I never did my homework,” Marianna says. “Now my grades are getting better. What I like best about Level Up, though, is Ms. Diane. She’s so nice and helpful.

“I really like Hope Gardens, too,” Marianna adds. “I love the trees and the plants, and I have so many friends—and I get to be with my mom. That’s the best thing I ever had. I feel really loved here.”

With your help, kids at URM feel safe and loved.

by Diane Schultz

At Hope Gardens, we have about 32 kids participating in our Level Up afterschool program. Many of these children, having experienced homelessness or coming from foster care, have been traumatized in some way. They have fallen behind in school because they haven’t been able to attend regularly. When they are unable to do well at school, this can add to their trauma and low self-esteem.

At Level Up, we focus on helping children learn the basics—mental math, basic arithmetic, reading, and writing. The goal is to help each one of them get up to grade level. We want them to understand what success in school feels like, which increases their chances for success later in life.

I really believe that we’re not just helping these kids academically, but we’re impacting every part of their lives, now and in the future. The confidence and skills they gain here will impact how they feel about themselves now and will influence what they do for years to come.

The number of children and families devastated by homelessness in Los Angeles is an unimaginable tragedy.

Many of these children will bear the emotional scars of their trauma for the rest of their lives.

But there’s hope. Union Rescue Mission is the only mission in Los Angeles that accepts single mothers and fathers with children, intact families, even families with teenagers. We will never turn away a woman or child who needs our help.

Here are examples of how your gift today can bless one of these precious children. Your gift of any amount will help children, and families and adults too.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, please help shower a child at Union Rescue Mission or Hope Gardens with God’s life-changing love. You’ll bless entire families and adults too!