Against The Grain

AtG trained 91 people in The 180 Program this week at four different locations. During the training sessions they laughed, cried and learned the destructive cycles that have destroyed families. Insanity was one of the themes of the week - "doing the same things over and over, expecting a different result".  They then learned the three "C's" of life…you must make a CHOICE and take a CHANCE to make a CHANGE. 

Quote of the week "I have been in rehab, gone through 2 recovery programs and anger management. You have taught me more in one class than all the other programs put together". We also got a letter from jail this week that was a great encouragement. "This may sound silly, but I have gotten to the point where I feel more comfortable when I'm back behind bars. That's INSANE. The 180 Program gives me great hope to one day put this mess behind me and live a normal life". Lastly, Congrats to Connie (the woman featured on The 180 Program video) as she celebrates 23 months clean after a 16 year addiction.  

The Study Buddy Program now is providing tutoring to 64 students in FSSD through the work of 44 volunteers who are working with 33 teachers. In the month of January, our Study Buddies logged 28 1/2 hours of tutoring at one of our schools. What an incredible job pouring into the lives of the kids. This may just be a coincidence…but we'll take coincidences. At the school where most of our tutors are working with Kindergarteners - they rated the highest in the district for Kindergarten. At the school where we focus most of our time in 2nd Grade - they rated highest in the district for Second Grade. Not trying to say that this is the direct result of the Study Buddy Program but it does make for an interesting note.

We still have many children on the waiting list with two training sessions coming up in the next two weeks. Please contact Carmen Powell for more information - carmen@atghope.org 

Today, while teaching in the Williamson County Jail, we asked the new inmates to let us know their commitment level to the class. We said "These books are expensive and we have not gotten a grant to pay for these books. They cost $20 each, so if you are not going to be here for the 8 weeks, please take the copies of this weeks lesson. If you are going to be here for the entire 8 weeks then you are welcome to the full book". Several of the new inmates new that they would not be in jail for 8 weeks so they took the copies. 

After class, as the inmates were filing into the hallway, one inmate said "I DO NOT want to go to prison again? I need your program. I can do great for 30 days, but then I go back to what I know. You have shown me something different today…can I use my commissary money to buy a book?" Here is a guy who wants the book so much that he is willing to take the money usually used for things like coffee, candy, pencils, pens, envelopes and stamps, and purchase a copy of the book. We thanked him but said "no…we'll give you the book" and handed him his own copy. It was very humbling to be your representative and allowed to be the hands and feet of Jesus to this young man and bring him a message of hope.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank Bart Conover for his service to Against the Grain. Bart has been with us since the beginning…in fact, he is listed as the Vice President on our founding documents. He has faithfully served and supported since the days when AtG was nothing more than a thought in our minds. He has used his gifts by filming and producing every video that has been done. He has been a good friend and constant encouragement. Bart has served for the last year as our Chairman and is rotating off the Board after 9 years of service. He will remain involved as we can't imagine not having him as a part of this ministry.  

We would also like to welcome Sarah Pierce who is our new Chair of 2012. Sarah has been on the Board of nearly three years and has already been an incredible blessing. She and her family have been involved with The 180 Program and the Image Builders Program. She is a Director of IT Clinical Studies for Hospital Corporation of America and has an extensive business background.

Please join us in welcoming Sarah and we look forward to an incredible 2012 under her leadership. 

Against the Grain is a member of Shepherding the Next Generation (SNG). SNG is raising up a group of leaders who will advocate on behalf of at-risk children and their families. Here is the link to their ariticle. Hope you enjoy it.

SNG Article

AtG helps provide Christmas to families of some of our guys and gals in jail. Although we have had six families adopted in the last couple of days, we still have 14 more that need to be adopted. This is what you do - Contact Meredith to be connected to a family…purchase the gifts and then deliver them…telling them "your mom/dad asked me to deliver this stuff for you for Christmas" It is an incredible way to help a child…and to keep some level of dignity for the parent who is paying their dues to society. Call Meredith at 791-7885 or email meredith@atghope.org for more information.