Every week, Real Kids, our after school program for children ages kindergarten through middle school, on average, have over a hundred kids, and teens flood the stairs with excitement, but this week we had over two hundred!

This Wednesday, we held The Easter Extravaganza! The multipurpose room was jammed packed! There were several different games and activities for the kids to do, and every table had more candy than any child could ever eat. The kids rotated tables; some got their faces painted, or played with play-dough. Others enjoyed a few rounds of jelly bean BINGO, made friendship bracelets, or had a coloring sheet contest!

Real Kids is only going to keep growing as it continues to influence the youth in a positive way.  

This is written by Sarah Dandar, the Children’s Director at Real Church, I remember sitting down with her a few weeks ago when her face lit up as we were talking God’s faithfulness. Here’s a glimpse into her heart as she continues to do ministry, along with many others in Detroit and Hamtramck, MI.

“I remember my first time walking into the Public Housing Community, or simply “the Projects,” as they’re called around town.  The Projects are in Hamtramck, which is bordered on all sides by Detroit.  I’d heard the stories about the Detroit area, adsorbed the stereotypes, and built up my defenses.

But something happened during my first visit to the Projects.  I was there with Real Church, which was hosting JUMP IN, a kid’s event.  During the event, I met dozens of families, and those encounters left a deep impression.  Something in me wanted to go back, so I started visiting and just … walking around.  I met adults and children, and heard their stories.  I learned who they were, where they came from, and what they longed to be.  I began to love them, and wanted to be a part of their story.

Random visits then turned into a summer program, which in turn became a full mentoring program. Assisted by an amazing team at Real Church, we now run this weekly mentoring program that exceeds 100 kids and teenagers. In addition to the weekly activities with the kids, a few weeks ago, we were able to start reaching out to some of the mothers. Which includes Bible Study and prayer.

As a team, we continue to dream big dreams and pray that we never grow content but continue to find creative ways in reaching this community. Our goal is to build relationships and spread hope to a generation deemed by many to be hopeless.”

(All Photos Were Posted With Consent)