Watermark Blogs

“Hate was eating me like cancer. But through a moment of obedience, the Lord healed me, and my life was never the same.”

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This year, Watermark is kicking off a new partnership with CF Carr Elementary School in West Dallas. Sequoyah Elementary, where many Watermark members served last year, was recently closed. CF Carr Elementary is a school that many are familiar with because Watermark volunteers worked there at Service Day over the last three years. Carr Principal, Christian Ruiz hopes Watermark volunteers will come to help tutor students, serve as mentors and support teachers in the classroom.

“The need at CF Carr is great, and the principal and staff are thrilled to have the support and assistance of Watermark volunteers,” said Stephanie Schweinfurth who coordinates Watermark’s West Dallas outreach efforts. “You cannot imagine the difference that just a few hours a week of tutoring or mentoring can mean in the life of a child. It can be the difference in a child staying in school long-term, learning to read, or hearing the words, ‘God loves you.’ Often, a child experiences that love through the consistent involvement of a Christ-follower. These activities and the relationships really make a difference.”

This year, the Watermark External Focus Team will partner with Greater Mount Hebron Baptist Church, located near Carr Elementary, to help reach out to families and children at the school. The involvement of a local church will give us deeper roots in the community

and more support to serve the 450 students at Carr Elementary School and their families. If you’re ready to help, email Stephanie Schweinfurth at sschweinfurth@watermark.org and see the list of volunteer opportunities below.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

LOCATION: CF Carr Elementary • 1952 Bayside • Dallas Texas • 75212

SIGN UP: Contact Stephanie Schweinfurth at sschweinfurth@watermark.org

• Provide school supplies/uniforms – Needs are listed on the Impact Education Blog, http://watermarkblogs.org/impacteducation/
• Reading Buddy – Help students improve reading skills during the school day
• Week Day Tutor – Help students with a variety of skills during the school day, materials provided
• Saturday School Volunteer – Help students with a variety of skills during Saturday School on Saturday mornings, materials provided
• Classroom/Teacher Support – Help provide hard working teachers with classroom assistance (making copies, bulletin boards, etc.)
• Library Support – Help the librarian with special projects and ongoing support
• Education Advocate – Become part of a team that will be committed to be part of an awareness raising and advocacy campaign for quality education especially in West Dallas
• Become a Mentor – Find out more at our Mentoring Event on October 14. Details at the Impact Education Blog, http://watermarkblogs.org/impacteducation/.

A VOLUNTEER STORY: KYDIE SHARP

“Serving as a mentor and tutor in West Dallas has been the most incredible experience for me,” said Kydie Sharp. “I saw the 1st graders I tutored three or four times a week. We worked on reading, letter recognition and other skills. When we started, many didn’t know their alphabet and numbers, or even how to write. These kids were behind before they ever started school. But working with a child, and seeing the light in their eyes as they begin to learn something for the first time was just priceless.”

“Overall, West Dallas was an eye opener for me. Many of the kids we work with aren’t taught at home, or even really talked to until they get to school. Many kids have been yelled at 24/7. They’ve been shuffled from place to place, living with relatives, and there’s no consistency in their lives. To be able to come in and give these precious kids a hug is such a privilege. The other volunteers

and I were there for them every week, either at school or at Mercy Street mentoring ministry. And by being ‘safe’ and consistent, we were representing the Lord. Being there for these children every week sends the message that there’s also a Savior who will never leave them. No matter where I served, I was unapologetic about telling the children that Jesus was the reason I was there, and that there was a God who cared for them.

“As a mentor or a tutor in West Dallas, what you’re really respon­sible to do is to show God’s love. Most are unchurched and do not know Christ. Teaching them about the Lord and helping them learn is a wonderful thing. I can’t get back to these kids fast enough. It’s one of the most rewarding things of my life.”

“When our daughter, Annalise was born, things were different from the start,” said Chad Pinson. “From day one, she struggled to eat – something my wife Crystal and I initially shrugged off as just a bump in the road. Then at six months, we learned her vision was impaired, and that she’d have to wear either glasses or contacts. Later, Annalise took a long time to learn to roll over, sit up and crawl. Over time, we realized things were going to be more challenging for our little girl than they were for other kids.

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Whenever the four families in this community group get together, it’s “controlled chaos.” There are 15 children in the group so far — seven biological and eight adopted children, to be exact. But there’s no need to make that distinction. “Whether we share DNA and bone structure or not, these children are ours when they come to our home,” said Brandy Butler.

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On Saturday, August 14, from 9 am – 12:45 pm Watermark is offering parents the opportunity to be trained in how to effectively disciple your kids at every stage of development. Training Camp for Parents is designed to equip parents with practical information on everything from training preschoolers to parenting with a biblical worldview of technology. The goal of Training Camp for Parents is straight-forward: to help you consistently initiate with your children and disciple them in Christ.

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