Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
PROVERBS 22:6
In elementary school, I was nervous on the day of “the talk.” I remember them separating the girls and boys to watch an animated film with G-rated sound effects and a lot of arrows. As we girls were whispering and giggling about it on the bus ride home, some boys jumped into the conversation … and I immediately got uncomfortable.
I learned a lot riding that bus, but fortunately, I had more than my friends to talk with about bodies, relationships and boundaries. I could have helpful conversations with my parents and other adults I trusted.
I was lucky, though, and times are always changing. The reality is that kids today are mostly talking to each other about life and love, and it’s shaping the foundation of what they consider to be normal and acceptable in relationships.
We want to make sure these conversations are built on trust, honor and respect. That’s why we visit every middle and high school in Hendricks County—and talk with parents, too.
In this issue, you’ll read about how you can recognize signs of abuse and talk to your own kids about dating violence, how pastors can respond to a request for help and who you’ll soon be meeting (if you haven’t already) as our newest staff member.
As always, your support underpins everything we do.
Thank you!
Cassie Mecklenburg
Executive Director
What’s Inside?
- A letter from a resident to the staff and volunteers at Sheltering Wings
- Employee Spotlight: Development & Communications Officer Kevin Carr
- Men IN Action 3rd annual breakfast: Mobilizing Men
- Equipping church leaders to recognize and respond
- How to talk to your teen about safe dating
- Upcoming events
- And more!
