Nurture 15 At-Risk Atlanta Preschoolers for a Year

Thank you so much for supporting us in the GlobalGiving competition! We're feeling great about reaching our first goal...$4000 and 50 donors by June 30. We still have a little way to go, so spread the word!

We just received word last week that Sheltering Arms kids would lose almost half a million dollars in scholarship funding from United Way due to the recession. That's equivalent to about 165 full-year child care tuition scholarships, so your support is meeting a tremendous need.

One of our moms copied us on a letter she's sending to her friends, and she said we could share it with you, too. We wanted you to see what you are making possible. Here's Jenny's letter:

“Dear Friends,

My son Charlie was diagnosed with Type 1 (Juvenile Diabetes) about 1 ½ years ago. What a journey it has been. It took some time, tears and patience, but we finally feel like we are over the hump of understanding what to do, when. “How much insulin? How many finger pricks? How much exercise? How much sleep? How much money? How many other kids at his age deal with this (not many, thankfully)? WHO CAN WE LEAVE HIM WITH THAT WILL CARE FOR HIM ADEQUATELY?” It was scary.

After about 8 months into his diagnosis, I began to lose hope that I could stay employed and still give my son the daily care that he needs to stay healthy.

ENTER…Sheltering Arms.

This place has been a life-saver for us...and anyone that has ever loved us!! Ok, that is laying it on pretty thick, but this place is amazing. Sheltering Arms stepped up! After hearing all that would be involved with his daily care, they did not hesitate to say “We’ll do it!” And, praise God, they do it SO WELL! \They give him all the of the insulin and blood sugar checks that a worried mom could ask for!

They don’t have to do it. Most schools won’t. In fact, his endocrinologist was floored when we told her about all that they do.

To show my appreciation for all that Sheltering Arms does to make our life in Atlanta possible, I am running a half marathon this Fall, and I am asking everyone I know (and their friends) to donate $1 per mile to Sheltering Arms. This is a non-profit organization that can really use the extra money to keep their awesome program (and practice of helping families in need) prospering.

Thanks so much for helping. Jenny, Charlie’s Mom””

We're grateful for great parents like Jenny, great kids like Charlie, and great friends like you. Thanks so much!