Message from St. Peter’s Orphanage
Category : General
Thank you to everyone that was able to contribute to St. Peter’s Orphanage this past year. Below is a letter from St. Peter’s with updates on how your donations are helping children to succeed.
Stay safe and enjoy the holidays!
December 1, 2020
To our Dear Friends,
We hope this letter finds you in the comfort of your family, and your loved ones safe and well. Thankfully, all the children and staff members at St. Peter’s remain in good health and spirits. Recognizing the resiliency of our children (and ourselves) has been a silver lining during this trying time. Out of difficulties grow miracles.
This year has brought our St. Peter’s family closer than ever. We found ourselves spending time together in ways which helped us develop deeper bonds. We were brought back to the basics of childhood – enjoying bike rides, exploring nature, creating art projects, holding dance competitions, playing board games, tossing water balloons, barbecuing, and planting flowers. One hot July afternoon, we were (impatiently) waiting for our Slip-and-Slide to arrive when our staff and kids brainstormed a creative idea: a tarp and Dawn dish soap! The afternoon was filled with giggles and excitement, as the heaviness of the world melted away.
Individually, our children have used this time to accomplish personal goals, which can be challenging for them even during less stressful times.
During his senior year, Paul maintained employment at Target while working hard to graduate high school. He purchased a car and moved into our Independent Living Cottage. This fall, he began his post-secondary education, which makes him the first in his family to attend college!
Javier is currently in his senior year of high school, with hopes of becoming an underwater welder. One of his favorite classes is woodworking where he crafted a stool for his bedroom. While this may appear simple, given his challenges, it was quite an accomplishment. In the future, he is eager to volunteer at an animal shelter.
Chaz celebrated his high school graduation with many cars supporting he and his classmates. Currently, he is enrolled in a career development program designed to better understand his talents and interests. He is gaining confidence in resume writing and improving his ability to interview successfully. Chaz will soon be scheduling appointments with potential employers!
When he graduated high school in June, Joey immediately enrolled in cosmetology school. He is studying hard and earning the hours he needs to take his Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling exam for licensure. Soon, a local barber shop will be lucky to have his positive energy, skills, and enthusiasm. As our home-run champ, you may find some of his baseballs on the Rockaway River Golf Course!
Raul is in his junior year of high school and recently has taken a liking to his (remote) cooking class. We all have enjoyed his homemade Belgian waffles on Saturday mornings, as well as fancy fajitas on taco Tuesdays. He loves the New York Knicks and can usually be found learning new dance moves on YouTube.
Without your continued support, our children’s many successes would not have been possible. We express our sincere gratitude for your part in their achievements. May this unusual holiday season bring peace, love, and new traditions.
With thanks for your kindness and consideration,
The children, staff and Board of Directors of St. Peter’s Orphanage
www.stpetersorphanage.org