The benefits of quality childcare to our community go beyond simply keeping children occupied while their parents’ work. Early childhood education has been shown to have benefits for entire communities and lifelong benefits for those children who attend high quality programs. First there are the tangible benefits. Studies have indicated a return anywhere from 2:1-6:1 on the dollar meaning that for every dollar put into these programs, the community saves or gains anywhere from $2-$6 down the road. This happens because Early Childhood Education provides children with the skills they need to succeed in life. We see lower rates of teen pregnancy and criminal activity, and higher rates of high school graduation, college graduation, employment, including higher paying employment, car ownership, home ownership, better health, and an increased sense of responsibility to those around you. These are the benefits of any quality program, but Kids of the Kingdom can achieve something even greater for our kids. This is because Kids of the Kingdom isn’t just any quality program. We are a mission of Zion. As such, we provide something in addition to the academics and the typical social skills. We show these kids they have value just as they are, and we show them the love that Christ taught us to share. We teach them persistence and give them a sense of accomplishment. We instill in these kids that sense of belonging that is so key to their success and ours. We teach them that all are loved, all are equipped, all are sent.

But we can’t do this alone. We now have the opportunity to do this all together. We have created a scholarship program to provide continued care to those families that are struggling and to provide a benefit to future generations to come. We were granted $5,000 from the Zion Endowment Fund and we have received so many donations from other generous individuals as well. This is a great start, but we are far from building something that will last. So, I am asking that you all look at what you may contribute. I would not want anyone to give anything that isn’t financially responsible for them. Any amount will help, whether that is a one-time donation or a monthly contribution. Whatever you can give will benefit our families. If you choose to donate to this fund you can set up direct deposit donations, cash donations, or a check.

Checks should be made out to Zion Lutheran Church, with the indication on the memo line that it is for the KoK scholarship fund. We are also looking to partner with local businesses. If your business would be interested in this opportunity, contact Kim Dvorak, Director at kidsofthekingdom@zionchurch.net

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