Young Families: Summer with Stepping Stones

A couple of weeks ago we had our first family BBQ for our Young Families in Surrey. I loved walking into Hawthorne Park and seeing many familiar faces. The park was alive with kids playing in the water park while their parents were catching up with staff and volunteers. There were lots of hugs, laughter and a few quiet, serious conversations at the picnic tables. I’m sure for anyone walking by the picnic tables it would look like any normal family BBQ.

As I’ve watched Stepping Stones grow over the past 10 years, I have become increasingly aware that we are family for the many young moms, kids and dads. We are less of a “program” and more of moms, dads, sisters, brothers and grandparents. We desire to see young families develop a healthy deeper relationship with God, each other, and our community at Stepping Stones. We’re here long term: celebrating milestones, mourning over losses together, and walking through the messiness of life.

I believe this is the model that God longs for all of us. In a world where nothing seems to last and loyalty is undervalued, I believe we need to be family for each other more than ever.

Cherise, one of our youth workers, exudes this quality well. Her role over the past 7 years has been significant in helping develop the “culture of family” at Stepping Stones. She is usually the first person a new mom will connect with and we trust that new mom will feel instantly loved and welcomed.

One young mother who stopped by the BBQ shared with me how much Cherise has meant to her over the years. She’s a busy single mom who works hard to provide for her son, and not as available to come out to weekly programs any more, but stays in contact with Cherise and some of the other young moms. She shared that she was having a tough week, and knew she could call Cherise for support. Cherise dropped everything and made herself available. As we were chatting, this young mom threw her arm around Cherise and with tears in her eyes said to me, “I honestly don’t know what I would have done without Cherise this week!”

I’m thankful we have become family at Stepping Stones and Stepping Up. I am also thankful for many of you who have partnered with us for many years. We have been in the community of Surrey for over 15 years and are praying for many more.

Kellie Brown.