Give. Build. Inspire!The Act Together Ministries Blog

This blog post was written by Jami Maguire, mother of a child with Cri du Chat.

This morning as I was cleaning up a right poopy mess, I remembered that this is Cri du Chat awareness week. Personally, I don’t know what good ‘awareness’ does. If it was the week they were going to cure Cri du Chat then I can assure you it wouldn’t have slipped my mind. But, since I’m in the club I feel I should do my part to educate.

Personally, I hate Cri du Chat. It’s victims are left with a variety of disabilities- some are unable to talk or walk and some are also born with various bodily defects. It’s no treat for the caretakers either. Just the other day a woman said to me, "God gives parents of special needs children certain gifts to be able to handle their situation." I replied, "I have a special needs child and I can assure you that’s not true." Sometimes I think special needs parents are expected to walk around with a perma-smile on our faces talking about what a blessing special needs is. But, let me reiterate- I hate Cri du Chat. I hate not knowing what Andrew needs because he doesn’t know how to tell me. I hate getting bitten and head-butted and scratched because he doesn’t know how else to communicate his frustration. I hate that even though he and his brother are only 14 months apart, they will never be able to play on the same sports team or have the same friends or even go to the same school. I hate special needs and I hate being a special needs parent. However, let me tell you about Andrew.

Andrew woke up this morning, opened the sliding glass door and said, "Good morning birds. Good morning garden. Good morning daddy car." He is the sweetest, funniest little fellow I think I’ve ever been around. As I carried him to the car (after cleaning up most of the right poopy mess) he said, out of nowhere and in his best growly voice, "I’m a pirate!" I love him. I love watching him walk. I love hearing every miraculous word that comes out of his mouth. I love laughing with him and snuggling with him. I love listening to him play or sing or pretend to read a book. I can feel my face light up when I pick him up at school. HE is a blessing. He is a soul unfettered by idealism and he shines with the light of our God.

Do I care if people are ‘aware’ of Cri du Chat? If I could help people to become aware of anything it would be that my little boy, odd though he may be, is worthy of love, life and respect as are all of God’s unique creations.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there. Thank you for the sacrifices you make. For staying up all night with a sick child, for helping with homework, running the family taxi to endless ball games, and for all the things you do to keep the household running smoothly. May your day be blessed with flowers, breakfast in bed, extra chores from the kids, handmade crafts, and time to yourself.

But during this special day to celebrate motherhood, please take a moment to say a prayer for those around you who may be struggling or hurting on this day. There are so many different situations that often go overlooked.

We send our love and prayers to

• The children and adults who’ve lost their mother. We’re so sorry for your loss. May you take this special day to remember your mother.
• Those who have difficult relationships with their mother due to abuse or struggles from the past. Forgive us when we judge you. May God heal the wounds in your heart.
• The lady who wants nothing more than to become a mother. Maybe you aren’t married, maybe you’re infertile, or perhaps you lost a child this year. Know that you are not alone and it’s not your fault.
• The mother who cares for her chronically or terminally sick child day in and day out. May you feel cherished for the mother that you are.
• Our military families- the mother whose son or daughter is protecting our country or the wife of young children whose spouse is overseas. May we remember to honor you for your great sacrifice.
• The single mother who works 50 hours per week and her children are too young to realize it’s Mother’s day. You are not forgotten.
• The grieving mother whose child is no longer with us. May we mourn with you. Forgive us when we’re naïve enough to think time heals all wounds.
• The faithful mother who made no more mistakes than the rest of us yet her child ran away, is on drugs, or mistreats her. May God grant you the peace that passes understanding and may we be a shoulder for you to cry on.
• The woman who serves as a mother to many. Perhaps you are a teacher, a foster mom, or a mentor. We praise you because you certainly do not get the appreciation you deserve.
• The mother of a severe special needs child. This is not what motherhood was supposed to look like, this is not what you imagined when you played “house” with your dolls as a child. You endure more than most of us can imagine and we applaud you.
• The teenager who is expecting a baby and has decided to do what is best for her child and place it for adoption. Thank you for choosing life for your child, for enduring an emotional roller coaster, and for sacrificing months of your life to carry the pregnancy to term.

May God open our eyes to the hardships and pain around us. While it’s great to celebrate, let’s remember those who can’t or have a difficult time doing so. And for those who are hurting, let’s be happy for those who have much to celebrate.

Back by request. Here is a list of free summer activities for kids and families throughout the Atlanta area. Feel free to add your own at the bottom of the list.

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

Many churches around Atlanta offer VBS free of charge.  Some even include a free meal each day.  Sign up fast because spots go quickly. The children will enjoy fun, games, and crafts while learning about Jesus. If any of these churches are charging for VBS, please let us know.

Listed by Date:

June 4-8
God’s House Baptist Church in Alpharetta 7-9PM Register
First Baptist Snellville 9AM- 12PM Register
Midway Community Church in Alpharetta 9AM-12PM Register
Crabapple First Baptist in Milton 8:45AM-12:15PM Register
Acworth First Baptist Church 8:45AM- 12PM Register
Elizabeth Baptist Church in Marietta 6:15-8:45PM Register
First Baptist Duluth 9AM-12:30PM Register
Kennesaw First Baptist 6-8:30PM Register

June 11-15
Peachtree Corner’s Baptist 8:15-12:30PM Register
First Baptist Church of Holly Springs 9AM-12PM Register
St. Aiden’s Episcopal Church in Alpharetta 4:45-7:30PM To Register Call 770-521-0207
Concord Baptist Church in Cumming 6-9PM Register
First Baptist Atlanta 9:30AM-12:30PM Register
Christ the King Lutheran in Cumming 5:30-8:30PM Register

June 18-22
Brookwood Baptist Church in Lawrenceville 9AM-12PM Register
Grace Baptist Church in Cumming 6-8:30PM Register
Lanier UMC in Cumming 9AM-12PM Register

June 25-29
Clear Springs Baptist Church 6-9PM Register
First Baptist Canton 9AM-12PM Register
Lilburn First Baptist 9AM-12:30PM Register

July 9-13
North Gwinnett Church in Suwanee 9AM-12PM Register
First Redeemer in Cumming 9:15AM-12:45PM Register

July 16-19
First Redeemer in Cumming 9:15AM-12:45PM Register

Free Movies

Listed by Location:

Candler Park in Atlanta
Kung Fu Panda May 12
Puss in Boots May 26
Wall-E August 11
HUGO August 25

Brown Park in Canton
Rio July 23
Diary of a Wimpy Kid August 27
Mr. Popper’s Penguins September 24

New Town Park in Johns Creek
Gulliver’s Travels June 11
Rio July 9
Diary of a Wimpy Kid August 13

Cumming Fairgrounds
Alvin and the Chipmunks June 23
The Three Stooges July 28

Northwestern Middle School in Milton
Alvin & The Chipmunks-Chipwrecked June 2
Three Stooges July 7
Movie: TBD August 4

Riverside Park in Roswell
We Bought a Zoo May 26
Move:TBD August 11

East Cobb Park in Marietta
Movie: TBD July 7
Movie: TBD September 9

Rhodes Jordan Park in Lawrenceville
Dolphin’s Tale June 2

Suwanee Town Center Park in Suwanee
Real Steel June 9

Tribble Mill Park in Lawrenceville
Kung Fu Panda II July 16

Wills Park in Alpharetta
“Dive In” movies at the pool. Free for pool pass members. Otherwise $3/per person
June 2nd, July 7th, and August 4th

Movies 400 in Cumming
Bring a can of food or school supply to support your community and receive a free popcorn. Limit one per person.

5/31 & 6/02 Ramona & Nanny McPhee Returns
6/07 & 6/09 How to Train Your Dragon
6/14 & 6/16 Megamind
6/21 & 6/23 Narnia: Dawn Treader
6/28 & 6/30 Diary of a Wimpy Kid
7/05 & 7/07 Despicable Me
7/12 & 7/14 Marmaduke
7/19 & 7/21 Alpha & Omega
7/26 & 7/28 Rango
8/02 & 8/04 Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2

Regal Cinema in Alpharetta
6/7-6/8 Astro Boy and Megamind
6/14-6/15 Despicable Me and Marmaduke
6/21-6/22 Pirates who Don’t Do Anything and Shrek Forever After
6/28-6/29 Bee Movie and Diary of a Wimpy Kid
7/5-7/6 How to Train Your Dragon and Shrek the Third
7/12-7/13 Kung Fu Panda and Tale of Despereaux
7/19-7/20 Madagascar 2 and Ramona & Beezus
7/26-7/27 Barnyard and Yogi Bear
8/2-8/3 Alpha and Omega and Charlotte’s Web

Activities

Free Bowling all summer at AMF. At AMF, kids 15 and under can bowl for free all summer. Simply register and you’ll get a weekly voucher for two free games per child per day through September 3. Shoe rental is not included. Locations in Woodstock, Marietta and Snellville.

Free Bowling all summer at Stars and Strikes in Cumming.

Hiking- There are 60 different hiking trails within 60 miles of Atlanta.

Puppet Shows, Magic Shows, Petting Zoo, Inflatables
The Atlanta- Fulton Public Libraries have special events and programs for children all summer long. Locations throughout Fulton county.

National Parks
June 9- Free Entrance Day
Fee waiver includes: entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.

Dining Out

Kids Eat Free in Cumming
Cumming Local has prepared a list of restaurants offering “kids eat free” specials.

Kids Eat Free in Alpharetta
Check out the Alpharetta Moms’ calendar for “kids eat free” specials.

Splash Playgrounds and Fountains

Big Splash in Suwanee – Located in Town Center Park, Big Splash, the largest interactive fountain in Gwinnett County, is generally open 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. seven days a week. Water quality is checked regularly throughout the day. Suwanee’s Big Splash fountain has 43 jets.

Centennial Olympic Rings – 265 Park Ave West N.W. in Atlanta
The Fountain of Rings is the centerpiece of Centennial Olympic Park and is one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in Georgia. It’s free to view the Fountain of Rings show, which plays four times a day, 365 days a year, at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m

Duluth Town Green- 3578 West Lawrenceville Street in Duluth
70’ interactive water fountain

Roswell Spray Grounds (charges $1)
Both spraygrounds offer a variety of spray features, concession stand, and a rental pavilion.

Village Pavilion Fountain at Mall of Georgia- 3333 Buford Dr in Buford. Interactive fountain, which shoots water 20 feet high. Open daily, during mall hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., Noon-6 p.m.

Educational

Center of Puppetry Arts Museum in Atlanta
Fulton residents are free on the first Saturday of each month.  Must print this slip.

Autrey Mill Nature Center in Alpharetta
46 acre nature preserve, a Heritage Village, replica Native American dwellings and animal exhibits turtles, frogs, snakes, insects and birds. The Grounds are open every day from 8am to dusk. Visitor Center is open Monday-Saturday 10am-4pm.

Dunwoody Nature Center
Take the kids to see a wide variety of wildlife including mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish.

Fernbank Science Center in Atlanta
65 acre wilderness with labeled trees, shrubs, ferns and wild flowers.

ImagineIt! Children’s Museum in Atlanta
Second Tuesday of Every Month, 1 – 7 p.m.
Through a sponsorship by Target, admission is free for all visitors who come during these special hours

Museums On Us: Booth Western Art Museum, Tellus Science Museum, Atlanta History Center, and the High Museum of Art.  Get free general admission on the first full weekend of every month- just by presenting your Bank of America card.

Zoo Atlanta
Family 4 pass available for check out at any GA public library.

Arts, Crafts & Building

Lakeshore Learning in Marietta
Saturdays 11AM-3PM
Free Crafts for Kids Ages 3+

Michael’s Craft Stores throughout Atlanta 
Look for Free Kids Make It Take Crafts 
Schedules vary by location.

Lowe’s Build and Grow Workshops throughout Atlanta
Build and Grow Clinics are free to the public and occur every other Saturday at 10am.
Register online.

American Girl Crafts in Alpharetta
Bring your daughter to the American Girl store at Northpoint Mall to participate in free arts and crafts. Note that all activities listed on the website are not free.

Home Depot Kids Workshops throughout Atlanta
Free hands-on workshops designed for children ages 5 – 12 offered the 1st Saturday of  every month at all The Home Depot stores between 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment.All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement

Story Time

Barnes and Noble
Check with your local book store to see when they offer story time.
Schedules are posted online and you can even subscribe to receive event updates for your store.

Library
Check with your local library to find out when story time is offered for your child’s age group.  Some libraries offer infant story telling all the way through elementary school.

Pottery Barn (Alpharetta and Atlanta locations)
Every Tuesday at 11am

Volunteering

Last but certainly not least, Act Together Ministries encourages families to volunteer together.  Use the summer as time away from your busy schedule and spend some time making a difference in the world.  Serving together will provide excellent bonding opportunities as well as wonderful memories for your children.  Here are some ideas: Click on the title for more information about the project.

Organize a School Supply Drive- We can provide step by step instructions to help your family organize a drive.  The children can make flyers and distribute them with adult supervision and then collect the items on the date you plan.

Bless a Mother with a Special Needs Child- Your child can paint, decorate and write encouraging Bible verses on a flower pot.  Choose a pretty flower from the store and plant it in the flower pot.  Don’t forget to pray for the family!

Prepare a Meal for a family facing difficult challenges- Your children can help you prepare a meal 1)Picking the items at the grocery store (making sure all of the food groups are included), 2)Preparing the meal and praying for the family.  Ask for more details.

Volunteer together at our Tools 4 School event on Sunday August 5th.  Volunteers are needed to run the sign in table, play games with the kids, assist with crafts, serve lunch, or help a child “shop” for school supplies.  Volunteer opportunities will be posted by June 20th.

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching and time is running out. Did you know 2 out of 3 mothers would prefer a gift that helps others instead of chocolates or flowers?

Give a gift in honor of your mother this Mother’s Day. Help children in need and make Mom smile.

We will send you a printable certificate to give to your Mom this Mother’s Day. Give a gift that lasts!

Give in Honor of Mom

Tribute$25.00 USD Tribute$50.00 USD Tribute$100.00 USD

This blog post was written by Amber Dodd, Spring Intern 2012

Praise God for the experiences that He gives us in our short lives. I have always had a passion and delight for children, especially those in at risk situations, and God continues to give me opportunities to see different sides of working with these children in my life. Working with Act Together Ministries, however, has given me a completely different view of working in this kind of ministry. Of course, with any sort of work comes the actual WORK, but it is very easy to underestimate the amount of work that goes into running a business. Hats off to Heather and all the hard work that she puts in to bringing everything together for this ministry. It is easy to see that she has a hard and anointing from Heaven that is guiding her hand as she blesses the lives of others. And even though the hard work can sometimes be overwhelming, the reward when you see a child smile when he or she gets a birthday present, gets a reward for having good grades, or receives praise for working on their education makes everything worth it. I can only imagine that with all her hard work, Heather is going to reap quite a spectacular reward from our Heavenly Father.

It has also been greatly rewarding to my heart to see that there are quite a large number of people that are willing to lend a hand in helping their communities. With all the negativity going on is this world, it is easy to also develop a negative outlook. It is easy to forget that a kind word or tone in your voice can affect someone just as much as a word containing prophetic meaning. By calling local businesses in surround communities, I have had more than an ample opportunity to experience this first hand in both giving and receiving! The response to the programs at Act Together Ministries, however, has been nothing but positive and encouraging.

I have also had the opportunity to do some tutoring with Act Together and would have to say that this has been my favorite part! Just being able to honestly help and encourage these children first hand is something that is very close to my heart. I can only hope that by giving them a little extra attention and encouragement can help them develop in a positive manner and learn to give that same help to other people in their lives and future. It’s such a heartwarming feeling to be able to apply the skills that I have developed and been given to, in turn, bless those around me.

I am extremely thankful for Act Together Ministries and what the programs are doing to help those in need. I am blessed to be a part of it all and I lift praises to He who has placed His hand upon all that are involved with this ministry.

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever.” Psalm 136:1

This blog post was written by an Anonymous Volunteer

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29-11

I have read this verse so many times and not until recently did I have to rely on it to get me through some storms.  It began with the death of my mother and then the loss of my job, all within a 8 week period. I then added a little stupidity to the top of all that grief & stress and ended up with a DUI.

I am not a teenager.  I am a devoted husband of 27 years. A dad with two beautiful daughters. Hanging and drinking at the local bars is not my thing.  I made a wrong decision that night that turned my world upside down.

The funny thing is, my wife says it was her fault because she prayed for God to do whatever it takes to make us rely on Him vs ourselves. (I tend to rely on my own strength) Well, God did just that. 

We found Act Together Ministries online.  I needed to have 40 hours of community service.  I went in thinking I needed to get my community service done and over. Little did I understand that God had bigger plans in mind.

It began with "poor ole me" to a heart that was over flowing with empathy for these single moms. This ministry is vested in showing God’s love through acts of kindness.  Going over and beyond, not just giving gifts but really caring for these families. They not only touch lives of the unfortunate but change lives of those who volunteer.

My first offense with the law at 48 years old…. degrading.
Having to be honest and open with my 17 year old daughter….humbling.
Letting go and letting God……rewarding.

Thank you Act Together Ministries.

This blog post was written by Curt Cloninger, professional actor and writer.

My wife, Tish, has, over the last few years, lost her sense of smell.  That’s not the worst thing in the world.  It even has a bit of an upside.  She can’t smell our wet Springer Spaniel.  She can’t smell … well … me, after a dinner out at Armando’s, our favorite Spanish restaurant.    Her life is in no imminent danger because of her loss of smell.

But, her loss of smell carries with it an unspoken tinge of sadness. She can’t smell the clean sheets, or a fine spring morning, a good cup of coffee, or her favorite perfume.   Probably most disconcerting of all, she can’t smell food.   And, because she can’t smell food, she is unable to really taste food   For her, there is no subtlety, or variety, or nuance in what she eats.  It’s all just … food.

I’ve tried to persuade Tish, when we go out to eat at Armando’s, to order, say … just rice and beans, instead of the more expensive Seafood Paella.  After all, to her, it all tastes the same, and would save us at least $20.   She refuses.   When asked “why?” she simply replies, “Because, in my mind, I remember what it tasted like.”   So, we order the incredibly seasoned Paella for Two, and my job becomes assuring Tish that it still tastes as good as she remembers.  It’s actually a delightful assignment.  I get to eat fabulous Paella.  I get to be with my wife.  And I get to stretch my communication skills (I don’t have the most sophisticated palette.)   All of this because my sweet wife is determined to “taste by memory”.

The poet David once encouraged me to “Taste and see that the Lord is good,” which is fine … except when my ability to smell is damaged, or when my palette is skewed. 

Here’s the truth:  sometimes I can’t even come close to tasting the goodness of God.  Life is stale, boring, with all the excitement of a bowl of white rice.  That’s when I find it’s important for me to have a “Taster”.  Someone, like the poet, to help me “taste by memory”.  (The guy also wrote, “Why are you so downcast, Oh my soul?  Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him.”)   

This year, if, for you, life has lost its’ savor, don’t despair.  Find yourself a Taster.  Someone to remind you that God is good, and that you will yet praise him.  And, this year, if, for you, life is tasting particularly full and rich and sweet, make a point to be the taster for someone else.  It’s a delightful and important job.  And, frankly, it’s not even all that important that you have a very sophisticated palette.  (Trust me.)

Curtcloninger.com

This blog post was written by Sandi Roggow, Volunteer

I live in a town home complex where a family is renting a town home from their relatives. Work for their mom required that the children ages 10,12,14, and 16 be home alone after school. With the pleasant fall we experienced here in Atlanta they spent a lot of their time outdoors, talking to us, always sharing pleasantries.

These children are some of the friendliest children I have ever been around. I was a youth director, so I have spent time around many children this age. When the days became shorter, with the ownership of the townhome in a relatives name, when the power was turned off, there was no way to reconnect without having the deposit for the power company. As a result, the children spent their evenings with a power cord connected to neighbors and one lamp for light. They needed help with drying their clothes from time to time.

I had heard about Act Together Ministries when they sponsored the Tools for Schools program at our church. I was able to help them last year and this year. I could see the passion Heather has to help children. The Christmas gift program is another way she reaches out to make children smile. A coworker suggested I talk to Heather about including this family in the Christmas Gift program. It was very late in the process for Act Together Ministries, but with their support and hard work, gifts for all four children were collected. There were a few pieces that friends from church also helped donate. That helped these children get some new jeans, sweaters, sweatshirts, hats, gloves, scarfs, school supplies, shoes, blankets, watches, games, and sports equipment for Christmas. It was a blessing that three of my friends from church were able to go out and shop, each one including one of the four children in their offer to help others. Between the help Act Together Ministries provided, and four other individuals, these children were blessed with some gifts that they did not expect to receive.

Act Together also provided a donation of food which was also large need for this family. It is hard to feed a family of five let alone three of them being teenagers.

My husband and I spent a Sunday afternoon wrapping the gifts up and delivering them to the family. The children’s mom said she felt so special. She was also very thankful to have been offered such a gift for her children. The friends that helped make this happen also included a new sweater for the children’s mom, along with a few other small items. This meant that she also had something to open. The children continue to have a smile on their face, even though they continue to face adversity.

My friends, husband and I felt wonderful, helping this family to have a Christmas together.

One of the children told me they were able to open their gifts the day we delivered them but then had to wrap them back up and put them under the tree to wait until Christmas to use them.

It makes me feel good to know that on a cold day, they might have a some new jeans, a sweater, a pair of gloves, a scarf or a hat to keep warm, along with food in the cupboard for when they get back home from school.

This holiday season, many children volunteered to help make sure children in need had gifts to open on Christmas morning. Children of all ages enjoyed Christmas shopping and many of our local Christian schools kindly adopted a family to sponsor for each classroom of students.

Natalie Kandul (10 years old) and Kaitlyn Lauria (9 years old) organized a toy drive all by themselves. They made the flyers and distributed them in their neighborhood with a parent’s supervision. Their hard work paid off when they were able to collect over 50 toys!

Boy Scouts Troop #205 in Alpharetta collected diapers, batteries, baby wipes and stocking stuffers for Act Together children. The boys were able to earn service hours for their volunteer time and they seemed to enjoy helping Santa load cars the week-end before Christmas.

Ryan Maughan (11 years old)  and JR Robbins (12 years old) pictured with Santa.

Since it’s beginning, Act Together Ministries has offered “Little Hands” projects. These volunteer projects are designed specifically for children under 12 years of age. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to find out more about upcoming Little Hand projects. Enter your e-mail address in the right column.

Even a child is known by his doings. -Proverbs 20:11

My Christmas tree is empty,
Where gifts were once displayed.
It’s not because I’m feeling like
A Grinch or Scrooge today.
No, this Christmas will be different!
‘Cause the focus is not on me.
The gifts which normally I would unwrap
Will be under another tree.

There are children in America
Forgotten and alone.
While I sit in comfort by my fire
There are those without a home.
It’s hard to believe but in this great land
Where prosperity still flows.
There are children huddled to keep warm
Who cough with runny nose.

Lord, make me ache for others,
And show me how to live.
Help me see my blessings,
And teach me how to give.
For Christmas isn’t just once a year
To have an empty tree.
But to live each day in kindness
That Your love is what they’ll see.

Why did the Lord put you here?
To always put YOU first?
Or to see with eyes of Jesus
The “least of these” who thirst?
For we must honor with our lives
The Giver of all good things.
So empty out your Christmas tree,
And see what joy you’ll bring!