Feature: Granny's House

"Preach the gospel everywhere you go; when necessary, use words..." -- St. Augustine.

Granny's House is a children's outreach ministry located in Columbia's inner city, whose vision is to reach kids in a "window of opportunity" to make a real change in their lives. It provides things a grandmother might provide: an after-school meal/snack, a place to do homework, read a book in someone's lap, or throw the football back and forth. They also offer programs (bible studies) every day of the week, from Princess Jewels (younger girls) all the way up to Sons of the King (high school guys). Volunteers spend much of their time with students even outside of Granny's House and might go to their games or school plays. The difference that Granny's House has made is incredible--it reaches so many kids in Columbia and has provided a "bridge" between the Christian community and the residents of public housing. (www.grannyshouse.org)

One thing that is so unique about Granny's House is that fact that it has partnerships with so many churches and ministries in Columbia, like K-Life and the Crossing. Recently, the Crossing raised enough money to purchase a van for Granny's House, and it has been so cool to see how much use it's getting. On any Sunday, you'll see the van pull up into the parking lot at church and see droves of kids spill out, ready to go to their classes and say hey to everyone they know in the lobby.

If you're interested in hanging out and loving on these kids, mentors are always needed, especially for the older guys. You would basically hang out during your free time and after school, going to basketball games or step performances, living your life with these kids in it, knowing they are consistently being pursued and built up. Also, small groups will sometimes plan one-time activities to do with the kids, like decorate cookies or make a craft.

To volunteer, mentor a student, or get more information, contact Angie Azzanni at angie@grannyhouse.org. Angie is the Programs Coordinator and has a heart for these kids; she spends one-on-one time with them as well as coordinates the volunteers and works closely with families. Also, check out the website at www.grannyshouse.org.