Rodrigo is a joy to have in our Say Yes program. As the overseer of our Bible Lesson and Craft time, I find that I really appreciate how excited Rodrigo gets about the things we are talking about. When asked what he thought of the Say Yes program he said that the games are his favorite because they're exciting, although he also finds the homework time very helpful, and has learned about the Bible during our craft time, he specifically holds onto learning that God always loves him. Rodrigo currently attends Kilmer Elementary School as a fourth grader. When he grows up Rodrigo says he wants to be a Scientist, and it is fitting since Science is his favorite subject.

Normally, one person is chosen to be the Face of the Week. I felt Sarai and her family should be the faces of this week because they always have smiles on their faces regardless of their circumstances. Time as we know is sub-divided into seasons, seasons which come and go. Some of those seasons are pleasant, yet some are filled with heavy storms.

Sarai is connected to us through her 2 sons Bryan and Namir, who are part of the SAY Yes afterschool program. Sarai and her family are in a stormy season. I desire this week to be praying for Sarai and her sons. Their strength to keep on keeping on, has challenged and encouraged me. Thank you for your prayers and support. ~Malvin

Kiera is an energetic, full of life Kindergartener who absolutely loves learning, activities, and socializing. While sitting in the rolly chair in my office, swinging back and forth, her feet not even touching the ground, Kiera shared with me some of her insights to life at S.A.Y. Yes and AWANA. When asked what her favorite part about the after-school problem was she slowly ticked off her list. “When we get to play computers, go to crafts, and homework, and games.” My response was, “Wow, so everything?!” To which she responded with a definitive, “yes”, as if there was no other option to consider. When asked if she HAD to pick one what would be her favorite, after much thought, she said “computers”. Kiera has two favorite colors because they “go together well”. Her favorites are pink and purple. At home, she loves to play with dolls and her favorite toy Eeyore, from Winnie the Pooh. Although with Christmas approaching, she sounds as if her heart’s set on some new toys. And really can you blame her?  She likes to draw. Her favorite thing about school is that when she works hard she gets a sticker. She also likes math (and cursive, although they aren’t learning that right now.) Her favorite time of year is Christmas and her favorite season is winter. It could be because both are quickly approaching. What she loves about winter is making snowmen and having snow fights with mom and dad. When asked how she feels when she walks into Family Empowerment Center, she says “When I walk in, I feel like Christmas”.

“So, do you know who I am?” I turned around surprised to see Pippi Longstocking standing behind me. Carrie had managed to change into her Halloween costume in a matter of minutes, clothes-hangered pigtails and everything. She might be a little quiet, but when she puts her mind to something she goes for it. Whether it's helping kids with homework, working with the educational software for the computer lab, or playing the violin during AWANA worship times, Carrie has a dedicated heart for ministry.

Carrie Waterman started at the Center September 6th and is in charge of the academic side of things with the S.A.Y Yes After-School Program. She has also been working on the marathon fundraising, writing on the Center's running blog, and is beginning to work on grant writing as well. She had previously worked in another after school program in Carol Stream for two years, as well as three years in the Dupage Public School district as a Kindergarten and reading teacher. When comparing this job to her former positions, she seemed excited about getting to be a part of something new. “This is more grassroots and it's exciting to me; as a team we are all starting together.”

And Carrie fits right into the team here. When asked what he thought of Carrie, the Executive Director of the organization, Scott Manke replied with no hesitation “she's awesome.” Rob DeLano on the other hand was speechless in his gratitude for the contribution that Carrie makes to the team. Although, this may be because he was in the process of rearranging the basement with a heavy box lifted over his head. :)

Carrie, let this be a thanks from all of us. Keep up the good work.

Ken Garrison grew up in Chicago before moving to Rolling Meadows. He has been running for four years, when he and his wife Val decided to take up running as a couple, he and his wife have run multiple marathons. It’s their 2nd Chicago Marathon, running both for Family Empowerment Center. He’s also ran Ultra Runs, such as the Lakefront 50K (31 miles). Val and Ken run together everyday. This is the one recreational thing they have exclusively done together and it has brought them closer. Val had been a runner before Ken, as she ran cross country in H.S . She has brought Ken along with her in her love for running. Currently, Val is a Cross Country coach for Christian Liberty, which gives her a lot of experience in the running circuit. Ken is a construction superintendent. They have two children, Kenny (12) and Emily (10). Kenny is beginning to follow in his parents’ footsteps as he is running two 5ks. Their family has been attending Harvest Bible Church for 13 years and Ken and Val have been serving with the Children’s ministry for the last 10 years, while their children have been involved.

Ken heard about FEC through Steve Pawela, who was previously involved with FEC setting up the facility’s HCAV. When asked what he likes most about FEC, Ken responded: “Its grassroots. Scott and the Center strive more closely to what the book of Acts says we are to live. A lot of humble poured out Christians work here, reflecting Christ, and loving their neighbor as themselves.”

Let me begin by saying what an awesome privilege it is to be part of a child’s life (Director). Bryan Arenas is one of our 23 energetic SAY Yes’ers. Bryan has 5 brothers and 2 sisters. One of his brothers is part of the afterschool program. At the age of 10 Bryan shows great respect for his peers and for those older than him. It is Bryan’s first year with the SAY Yes Afterschool Program. He confessed that he has learned a lot about how to treat others better. Bryan is the SAY Yes Face of The Week for the afterschool program.

Ben McKevitt was one of our first time marathon runners this year. He raised a great number of funds for our organization. The most amazing part of his story and involvement with us is that he hadn’t even heard of Family Empowerment Center, until checking into Chicago Marathon charity organizations online! He explained, “I didn’t know if I had the ability to talk people into giving me money for something I wasn’t truly interested in. Not to say I don’t care about Cancer or AIDS or any of the very noteworthy charities I could have run for it just wasn’t something that hit home with me. I read about everything Family Empowerment Center does and it hit home. I knew immediately I could raise some money for the Family Empowerment Center and if not I was willing to give if I couldn’t.”

So, you may ask yourself why Family Empowerment Center? Ben McKevitt grew up in Long Island, NY and had 3 brothers and sisters. His mom was a single mom who bartended and always tried to do the best for them. “Having an organization like yours would have helped our family more than imaginable back then and I can only imagine what good it does for your community now. It is easy for me to ask people to support this when it hits home for me. I can just tell them a story of where I came from and why it means a lot to me.”

Ben joined the Navy after High School and while in the Navy he got his M.S. degree in Human Resource Management. Ben currently works at a Nuclear Power Plant operator in the Navy. “I am glad to be in a position where I can give back, even if it isn’t the community where I am living, it helps create better people. I thank you guys for that! I will always run through you guys in the future. I just decided I wanted to do this and it has been good to me so far.”

Now, Ben lives in MI with his wife and children. His children are another reason for running for us. “I want to help others while doing something I love to do... run. My children are coming of age (4 and 7) and I see them copying adults. I want them to have good habits to copy. They are the loves of my life and without them and my wonderful wife, I couldn't do this.” And that right there is why we do what we do. We are a presence here in the community to strengthen families and act as positive role models in children’s’ lives. Pray for more Ben McKevitts in our community, men who are seeking to be a positive presence to their kids and community. What a blessing that would be.

Keith and I (Jennifer) are from Eagle Church in Zionsville, IN. We have 4 kids, Luke (9), Emma and Eliza (7) and Iliana (17mo). Keith owns a plumbing company and I stay at home with the kids. We fell in love with missions work on our recent trips around the world.

We heard about FEC through our Pastor who encouraged us to spend some time there with our kids. We wanted to show our kids there was life (a world in need), beyond our small hometown. Our first summer there (2010) was a real eye opener and a great fit for us as well as the kids, so we decided to spend a full summer there this time.

Our experience there was wonderful, we really felt like we made a difference and touched many people, as well as many people touched our lives. The staff at FEC was great to work with, they allowed us to feel at home and was an encouragement to us. We fell very blessed to have been there.

Renee has been married 23 years. 18 of those years have been amazing and Renee says "anyone married will say that is a pretty good stat". Renee has two daughters, Riley 13 and Carter 11. She has a cat named Lilly, a bunny named Bob, a guinea pig named Fred and a lizard named Shiquenous.

Renee lives outside of Indianapolis. She loves yoga and football, is an optician and manages an eye doctors office. Renee has been a Christian since she was 20 and says she would love to live by the quote “Stay Fearless”.

When asked what she enjoyed about Family Empowerment, Renee said "she enjoyed the park with the kids during our week there. It was nice knowing they learned your name and waited for you to be there with their game face on. I liked making up games (relay races, etc...) with the kids. I loved bonding with ‘our kids’ in a small space and I am grateful there are places like this for the community that ‘watch out’ for families and possible at risk kids".

William also known as Bob, was born and raised in Chicago, after living in Georgia for 15yrs. He returned to Chicago quite a few years ago and has made the Rogers Park neighborhood his home for the past two years. Bob has 5 children, 4 boys and 1 girl. William Jr. (18), with the help of the Center, has been reunited with his dad and is now living with Bob again. Bob enjoys his son being back in Chicago and says, “It’s a good atmosphere for him and it’s giving Jr. a positive outlook on life”. Bob has been living next door to the Center for almost a year now.

When asked “why do you come to the Center?” Bob said “I enjoy the friendly atmosphere, the people who work here and I get the help I need from them. The Center is always there for me and I appreciate the help the Center provides for the neighborhood as it tries to meet their holistic needs.” Bob adds “I respect the Center, it’s a good place for me and Jr. to be and I like to come in everyday to use the computers”.