My name is Mike. I grew up in Crystal Lake, IL, and graduated college at SIU. I am the finance coordinator for Rock House Kids, but my most important job is being a father to my three sons and a devoted husband to my beautiful wife, Laura.

These are just a few exciting things happening lately. But the biggest news happened when someone from Rockford Ridge (formerly known as Concord Commons), a housing development on the west side of Rockford, reached out to us. They asked if we would be interested in having an RHK site on their property. I have learned - when God opens a door, we need to walk through it.

What stood out the most for the group though, was how they saw God at work. They were challenged by their chapel speaker to "take of their masks" - remove the guard they put up to keep people from seeing them for who they are and just be real with each other.

Hi, my name is Hope Sandine. I grew up in Davis Junction and was homeschooled. I have a twin sister who also volunteers with me on Mondays.

We want to thank all those who came out to the RHK Art Auction and Townhall meeting last Friday. The art pieces our kids made raised $420 for the Broadway Food Pantry. Plus, The Dharma Foundation matched it 100%, for a total of $840. What a blessing!

Way to go, Rockford IceHogs ! On Sunday, our teens helped cheer on the team to a 4-1 win over the Grand Rapid Griffins at the BMO Center. They had a great time, and of course, no game is complete without taking some selfies with Hammy. Let's go Hogs!

I have a question for you. Do you let your past define you and keep you stuck? I have met many people who are stuck in their past. When I speak to people about RHK I often hear people say, “Well, the kids are stuck in their circumstances.”

Last December, at our Annual Wrapping Party, the Kiwanis Club of Rockford presented RHK with a special gift - a new cotton candy machine!

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, what better time for the teens to have an event night?

To better equip our Solid Ground evening program volunteers, we hold quarterly training meetings. After surveying our volunteers, one request stood out clearly: more training focused on trauma and how to work with children who have experienced it—especially within a ministry setting.

We each received much satisfaction from serving and loving these children. It was exhausting and led to some sleepless nights, but there was joy knowing we were exactly where we were supposed to be!

Many kids who come to RHK just want to be seen. They want to know someone at RHK cares about them. They light up when you call them by their name. It matters to them.

Several of our RHK teens were invited by the Burpee Museum to serve as members of a Burpee Youth Board.

He also shared from his own experience as a former gang member who found new life in Christ and now ministers to others by teaching them the truths found in the transformational power of God's Word. His message was honest, convicting, and filled with the love and grace of the Holy Spirit.

Every month during the winter, our kids and teens get to pick out a new blanket to take home with them.

Rain, shine, cold or snow, no matter how harsh the weather, Jeff is there to greet the kids when they arrive. He helps them cross the street safely, and keeps an eye out for any unsafe activity nearby.

What a great time celebrating all of our RHK holiday traditions throughout December. Plus, a local church generously decided they wanted to make sure the siblings of our kids who don’t attend RHK also received gifts this year. Incredible! So, we had a record number of gifts to wrap at our Annual RHK Wrapping Party. It was no problem though. As always, many in the community came and made sure each and every gift was wrapped and ready for the kids to open. What a fun day! The b

It's the highlight of our year at RHK. The kids (and adults, too) look forward to celebrating Christmas together before everyone heads off on Christmas break. This year was no exception.

As you look closely at the snowflakes the kids have made, you notice how each one is unique. No two are the same - just like the snowflakes outside, and like the children who made them. Each boy and girl who walks through our doors is uniquely created by God, with their own personality, strengths, and story.