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.

Each November, our teens head to Williams Tree Farm to pick out the perfect Christmas tree. They cut down the tree and spend some time enjoying the animals and other attractions on the farm. They they bring the tree back to RHK to enjoy a tree-trimming party - kicking off the holiday season for everyone at RHK. RHK Teens visit Williams Tree Farm

Throughout the month of October, we sat down with each of our kids and teens to put together their Christmas wish lists. They tell us three items they want for Christmas (must be under $40). Usually, they ask for something for themselves, but it’s not uncommon for them to ask for something for a family member instead. We then pass on those list to those who ask to sponsor our kids for Christmas. One of the highlights of our year is watching them open their gifts at our annual

Wednesday evenings, if you walk down our classroom hallway during free time, you will find 5-6 kids in the second room on the left working on art projects with Miss Kathy. Every week, she chooses different group of kids, until everyone who wants to has a chance to make that project.

Meet Miss Tiny! She serves Monday and Wednesday evenings, pretty much wherever she is needed. On Mondays, she can usually be found with our little Pebbles (1st & 2nd graders) and most recently, she has been leading the Memory Verse station for our 3rd – 5th graders on Wednesdays. Tiny grew up in Chicago. She has three grown children and one “Glambaby” – her son’s beautiful eight-year-old daughter. She worked as a Switch woman with the Chicago Transit Authority for 24 years. S

Big thanks going out to Bucciferro Family McDonald's  for providing dinner for our kiddos this past Wednesday night. We had a last minute cancelation and they stepped up in a big way to make sure they received a hot meal. As you can tell by the big smiles, the kids were slightly excited when they found out what was for dinner that night.

Lisa Ayala - Teen Small Group Leader and Van Driver

Kids look forward to celebrating their birthday all year long. Our friends with Rosie’s Birthday Club understand how important this is and do all they can to make them special for our kids.

In September, our friends from Life Church came and hosted a special event night for our kids. They brought a bounce house and set it up...

Our friends from Forest City Church made our RHK end of summer trip to Lockwood Park the best one yet