October was a difficult month for the RHK family. When kids walk through our doors, we have high hopes. We hope we will be able to help each child see their worth and understand how they can make choices that will help change their future. We hope they will be able to break unhealthy patterns and give their lives to Jesus.

What keeps me coming back every week is the connections. Whether it’s seeing a student have a light-bulb moment while learning about grace and forgiveness, hearing about the teens’ lives over dinner, or acting like a teen myself and playing basketball during free time, every connection helps build trust. It really is a marathon with some of them, but man, it is so worth it!

With cold weather and the holidays upon us, we appreciate all you do to help us meet the needs of the youth who come to RHK. You rock!

ecently, with the help of generous donors, RHK was blessed to purchase a new cargo van - completely debt-free! This new vehicle replaces our old, much-used cargo van. Though it served RHK well, it had definitely earned it’s retirement.

In October, our 4th and 5th graders enjoyed a weekend at Rock River Christian Camp. For pretty much the whole group, it was their first time camping, so there was a good mix of excitement and nerves as they started out.

Our RHK team enjoyed a great day together at the Royal Oak Farm for our staff retreat last month. We had a ball exploring the everything the orchard had to offer including the petting zoo, “Amaze N’ Apples”, the Apple Barn, and even a wagon ride tour around the entire farm.

In January, as a church, we started preparing and serving dinner once a month. After serving dinner and cleaning up, we stay to worship with the students. That's my favorite part! Seeing the students praise Jesus and worship alongside them is such a great experience.

One day, as I was walking to work, I noticed a clump of weeds. As I got closer, I saw they were in the shape of a heart. I got so excited that I told some of the other staff about the gift God had given us in a clump of weeds. I must admit, I did get some strange looks. I saw those weeds as God’s reminder that we are to look past the first impression and look deeper. I could have just seen a clump of weeds, but instead, I stopped and noticed their shape. That’s when I saw the

Our “elves” are already in full planning mode for Christmas at RHK! The holidays are approaching quickly and we want to make it extra-special for the kids who attend RHK.

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who came out to our RHK Real fundraiser, with special thanks to all of our sponsors who helped to make it the best yet.

Cold weather will be here before we know it. It’s time to make sure our kids are prepared to stay warm and dry in the elements.

When God calls you somewhere, He will not leave you to do it alone. Keep your faith and trust in Him, and watch how far He takes you.

Meet LeRoy Nolen and hear why he volunteers with Rock House Kids.

RHK Real: We had an incredible night at our annual RHK Real fundraiser last Thursday, and we are thankful so many of you were able to make it to this year's event. Surely, it was one of the best.

Over the summer, it was exciting to have some kids return whom we hadn't seen in a few years. They left as “little” kids and returned as teens.

We held our third annual health fair on August 7. RHK is incredibly grateful for all of the wonderful volunteers and organizations who came out to help make this event a success.

Meet Abby Finley, the newest member of Rock House Kids’ Board of Directors! Abby is looking forward to using her skills and experience to help guide the vital services RHK provides to inner-city youth.

We are looking forward to our annual fundraiser: RHK Real on September 17. It always feels like a reunion of our RHK family, and we love it! Something new this year is our Golden Ticket. Each ticket cost $100 for a chance to win a one week condo stay in Naples, FL. Only 100 tickets will be sold, so you have a 1 in 100 chance of winning!

Our Solid Ground Kids group had a spectacular time at the Life Church Event Night! Look at everyone playing, dancing, and bouncing all over the place. Smiles everywhere! We can't thank you enough for bringing so much fun to our Rock House Kids.

RHK fifth grade girls had the opportunity to explore the beautiful Laurent House this week. This Rockford house is one of many innovative homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright!