Thursday, May 22, 2014

Supporter Spotlight of a Shelter's Child Enrichment Coordinator: Esther Kilian



Faces without Places works with many shelters and service providers, and one that we work with often is Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cincinnati (IHNGC). One of our main contacts there is Esther Kilian, who does a wonderful job as their Child Enrichment Coordinator. She will be leaving her position soon to return to her home country of Germany and we wanted to make sure to do a Supporter Spotlight on her before she leaves, so everyone will know how important she has been to us this year, and how much she will be missed!

Here are a few words from Esther:
“I am the Child Enrichment Coordinator at IHNGCand I create the kids' program for everyday of the week. Bringing volunteers to help with the program, doing developmental screenings for children under the age of 5 and welcoming new families to the shelter are the biggest parts of what I do. As I am part of the Brethren Volunteer Service, I will be going back to Germany after serving at IHNGC for a year and living in a community house in Walnut Hills.  

 Faces without Places has been a big support throughout my work here. From supporting developmental screenings and connecting us with 4C for Children's Parenting workshops, to providing gift cards and educational supplies, organizing Birthday Parties and bringing Santa for Christmas.

 The biggest and most consistent support I feel is through the program “My Little Library." Every single Tuesday, Faces without Places manages to bring awesome volunteers with books and activities for the kids. It has been so much fun working with Megan on creating activities that work well for our kids whether it be sock puppets, crayon-adventures, animal masks or popsicle stick flowers. The kids always have so much fun and are super proud when they get to choose their very own book at the end of every session. Since I am leaving, I simply hope and wish for Faces without Places to continue their good work and their relationship with IHNGC.”

 Thank you, Esther, for your kind words and for everything you have done for children experiencing homelessness. From face painting marathons, building bookshelves and working with the kids in the garden, it has been a joy and inspiration to watch how hard you have worked at IHNGC. There are many children who have benefited from your kind and patient ways. Best wishes on your future endeavors from your friends at Faces without Places! 

No comments:

Post a Comment