Rachel’s Kids was founded by Rachel Greer and her late husband Harry to benefit and improve the well-being of the kids in Binghamton. They have tutored and fed over 30 kids in their home twice a week, after work for over 7 years. Since Harry’s death their focus has changed to helping with housing, helping with transportation and employment for the families they serve.
Every year we provide gifts for Christmas and food baskets as well as provide summer camp opportunities for the many children they serve. Last year alone I think we sent over 50 kids to Summer Camps across the state.
Their efforts have been recognized many times but The Jefferson Award, the Orchid Award, the Shining Star Award from Brewster Elementary School made them the most proud - and they were also recognized by Everyday Upstanders Facing History and Ourselves for providing opportunities and improved quality of life to children. Rachel was recognized for her determination by Women of Achievement as 1 of 7 women in Memphis making a difference in the community.
In Memphis, we are facing a crisis, a large segment of the generation of young people feel misunderstood and neglected. Many of these kids are being raised in environments where self-worth and hope for the future are destroyed. Their value system is shaped by the ethics of the streets, with little or no impact from positive adult relationships.
The kids live in high-density communities which have a history of being socially and economically disadvantaged. These kids see the challenges and obstacles of poverty, including drug and alcohol abuse, teenage pregnancy, the allure of gangs, racism, crime, violence, and most tragic of all, spiritual emptiness. Rachel and Harry entered their world, built friendships, and loved them unconditionally. They built relationships of trust they have earned the right to be heard, demonstrating the love of Jesus by treating kids with respect and dignity.
Rachel’s Kids, Inc. provides some of what is missing in these children’s lives—love, kindness, and commitment. The children find adults who believe in them and know that they are better than their circumstances. They continually remind that they have the abilities and potential to break out of negative situations. One of the organization's basic teachings is, "It's not where you start. It’s where you finish that matters".
Rachel's Kids, Inc. strives to respond to all people in need regardless of race, religion, national origin, or social position. We cooperate with people and organizations from all cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds in our efforts to bring relief and hope for those in need. We welcome the cooperation and assistance from like-minded individuals, businesses, and organizations in helping the poor and disadvantaged.
Rachel’s Kids, Inc. introduces kids to a faith relationship with Jesus Christ. We are providing kids with positive role models and adult friends as they move into young adulthood. We are helping kids develop skills, assets, and attitudes that will help them reach their God-given potential in life. Graduates (children as they reach a higher stage of accountability) must give back to the neighborhood, not as recompense, but as evidence of attaining abilities that have lead to greater responsibility to God and their community.
The birth of Rachel’s Kids began by simply filling the needs of children who happened by Rachel’s Flower shop on the edge of Binghampton. Neighborhood children started coming by, asking if they could help out with chores to earn a few dollars. It was immediately apparent to the shop owners, Harry and Rachel Greer, that the effect of poverty in the area was widespread and often devastating. Rachel and her late husband, Harry, founded the organization to improve the well-being of these children. Rachel’s Kids began by feeding and tutoring over 30 kids in their home, twice weekly for over seven years. Since Harry’s passing, Rachel’s Kids’ focus has shifted to broader goals, helping families find housing, transportation and employment. They find summer camp opportunities across the state, over 50 children last year alone! And every year, Rachel’s Kids spreads much needed Christmas cheer to these families, delivering gifts and food for the holidays. Rachel and Harry couldn’t resist the urge to help the kids in the neighborhood, and they made it their life’s work. Rachel’s Kids has helped so many families over the years, and only through their generous volunteers and supporters has the foundation continued it’s mission to support the next generation.
Rachel’s Kids is a 501 C3 and depends entirely upon donations from those who find this ministry helpful and worthy of their support. If you would like to have a part in the financial support of this ministry, you may make a tax-deductible donation by sending a check made payable to Rachel's Kids, Inc. and sending it by mail to the address below. To make a donation by credit card, visit the website at www.rachelskidsinc.org and from the homepage, click and follow the directions on the “Donating is as easy as 1—2—3” box. Your gift will make a difference.
Rachel’s Kids, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that depends entirely upon donations from those who find this ministry helpful and worthy of their support. Your gift will make a difference!
Rachel’s Kids depends entirely upon donations from those who find this ministry helpful and worthy of their support. If you would like to have a part in the financial support of this ministry, you may check out various options for donating by using the button below.
Rachel’s Kids, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. Copyright © 2020. All Rights Reserved.
