Sometimes these kids stress me out. Not because they’re bad or don’t behave- but because they don’t care. Nobel Peace Prize winner, Elie Wiesel, once stated that “the opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.” And some of these kids are so indifferent or apathetic about their lives and lives around them that it just makes me mad.

It seems life forever since I last blogged- that shows our business around here, because I doubt I’m the only intern with that problem. But after a relaxing weekend with friends here at the Light House, and a good Monday to start off the week, I figured I should share my experiences. So…

I spent a good portion of my free time this past week doing research and working on letters in order to gain support for CHAT from local Black churches. And while I’m still hoping for the best- I’m very weary. As I spoke with some leading members of these churches, I explained what CHAT does, and how we could use local leadership in helping with activities and support- and the most common question that I got in return was “can your organization come do free tutoring for my church?” So I thought to myself, maybe they misunderstood what CHAT does.

So as my first blog I thought I’d give you a run-down of where I am and what I’m doing here! I arrived this past Monday, where there was a fundraiser at the ‘Light House’ (CHAT’s house where I live) the previous night. And, at this fundraiser there were some facts and figs about Church Hill scattered around the place. So check this:

82% of families are single parent households

37% of households are below the Federal Poverty Line of $17,600 for a family of 4

50% of enrolled 9th graders will not graduate high school

Less than 10% of high school graduates go on to college.

Around 40% of the community is unemployed

Now that’s some food for thought! Statistically, if CHAT had 50 children: