A Message from Dr. David Anderson, Executive Director
Many ministries, churches and businesses keep a relaxed pace during the summer months, but something tells me that won’t be the case here at LYDIA! Serving children and families is a full-time, year-round job for us, and client needs certainly don’t end with the school year.

A few very encouraging developments are helping us brave the busy months ahead with full confidence in God’s provision and blessing. Let’s begin with the LYDIA Urban Academy (LUA), our alternative high school, which held its 2007 graduation on June 7. Four students received their diplomas that day; of those, some had never tasted academic success until coming to LUA, and one was the first person in his family to graduate from high school. It was an exciting time of celebrating with parents, siblings, friends and staff.

Next year’s LUA students can take advantage of a work-study opportunity we’re developing with local employers. Students who participate will gain valuable work experience and earn money to help cover the cost of tuition, something their family is often unable to do for them. Do you or someone you know have a job opening that a hard-working high school student could fill? If so, please let me know.

Speaking of hard working, that’s the only adjective to use when describing LYDIA’s Development Department staff. In recent weeks, they have secured generous grants from several foundations, many of them designated for our Safe Families program. Also, we recently learned that LUA-Rockford has received a highly competitive, three-year grant from the United Way of Rock River Valley.

The Development Department is now focusing its efforts on meeting our budgeted needs by June 30, the end of our fiscal year. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, the goal is in sight: we have $150,000 to go. Any help you can provide in the next few weeks would be most appreciated. You can even donate online through secure electronic transfer. To learn more, click here.

We know that when God blesses LYDIA as He has been in the last few months, He’s really blessing the children and families we serve. Thank you for being part of it!

Future Looks Bright for Recent LUA Grad
LYDIA Urban Academy’s June 7 graduation ceremony featured a special speaker – Julee, whose academic success and maturity are an inspiration to teachers and students alike. She was this year’s class valedictorian.

Julee enrolled at the Academy because she did not want to attend the public school in her district due to gang problems and an overall difficult atmosphere. LUA appealed to her because of its Christian emphasis and small class size.

From the beginning, Julee proved herself to be a motivated student and hard worker. She lives at home with her parents but has a much stronger relationship with her mother due to the fact that her father is an alcoholic and not available as a parent figure. Julee helps her mother care for her younger brother, who has Down syndrome, and also works part time at Jewel to contribute to her tuition payments ($100 a month).

What has been most encouraging about Julee’s time here is her spiritual growth. She is an eager seeker and has even attended a church retreat with two Academy teachers. It will be exciting to see God work in Julee’s life! She is interested in forensic science and plans to attend Wright College in the fall. LUA Director Mandy Ross is hoping Julee will minor in education and come back to work at the Academy (maybe even direct it)!

Get involved with the 2007 Benefit Gala!
Table hosts, event sponsors and other volunteers are needed for LYDIA’s 2007 Benefit Gala, to be held December 3 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill. The event could be our largest ever, as we welcome well-known evangelist and author Josh McDowell as our Featured Speaker!

“Josh’s commitment to youth and to meeting the spiritual and physical needs of underprivileged people is close to the heart of LYDIA and its supporters,” says Dr. David Anderson, Executive Director of LYDIA. “His presentation at our Benefit Gala will engage and energize all of us as we consider our own role in caring for children and families right here in Chicago.”

Event sponsors, table hosts and silent auction items are needed as we begin planning the details of our 2007 Benefit Gala. To learn more, please contact Erica Postma, Associate Director of Development, at or (773) 736-1447, ext. 249.

Bless a Child Today
. . . with a gift to LYDIA’s Residential Treatment Center
Some of the items below are necessities, some are extras. All are on our wish list for kids who live at LYDIA’s Residential Treatment Center. If you can help, please contact Erica Postma, Associate Director of Development, at or (773) 736-1447, ext. 249.

Clothing and Household

• Underwear (sizes: boys 12/medium to men’s 2XL; girls 16 to women’s 28, or 3XL)
• White polo shirts and navy blue pants (for school uniforms — contact us for size information)
• Twin-size bed linens (sheets and comforters)
• Batteries (especially AA)

Toiletries

• Hair products for African-Americans, such as TCB Perm/Pink Moisturizing Lotion and Prostyle Gel by Ampro; available at Sally Beauty Salon.
• Feminine products (sanitary pads and liners)
• Solid deodorant with a mild scent. Older boys need extra-strong deodorant.
• Toothpaste
• Bars of bath soap

Gift Cards (used for birthday gifts and clothing/personal care needs)

• McDonald's
• Wal-Mart
• Lane Bryant
• Payless Shoes
• Value City
• Gift cards to movies, bowling alleys, etc.