The Rock is in 9 Marion County middle and high schools. The Rock in 3 local schools are a part of the Love INC network of resources. The purpose is to give students access to basic necessities such as food, clothing, school supplies and hygiene items.

Most importantly, The Rock gives volunteers the opportunity to build relationships with students over time and show them Love In the Name of Christ through their interactions.

First, I would like to thank everyone that supported “The Rock” during the last school year.

We were able to help hundreds of learners at Lake Weir Middle School. Your gifts of time and money provide so much more than just things for the students’ physical needs. I can’t take up space to tell you about all the children, but I would like to tell you about a little girl I will call Rose.

The first thing that you noticed about Rose was not her shabby clothes or the fact that her shoes were literally falling off of her feet. The first thing that you noticed was that there was no light in her eyes. She always came alone. Her height seemed 3 inches shorter than it was because she seemed to be contracting into herself. She spoke so softly that you could not hear her. She wore her covid mask like a shield, even after the other students had discarded theirs.

Every year, there are at least 3 suicide attempts at the school. My first thought was that Rose was a very lonely girl. Could she be one of them?

Rock Volunteers helped her find new shoes, a couple outfits and a bag full of food for the family. Rose returned two days later to ask if she could get shoes for her little brother. She left with the shoes, another outfit and more food. Rose continued to come to The Rock. Rock Volunteers did what they do best. They engaged. While helping her find hygiene products, school supplies, clothing and food they found that she liked to read and who her favorite authors were. A Rock Volunteer went to thrift stores and bought her some books.

By the end of the year Rose was coming to The Rock three times per week to share book reviews, and fashion tips with her adult friends. I watched through the school year as she stood straighter. Her eyes began to sparkle and she spoke louder and with confidence.

Because of YOUR gifts of time and money we got to see one of God’s miracles. Rose bloomed!

Thank you for being part of the miracle!

~ A Volunteer for The Rock

A Note from Love INC –

Rose’s story is a beautiful example of not just meeting needs, but about meeting people where they’re at and caring for them holistically. The Rock Volunteers are changing Rose’s life by making a connection with her that goes beyond meeting providing material things. However, providing the material things opens the door for that connection to take place. Transformation is taking place in Rose’s life because of partnership with Love INC!