12/16/2006

Mom who home-schools on a mission

By Gretchen Murray
Local columnist

Home-schooling is on the rise across the country and gaining momentum in northern Michigan. It's particularly popular in Missaukee and Wexford counties, where half a dozen home school groups have sprung up in recent years.

A half-dozen may not sound like a lot, but according to Yolonda Wiers of Lake City, who home schools her two daughters, many members make up each of those groups. In fact her own group has between 30 and 40 participating families.

One of the biggest challenges home school parents face is ensuring their child has positive social opportunities and the chance to build relationships. To make that happen Wiers recently founded Cadillac Area Christian Home Educators as a way to bring the various groups together and function more efficiently under one umbrella. With eight years of home school experience she often gets requests to share her expertise and serves as a contact for those interested in getting started in Christian home schooling.

While a strong advocate for its benefits, Weirs also began to notice that as her girls entered their teens the opportunities for socializing grew fewer.

"Many of the home school girls I know have enjoyed friendships with girls in public school during their younger years. However, as the junior high and high school years begin, the values and cultural divide seems to grow so large that many home school girls felt disconnected and alone,” Wiers said.

She visioned a place that would offer fun and friendship to home-schooled Christian girls and recently went to work organizing Girls With A Mission. The youth group for home-schooled teen girls gets underway in January.

Along with helping girls 13 to 19 build a closer personal relationship with Christ, Wiers wants to offer a safe, fun and encouraging environment where they can challenge their faith.

She chose the Bible verse 1 Timothy 4:12 that says in part, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity …” as a guideline and made it her mission statement.

"We almost expect kids to make bad choices, but with a little guidance, they can walk the path that they should,” she said.

Wiers plans for the group to focus discussions on Bible study as it relates to teen issues, such as purity, missions, how to serve the Lord in daily life and respect,” she said. "And I want them to develop friendships that will bless and encourage them.”

She also is factoring in plenty of time to hang out together and get to know one another.

The new group kicks off with a Christmas Pizza Party from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Lake City Christian Reformed Church Youth Building, 1657 S. Morey Road. Cost is $2 per student with an RSVP by Monday to 394-0159 or e-mail cache.gwam@yahoo.com.

Feel free to call Wiers with questions, suggestions or if you would like to help with the program.