GREENVILLE, SC (February 5, 2019) – At-risk youth at Miracle Hill’s Boys’ Shelter will have the additional support they need to reach their educational and personal goals now that the non-profit has hired Kelly Leitch as the Independent Living Skills Coach. Leitch’s goal is to walk alongside the young men showing compassion, providing stability and equipping them for success.
"We are excited to have Kelly working toward better educational and independent living outcomes for the young men at Miracle Hill Boys' Shelter,” said Karen Busha, VP of Children’s Ministries.
Leitch serves as the person of contact for the schools and the South Carolina Department of Social Services. Boys in the shelter range in age from 11-18 and many have experienced homelessness and neglect. She will seek to not only be an educational liaison but will strive to provide the boys in the shelter with emotional support and care. Leitch’s focus for her new role is to create better connections and relationships in the community and, ultimately, to help the boys overcome obstacles and thrive.
“Her Christ-like compassion is coupled with a determination to seek solutions. She will be a great partner and connecting point for the teachers, mentors, tutors, family members, and professionals who are also working toward the success of these young men,” said Busha.
With a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Leitch is taking on her new position as an opportunity to protect and nurture future generations of young men. Helping others has always been Leitch’s passion and calling as she started a clothing closet for underprivileged individuals while living up North. Prior to accepting the position at Miracle Hill she directed a childcare center and worked the after school program at Hope Community Church in Raleigh, NC.
Though Leitch will focus much of her time on the boys’ educational pursuits and success in school, her foundational goal is to always be sure that they know how much they are cared for and loved by not only the staff at Miracle Hill but by Jesus Christ.
“Here at the shelter I want to be that parent figure for the boys. I will treat them the same way I treat my own children – with love, care and respect. I’m going to fight for them and work for them,” said Leitch.
To learn more about Kelly Leitch's role as Independent Living Skills Coach, watch this video: https://youtu.be/Agkr9IejrvU
About Miracle Hill Ministries
Miracle Hill Ministries is the Upstate’s largest, most comprehensive provider of services to homeless children and adults. Serving the Upstate since 1937, Miracle Hill’s programs include rescue shelters for the homeless, residential addiction recovery, transitional housing, shelters for children, and foster care. Miracle Hill’s eight thrift stores provide employment opportunities for the community as well as Miracle Hill guests transitioning out of programs. Miracle Hill has been recognized as a Certified Mission and has been awarded the Certificate of Excellence by City Gate Network, a distinction given to fewer than 30 missions nationwide. Additionally, Miracle Hill’s foster care program and group homes for children have been accredited by CARF International. For more information about Miracle Hill, please visit www.MiracleHill.org or call 864.268.4357. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
