BettyAnn Klein is using her experience as a single mother of three children to help Hispanic families in need. She works with about 20 youngsters in Center Hill to help them improve their lives.
“You get so invested in these children that it’s hard not to make them part of the family,” she said.
Klein assists these youngsters by offering clothing and food, as well as assisting them with their homework and engaging with them to ensure that they have a brighter future. She leads the Center Hill Children’s Mission, a non-profit located at 55 S. Virginia Ave. in Center Hill, where she assists local children whose families are farmers, poor and unable to communicate in English. She is looking for mentors to aid the kids, as well as clothing, books and money donations.
“When we first started the after-school program, we just wanted it to be about having a time when we could do Bible Study with the children.” Klein said. “But as we got to know the children and the situations they came from, we knew we needed to help them in more ways than one.”
The Hometown Civiltan Club is likewise attempting to assist these underprivileged children.
“We just started working with BettyAnn, but we are already helping to make a difference.” said Laura McLaughlin, a club member of the Village of Collier. “Some of our members went down to the children’s mission, and they went through and helped do some clean up. They helped clean up some rooms and created a book room for the older children to get some time away from some of the other kids and to work on their reading.”
Many of the youngsters who come to the mission for aid are Hispanic and don’t speak much English, according to Klein.
“We once had children come through the mission, and now they are grown,” she said. “We helped them so well that they send their children to us so they can also benefit as well.”
Klein, who works at the mission, said the overall goal is to ensure that the children have access to the materials they require while also assisting them with improving their academics and obtaining an education.
“When the children learn to understand the things they are learning and you see their eyes light up, it’s so rewarding,” Klein said. “Most of these children’s mothers have worked their fingers to the bone, and they need help. I want these children to be able to learn how to be part of the community without having to worry about how they will succeed.”
Klein said she would want to see more Villagers volunteer at the mission, and the Hometown Civiltan Club has begun to get involved.
“While I may be 71, when I work with these children, none of my aches and pains matter,” she said. “It’s all about the children and helping them succeed. I think Villages residents can share in that joy as they are a very active and giving community.”
Klein can be reached at 352-457-7457 for further information on how to get involved.
