September 2, 2005

Marston was a challenge for Mr. Ken, his KIDS HOPE USA mentor. The teacher
told Mr. Ken that Marston never showed interest in classroom activities and
often refused to do his assignments. The same was true when Marston was
with Mr. Ken.

So rather than focus on the lessons, Mr. Ken challenged the 3rd grader to
draw pictures, an activity Marston clearly enjoyed.

Marston used only one color in his pictures: red. And the only pictures he
drew were those of violent crimes. Someone getting stabbed, someone being
murdered, someone being shot. But in each picture was a carefully drawn
image of Superman killing the villain.

The mentor immediately recognized that for this neglected child, art was a
safe vehicle for expressing the anger and confusion in his life.
Conversations about these pictures became the means the mentor used to
help Marston know that he was loved and had great value. Mr. Ken became the
Superman in Marston's life.

Our Mission:  KIDS HOPE USA builds caring relationships...one child, one hour, one church, one school.

(c) KIDS HOPE USA, PO Box 2517, Holland, MI  49422-2517