Good works is giving to the poor and the helpless, but divine works is showing them their worth to the One who matters. – Criss Jami

And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it. – Roald Dahl

Berklye Dominguez Bonifield grew up in Amarillo, but didn’t really know about The Children’s Home until this past spring. As a member of the Junior League of Amarillo, she attended a presentation on the volunteer opportunities at The Children’s Home for academic coaches. It intrigued her so much that she and several other women requested the assignment.

Berklye began tutoring in August, 2012, and meets one hour every Monday afternoon with her second-grade student, David*. The two tackle whatever schoolwork he has…math, reading, carnival tricks, etc., and have fun just being together. When Berklye first toured the grounds of The Children’s Home, the experience humbled her. “I met some of the older girls and couldn’t believe how responsible they are. The teens in TLC do their own laundry, they’re required to have jobs, plus they’re learning to manage their own money. I didn’t know how to do any of those things at their age.”

She’s also quite impressed with the entire Children’s Home staff. “David says all the time how much God loves him. His Family Teachers and everyone here are doing a great job of helping these kids build a firmer foundation.” Berklye really enjoys the times when they will be in the middle of reading a book together, and David will comment “that person needs to be thinking WWJD (what would Jesus do)” then proceeds to explain exactly what that would entail.

Of course, the most charming part of their relationship is the time they spend before starting schoolwork. That’s when she asks about his day, and creative and inventive “tall-tales” ensue. In theory, Berklye is there to help him, but she swears he blesses her life so much more. “I feel almost like we’re meant for each other. I have a sister a lot like David, with so much energy and sometimes not enough focus, so I understand that completely. I learn so much from him.”

“I’m happy to have the chance to give back and make a difference in some way.”