Dear HEC Families,

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Running this program and business is something I care deeply about. Starting this business, originally for my daughter, has grown to a deep love & passion for homeschooling and for homeschool families. I pour my heart into my business because I genuinely want to serve families well — and more importantly, I want to honor God in how I do it. I love what I do, but I’d be lying if I said it’s always easy.

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Sometimes it’s really hard. I want to be approachable and helpful and understanding — I really do. I’m a people pleaser at heart, so when someone is upset or accuses me of being unfair or unkind for sticking to the clearly stated policies, it hurts. Not because I think I’m wrong — I stand by my policies — but because I care. And I care a lot. I stay up at night thinking about these things, not out of guilt, but out of heaviness. Running a business with integrity means being consistent and responsible. That means I can’t say yes to one person just because they’ve been coming for years or because we’ve become friendly — because then it becomes a slippery slope of saying yes to everyone. And I can’t do that without compromising the structure, the boundaries, or the fairness I’ve worked so hard to maintain for everyone.

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Sometimes people get upset when I don’t make an exception, and they say things that are harsh or make me feel like I’m doing something wrong. But the truth is — these rules are not random. They are here for a reason. They protect the program, the vendors, the kids, the flow of the day, and the ability to serve everyone equally and responsibly. And it’s not just about them — it’s about all of you.

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You don’t have to agree with every policy — I don’t expect that. But you do have to follow them if you choose to participate. Policies only work when they’re honored. And every family checks those boxes and agrees to those terms when they register — and that matters. That is your “yes” to the system we’ve put in place.

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I know it’s easy to think, “It’s just one exception.” But if you’re thinking that, I promise — you’re not the only one. When I make one exception, it quickly turns into 10… or 20. And then we lose what makes this program work, making it unfair and inconsistent.

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So from the bottom of my heart — thank you to those who show grace, who honor the structure, and who trust me even when it’s not what you would have chosen. That means more to me than you know. I want to continue doing this with excellence, with consistency, and with a heart that reflects both grace and responsibility. I’m not perfect — but I’m doing my best.

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With gratitude,

Leslie Kitchen

Founder & Director
Homeschool Enrichment Centers