Cary Christian Center Children’s Village Afterschool and Summer Enrichment Ministry provides academic enrichment in reading and mathematics, homework assistance, and tutoring. Bible classes are also included. The program is provided at three different sites. The Summer Enrichment program includes academic and cultural enrichment, gardening, recreational activities, field trips and family-focused activities.
C.R.O.S. Ministries provides 3 seven-week day camps and a one-week residential camp to children who are disadvantaged. The camps provide faith-based and educational components focusing on measurable skills and spiritual development outcomes. Their mission is to provide affordable, accessible summer camping opportunities to children who would otherwise spend the summer home alone.
Eagle’s Nest Learning Center is an after-school mentoring and character development program exclusively for boys that take place at the Benjamin Franklin Institute. They provide hands-on science and math “apprenticeship” activities. Scripture is also integrated into character development lessons and activities.
The Heights provides tutoring and homework help for at-risk children. They also offer activities like gardening, art, music, and bible time. They work with 4 schools in the area and students are referred by a teacher or guidance counselor. Their goal is to have a complete through the Bible series for children so that from kindergarten through 8th grade students would be exposed to the Old and New Testament twice.
Camp Hosanna is a summer day camp with academic and Christian education components. The emphasis is on providing support for retaining skills learned in school and learning new skills. The Gospel message is presented though worship, Bible study, arts and crafts and drama.
S.A.Y. Yes! is a one day a week after school program that includes homework help, recreation, and Bible time. Read to Succeed takes place on the school campus during school hours. A reading specialist prepares the materials for each group of 3 or 4 kids and coordinates with the volunteers. Students are referred to both programs by a teacher.
The Esperanza Project provides faith-based mentoring to a high-risk area of Tucson. Activities include a combination of after-school academic and spiritual support for 30 elementary age students and a summer camp. Kids are referred to the program by teachers and school counselors.
The Youth Value Impact after school program takes place Monday through Friday. Students receive homework help and play learning games. The children learn about moral values through the teaching of biblical lessons. They also have a summer program with activities, field trips, plays, and Bible study.
Open Door is a Christian Community Development Corporation that has a childcare center for preschool through middle school that serves low-income area of Denver. They provide before and after school care while focusing on homework assistance, one-on-one mentoring and spiritual development.
Flying Colors is an after school program that offers homework help for students of low-income families. They also work on improving social and emotional skills.
Ray of Hope Camp is a 7 week summer day camp for children with behavioral and emotional challenges that cannot succeed in mainstream programs. They teach life skills and assist in the development of the social, physical, emotional and spiritual areas of children's lives. They also offer enrichment activities including dance, music, art, photography, video and more.
Bear Lake Camp is a Christian summer camp where the Kids to Camp program provides scholarships to at-risk and disadvantaged 8 – 12 year old kids in the greater Fort Wayne area.. Kids come from social service agencies and churches and are able to attend one week of camp.
Calvary Home for Children is a Christian, privately-funded, non-governmental residential home for abused or neglected children where they teach Christian values, mend emotional scars, provide Biblical counseling, and seek to keep siblings together. The Tools for Learning Center project includes a library and study center housed in their new cottage.
The Summer Preparatory Academy is designed to acclimate first and second year students from their school academically, spiritually, and behaviorally and impart athletic skills. Math and reading skills are targeted as well as other remedial training.
The Daniel Project is a free twice a week academic and social based program provided to the children of incarcerated parents. They provide kids 12 and under a safe, stable environment that also includes technological resources and character and social building instruction.
Great Kids provides tutoring in reading, math, and study skills, character building, citizenship, and life skills instruction to at-risk kids ages 5-12. The program has three church sites it takes place at. Schools identify kids for this program and they work together to come up with the best plan for the kids.
IYN serves children in the Annapolis community. The Summer Explosion Day Camps will focus on a mathematics prep course, morals and values, dietary nutrition and fitness. Each week a different grade level attends camp. The last week is a business 101 class where they brainstorm business ideas, draft a business plan, create cards and make a presentation at the end of the week.
Hoops for Homework serves children in public housing with an after school program and summer bible based camp. They are expanding to include K-3 grades and increase the number of 4-6 graders. Schools refer children to them.
Park Avenue has both a summer and after school program that includes tutoring that they offer to the at-risk children of South Minneapolis. They also offer a technology camp to the kids. They partner with the local school district.
Peace of the City is expanding its Homework Club to the Westside of Buffalo where they originally started. This will be their fourth club. The club is a combination of academic support with a spiritual emphasis along with creative arts. Leadership of this program chooses to live within the community of the children they are serving.
Sowers of the Harvest is providing scholarships for 4th-6th graders to attend summer camp where they provide training that builds character and confidence. Teachers and the school counselor help identify those who are in need academically, emotionally and economically.
The Summer Camping Program is an outreach ministry to kids from 4 counties who are not attending other groups. They break it down by ages. Children are referred by private referrals, foster parent organizations, and social services.
Canoe Creation is a mobile camp that travels to the area of residence of participants and establishes river routes and camping areas nearby. Children are divided up by age and take part in either day expeditions by canoe or overnight floats on the river. Their primary goal is to get youth who have little opportunity to explore God’s creation into a setting where they can learn to see His hand in the things that He has made.
Village of Hope is a housing program for homeless men, women and children. Their primary objective is to provide stable housing while offering services to help individuals become self-sufficient and grow in the knowledge of Christ. The Children’s Dream Center offers infant and preschool care, after school care and homework assistance to school age children. Parents help with child care activities and programs, increasing involvement in their child’s development while also learning new parenting skills.
This 8 week summer camp is an outreach ministry for community children who do not have the resources to pay for summer enrichment opportunities. The focus is on spiritual, educational and mental growth. Their main goal is to help at-risk kids grow in a meaningful relationship with God, through Jesus Christ.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Youth Sports Camp is for young athletes, ages 7-12, who desire to develop their skills in a variety of sports, while also receiving biblical teaching focusing on making good choices and knowing one’s purpose in Jesus Christ. Camps will take place on the Pine Ridge, Crow Creek and Rosebud reservations.
Volunteers of America is a national, spiritually based organization providing local human service programs and opportunities for individual and community involvement. The Light of the Village has after-school and summer Bible camp programs for at-risk youth and is free to participants.
By the Hand Club (formerly known as Kid’s Club) is a faith-based after-school program with an emphasis on academics and a commitment to nurturing the whole child - mind, body and soul. They are located throughout some of Chicago"s most impoverished inner-city communities where overcrowding and under funded schools abound. Along with academic support and personal mentoring, basic nutritional and medical needs are met. Other activities include drama, dance, music and sports.
Cross View Summer Camp has an “Elementary Open Registration”
week for low-income, at-risk 2nd through 5th graders who would not otherwise
have the opportunity to be involved in a Christian camp experience.
These children are from the camp’s immediate rural area and inner
city Lubbock. They attend 5 days of camp for a fee of just $15.00.
Families Forward provides the needed mentoring and guidance for preteens while working alongside parents and family leaders. They strive to be the bridge that leads families into stronger, deeper relationships with the Creator, regardless of church affiliation, socioeconomic background, education, etc. Their goals for children include staying connected with family, becoming a person of influence, developing a personal relationship with Jesus and establishing life long relationships.
First Baptist Church Raytown has a Recreation Outreach Center for the purpose of serving the community and creating environments in which the gospel of Jesus Christ can be shared through relationships. The Children’s Outreach Sports League runs three times a year with basketball, cheerleading, soccer and football and is geared towards Kindergarten through 6th graders. Scholarships are given to those who are in need.
Harambee Ministries has a number of programs, all serving at-risk African-American and Latino children. These include a pre-school, elementary school, after-school program, summer day camp and Junior Staff program. The school is open to all regardless of ability to pay. The summer day camp is a five-week long program that runs Monday through Friday from 7:45 am – 6:00 pm and serves 50 children. They provide academic instruction, recreation, enrichment activities and field trips.
Kids in Country seeks to take inner city children out of the city for one
week and place them in a family farm environment. Kids spend a week
with a host family at the family’s farm, then they spend one week
later in the summer at a camp with all of the children who were involved
in the program. Transportation to and from the farms and camp is provided.
The summer camp program is an extension of the United Methodist Cooperative
Ministries after-school tutoring program, PASS (Producing Academically
Successful Students). It is a six-week academic and spiritual enrichment
program serving 30 to 35 at-risk children ages 6 – 12 years old.
Their goal is to ensure that the students maintain the academic progress
they achieved during the school year, while promoting Biblical principles
and providing alternative activities for children during the summer.
Angel Tree Camping is a 4 day camp experience designed for children ages 7-12 that have a parent currently in prison or one that has recently been released. Their goal is for these children to see that they can have a positive future and successful life through Jesus Christ. Camp experience includes Bible study, worship, team building activities, learning about nature, and a chance to see positive examples of godly adults through the camp staff.They also continue the connection with the children throughout the year with monthly activity days.
Camp Higherground is an annual summer camp and mentoring program for children
6-12 years old. The four day camp is located in rural Pennsylvania.
Their mission is to provide enrichment services to the children in their
community that are in need. They participate in activities that will
build character, teach social skills, and provide spiritual enrichment.
This includes journaling, worship and Bible study, sports, team-building
challenges, art, singing, drama, hands-on projects, rap sessions about
issues concerning the children and mentoring that continues throughout
the school year.
Camp Bennett is a 200 acre respite, camp, and retreat center in Montgomery
County, Maryland for disadvantaged, inner-city Washington, DC children
ages 8-12. The camp accommodates up to 64 at-risk children per week,
for overnight/residential camping during seven weeks in the summer.
Christian counselors and volunteers lead at-risk, inner-city elementary
school-aged children through life-changing Bible programs and teaching
sessions. They also have activities such as swimming, singing, crafts,
hiking, basketball, and a ropes course. Also on site is a petting
zoo where the children can learn about and help with the animals.A literacy
component is currently being planned for camp.
Family Guidance provides programs that strengthen families and offers hope and a future to at-risk kids throughout the greater Pittsburgh area. They provide mentoring, after-school, and camping programs for children ages 7-15. The One-to-One Program provides relational mentoring to youth from urban and rural areas in Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Washington and Westmorland counties. The core of the program is to recruit, train, equip and match volunteers to serve as mentors for their youth. The mentors model the building of successful relationships for the children, which dramatically affect their personal, professional, spiritual and social development. Children are referred by hundreds of referral services, including parents, schools, churches and social service agencies. The mentor is assigned to a child whose needs are compatible with the mentor’s unique gifting. The mentors are required to provide consistent mentoring of one youth over a one-year period. The mentor meets with their mentee on a regular, weekly basis for an average of 3-4 hours. They are to provide compassionate, emotional support and friendship as well as role modeling and guidance with the goal of helping kids achieve their full potential on a spiritual, emotional, social and physical level.
The Freedom Center is located in a distressed area of Lakeland, Florida.
They provide ongoing daily programs, including after-school tutoring,
reading, recreation, hands on technology programs, mentoring and counseling,
health and substance awareness or prevention, HIV/AIDS prevention, parenting
classes, referral services, summer camp programs and other life-building
activities. They provide services that motivate achievement, help students
with their homework and develop reading skills, to encourage good Christian
character development, self-esteem, and a sense of purpose.
On Saturdays, a “Kid’s Club” program similar to an
inner city Children’s Church takes place for a few hundred kids.The
VENTURE Summer Camp program is an 8 week faith-filled day camp that
includes bible time, sports, games, Spanish class, creative arts and
crafts, music, drama, and field trips. It provides a structured and
safe haven for the youth during summer months.
House of Faith is a non-denominational, faith-based organization that serves
more than 2,000 unchurched and at-risk children and youth in west-central
Texas. House of Faith promotes faith in God as a way to address such
problems as youth delinquency, substance abuse, violence and gang involvement.
The summer camp is oriented around a biblical theme. The experience
provides an opportunity for 4 days of mentoring and relationship strengthening
with children age 9-12 who attend backyard bible clubs during the course
of the school year.
Metropolitan Community Development Corporation was founded in1996 to assist
members of the community by providing them with a variety of services
with the sole purpose of improving their lives and demonstrating the
love of God to them in a tangible way. MCDC also acts as a referral
agency to other community services. Some of their current programs include,
before and after school services, summer camp for kids, adult literacy/English
as a second language, health promotion, food, housing and clothing assistance
and immigration support services.
They are very immigrant focused with most of their community being of
immigrant status.Vacation Bible School is an all day VBS for children
ages 3 to 12 for two weeks. Transportation is provided for those who
need it. 13 -16 year olds help out as “Counselors in Training.”
Open Door Childcare Center includes a preschool and a before and after
school program serving children from extremely low-income families in
the Denver area. It is a fully-functioning school with learning time,
play time, naptime, hands-on learning activities, meals and snacks,
and field trips. The School-age program operates before and after school
and all day on school breaks. Children receive homework help, specific
reading time, Bible stories and principles, meals and snacks. Their
goals include readying the children for success in school, developing
a program that helps working single mothers achieve their goals, and
instilling Biblical knowledge and Christian characteristics into the
hearts and minds of the students.
The Mailbox Club is a correspondence program in which students who have
attended Released Time Bible classes can sign up to receive lessons,
mail them in for grading, and earn reductions off the rate of a week
of camp in the summer. Each lesson series contains approximately eight
lessons for the students to complete and return. The lessons are Bible
studies that have to do with the practical aspects of living a Godly
life. CBM’s goal with The Mailbox Club is to allow children, regardless
of financial status, the opportunity to attend a week of summer camp.
Kids’ Club is a faith-based, not-for-profit organization that operates
a Christ-centered after-school program for high-risk, inner-city children.
They currently are serving two Chicago neighborhoods: Cabrini-Green
and Altgeld Garden-Murray Homes community. An emphasis is placed on
the spiritual aspect of the children’s lives without overlooking
or minimizing the educational and physical needs of the children. All
the children in Kids’ Club are recommended by their school, and
carry grade point averages of ‘D’ or lower. The program
goals include raising student’s test scores into a normal range
and passing all classes with ‘C’ or better. They also include
a focus on helping children to live healthy lifestyles, to learn skills
to make wise decisions, and to learn relational skills to be able to
interact effectively. They also include a health program where the children
are able to see health care professionals and learn how to take care
of their bodies.
Camp Penuel was founded to provide a totally free camping experience with
a spiritual aspect for inner-city, at-risk, and/or underprivileged children
between the ages of 7 and 11. The children receive scholarships that
include the costs of transportation, meals, lodging, insurance, craft
supplies, books, Bibles, and t-shirts. Children attend chapel services,
craft and library time, along with going on nature hikes to learn about
plants and animals. For two weeks each summer, a Summer Reading Program
is implemented and taught by a certified teacher for children who need
additional help with reading and creative writing.
The Christian Athletic Program (CAP) teaches Christian principles to children through the participation of athletics. CAP provides children with free transportation to and from their sporting activities each week. While the children are there, they are taught a Bible lesson during breaks. CAP offers a variety of sports to the children throughout the year including basketball, volleyball, flag football and soccer.
The Gen 1 Fine Arts Camp melds art and biblical teaching together. With a three part program, Gen 1 is able to give children quality art instruction, story-based teaching, and small group communities during their camp experience. Children are broken up into age groups where they participate in a variety of art classes and learn important principles that apply to the creative process and to their spiritual life.
Express Yourself Urban Arts Program is a year round children’s ministry
program offering classes in visual, performing, culinary and exploratory
arts to underresourced children in Westside Costa Mesa. Children enroll
in classes where they learn and develop skills in a variety of artistic
areas. They also participate in “Family Time” which consists
of a devotion, discussion, and snacks. The children also participate
in “Artists in Action” where students visit local art museums
or performances, or are visited by a professional artist.
YWAM serves at-risk youth in the Bayview Hunters Point district of San
Francisco. The summer day camp is offered for six weeks each summer.
The program includes Bible lessons, games, crafts, and individualized
reading enrichment. Children are encouraged to develop social skills
and a positive self-image based in a relationship with Christ. Other
activities include arts, sports, cooking, and music. Field trips are
offered weekly.
American Ministry Support focuses on reaching children of incarcerated
parents. Specifically, they provide a camping program for children ages
8-12 that have incarcerated parents and live in either New York City
or New Jersey. They offer a week long camp involving bible study, hiking
games and activities. The Dare to Dream grant program funds were
used to help supply staff with new equipment to better meet the needs
of the inner city children attending camp as well as help provide a
free week of camp for 22 children.
Rites of Passage exists to provide and alternative to the lack of positive
activities for youth on the east side of San Antonio. Their mission
is to progressively prepare children to move from childhood to adulthood
by providing a program that meets their needs through a spiritual, educational,
relevant, relational, unique and culturally creative ministry. Youth
are exposed to activities in five major subject areas: the family, health,
sexuality, history, and economics. Through these they are given biblically
based tools to develop skills in the areas of conflict resolution, self-expression,
money management, goal setting, long term thinking, making positive
choices, and community leadership.
The Atlantic City Rescue Mission has served the homeless since 1964. Offering
food, shelter, clothing, and many intervention programs, they are able
to reach men, women and children who suffer with a variety of complex
issues. Many of the women who attend their program also have young children
who need help. Many of these children lack a sense of security and have
never been encouraged to pursue an education. Beginning in 2002, ACRM
addressed this need with a free preschool program for children ages
2-4. Classes involve a song, story, and a prayer, as well as a Bible
story. Meals, field trips and small performances are all involved in
helping teach these children that, like Joshua 1:9 says, God is with
them wherever they go.
CBM Ministries is a national organization that began with a mission to reach children for Christ in the public school system. Their Bible Bus ministry travels to 21 public schools each month and ministers to over four thousand children. Along with after school Bible studies CBM has a mailbox club ministry that include follow-up teaching through correspondence that children complete at home. They also have a summer camp where children can earn scholarships by completing their lessons.
Child Evangelism Fellowship provides a free after-school Good News Club.
This club is free, meets once a week and teaches children important
Biblical lessons that reveal who God is while instilling biblical values.
The Dare to Dream grant program granted funds that helped double their
current after-school operations with the hope to reach twice as many
needy, west-side children.
Christian Athletic Program’s mission is to teach Christian principles and ethics and their application, through participation in athletics. Its efforts are targeted towards the underserved, low income families of Pierce County. They offer free transportation to practices and games, and no fees for participation. Through the medium of sports and short lessons at break, children are taught life-enriching principles such as; team values, participation, self-confidence, respect for leadership and for others, and basic moral values and ethics from the Christian perspective.Dare to Dream funds granted were used for the transportation and bus leasing program.
Community Youth Ministries offers after school Kids Clubs, Kids Choirs,
and Bible Outreaches. One program specifically is “The Jefferson
Kids Choir.” It serves low-income, immigrant children attending
public school. Teachers have noted that those children participating
have increased verbal skills and are more attentive in class. Through
smaller-group interaction, children are also able to learn more about
Christ and have the opportunity to surrender their lives to Him.
The ELIM Corporation’s Boyz to Men Program reaches out to boys’
ages 9 to 12 in their local community equipping them to become responsible
leaders, fathers, and citizens. The mission of this program is to reach
young men through adult male mentors; equipping them to make positive
decisions, through character building (self-esteem), confidence, and
leadership), goal setting (career planning, high school preparation
and enrollment options, college planning, etc.) and life skills, as
well as empowering them spiritually to build meaningful and productive
lives.
The Harambee Preparatory School was created to give the children in their
community the extra attention they need as well as character development
to achieve at or above standardized levels. Character development from
the Bible is infused into every part of the curriculum as well as the
lives of the staff. They have a full after-school and summer program
with homework help, tutoring, Good New Bible Clubs, and Christian discipleship.
Joyful Harvest Neighborhood Center serves at-risk school aged children
and youth. Their after school program is targeted for children in kindergarten
through seventh grade, or ages 5 through 12. Their after school ministry
includes prayer, snack, structured activities such as arts and crafts,
group games, music, cooking and a Bible club. There is also time for
homework and computer lab.
The “Every Child a Champion” ministry serves school-age children
between 6 12 years of age.It is offered to children whose families
cannot afford organized sports or recreation programs. Children
are offered free after school, summer and mid-week events which teach
character training through sports and recreation activities.
Neighborhood Ministries is dedicated to serving the poorest, most vulnerable
children in urban Phoenix. The Neighborhood Center offers Bible studies,
bilingual youth programs, mentoring, summer camps, academic assistance,
Head Start, crisis assistance, leadership training, and numerous other
life-transforming activities to children ages 5 12.Funds from
the Dare to Dream grant program helped pay for expenses on vehicle repair/maintenance,
fuel costs, and for meals and snacks.
Teen Challenge is a non-profit organization that offers a comprehensive, faith-based solution to drug and alcohol addiction and other life controlling problems “His Kids” is one of their programs. The purpose of “His Kids” is to prevent substance abuse among at-risk children and adolescents and attract and enable a new generation of young leaders to become world changers. Their goals are to enable all those they serve to become socially and emotionally healthy, physically well and spiritually alive. The Dare to Dream grant program provided funds towards transportation to and from “His Kids” for participants, recreationally and program affiliated operating expenses ( such as art supplies, Christian education materials, and food), and small equipment.
Operation Out-Reach provides a one-week summer camp to low-income children of Mississippi and the surrounding area. The children are provided with biblical teaching as well as various activities, including hiking, fishing, and other sports activities. The Dare to Dream grant program helped provide funds for children to attend this camp.
PIP Start’s Master Builder Program is aimed at setting a foundation
of purpose and to build character in youth through engineering projects.
The goals of the Master Builder program are for the participating youth
to have an understanding of how math and science apply to the real world
and to have strengthened faith-based character as a result of their
participation. Master Builder prepares youth for college and the workforce
through the use of teamwork and improving their problem solving skills,
while also teaching them to be ethical leaders.
St. John’s offers a summer Bible camp for neighborhood children who have no supervised, planned activities in the summer. They offer them an alternative to drug and crime-ridden streets. They help children grow in their faith and love of God through age appropriate activities including scripture readings, music, arts and crafts, dancing, drama games, sports and rest/quiet time. Field trips where family members can attend is also included.
The Opportunity Program empowers children with diversified learning styles to recognize and optimize their full learning potential. They foster a family environment where the educational, spiritual, social and emotional needs of each child are addressed through a focused, Christ-centered, holistic program. They partner together with staff, students, parents, board of directors, and the community.Grant money funded scholarships for students from Watts Christian School to attend camp.
The SAFEPLACE After-school Program is a children’s outreach ministry
of Edgewater Baptist Church in on of the most ethnically mixed neighborhoods
of Chicago. They provide school-age childcare and tutoring for low-income
and immigrant children while teaching them about Christ.
Orange County Youth Commission reaches out to underprivileged, inner-city
children. Their programs are designed to take the gospel message into
the public arena in the following areas: M.A.D. (Making a Difference)
Clubs, Sports Clubs, E-bus Technology Club, and Mobile Home Park Clubs.
These clubs are taught by Christians who teach from the Bible and are
held on public school campuses and in public arenas.
The S.T.A.R.S. program is a free after-school community outreach program
for economically-deprived elementary-age children who need additional
help and attention academically, financially, emotionally and/or socially.
They are able to experience the love and to hear the Gospel message.
The Good New Safari Club is a free club for at-risk children ages 7-11
that meets once a week to share the love of Jesus. Volunteers do this
by using skits and puppets to teach good character and wise decision
making that specifically deals with choices that affect each child’s
future.
InnerFaith Performing Arts Center focuses on training inner-city youth
in the creative and performing arts. They offer after-school classes
in Drama, Vocal, Visual Arts, Music, Design and Dance. College students
and professionals teach classes with experience in their respective
fields. It is the goal of IPAC to restore joy, hope and inspiration
to the youth of Paterson and offer children a viable alternative to
their negative surroundings by nurturing hidden talents and helping
them develop moral character.
Connecting Kids is an after school program that includes snack, Bible/Chapel
time, homework help, tutoring, cooking, science, games, reading and
crafts. Transportation to the program is also provided.
The CARE Ministry targets children who have been emotionally, physically,
or sexually abused or are at risk for abuse. The program is designed
to assist in meeting the emotional, physical, social and spiritual needs
of children in San Diego’s North County community. Children come
for a weekend half-day retreat to experience fun, games, activities,
video and puppet presentations and an age-appropriate gospel message.
They also offer a one week day camp in the summer.
Glad Tidings Tabernacle is an urban, multi-cultural church located in North Long Beach. The after school program is for children ages 5-12. The program includes Bible lessons, snack, homework help, music and mentoring. Their desire is that they can be a place where children of all cultural and economic backgrounds can find encouragement and mentoring in the areas of academics and spiritual direction.
Inner-city kids are able to participate in a week-long Christian camping
experience for free. Activities include hiking, swimming, basketball,
volleyball, foosball, ping-pong, snag golf, street hockey, archery and
a ropes course.
Miracles in Motion is a mentorship ministry for struggling families and
their children residing in local motels or shelters. They aim to break
the cycle of poverty. Their long-term objective is to change lives through
relationship.
Glad Tidings Tabernacle is an urban, multi-cultural church located in North Long Beach. The after school program is for children ages 5-12. The program includes Bible lessons, snack, homework help, music and mentoring. Their desire is that they can be a place where children of all cultural and economic backgrounds can find encouragement and mentoring in the areas of academics and spiritual direction.
This camp is an outreach ministry for community children who have do not
have the resources to pay for summer enrichment opportunities. The children
are primarily from minority, low-income homes and most are unchurched.
The camp is free for participants. They provide transportation, meals,
snacks, recreational activities and with support from local medical
volunteers, free health screenings for vision, hearing, blood pressure,
and heart and lung assessment. Reunions are planned to help maintain
the strong relationships created during the day camp.
All God’s Children is a Sunday school program that is specialized for children with various disabilities. Many families are drawn to the Columbia area due to the medical facilities available and the programs that are offered at the University of Missouri that focus on special needs. This program is an extension and adaptation of the current Sunday school program for children.
Whiz Kidz is a one on one tutoring and mentoring program in the Oklahoma City area. Teachers select students who are below grade level in their reading. Students are then matched with a tutor/mentor for the year. Churches donate the facilities and provide tutors. The program takes place at 27 different sites throughout Oklahoma City.
King's Club is a children's Bible study and recreational program that takes place in Oakwood Village, a low-income mobile home community located in an isolated area outside of Conway. The program takes place on Saturday afternoons. They also teach nutrition education and offer healthy snacks. The gospel is lived out through the relationship between neighborhood residents and the volunteers. There is not a playground in the neighborhood and King’s Club is able to offer recreational opportunities for the children.
The Noah Experience Spring Break Camp is an enrichment program offered for elementary-age children who have experienced disaster (natural or man-made). This camp is an extension of their Summer Enrichment program. The day camp combines disaster recovery support for children with fun-filled recreation to form a unique and healing experience.
Graffiti Community Ministries has been in the community since 1974 and is located in an area that has one of the largest concentrations of housing projects in the city. The after school program includes homework time, snack, devotions and activities. Activities include arts and crafts, gymnastics, dance, and music. The program takes place Monday - Thursday and includes grades 1-5. They are currently working alongside 3 neighborhood schools.
The Healing Species is a 12 to 13 week “Compassion Education and Violence Intervention” curriculum program that teaches at-risk, suffering kids how to find and learn about God's love and compassion. The program uses rescue dogs. Each dog has a story of abuse, neglect, forgiveness and of finding one compassionate person in life that will listen and help. Each lesson teaches of Christ, and His teachings.
Lifeline is a two-year Christian residential and educational program for at-risk and/or homeless young women in crisis pregnancies. Nursery care is provided for children while the mothers finish their GED and get vocational training. They are not only concerned with saving a baby from abortion or a life of poverty and neglect, but also with educating the young mother with the skills and degrees she will need to provide a better life for her child and for herself.
Lighthouse Promise offers after school and mentoring, along with enrichment programs and psychological counseling. They also offer a “Boys 2 Men” program for boys whose fathers are incarcerated or are former felons. They provide one-on-one tutoring. Schools recommend students for the program. They also present a Safety Fair where they offer free immunizations, check-ups and they hand out back to school supplies.
Love in the Name of Christ is designed to strengthen families. They serve the whole family by providing family training classes along with a children's program. The children’s program includes spiritual and developmental activities.
The A.R.K. After School/Summer Enrichment Program provides spiritual, educational, recreational, mentoring and life skills training. They are expanding their program to offer more computer based science, technology, English and math. They also specifically target kids with mental health issues.
The BASIC Academy and Reach Academy are after school programs that meet daily. Children receive homework help and academic assistance. They also offer bible study, art, recreation, ecology workshops and a computer lab. They do service projects together including one where they honor crossing guards in Pittsburgh.
The Children’s Hunger Fund Back2School Pak Program provides a backpack, basic school supplies, and the Gospel message to impoverished children. Using a network of churches, CHF collects in-kind and financial donations from local churches and then distributes complete Back2School Paks to children through Christian volunteers who have established an ongoing relationship with the child and the family.
Eden Village is a redemptive housing center for homeless women and children. Nursery and preschool day care is provided for children whose mothers are participating in education, job training and job placement opportunities with the goal being for families to experience self-sufficiency. Children receive preschool education to prepare them for kindergarten and 3 healthy meals daily.
The Scripture Reading Enhancement Program targets kids in residential and outreach programming who are 12 and under. The Bible is used as the text for the work as well as audio versions of lessons. They are given pre and post tests to provide feedback.
Earthen Vessels Outreach provides year round programming for preschool and elementary aged urban, at-risk kids. Bible lessons and prayer are taught daily along with enrichment in math, reading, computer and social skills. The summer program runs for 6 weeks while the after-school program runs for 8 months, Monday – Friday.
Reading Heroes, Math Heroes and Homework Club are after-school programs that provide 1-on-1 tutoring to elementary school students that are a part of a public housing complex in Southeast Washington D.C. They have been serving this community since 1995.
The Learning Center is a new after-school program for children from the Lynwood community. It runs two days a week with the goal of expanding to three days a week. The time includes snack, praise time, recreation, computer lab, Bible club, read aloud time and homework time. At the end of the program day they share a family meal together.
Kids’ Club serves at-risk elementary students with homework assistance, academic games, Bible study, reading, dinner and prayer with a mentor. The program is open four days a week during the school year. They are expanding from 2 days a week to 4 days so they can serve more students.
Royal Family Kids Camp is a week-long summer camp for abused and neglected children. Our Father’s Children supports 2 camps each summer with 40 children attending each week. The majority of these children are in foster care.
The Set on Success Program serves low-income students which includes many students who are learning English as a Second Language. Children are grouped by levels not grades and the focus is on homework assistance, while providing a meal, educational games and computer time.
The Equine Therapy Center targets at-risk kids ages 8-12 years old from urban neighborhoods of Oklahoma City and low-income families. They utilize the task of caring for the horse and the bonds that form through this caring as a means to establish trust, respect and responsibility. The goal of the program is to build character and promote the Christian belief that with God all things are possible.
The Higher Learning Academy serves kids ages 5-12 years helping to develop in them the desire for continuing their academic careers through high school and beyond. They work with the Omaha Public Schools to track grades and credits, communicate with teachers and guardians, ensure personal accountability and encourage individual academic progress. Community service projects are also another important aspect of this program as well as daily reinforcement of Bible teaching.
Mind of Christ is located 90 miles from Oklahoma City. The Kids Fulfillment Program provides tutors and mentors for after school and summer enrichment programs. They also have a computer lab, Bible time and are incorporating service projects where the children are able to give back to the community.
One Accord serves families living at or below the poverty line. Kids Alley has a Saturday morning outreach program that includes a Bible program, dance classes, needlework, basic carpentry, fine arts and music lessons. On weekdays they have a Learning Center where tutoring and computer classes are offered.
The Kilburn Community Center Educational Program offers Biblically based character development, homework assistance, mentoring, recreation and anger management to children in this lower socioeconomic area. It operates year round with schools directing students to their program. They serve more than 450 children per year.
Whiz Kids Tutoring is a Christian, one-to-one tutoring program located in 40 different sites throughout the Denver metro area. Their mission is to improve the well being of disadvantaged kids through academic tutoring, positive mentoring relationships and spiritual nurturing. The children are referred to them by their teachers. Each site has a liaison teacher assigned form the local school.
Whiz Kids is a tutoring and mentoring program that is offered once a week after school and is designed to build educational confidence and competence. Tutors work with students to complete their homework and strengthen academic proficiency through personal encouragement and assistance.
Mentors develop relationships with the kids and provide for learning and fun outside of the inner city.
A Safe Place After School Program focuses on developing basic skills in reading, writing, math, technology and life skills. Participants are referred by the school district or individuals within the community.
The S.A.Y. Yes! After school Program serves children of refugee families five days a week after school. The children receive tutoring in Math and English as well as help with homework. They also receive a healthy snack, recreation and a Bible study.
Family Retreats are a safe place for families affected by disability to receive counsel, encouragement, information and resources to help with the daily challenges of life with a disability. They offer a week long camp experience for the whole family.
Kids’ Club is an after school program which provides educational stimulation, social growth, spiritual learning and nutritional support to at-risk kids. It is a twice weekly program that includes homework assistance, academic games, Bible study, reading and dinner. Bus transportation is included.
Good News Clubs are free after school programs that meet inside the local public schools once a week for the duration of the school year. Club time includes a Bible lesson, songs, memory verse, review games and other activities that focus on the lesson theme.
The Outreach Program targets at-risk kids from Weaver and Boyd, both
Title 1 schools. A lunch mentoring program operates where volunteers have
lunch with a child 2-4 times a month during the school year. At Meet the
Teacher night they partner with the PTA and another church to provide
a small carnival with games and dinner that has helped parent’s
attendance at this event increase. They also host a Book Fest where students
and parents can pick out 4-5 books free of charge and also enjoy lunch,
games, and other forms of entertainment. Their goal is to build relationships
as well as promote literacy and family-oriented activities.
Little Lights Children’s’ Arts Workshop is a Biblically based evangelistic visual and performing arts outreach program to children living in Harlem. The workshop is held two Saturdays a month during the school year. The program culminates with a final performance and a visual arts exhibition along with a professional level recording session.
KidCare America is a chartered after-school mentoring and academic program
with an emphasis on spiritual growth, academic success, good life choices,
and art. Mentors are in communication with parents, teachers and community
social services so they are aware of the child’s situation at home
as well as in school. Bible Club meets every other Monday.
Tilly’s Baby Home provides long-term residential care to infants
and young siblings (ages 0 to 8 years) who have been removed from their
homes in Orange County due to neglect and abuse, and who are waiting for
more permanent placement with relatives, foster families or adoptive parents.
The program allows brothers and sisters to remain together as they heal
and grow in a safe, Christ-centered, family-style environment with compassionate
professionally-trained adults caring for their physical, emotional, educational
and spiritual needs, and teaching them skills that will help them succeed
in their next placement and in life.
HIS Children’s Camp is a faith based camping facility for children
ages 6- 11 who are victims of child abuse, at-risk or have special needs.
The facility has outdoor classrooms, a garden, arts and crafts, music,
games and a petting zoo.
Firm Foundation Tutoring Program offers after-school and summer tutoring
for at-risk children attending the St. Louis public school system which
has lost its state accreditation due failing test scores and poor management.
Their primary goal is to build relationships with the children and show
them the love of Christ. Children work one-on-one with volunteer tutors
receiving help with their homework and having a time of devotions.
The Homework Club is a ten month after-school program targeting children
ages 6 – 12. Activities include tutoring, arts and crafts,
outdoor games, field trips and snacks. Bible Club is every Thursday after
Homework Club.
Heritage House Childcare and Learning Center provides Christ-centered care to children ages six weeks to five years old during a weekday program. They offer Christ-centered programming focused on Christmas and Easter pageantry. These pageants are held for their children’s families and the Senior Citizens at Heritage House. Children get to be involved in the formation of the pageants and the creation of the dialogue for each pageant.
The Campbell Farm Kids program targets at risk elementary age youth on the Yakama Indian Reservation in Central Washington.
Currently children visit the farm once a week to spend time caring for the gardens and animals, they play games, participate in drama, music and crafts with a biblical theme. They also have a fall/winter after school program that culminates in a Christmas event.
They are expanding to a year round program that includes an after school
program focusing on combining Christian, cross-cultural and environmental
educational activities.
Joni and Friends Family Retreats Program offers people affected by disabilities
and their families a five-day respite from their everyday struggles by
addressing physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of burdened and at-risk
families in a loving, disability-sensitive, and Christ-centered environment.
These retreats address physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual
needs of these families. Freed from the concerns of their everyday lives,
participants in these retreats are able to take advantage of opportunities
the retreats offer to nurture and strengthen relationships, get necessary
rest and recreation, learn needed information, develop healthy coping
mechanisms, and deep their knowledge of Christ’s love. Those benefits
from the retreat can help prevent divorce, unnecessary institutionalization,
depression, and/or alcohol or drug abuses in at-risk families. Joni and
Friends serve a wide variety of disabilities including physical, developmental,
learning, and selected other mental disorders (e.g. autism).
Light Brights is a holistic program which seeks to meet the wide spectrum of needs specific to urban children. Their objective is to provide a safe, positive and spiritually enriching event for 60 “unchurched” elementary age children once a month, reinforced by weekly children’s church, and a summer kid’s day camp. They strive to provide education in the areas of God’s temple (sexual abstinence, substance abuse, healthy nutrition), God’s creation (trips to the Columbus Zoo and COSI (Center of Science and Industry), and cultural diversity. Summer camp includes a book club to help children continue literacy learning all year long.
In addition to providing education their programming is designed to connect
families together and empower them to strive toward wholeness.
Second Mile is a nonprofit organization assisting under-served residents of Fort Bend County, Texas. Their mission is to provide an opportunity for people to hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ by, first, establishing a relationship that meets their physical needs.
The Tricia Whitaker Back-to-School- Program provides complete school supplies for less-privileged students in Fort Bend County, Texas. These children don’t have the resources to get the supplies they need as they begin school. Second Mile works to prevent this. Their goal is to provide 2,000 complete school supply packets for children in grades Pre-K 5th grade. Each family meets with a counselor before the children receive the supplies
S.P.A.R.E. Counseling Center provides sound Christian based counseling to at-risk homeless and children from low-income families under the age of 12 experiencing, but not limited to, grief and loss issues, abuse in and out of home, divorce in the family, and drug and alcohol addiction in the family.
Children’s counseling groups meet once a week for 10-15 weeks. Groups range from anger management, grief and loss, and sexual and physical abuse.
Specifically, the Dare to Dream Grant program has funded S.P.A.R.E. with funds designated for transportation and supplies.
The counseling center is designed to meet the
needs of the financially challenged who would benefit from Christian counseling,
but would not be able to afford it otherwise.
The Released Time (RT) program conducts classes in mobile classrooms
in three southeast Los Angeles County school districts. The RT program
serves fourth and fifth grade students in Bellflower, Compton, and Long
Beach, often in areas where school facilities are run down, children’s
test scores are low, and there is high turn over. The mobile classrooms
are parked in front of the school where children come to receive Biblical
based teachings. Children are able to learn both spiritually and academically.
Students are given verses to memorize, worksheets to fill out, and time
to worship and pray. The program runs for the duration of the school year.
SCYM-West reaches out to at-risk children and youth in Springfield’s west-end neighborhoods. While they originally started with one middle school, SCYM-West now works with many inner-city public schools and children from K-12 grades. With the start of the STARS After school program, children were given an opportunity to use time constructively and productively while parents are still at work. Children are able to build positive relationships and friendships, when they often do not have stable families. The program helps children to strive for academic excellence and teaches them that learning can be fun through activities like cooking, chess, board games, etc. The staff teaches the children about Jesus and how He relates to their everyday lives through Bible study. An emphasis on peacemaking is important because of the violence that occurs in both families and the neighborhoods the children live in.
STEP is a faith-based mentoring and tutorial after school program for
at-risk children ages 5-12. STEP fosters Christian education as a mean
to assist the children in finding their purpose in life. Children receive
homework assistance, one-on-one tutoring, and spiritual guidance. STEP meets everyday after school for three hours, engaging the children in
both academic and Biblical studies. They are served a meal before they
leave and family consultations and counseling are available on request.
The Papyrus Youth Camp serves foster children ages 6-12. They strive
to meet the spiritual and psychological needs of the many foster children
in Western New York. Papyrus seeks to support children who are in foster
care or other out-of-home placement by providing them with a week of Christ-centered
summer activities and by promoting healing by helping improve in at least
one personal growth area (anger management, problem solving, positive
self-identity, etc.). While at camp, each child receives daily Bible studies,
a Bible to keep, a “care” bag filled with school supplies,
personal hygiene items and devotional material. In addition to the daily
Bible study, chapel, camp-fire devotions, and prayers, specific topics
unique to foster children are addressed throughout the week including
skills to deal with family loss and grief, cultural changes, self-esteem,
healthy lifestyle choices including healthy eating and conflict resolution.
Joni and Friends Family Retreats Program offers people affected by disabilities
and their families a five-day respite from their everyday struggles
by addressing physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of burdened and
at-risk families in a loving, disability-sensitive, and Christ-centered
environment. These retreats address physical, emotional, educational,
and spiritual needs of these families. Freed from the concerns of their
everyday lives, participants in these retreats are able to take advantage
of opportunities the retreats offer to nurture and strengthen relationships,
get necessary rest and recreation, learn needed information, develop healthy
coping mechanisms, and deep their knowledge of Christ’s love. Those
benefits from the retreat can help prevent divorce, unnecessary institutionalization,
depression, and/or alcohol or drug abuses in at-risk families. Joni and
Friends serve a wide variety of disabilities including physical, developmental,
learning, and selected other mental disorders (e.g. autism).
Heritage House is a childcare center that understands the importance
of Biblical instruction as an essential part of a successful well-rounded
program. They serve children ages six weeks to five years old. Children
are engaged in a variety of activities designed to enhance their academic
and social well-being. They also place great emphasis on character education
taught from a Biblical perspective. Heritage House offers Christ-centered
programming focused on improving parenting skills.
Stepping Stones is committed to helping at-risk youth who live throughout the Coachella Valley in California to develop skills necessary to succeed in school, in their homes, and in the community. They achieve this through a Christ-centered 3-step program that includes a focus on education, community service, and long-term career goals. The “Enough is Enough” program helps youth to increase and maintain a grade point average of at least 2.0 or higher. The “Helping Hands” requires students to participate in community service projects that are set up through Stepping Stones. Finally, the “Pathways” program helps the students to develop their long-term educational and career goals. Stepping Stones also has a Boot Camp where the youth are transformed into disciplined members of a team. They also offer counseling, and encourage students to attend and participate in church services and Bible studies.
At the Paramount S.A.Y. Yes! Program, the students have time to work
on homework, receive tutoring, and participate in educational and enrichment
activities (such as Accelerated Reader) after their homework has been
finished. The program also includes snack time, recreation and a weekly
Bible Club. Other programs for our children include drop-in classes such
as weekly Reading Club, guitar class, and dance class. During the Bible
Club, children are introduced to God’s plan of salvation. Children
also have an opportunity daily for prayer, mentoring and conversations
about God.
Joni and Friends Family Retreats Program offers people affected by disabilities
and their families a five-day respite from their everyday struggles by
addressing physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of burdened and at-risk
families in a loving, disability-sensitive, and Christ-centered environment.
These retreats address physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual
needs of these families. Freed from the concerns of their everyday lives,
participants in these retreats are able to take advantage of opportunities
the retreats offer to nurture and strengthen relationships, get necessary
rest and recreation, learn needed information, develop healthy coping
mechanisms, and deep their knowledge of Christ’s love. Those benefits
from the retreat can help prevent divorce, unnecessary institutionalization,
depression, and/or alcohol or drug abuses in at-risk families. Joni and
Friends serve a wide variety of disabilities including physical, developmental,
learning, and selected other mental disorders (e.g. autism).
Zion Christian Center for Worship and the Arts is an ecumenical dance
ministry comprised of all ages that has ministered locally, regionally
and internationally in churches, schools and conferences. They train and
teach worship, the arts and share God’s word. For their summer program,
children age 5-12 meet twice a week and attend one or two week long Christian
Dance Camps. During the school year they meet twice a week after school.
Pioneer Camp and Retreat Center is a ministry of the Eastern District
of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Pioneer’s outreach programs
provide countless faith building opportunities. It is located on the shores
of Lake Erie. Papyrus Camp, a Christ-centered overnight camp program,
serves the needs of children who are part of the Foster Care system, and
youth in similar out-of-home placement situations. Scholarships were granted
for some of these children so they could attend camp.
Kidz Place is an outreach ministry to the community targeting “at risk” children, ages K-5th grade. Their goal is to equip children with the love of Jesus, and to help them grow spiritually, physically, and mentally. They do this by offering free hot meals, tutoring with volunteer teachers, and volunteer staff, worship, music, arts and drama. Transportation is provided by bus.
San Diego Rescue Mission provides childcare for children 0-4 years old
while their mothers continue to prepare for life after the Rescue Mission.
They offer after-school activities, including tutoring for older children
attending local schools. They also provide individual therapy for each
child.
The Oasis of Hollywood is a faith-based and community-based organization
that reaches out to at-risk children, teens and young adults. Their mission
is to provide a safe haven, mentoring relationships, and the support programs
necessary to initiate and sustain a youth’s academic, emotional,
and spiritual development. Kidz Klub is a program that educates children
through Bible-based curriculum. They also offer after school tutoring.
Children of the City primarily seeks to change the lives and circumstances
of children of the inner-city through Christian discipleship and Biblical
teaching. They do this through tutoring, performing arts, sports, promoting
healthy peer relations, food, activities that are fun and engaging -yet
educational in process, and group sessions on hardcore issues children
face at home. Homework help and tutoring is provided 5 days a week. Bible
verses and everyday applications are taught as well as worship.
The Calicinto Ranch, Angel Tree Summer Camp Adventure Program is modeled
around character building lessons and worship. It is open to children
who have a parent in prison. Activities are oriented toward building
self-esteem and confidence. Angel Tree campers receive character building
instruction and an introduction to Christianity. One of their goals is
to connect the children with churches in their community to help create
a bond that inspires the children to participate in local church activities
and services.
I CAN DO IT! is a year-round, incentive-based-stay-in-school intervention
program for at-risk 5th through 12th graders. Their goals
are for each child to meet the state attendance requirements and achieve
a minimum “C” average. Another objective is to reduce dropout
rates in an area where it’s not uncommon for children as young as
fifth grade to quit school. They motivate kids to not only stay in school
but to excel academically and to develop into leaders in their communities.
They also regularly attend Monday night Bible lessons as well as a
two week summer Vacation Bible School.
Kingdom Kids ministers every Sunday morning to newborns through twelve-year-olds.
Their puppet and drama ministry goes into lower income areas in the community
to evangelize children through puppet shows and drama skits. These events
give them the opportunity to invite them to their Sunday morning program.
Kidz Place is an outreach ministry to the community targeting “at risk” children, ages K-5th grade. Their goal is to equip children with the love of Jesus, and to help them grow spiritually, physically, and mentally. They do this by offering free hot meals, tutoring with volunteer teachers, and volunteer staff, worship, music, arts and drama. Transportation is provided by bus.
Place of Hope is a faith-based child welfare organization providing family-style
residential care and healing opportunities for children who have been
traumatized by abuse and neglect. They strive to provide a consistent
nurturing home environment, with sibling group unification, enabling brothers
and sisters to share their lives together while in foster care. Their
mission is to witness God’s love and grace while providing the best
possible care.
Hope in the City has been working with families in East City Heights,
San Diego since August 1998. They offer American Sign Language classes,
community Bible studies, and “Urban Plunges” that provide
Christian groups outside of the community with opportunities to learn
and serve. Kids of Hope also offers two days of after-school tutoring,
one day of computer classes for 4th and 5th graders,
and one day of Kids Bible Club.
Family Care Network is a therapeutic foster family agency providing a family based, community centered treatment alternative to the institutional care of children. Their mission is to enhance the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of children, teens and families through: family-centered clinical and residential treatment programs; affordable housing, education and training in partnership with the individuals’ families, agencies and communities they serve.