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GIVING FOR GOOD

PARENTS AS TEACHERS UPDATE

FLOOD RELIEF TASK FORCE UPDATE

GOOD SAM PHOTO GALLERY

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ANNUAL REPORT

STUDY CONFIRMS POWERFUL IMPACT OF MENTORING ON FAMILIES

"He left here crying.  He was SO thankful to have a place to sleep tonight.  He asked me, as if to confirm that this place was really his, if he would get arrested for sleeping in this apartment tonight.  He had the key in his hand and the signed lease in his folder – 'No, I said, the place is yours.'  'I can stretch out my legs and lay flat. I can take a shower again. I can now be clean and go out and get a job again,' he said.  'Thank you!'
He has been sleeping in his van for at least two weeks now.  His two middle school daughters have been staying with friends after they were evicted from their home.  He has worked at various metal fabricating and carpentry jobs for years.  But, over the last year he has been limited to short term work and  unemployment resulting in their homelessness.
Just wanted to share with you how the work you all do does make a difference when we put the whole team effort together to serve folks struggling with homelessness. -- Debra W., Housing Director

Faith in Youth Partnership

GREAT STORY

"When one immerses oneself in another's life, that is when true service, true change can happen. That's why I know this summer at [working at] Blacktop Recreation and [living in] Stratford Way is changing my life."

Karis is a Hope College Senior who worked at Faith In Youth and Calvary Reformed Churchfs gBlacktop Recreationh program through AmeriCorps. She volunteered and lived in the community she served, surrounded by the families of the youth who spent their days at Blacktop Recreation. She was deeply affected by both her stay in the neighborhood and her experience at Calvary.

Karis learned a lot, not all of it comfortable or politically correct. She recalls it was, "a rubbing of worlds, sometimes with outright confrontation, sometimes with silent resentments and prejudices walking next to each other." However, she also witnessed a miracle as "the kids [ran] around together until our colors blur, and we aren't separated by the cruel barriers of race or gender and class."

Before this experience, Karis planned on completing her degree at Hope followed by a Masters in Fine Arts in Writing. Now, she's drawn to the idea of applying for AmeriCorps or teaching. She has a passion for people and for community. She states, "My ambition to write is strong and I know I will pursue it. But working towards a common good is so deeply fulfilling that I pray my life will continue to unfold, rooted in a commitment to service."

Great Stories 2007-08

WHAT WE DO

Good Samaritan Ministries developed the Faith in Youth Partnership (FIY) to address the identified shortage of youth programs in our community that support positive values in which committed people give of their time and model good behavior.  In September 2009, the Faith IN Youth Partnership will begin its 6th year of serving young people in Holland and Zeeland communities. Mentoring, tutoring and after school programs significantly improve the academic and social competencies of middle school students.

The Faith In Youth Partnership is a collaborative initiative with Good Samaritan Ministries, the area middle schools, six churches and the AmeriCorps program.  Twelve full-time AmeriCorps Members act as the bridge between the churches and the middle schools to coordinate the resources in the neighborhood churches to meet the needs of at risk middle school students.

AmeriCorps Members work in sites throughout Holland and Zeeland, coordinating after-school recreation programs and mentoring/tutoring programs.  The programs foster caring, trusting relationships between adult volunteers and middle school children. 

HOW WE DO IT

AmeriCorps Members are the  motivating force to engage the resources of the church to serve youth in need.  AmeriCorps Members recruit church and community members to serve as mentors, tutors, or to supervise youth in larger group settings.  AmeriCorps Members coordinate small group mentoring and larger after school activities at the church sites using the church facilities.  Members maintain a weekly presence in the three area school districts, with each district allowing the Members to meet and build relationships with youth over the lunch hours.

FAITH IN YOUTH PROGRESS REPORT

The Faith In Youth Partnership wants to give the youth we serve the resources they need to grow up healthy, caring and responsible. The partnership measures students' perceptions using the Developmental Assets set forth by the Search Institute (www.search-institute.org).

This year, we have published our first overview of the measurable impact the Faith In Youth Partnership has made in the lives of youth. A summary of these findings and the measurable impact the Faith In Youth Partnership is making is now available. View the summary below.

Faith In Youth Evaluation

FOR MORE INFORMATION on becoming a partner site or an AmeriCorps Member, contact Robyn Afrik, Program Director.

PARTNER SITES
Calvary Reformed Church
Cornerstone Ministries
Good Samaritan Ministries
Harderwyk Ministries/Neighbors Plus
Maple Avenue Ministries
Moran Park Ministries
Urban Youth Ministries
The Bridge Youth Ministry Center
  

This page funded by a grant from the AT&T Foundation.