256 - Total number of kids served
218 - Number who came to a program 3 or more times
6 - City schools represented in SCYM programs
28 - Kids who gave at least 10 hours of service with SCYM
80 - Percentage of kids surveyed after attending SCYM programs who said that "what God wants me to do" influences their decisions
83 - Percentage of kids surveyed after attending SCYM programs who said they were better able to stand up to negative peer pressure
89 - Percentage of parents of STARS kids who noticed "a lot" of positive difference in their child's grades
$40.04 - Cost per month per student
65 - Weekly program volunteers in fall 2009
1 - Each individual life that is precious to God!
Thank you for helping us reach the most important number: 1!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Jesus loves us, this we know
Seven-year-old Michael* has been attending the STARS After-School program for over a year. Like many kids we meet, Michael has difficulty focusing, sitting still, and acting appropriately with his peers - and, no surprise, frequently finds himself in trouble.
Recently during STARS chapel time, director Jeff Nelson had to take a "STARSbuck" away from Michael for misbehavior. During the same chapel time, Jeff shared about Jesus' love for us, and showed a clip from The Passion of the Christ. As the clip was being shown, Michael went up to Jeff and whispered, "Did that really happen? Did Jesus really do that for me?" Jeff whispered back, "Yes, he did, Michael. He loves you that much." Jeff went on to explain to the kids what the gospel meant. Michael, along with several other children, later told Jeff that he had prayed to ask forgiveness for his sins, and trusted in Jesus.
The truth of the gospel is, when others would label us a misfit, a castoff, or a troublemaker, the love of Jesus tells us that our lives matter. In fact, they are infinitely valuable to him. Michael's life is infinitely valuable. So is yours. So is mine. This we know.
Thank you for partnering with us to share Jesus' love with the "Michaels" of our community. We're so grateful to be in this with you!
*name changed
Recently during STARS chapel time, director Jeff Nelson had to take a "STARSbuck" away from Michael for misbehavior. During the same chapel time, Jeff shared about Jesus' love for us, and showed a clip from The Passion of the Christ. As the clip was being shown, Michael went up to Jeff and whispered, "Did that really happen? Did Jesus really do that for me?" Jeff whispered back, "Yes, he did, Michael. He loves you that much." Jeff went on to explain to the kids what the gospel meant. Michael, along with several other children, later told Jeff that he had prayed to ask forgiveness for his sins, and trusted in Jesus.
The truth of the gospel is, when others would label us a misfit, a castoff, or a troublemaker, the love of Jesus tells us that our lives matter. In fact, they are infinitely valuable to him. Michael's life is infinitely valuable. So is yours. So is mine. This we know.
Thank you for partnering with us to share Jesus' love with the "Michaels" of our community. We're so grateful to be in this with you!
*name changed
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Help a Kid Crush the Odds!
Do you have 45 minutes to spare on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday afternoon? You could help a kid crush the odds, by becoming a tutor at the STARS After-School Program!
We have openings for volunteer tutors at the following days and times:
Tuesdays, 3:55-4:40 (Westside Christian Community)
Wednesdays, 2:30-3:15 OR 3:15-4:00 (High St. Church of the Nazarene)
Thursdays, 3:55-4:40 (Westside Christian Community)
Our city kids need caring tutors and mentors, from high school age on up, who will help them with homework and literacy activities. 45 minutes may be the most life-changing investment you'll make this year!
Call Jeff Nelson at 360-7308, or email us at SCYMinistries@gmail.com to get started!
We have openings for volunteer tutors at the following days and times:
Tuesdays, 3:55-4:40 (Westside Christian Community)
Wednesdays, 2:30-3:15 OR 3:15-4:00 (High St. Church of the Nazarene)
Thursdays, 3:55-4:40 (Westside Christian Community)
Our city kids need caring tutors and mentors, from high school age on up, who will help them with homework and literacy activities. 45 minutes may be the most life-changing investment you'll make this year!
Call Jeff Nelson at 360-7308, or email us at SCYMinistries@gmail.com to get started!
Success Stories from our Shining "STARS"
The Jones* family joined us for the first time at Westside STARS After-School Program in the fall. They have four children attending twice a week. Recently, I spoke with their father, who told me that they love the STARS program, and the kids love it too. He said that his oldest son, Brian (6th grade), made the Honor Roll for the first time.
Courtney (6th grade), the Jones' next door neighbor, also started attending STARS this year. I talked with her uncle, who told me that they really admire what we are doing in the community, and it is really making a difference. Pastor Costy has been helping Courtney with homework, and she recently got her first 100%.
*All names changed
Jeff Nelson
Associate Director
Courtney (6th grade), the Jones' next door neighbor, also started attending STARS this year. I talked with her uncle, who told me that they really admire what we are doing in the community, and it is really making a difference. Pastor Costy has been helping Courtney with homework, and she recently got her first 100%.
*All names changed
Jeff Nelson
Associate Director
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