We're excited to announce that SCYM recently received a grant from Antioch University McGregor to support the GirlPower After-School Program in 2010. Through a unique partnership between Antioch McGregor, Learn and Serve America, and the Ohio Campus Compact, a class of 12 students solicited grant applications in the areas of health, homelessness and hunger for children under age 18 and granted out a total of $4,500. We are excited that GirlPower was among three programs selected for funding.
For more information about the program, click here: http://www.payitforwardmcgregor.com/. Thanks to each of these organizations for helping us help girls develop healthy habits for a lifetime!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Join us Monday, March 22, for a great night and decadent desserts!
What do the AFC Champion Indianapolis Colts, delicious desserts, and Springfield city kids have in common? Answer - the SCYM Spring Dessert! This year's Dessert takes place:
This year's dessert features Indianapolis Colts Chaplain Ken Johnson as our guest speaker. Pastor Ken has worked extensively with urban youth and is the author of the book, Journey to Excellence. You'll also hear about what God is doing at SCYM through staff and student presentations - and of course enjoy fantastic desserts from area restaurants, caterers, and bakers.
There is no charge for admission; there will be an opportunity to donate to the ministry.
The Spring Dessert is one of two major fundraisers SCYM holds each year, which enable us to stay in the trenches with kids week in and week out. We so appreciate all the folks who make this event happen, and the great people who turn out to support our city's kids!
To reserve your place, RSVP to: scyministries@gmail.com or call 937.325.6183. We hope to see you there!
Monday, March 22, 7:00 pm
Courtyard by Marriott, 100 S. Fountain, Springfield
This year's dessert features Indianapolis Colts Chaplain Ken Johnson as our guest speaker. Pastor Ken has worked extensively with urban youth and is the author of the book, Journey to Excellence. You'll also hear about what God is doing at SCYM through staff and student presentations - and of course enjoy fantastic desserts from area restaurants, caterers, and bakers.
There is no charge for admission; there will be an opportunity to donate to the ministry.
The Spring Dessert is one of two major fundraisers SCYM holds each year, which enable us to stay in the trenches with kids week in and week out. We so appreciate all the folks who make this event happen, and the great people who turn out to support our city's kids!
To reserve your place, RSVP to: scyministries@gmail.com or call 937.325.6183. We hope to see you there!
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
2009 - By the numbers
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!
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!
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
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
What's in your closet?
Recently during an office clean-out, we discovered some children's picture Bibles stashed in a cupboard, unused for some time. Wanting to put them to better use, STARS director Jeff Nelson took them to the "STARS-Bucks Store," where kids participating in the program could cash in points they had earned for items they wanted - small toys and prizes, school supplies, or other practical things.
One little girl, "Jocelyn," had her heart set on a Bible. She was so excited to get her Bible that she could not stop hugging it. During gym time, she kept her new Bible with her, looking at the pictures and showing all of her friends.
How precious is God's word to us, and how precious are the kids he loves! May we all share Jocelyn's childlike joy and wonder at God's letter to us.
And a simple challenge - is there something in your closet, unused, that could bless a kid? The STARS-Bucks Store is open monthly at the two STARS location and always needs new or gently used items for 50 kids grades K-6. (More Bibles or books are welcome!) Email us at SCYMinistries@gmail.com if you have items to donate, or call our office at (937)325-6183.
One little girl, "Jocelyn," had her heart set on a Bible. She was so excited to get her Bible that she could not stop hugging it. During gym time, she kept her new Bible with her, looking at the pictures and showing all of her friends.
How precious is God's word to us, and how precious are the kids he loves! May we all share Jocelyn's childlike joy and wonder at God's letter to us.
And a simple challenge - is there something in your closet, unused, that could bless a kid? The STARS-Bucks Store is open monthly at the two STARS location and always needs new or gently used items for 50 kids grades K-6. (More Bibles or books are welcome!) Email us at SCYMinistries@gmail.com if you have items to donate, or call our office at (937)325-6183.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
