Children's Outreach Ministries
• Every 9 seconds of the school day, a child drops out of school.• Every 35 seconds, a child is confirmed as abused or neglected.
• 7 out of 10 poor children live in working families.
• A majority of 4th grade students cannot read at grade level.
For all of these reasons and more, First Church has a history of helping some of the most vulnerable children in our community. Our children’s outreach ministries are committed to assuring children and their families that there is a loving God
and a caring community that embraces them.
The need is great —
the opportunity is vast —
and YOU could be the one to make a difference in the life of a child.
Your financial support of these ministries could change the life of an at risk child.
Back to School RoundupIn 2004, First Church helped organize a grassroots community collaboration of volunteers from social service organizations, churches and municipal offices to create and develop the Back to School Roundup.
Each low-income child that qualifies for the program receives a new backpack containing school supplies; a new pair of shoes and socks; a haircut; and, if needed, an immunization – all for less than $25 per child.
First Church commits $25,000 in financial support annually to this incredible community collaboration.
Camp Experiences for At-Risk ChildrenCamperships have long been an important part of First Church’s outreach to “at-risk” children and youth in our community. These camping experiences provide children with educational and recreational activities in a safe and supportive environment through the Summer Day Camp Program at United Community Centers and at Glen Lake United Methodist Residential Camp.
Each year, hundreds of children and youth are provided summer opportunities because of the $15,000 in annual financial support that we provide.
YWCA Daycare for Homeless ChildrenThe YWCA provides a nutritious breakfast, a safe and loving environment, and high quality child development programs for children of homeless parents who are seeking employment and/or job training. First Church provides $60,000 in financial support to this wonderful program each year, which funds thousands of enrollment days for the children of homeless families facing difficulties that most of us cannot possibly imagine.
Kids Hope USAIn 2006, First Church launched Kids Hope USA, a mentoring ministry designed to develop a one-on-one relationship with students at T. A. Sims Elementary School. The focus of this ministry is to build caring relationships… one child, one hour, one church, one school at a time. In its first year, 20 church members signed on as mentors, and an additional 30 members were involved as prayer partners or event planners. The annual financial support for this ministry is $7,500.
