The Youth Program

Since 1958 the Eastside Community Ministry Youth Program (then known as the Pomeroy Neighborhood Center) has been working with youth in the community. Our goal is to help them break the cycle of poverty by challenging them mentally, physically, emotionally and socially to be all that God has created them to be.

Every week thirty-two children in grades K-12 are encouraged to complete homework, get tutoring in subjects difficult for them and are taught good study skills to help them excel academically. Every six months our children are evaluated using the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment Tool which provides a snapshot of each child's strengths and weakness in six different areas of life skills and allows us to tailor our programming to meet their deficits while at the same time providing a fun, loving atmosphere in which to thrive and grow.

Each week the children participate in programming designed to reinforce the life skill which has been determined to be the focus of the next six months. The skills are learned through programming which includes Girl and Boy Scout programs, 4-H, Bible Club, Library nights, crafts, games, sports, music, dance and many other activities to spark their interest.

Our junior and senior high students participate in our Learning 4 Life program. Can you imagine being 18 years old and taking care of yourself with little family support, no income and no work experience? This situation faces many of the youth who grow up in poverty and are no longer in school. The Learning 4 Life program seeks to help young people improve their vocational and life skills so they can be successful in their transition into adulthood. Learning 4 Life enables young people to learn and practice vital skills such as money management, cooking, cleaning, laundry, household management, shopping on a budget, planning and preparing nutritious meals, shopping on a budget and dressing for success. Older youth have the opportunity to earn some spending money as they participate in the program and learn the value of money. Each student is encouraged to strengthen their work ethic and gain an understanding of employer expectations while enjoying an exciting learning experience.