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 the enrolled youth mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially to be all that God has created them to be.

Every week thirty 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. Each year our children are evaluated using the Casey Life Skills Assessment Tool, which provides a snapshot of each child's strengths and weakness in nine different life-skill areas. This assessment 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 year. The skills are learned through programming which includes Girl 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 school 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, and planning and preparing nutritious meals. Older youth have the opportunity to earn some spending money as they participate in the program and learn the value of real money. Each student is encouraged to strengthen their work ethic and gain an understanding of employer expectations while enjoying an exciting learning experience.