Fall 2016 Introducing New Staff We are thrilled for HFY alumna Sonceri “Charde” Jones to join our staff as the new part-time Student Development Coordinator! Her excitement and passion for helping inner city youth is awe-inspiring and contagious. Sometimes nicknamed “Miss Hope For Youth” Charde has dreamed about working with this ministry since her senior year of high school. She recently completed her degree in history from Prairie View A&M and has worked as a substitute teacher in both Alief and Spring ISD. Charde will be leading the College and Career Prep program for upperclassmen students as well as assisting with our more frequent Friday Night Live events.
Exploring New Heights at KAA We brought 50 youth and 6 volunteers to camp at KAA this year for an incredible week of bible teaching, dancing, zip lining and ski tubing to name a few favorites. It was a privilege to watch wide-eyed first-time attenders as they overcame fears and made new friends from around the country with whom they can so easily relate. Dozens of our youth rededicated their lives to Christ during the
powerful gospel presentation called Cross-talk that KAA is well-known for. Several recognized their need for a mentor to hold them accountable in their faith even when times are tough. KAA has the ability to teach and coach urban youth in areas like respect for elders and each other or the importance of telling the truth in a way that is fun and competitive but also productive and meaningful. We know God’s hand was upon our group throughout the week by the grace we received at camp We brought and 50
protection over our bus. When we arrived we were told one of our girls could not attend because she had been under strict discipline the previous year. We met with the director of KAA and he said God had a reason for her to be there and that she could stay if she behaved well. On the way home our bus got a flat tire but God again provided and protected us to make it home safely and on time. Thank You for praying for us throughout the week, God answered your prayers! youth and 6 volunteers to camp
HFY Owns Two Transportation Vans!
“I’m excited that I’’ll be able to change lives and help students like someone helped me. I want to be able to give back to the students and see them grow,” she said. Welcome Charde! We are so excited for you to be leading and sharing your passion for Jesus with our youth.
For the first time in over 10 years we now own two 12 passenger vans to double our impact and pick up more youth for weekly programs. Thank You again for One Hundred Shares Houston for making these purchases possible. It is such a blessing to us to have one let alone two reliable and comfortable vehicles for our youth.
Friday Night Live X 2 is Here HFY is now hosting two Friday Night Live events per month rather than the typical one. We believe offering FNL more often will enhance the relationships already forming between our youth and volunteers. As our most popular event, it will provide more chances to share biblical principles with the large group. Typically held on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month we are looking for new church partnerships to host the event and many more volunteers to continue providing transportation for students. After the racial and community unrest this summer surrounding local law enforcement, we are excited for the first October FNL to be focused on police education and awareness. We will have a current officer speak to our youth as well
as a panel of leaders present the spiritual side of the importance of authority. We will also be attending Judgement House at Central Baptist Church for the second year. This dynamic presentation of the Gospel was very powerful for students last year. Similar to a spiritual haunted house, the walk-through play details what happens after you die and face judgement. If your church might like to host our group for an upcoming FNL or if you know a restaurant business who could provide dinner for our students, please let us know.
Former Youth Spotlight: Tydon Tydon is a HFY alumnus from what we call the “old days.” He recently joined the ministry as a volunteer and member of the Board of Directors. He Is currently the Vice President of Sterling Protective Security Services. This summer Tydon and his wife became first-time homeowners and moved into a house with their two children! In his own words: “I wanted to be a volunteer with Hope for Youth because I have a passion for kids and every time we can get together as a group I get to see Christ in our staff, kids, and our volunteers. I started with Hope For Youth as a 9th grader living with my family at Star Of Hope Women and Family shelter. I wasn’t one of the fortunate kids to have a father growing up but I had a group that I was able to become a part of that showed me unconditional love and showed me Christ which was most important. Through this group I was mentored and met some awesome people like Wendy, Kim, Web, Rita, Javier, and so many other diamonds that God placed in my life. Now as a Volunteer I get to pour that same Love, affection, attention, and Christ-likeness into our kids.”
Upcoming Events Septmeber 26 Mentorship
Mentors and mentees meet every other Monday to foster positive relationships and spiritual growth.
Oct 3
College & Career Prep Every other Monday night upperclassmen youth will meet to the prepare for college or life after high school.
Oct 7 Friday Night Live: Police Education
Oct 22
G3: Girls, Guys & God
Financial Update
Here are a few ways your •$65 per month covers all This year Hope For Youth’s donations impact our youth: program fees and costs for monthly budget is $16,500. one youth in all our programs This covers growing program • $250 covers food for 80-100 for the year. expenses and the addition of youth at each Friday Night a part-time staff member. We Live event. If you are able to give today still run all programs on a very please go to: lean budget and rely on in- • $75 covers a month’s worth kind donations of food, venue of gas for one van to pick up www.hopeforyouth.com space and music services for youth. larger events. or use the envelope provided.
Oct 28 Judgement House
Nov 11
Friday Night Live
Nov 12
College Tour University
Nov 18
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Thanksgiving Feast
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Houston