June/July 2013
news Congrats, Grads!................1 Semester Summary......... 2 Donor Spotlight................ 2 Financial Update.............. 2
Hope For Youth builds and maintains long-term Christian mentoring relationships with urban youth to challenge and enable them to reach their full potential spiritually, academically, and socially.
New Summer Programs. 3 Upcoming Events............ 3 Mentorship and Prayers.4 Volunteer Spotlight......... 4
Congratulations 2013 HFY grads! Chantel Harrison (University graduate)
High School graduates are:
Joshua, Dajhia, Nala and George are among this year’s graduates.
Brianna Bonner Joshua Casey Dajhia Davison Rosey Martinez Savian Nugent Nala Sifford George Vivian Danielle Wilkerson
“God is doing a NEW thing!” This quote from an old DC Talk song reminds us that God is all about “new,” from making us new creations in Christ to offering His compassion and lovingkindness anew every morn-
• What role did HFY play in helping you graduate from high school? • If you could go back and give one piece of advice to 13-year-old YOU, what would it be? • What are you most looking forward to in the next 5 years?
ing (Lam. 3:22-23). This summer, HFY unveils many new things, start-
Joshua Casey
Dajhia Davison
Nala Sifford
George Vivian
ing with our new logo
An HFY student for two years, Joshua is working and saving money for college.
Dajhia attends U of H and was with HFY for one year.
A four-year HFY student, Nala is working and attending college.
on this newsletter. The
• HFY helped me stay out of trouble. • My mother, because she has been through so much but she still manages. • Stay on task at all times. • College life
• HFY helped me get closer to God and therefore be able to focus on my goals. • Jesus. He’s the best person to look up to! • Don’t start dating yet. • Getting married and graduating from college.
An eight-year HFY student, George is working until his younger sister finishes her first year of school, then he’ll head to college. • They pushed me to do school assignments and not give up. • My mother. She was a strong woman and a follower of Christ. • Never quit playing sports. • Getting closer to God as a Christian, and making it in life.
the Cross of Jesus to
• HFY helped to motivate me to finish high school and prepared me for college. • I would tell me to start investing for college. • I look forward to learning about engineering and entering the Air Force.
style and colors are bold and fresh—but as always we emphasize offering Hope through Youth
in
our
City.
Please check out the new look on our website, including our new video, A Story of Hope:
Treavon.
Ways to bless youth this summer:
Another Great Spring Semester Wraps Up
n Office supply store gift cards or new office furniture help the HFY office stay productive in planning and executing ministry programs. n New or good-quality used 12-passenger van(s) are critical for geting students to and from events. n Food or grocery store gift cards help feed students during summer programs. n Camp donations: $300 sends one student to Kids Across America camp.
T
he end of May marked the end
Activities included museum tours,
of another semester of faith
ice skating, and service projects.
and fellowship at Hope For Youth.
By the end of the semester, 45 vol-
From weekend outreach activities
unteers had planted seeds of faith
to our spring retreat, the youth had
in the lives of over 300 youth. We
the opportunity to not only have
look forward to watching them
great fun and new experiences, but
grow throughout the remainder of
to also study the bible’s view on top-
the year!
ics such as social injustice and cross cultural understanding.
Facing fears on the climbing wall.
Additionally, at Easter, the youth experienced a powerful program in “Journey to the Cross,” where they were led, station by station, to an
Donor Spotlight Ryan and Devin McCord
understanding of the sacrifice Jesus made for our salvation.
“[We give to HFY because] Hope For Youth is meeting kids in the inner city where they are. They “do life” alongside kids as both mentors and friends. They show up. They teach practical life skills and provide Biblical guidance. Hope For Youth emboldens adolescents in Houston’s inner city to trust the Giver of Life with their lives ... and to seek His will.”
The challenge course promotes team building.
Financial Update: Your Support Makes a Difference As of June 30, Hope For Youth has received $222,812 in
We are so encouraged by your support of this ministry and
donations this fiscal year (beginning September 1, 2012).
want you to know that you are absolutely making a differ-
This is a tremendous blessing and has enabled us to sig-
ence in the lives of Houston’s urban youth. In Matthew 25,
nificantly expand the ministry to include:
Jesus tells his disciples, “In as much as you’ve done it for
n
Gender and age-specific programming
n
An additional, new summer camp experience
n
Bibles and curriculum for every youth
n
Food for the youth at all events
the least of these, you’ve done it unto me.”
Thank you for giving to the Lord!
New Programs Disciple More Students in More Ways
June/July 2013
events n
Though school may be out, opportunities for growth never end! HFY’s summertime youth enrichment is in full swing, offering plenty of old favorites and adding a variety of new ones.
Hope For Me (Girls/Guys program) n
the
workforce,
seniors are invited to
n
graduating Anchors
Away, a seven-week course focusing on apologetics and key issues in theology. discipleship presented
program, this
will
summer
Volunteers provide love and attention during Jesus N The ‘Hood n
God’s promises this week, reminding
in
students
no
matter
happens in life, Christ promises to be
Baptist Church.
with them.
• In Hope For Tomorrow, our six
• The highlight of the year for most stu-
Student Leaders attend a special
dents is HFY summer camps, which
monthly
we’re offering for the
Bible
study,
equipping
22nd time!
them for advanced leadership among
This summer, 65 student participants
their peers.
will be challenged to become “game-
• Star of Hope sixth graders also begin
changers” in their families and com-
a new HFY program this summer. In
munities. The two camps include
this special Bible study, students will
Kids Across America in Missouri (50
focus on the God’s Story curriculum
kids) and Stoney Creek Ranch in
— a walk through the old testament.
Texas (15 kids). While at KAA, our five Student Leaders will participate
In addition to these new programs, the
in Higher Ground camp to further
established camps are still crucial for
enhance leadership skills.
mentoring youth to Christian maturity:
• Many HFY students also got to attend Second Baptist Church’s Beach
• Jesus N The ‘Hood 2013, “Hold on to the Promises,” took place June 24-
Retreats in June, thanks to the generosity of SBC.
n
what
conjunction with Houston’s First
Aug 4-10
Kids Across America Camp
staff and many volunteers shared
be
that
July 28-31
Stoney Creek Ranch Camp
28 at City of Refuge Church. HFY
• Hope For Me, a gender-specific
July 20
The Gathering Kickball Tourney
• In preparation for entering college and
July 8-11
August 17
Pool Party Mentorship starts back up in July. To become a
mentor,
“volunteer” of
our
visit
the
section
website
at
www.hopeforyouth.org.
For more details about any program or to volunteer, email Emily@ hopeforyouth. org. And as always, check our website for the updated calendar!
Make a Deep Impact Through Mentoring. he HFY Mentorship program uses large-group, small-group,
T
“I really feel like I need
and one-on-one time to delve deeply into the lives of com-
a mentor, and I’ve been
mitted students. Our Biblical curriculum and long-term relation-
on the waiting list for a
ships prepare our youth for a lifelong walk with Christ. We have
long time.” Brandon, 7th grade.
Volunteer Spotlight
many youth on the waiting list. Join us and make a difference.
Ana Velasquez Volunteer since Nov 2012
Why Ana volunteers: “I found out about HFY through my Bible study at Second Baptist Church. I came out and visited an activity, and I just fell in love with the kids and the ministry. These kids shattered any “stereotypes” I might have had about at-risk
See for yourself the impact mentoring has on area youth. Visit hopeforyouth.org to watch A Story of Hope: Treavon.
teens. They are fun to be with, and they really want to know about Christ. I enjoy hanging out with the kids and being able to walk them through difficult questions and issues in their lives. I remember what it was like to be a teenager! The best times are when the girls trust me enough to confide in me. The retreat at Carolina Creek was a great time for this, especially during the more personal cabin talks. I encourage everyone to come check out HFY! Come see what we’re all about and meet our teenagers. I think you’ll enjoy volunteering with HFY.”
We are looking for caring,
committed
adults to be Mentors! To learn more,
contact
Emily@hopeforyouth.org.
We need your prayers! n
For our God to support and guide our youth this summer, especially at Jesus N The ‘Hood and camp;
n For
unity and wisdom for the Board of Directors as they lead HFY;
n For
many volunteers to join us this summer;
n For
God’s provision, protection and guidance for the high school graduates;
n For
spiritual protection, growth and purity for our Student Leaders: Terrance Jackson, Brandon Prince,
Elysee Gonzales, Damani Buffalo, Treavon Tryon.