It’s been 4 weeks since 217church announced our partnership with Urban Promise in Trenton.  Every day through the after school program, young lives are being impacted by Jesus.  My heart is elated about our partnership!  The success of the next generation will measure the level of our success.  We must be all about feeding, equipping and providing for the spiritual needs of the next generation.

Urban Promise Trenton is committed to providing Spiritual Development, Life Skills, Academic tutoring, and Leadership Development rooted in Christian values. They provide caring tutors and mentors who develop meaningful relationships with children and teens that help them to excel in school and their community. Children and teens who take part in our program learn how to avoid the pressures they face in their community by being a leader and making healthy choices.  They receive one on one or small group tutoring daily as well as work with Christian mentors that they can look up to.

Read this story from my friend Carl Clark, the Director of Urban Promise Trenton. Together we are providing basic needs, proving EVERY LIFE COUNTS!

“Tell the next generation that this is God”  Psalm 48:13

“Often times our children go hungry.  As we approached Thanksgiving, it occurred to me that we could help fill this need.  We can provide a healthy meal for these children that might not otherwise have one.  Recently Barry, an eight year old in our program, came in my office and said, “Mr. Carl, can I have another snack?” I replied, “You already had two snacks. You must be hungry.” Barry replied, “I am. My uncle doesn’t cook.”  I filled his backpack with snacks and immediately began researching ways we could provide not just snacks but also dinner for the children.  It made me think, “If my child was hungry and couldn’t eat, would someone help?”  Hunger is a problem that we have to proactively fight.”

Many times providing spiritual food means you must provide physical food first.  It is a privilege to walk alongside Carl and I know your generous prayer and gifts are making a difference.  EVERY LIFE COUNTS!

Give Here to the Next Generation Vision

e-mail kevin@217church.com to serve in the Urban Promise after school program

Appalling Facts about Hunger and Homelessness

A survey of 29 major American cities (including Trenton, NJ) that comprise the taskforce on hunger and homelessness, found that 86% of those cities reported a rise in emergency food demand by an average of 15%. Across the survey cities, over a quarter (27%) of the people needing emergency food assistance did not receive it. None of the cities forecast a decrease in emergency food demand and nearly all of the cities (93%) expect demand for emergency food to continue to rise. Unemployment led the list of causes of hunger, followed by poverty, low wages, and high housing costs. The study was conducted September 2010 through August 2011.

U.S. Conference of Mayors, “Hunger and Homelessness Survey-”, December 2011