With the support of our donors, YPN is proud to have provided the following grants to our ministry partners which are applied toward their programs that serve children and youth living in America's high-risk communities.

Education/Recreation

His Love Fellowship
Denver, CO

5/1/08 - Summer Program

His Love Fellowship recently joined the YouthPartnersNET network. They are predominently an urban Latino church whose mission is to love, help and train the family of God in west Denver. This community has extremely low income and education levels, which lead to alcohol and drug addictions. They are bursting at the seams with children, teens and young adults who come regularly on Sunday and Thursday night to hear what God is saying to them. They serve these children through Children's Church, Youth Group, Whiz Kids, mentoring, college and career planning and through community service projects. This grant will go toward their summer program for children K-12. Their summer program includes several weeks at outdoor camps, sports camp and Vacation Bible School. In partnership with Save Our Youth Mentoring Program they will also incorporate Summer Academy to help their kids come up to grade level in math and language arts. In June, a team of twelve will be going to New York to serve at Long Island Teen Challenge’s "Rock the Block" urban community outreach event through the YPN CityConnexx program. Missions and community service is an extremely important aspect of their youth ministry as their kids know by serving that they don't always have to be on the receiving end - they always have something to give of themselves to others.

Education/Recreation

Edgewater Baptist Church
Chicago, IL

4/1/08 - SAFEPLACE Afterschool Program and Day Camp

SAFEPLACE is a ministry of Edgewater Baptist Church located on Chicago’s north side. Their mission is to serve this at-risk neighborhood by providing school-age child care in a creative and safe environment for spiritual, academic, emotional, social and physical development. They do this through three components. In its 10th year, the Afterschool Program offers homework assistance, tutoring, recreation and life skills learning, Bible teaching and discipleship during the school year. They currently serve 96 children, 65% come from homes where Spanish is the first language. In its 17th year, Summer Day Camp offers six weeks of fun, recreation, field trips, Bible teaching and a safe place to hang during the long summer days. Last year this program served 175 children from families all over Chicago’s north side. Then in its 6th year, Youth Leadership Initiative has been a training ground for young teens interested in serving their peers, their community as well as their world. 23 teens enrolled in this program last year and many will return to SAFEPLACE to serve as teen staff in the Summer Day Camp program. YPN is excited to once again provide a grant for these amazing programs that impact so many lives.

Education/Recreation

Restoration Christian Fellowship
Denver, CO

3/1/08 - Hoop Scoop Basketball Camp

Restoration Christian Fellowship is a family-oriented church that focuses heavily on youth. Their service area is one of the most multiracial, multicultural and socio-economically diverse communities in Colorado. 10% of the families in this area are living below the national poverty level, the high school drop out rate and juvenile arrest rate is higher than the state average. RCF has developed several programs to combat these issues by providing mentoring, tutoring and other educational, recreational and cultural enrichment activities as positive outlets. One of these programs is the Hoop Scoop Basketball Camp. For the past four years this program has provided youth grades K-8 with an outlet through sports to experience positive role models and learn life skills that will enable them to make better choices and become a positive asset to their community. Every participant receives a trophy, shirt and breakfast and lunch on a daily basis during the camp. Through grants like the one YPN is providing, this program is offered totally free to all the youth who wish to attend. Moving to a larger park facility this year, the camp is expected to serve over 250 children and youth.

Education/Recreation (Native American/Rich Mullins Fund)

Rehoboth Christian School
Rehoboth, NM

2/1/08 - Tuition Assistance Program

Rehoboth Christian School was founded in 1903 as a ministry to the Native American peoples of the Four Corners region. A day school now, Rehoboth continues its ministry through education. Rehoboth's student body is both ethnically and economically diverse. Approximately 70% are Native American students and 40% come from very low-income and poverty-level families. A Rehoboth education helps students develop confidence, competence, and compassion. Rehoboth is committed to building students up not only intellectually, but also spiritually and emotionally, helping them grow into mature Christians who approach the world with a healthy perspective and the skills necessary for living in it. YPN is honored to provide another grant from our Native American/Rich Mullins Fund to Rehoboth Christian School for their tuition assistance program which serves the students with the greatest financial needs.

Training

UYWI
Denver, CO

1/21/08 - RELOAD Denver

Several local ministries in partnership with the Urban Youth Workers Institute present RELOAD: A One-Day Training Experience for youth workers. The nationwide tour stops in Denver on February 2nd and expects to serve 300 youth workers and leaders in its second year. The event includes five workshops and two general sessions presented by Soong Chan Rah and Luis Villareal and has added a teen leadership track for high school students. YouthPartnersNET is excited to again co-sponsor this training event.

Training

UYWI
Minneapolis, MN

1/14/08 - RELOAD Minneapolis

YPN co-sponsored RELOAD Minneapolis, a one-day training for urban youth workers in February 2008. YPN was able to connect this past year with an existing network of urban youth ministries in Minneapolis and were invited to be a part of this national tour again this year as it returns to Minneapolis for its fourth year as 175 youth workers and leaders gather for this day of learning and sharing.

Education/Recreation

Life Development Institute
Denver, CO

1/7/08 - SPARC Media Group

Life Development Institute serves the Westwood neighborhood in Southwest Denver which is considered one of the most impoverished communities in Colorado with staggering statistics of low academic scores, high drop out rates and incidents of crime. LDI recently joined our network of ministry partners and we are very excited to provide a grant for their occupational skill training program, SPARC Media Group. This after-school program provides advanced education to 200 youth ages 14-21 in graphic design, audio production, video production, web development, entrepreneurial training, leadership development and one-on-one mentoring.

Education/Recreation

Illumination Productions Int'l
Colorado Springs, CO

10/19/07 - Midwest Music Fest 3

YPN was pleased to provide Illumination Productions Int’l with a second year grant for their annual Midwest Music Fest 3 on May 2-3, 2008. Nearly 300 attended this two day event in Colorado Springs which provided youth with a safe, family-friendly environment to gather and listen to high quality live music, the opportunity to advance their education and knowledge of music with a positive message, and altar calls both nights. Headline artists included Da Truth, Canton Jones, Lecrae and Tedashii along with many other national and local artists providing eloquent poetry, spoken word, deejaying, dance, rap and mime.

Training

Crossover Community Church
Tampa, FL

9/11/07 - Fla.vor Fest Conference 2007

YPN was excited to co-sponsor the 8th annual Fla.vor Fest Conference hosted by Crossover Community Church in Tampa, FL. This four-day event in November exists to train, network, and resource emerging leaders to effectively impact the hip-hop culture for Christ. This year's conference expanded with two additional workshop tracks: Outreach and Specialty as they join the standard three: Emerging Urban Church, Hip-Hop Youth Ministry, and Artist in Industry/Ministry. Over 1600 leaders engaged in some incredible workshops and general sessions led by visionaries that are making a true mark in the culture. Every evening featured festival concerts on two stages with over 40 national and underground hip-hop artists. Everything wrapped up on Sunday with three services at Crossover. Several people built new relationships with Christ at the concerts and church leaders were encouraged in their personal walk and their ministries to take the great commission to the next level.

Networking

Pinnacle Forum Colorado
Denver, CO

8/28/07 - Denver Network

Pinnacle Forum Colorado has a network of Christian key influencers operating at the center of society, using their combined cultural capital to strategically engage and transform lives and the culture. Their mission is to connect businessmen to local ministries in an effort to move from "success to significance". A second year grant was provided to increase the contacts and networking influence in the greater Denver area in an effort to assist our ministry partners with one-on-one consulting, resources and business leads for their fundraising and program elements.

Networking

Confluence Ministries
Denver, CO

8/1/07 - Denver Network

Each month between 20-30 front line workers gather together for networking and resources at YPN's sponsored lunch in Denver with 181 individuals from various local ministries attending, to date. We bring in special speakers and funding resources to encourage our ministry partners, expand their networks as well as advertise their youth events, fundraising events, prayer requests and volunteer opportunities. Confluence Ministries, one of our Denver ministry partners, has graciously offered the use of their facility since September 2006. Being centrally-located, it provides a wonderful location that's accessible to those traveling from all of the high-risk communities in the area. We are excited to provide this grant for the promotion and expansion of our Denver Network as we continue to meet at Confluence Ministries this next year.

Education/Recreation

Illumination Productions, Intl.
Colorado Springs, CO

6/14/07 - Summer Outreach

YPN was excited to offer IPI a grant for their Summer Outreach event in Colorado Springs, CO. This two-day event started with a Vacation Bible School called 719 MYXer on July 29th. The VBS took place in a neighborhood in Colorado Springs that has seen increased gang activity over the past few years. It concluded on July 30th with a block party called H.E.A.T. (Heaven Engaging All Territories) Summer Jam. Performances from 28 different urban artists including dance, spoken word and rap performed for the 500 in attendance. Nine teams entered the 3-on-3 basketball tournament, and there were 12 entries into the custom car show. A prayer room with full-time volunteers was provided throughout the day along with food vendors and multiple drawings. The team of twelve ministries that coordinated this event are hopeful of it becoming an annual tradition.

Education/Recreation

Cottage Grove Compassionate Ministries
Cottage Grove, OR

6/14/07 - Rural Summer Camp

YPN provided a grant for children in this high-risk community to attend Cottage Grove's Rural Summer Camp. This program includes Vacation Bibles School, 5-Day Bible Club and optional overnight camps for children 1st thru 6th grade. There are currently 15 children in the summer program hoping to attend the overnight camps which provide long-term positive impacts, most of which are homeless or living in substandard housing and unable to afford the camp program. Cottage Grove has held many fundraisers including selling ice cream floats to raise the funds to send these children to the overnight camp and we are excited to contribute to this fund this year.

Education/Recreation

Safe Haven Urban Redemption
Newark, NJ

6/14/07 - Vacation Bible School Program

With the assistance of outside funding and 200 volunteers, Safe Haven Urban Redemption reaches out to 2500+ at-risk youth within a 15 block radius of their youth center through their year-round programs. Their VBS Program called Tommy's Time Machine, reaches out to kids ages 5-12 and is an interactive program where they build a high-tech time machine and make believe taking the kids back in time to teach them life lessons through the stories in the Bible. This summer they are expecting 80 children per day and each of them will receive a Bible lesson, crafts, outside sports/games, snacks and participate in a community work project which allows the children to give back to their community along with teaching them valuable life lessons.

Education/Recreation (Native American/Rich Mullins Fund)

Zuni Christian Mission School
Zuni, NM

6/14/07 - Education Fund

ZCMS serves the people of Zuni, NM by providing a high-quality Christian Education to about 70 children K-8th grade. This community is suffering from a deteriorating family structure due to broken marriages, addiction problems, economic deprivation and serious health issues, all of which impact the student's home life and role models. It is ZCMS hope that by providing a high-quality Christian education for the kids, they can show them God's love and they can succeed in life without alcohol or drugs.

Education/Recreation

Little Lights Urban Ministries
Washington DC

6/14/07 - After School and Summer Programs

YPN provided Little Lights with a grant through our Coaching Program for their After School and Summer Programs which serve Washington DC's children and youth. Little Lights provides programs that focus on four main objectives: improving academic achievement, providing emotional support and encouragement, building character and leadership, and developing creativity and practical skills. Little Light's will serve 120+ children and youth in 2007-2008 through their Homework Club, Reading and Math Heroes and Camp Heaven during the summer. Most of these children are one to two grades below their appropriate grade level and attend schools that are on the list of “Schools in Need of Improvement” as defined by the “No Child Left Behind” Act. Without the availability of academic and social support programs, many of these children will fall prey to the cycle of drug abuse and poverty. The goal at Little Lights is to motivate and enable youth to become responsible, humble, and compassionate leaders in their community.

Education/Recreation

Arts of Color Production
Miami, FL

6/14/07 - After School and Summer Programs

Arts of Color Production is dedicated to mentoring youth and providing inspirational entertainment as a multi-media and performing arts ministry that serves children and youth living in high-risk communities in Southern Florida that don't always have access to the arts. Their programs include ministry in motion, dance, theatre, and spoken word poetry workshops and are provided at no cost to the community. Believing there is power in the arts, YPN is excited to provide Arts of Color Production with a grant for their year-round programs.

Education/Recreation

Winner's Circle Juvenile Mentoring Program
Huntsville, TX

6/14/07 - Life Hurts - God Heals Recovery Program

Winner's Circle was issued a grant by YPN to produce the workbook and interactive journal used in their Life Hurts - God Heals Recovery Program. This program addresses recovery needs such as substance abuse, sexual or physical abuse, suicide attempts, loss of loved ones and is provided to youth ages 12-17 referred by the court system. Most of the 150-200 kids they will serve this year are from single parent, low income homes so this 14 week program is offered at no cost to help change the direction of their lives. This program was developed by Saddleback Church in California as a juvenile program of Celebrate Recovery and has experienced great success across the country.

Education/Recreation

Third Avenue Baptist Church
Flint, MI

6/14/07 - Summer Safety Net Program

Third Avenue Baptist Church will one again be providing their Summer Safety Net Program for the youth of the Third Avenue area. Expecting an enrollment of 100 with 50 young people an evening, they will minister to kids K-8th grade, provide a meal, recreation, and teach character building lessons and biblical principles for a holy lifestyle four nights a week in July and August. Since their area has been in transition, Third Avenue Baptist Church has seen an increase in attendance in their year-round programs and this grant from YPN will help address their increased needs.

Education/Recreation (Native American/Rich Mullins Fund)

Rehoboth Christian School
Rehoboth, NM

6/14/07

Located in one of the poorest counties in the United States, Rehoboth Christian School has a long history of providing a high-quality educational environment for the children of Gallup, the Navajo Nation, and the Zuni Pueblo. From kindergarten to graduation, RCS introduces children and families to a hopeful relationship with Jesus Christ. They believe that through exemplary teaching and education programs, graduates are prepared to be successful ambassadors of hope and healing to the Navajo Nation and beyond, in medicine, education, ministry, business as well as in church and home life. They also believe that education is the key to reversing the cycle of poverty. Despite the fact that students come from communities with up to 75% unemployment rates and rampant poverty, Rehoboth students show a high commitment to learning, service and leadership, many investing up to 14 hour school days between travel, study, homework and extracurricular activities. YPN is honored to provide another grant from our Native American/Rich Mullins Fund to Rehoboth Christian School which has received many local and national educational awards.

Training

Ignite Mentoring and the Restoration Center
Pueblo, CO

6/14/07 - RapFest of the West

From their humble beginnings in 2002 as a local outreach event in a small warehouse building in Pueblo to a national Hip Hop and Urban Training Conference in Denver, the growth of this event has been amazing to watch. This year, RapFest of the West will feature over 40 artists and groups and provide 30 workshops and great training over a two day period. The nationally known artists will inspire and provide resources that can be implemented in the communities of these urban leaders. YPN is very excited to sponsor this training event in Denver.

Training

Vision Nehemiah
Chicago, IL

6/14/07 - The Legacy

In the tradition of the Heavyweight Youth Discipleship Conference sponsored by YPN last year, The Legacy Disciple-Making Conference on August 9-11, 2007 targeted those 13 and older that are serious about being a disciple of Christ. The vision began in January 2006 when 60 ministers from Chicago neighborhoods challenged the youth leaders to be world visionary disciple-makers. In its second year, it grew to 477 with 88 churches represented and included youth from 15 other states. With general sessions, workshops, fellowship, entertainment, and worship, this conference was designed for youth ready to impact the world.

Education/Recreation (Native American/Rich Mullins Fund)

East Central Ministries
Albuquerque, NM

6/14/07 - Wings of Eagles Leadership Development & Juntos Youth Program

It is a privilege to provide East Central Ministries with an annual grant for their “Wings of Eagles” and “Juntos” Native American Programs. Wings of Eagles provides Christ-centered mentoring to urban Native American children from ages 7 to 20. This mentoring is accomplished one-on-one and in group settings, focusing on Jesus, native heritage and community. Currently 23 children are enrolled in this year-round program. This grant will also be used toward their Juntos Youth Program, currently in its 3rd year. This program includes a weekly Bible school and a week summer camp which serves 140 neighborhood children ages 5 to 23. Juntos engages kids through Bible lessons, activities, games and events, providing a mentoring aspect for teens and young adults who serve as small group leaders.

Education/Recreation

Camp Deerpark
Westbrookville, NY

6/18/07 - Camp Scholarship Fund

YPN provided a grant to Camp Deerpark nesteld in the Shawangunk Mountains in Westbrookville, NY for their Need Based Camp Scholarship Fund. Each summer, Camp Deerpark offers sleep away camp sessions for children ages 8-13; and a youth conference for teens and young adults ages 14-21. Activities include Bible, nature, drama, art classes, swimming, hiking, group games, soccer, basketball, talent shows, cook outs, rafting, campfires and many more optional activities. The difference at Camp Deerpark is that they provide this unique opportunity to many urban children and youth in a manner where they discover their strengths and improve on their weaknesses in a safe yet challenging environment. They use positive role model relationships with the staff and experiential learning to challenge each camper physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The campers return to the city with life-long friendships and ongoing support with the Camp Deerpark staff. This fund was established to specifically serve the inner city populations of New York City, providing greater opportunity for families to send their children to camp.

Education/Recreation

New City Kids
Jersey City, NJ

6/14/07 - After School Center for the Performing Arts

YPN provided a matching grant to New City Kids for their After School Center which provides a safe and loving atmosphere where children can develop socially, academically and artistically. This program currently serves thirty children, 1st thru 8th grade, living in low-income neighborhoods. The ASC helps children develop in three ways: socially by teaching and encouraging them to be leaders in their peer groups; academically by providing one-on-one support to improve their performance in school; and artistically which improves their self-confidence as they find success in the performing arts. The ensuing sense of achievement in these areas becomes a foundational building block to create hope, growth and purpose in their lives.

Education/Recreation

Neighborhood Ministries Inc.
Denver, CO

4/24/07 - Emerging Leaders Initiative Fundraiser

YPN provided a matching grant to Neighborhood Ministries Inc. for their Fall Fundraising Banquet which will raise funds for their Emerging Leaders Initiative program. This leadership development program for inner city high school students teaches citizenry through mentoring, discipleship and as leaders of their year-round children's programs. Additionally, NMI contacted a local foundation through the YPN Network of National Partners and is being provided with a second matching grant which will also include training the emerging leaders to coordinate and staff the banquet.

Education/Recreation

Illumination Productions Int'l
Colorado Springs, CO

2/28/07 - Midwest Music Festival 2

A matching grant was provided to Illumination Productions Int'l for their second annual Midwest Music Festival 2 in April 2007. This community outreach event, presented in Denver and Colorado Springs, was designed to provide a safe, family-friendly outreach where the gospel of Jesus Christ was clearly presented in an urban format. Twenty-nine artists from nine states including national recording artists Lecrae of Reach Records, Mark J., S.O.C.O.M. and many other Kingdom-minded artists provided mime, spoken word, poetry, rap and dance to youth ages 8-21. Twenty-one youth accepted Christ during the Friday night Denver event with a total of 200 attending. Over 60 youth responded to the altar call on Saturday night in Colorado Springs with nearly 500 attending. They doubled their attendance goal at this second annual, two-city community outreach event.

Training

UYWI
Denver, CO

2/3/07 - RELOAD Denver

YPN co-sponsored RELOAD Denver, a one-day training for urban youth organized by Urban Youth Workers Institute and the host city. The event, held in February 2007, was the first in the Denver area and provided worship, inspirational teaching and five authentic workshops plus a youth track for the 145 in attendance.

Networking

Confluence Ministries
Denver, CO

12/8/06

YouthPartnersNET provided an offering to Confluence Ministries in appreciation for the use of their facility for our Denver Ministry Partner Network meetings. These monthly luncheons provide valuable resources to our network of ministry partners in the front range area in addition to gathering for a time of sharing and encouragement. We greatly appreciate the use of this beautiful building being renovated in the heart of the city.

Education/Recreation

Edgewater Baptist Church
Chicago, IL

12/18/06 - SAFEPLACE Afterschool Program and Day Camp

YPN provided Edgewater Baptist Church with a grant for their school-age childcare ministry. In its 9th year, the Safeplace Afterschool Program currently offers 95 kids from families in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood with aftershool childcare that includes Bible study and discipleship, recreation, homework help and life-skills learning. In its 16th year, the Safeplace Day Camp offers families six weeks of full day care filled with Bible lessons, music, recreation and field trips. Last summer 175 children participated in the Day Camp. In each of these programs, attention is especially given to relationship building, leadership training and evangelism. Safeplace Youth Leadership Initiative is a special part of Day Camp that serves the 7th and 8th grade youth, giving leadership training and service opportunities. Each of the Safeplace programs serves at-risk, urban children and youth. 80% of the children are from Hispanic families, many of which are recent immigrants. Language learning and cultural assimilation are major factors in the programming.

Education/Recreation

Praise Deliverance Church

11/22/06 - Gospel Youth Hip Hop Festival

YPN provided a grant to Praise Deliverance Church in Houston, TX who joined our network this year. Over 35 youth attended their Gospel Youth Hip Hop Festival in December as an outreach to the kids in the Fifth Ward. This event challenged the youth's minds spiritually with song, enjoyment, entertainment, and excitement. They also received a gospel message and directions for discipleship. Additional structure will be provided for these youth to keep them involved spiritually and socially.

Networking

Templo Ebenezer
Chula Vista, CA

11/14/06 - Restoring Our Youth

Through a collaboration of local churches in Chula Vista, Project San Diego was recently developed to organize youth events to reach the unsaved kids in their urban communities. YPN provided a grant for their first joint outreach, Restoring Our Youth, on November 24th. National and local artists provided entertainment, guest speakers offered encouragement, and some of the best graffiti artist in San Diego and Los Angeles hosted art workshops. They were also joined by "B.F.C" (Boarders for Christ), the largest professional Christian skateboard team who set up three ramps and performed some of the most extreme maneuvers and tricks. Being a joint community event, many volunteers were available to mentor and lead worship for the 100 youth that attended. The event concluded with a salvation call where fifteen youth came forward and dedicated their life to Christ.

Education/Recreation

Templo Ebenezer
Chula Vista, CA

11/14/06 - Restoring Our Youth

YPN provided a grant to Templo Ebenezer, a local church in one of the roughest economic neighborhoods in the greater San Diego area, for their youth outreach event in October. About fifty kids came for a day filled with games, worship, and a drama that was focused on the reality of death, suicide and demonic principalities that exist in our world. Following they were entertained by Colorado artist Carlos-Alberto who ministered through song and the word of God. Five kids came forward at the salvation call and over twenty asked for prayer in their life.

Education/Recreation

GRIP Outreach for Youth
Chicago, IL

11/14/06 - Restoring Our Youth

GRIP Outreach for Youth in Chicago, IL runs a Christian sports and team-building outreach for at-risk high school youth, many of whom struggle with fatherlessness, gangs, drugs, alcohol, sex abuse, teen pregnancy, etc. YPN provided a matching grant for GRIP's outreach program, SLAM (Saving Lives through Athletic Ministries). This program serves local churches by helping them reach at-risk youth and grow them up as fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ. It provides a night of high energy and action-packed fun complete with sports, team-building, Christian hip-hop music, drama, video, teaching, small group discussions, pizza and lots of love. Since 1999, adult volunteers have built meaningful life-long relationships with the 1200+ kids that have participated in this neighborhood program.

Education/Recreation

Crossroads of the Rockies
Denver, CO

11/04/06 - Educational Volunteer Appreciation Program

YPN provided a matching grant to Crossroads of the Rockies in Denver for their Educational Volunteer Appreciation program. This year a banquet was scheduled to show appreciation for the numerous volunteers who mentor and tutor the kids in the after school and summer camp programs.

Education/Recreation

Re-Creation Unlimited
Englewood, CO

10/15/06 - Rock the Block

YPN provided a grant and gift-in-kind donation toward the "Rock the Block" outreach sponsored by Re-Creation Unlimited and Impact Community Church. The mission for this event was to bring together the families in the Englewood community for the purpose of fun, food and fellowship. At 7:00 AM, the 130 plus volunteers closed the street to all traffic and set up four large inflatable toys, one over 30 feet tall! The street was filled with basketball courts, children's games and crafts, food to feed an army, ministry booths for haircuts, and professional entertainment by national rap artists and bands. Free giveaways from local businesses and eight free golf rounds to exclusive courses were raffled each hour. All of this was free to the 1,000 people that attended, of which 50% were kids. They had a special time of worship and an evangelistic message that challenged and inspired this low-income neighborhood that struggles every day with unemployment, poverty, drugs and crime.

Training

Crossover Community Church
Tampa, FL

08/31/06 - Fla.vor Fest 2006

YPN was privileged to co-sponsor the 7th annual Fla.vor Fest Conference hosted by Crossover Community Church in Tampa, FL. This four-day event in November exists to train, network, and resource emerging leaders to effectively impact the hip-hop culture for Christ. Fla.vor Fest 2006 was packed to the gills with 280 youth leaders attending the conference and over 1800 attending the concerts and outreach events where 30 young people accepted Christ. The conference shared innovative and fresh ways to reach the culture while staying true to their mission and Biblical foundation. Fla.vor Fest 2006 featured workshops with three tracks to select from on Friday and Saturday including Emerging Urban Church, Hip-Hop Youth Ministry, and Artist in Industry/Ministry. Powerful fellowship time was incorporated into the schedule along with full-blown Fla.vor Fest concerts both nights showcasing over 30 national and underground artists. The conference concluded with Crossover's Sunday Multi-Cultural Services and more hip-hop flavored worship.

Networking - Denver Network

Pinnacle Forum Colorado
Denver, CO

08/22/06

Pinnacle Forum Colorado has a network of Christian key influencers operating at the center of society, using their combined cultural capital to strategically engage and transform lives and the culture. Their mission is to connect businessmen to local ministries in an effort to move from "success to significance". A grant was provided to increase the contacts and networking influence in the greater Denver area in an effort to assist our ministry partners with one-on-one consulting, resources and business leads for their fundraising and program elements.

Education/Recreation

Shepherd Community Inc.
Indianapolis, IN

08/14/06 - Summer Day Camp

YPN provided Shepherd Community Inc. with a matching grant for their summer day camp program in Indianapolis, IN. This program served 123 children, 5 years of age through high school, five days a week for nine weeks during the summer. The elementary children enjoyed a wide variety of activities such as swimming, field trips, basketball camp, Mad Science, Jireh Sports and lots of play and small group activities. The older kids were involved in a work program, field trips to local businesses to explore career options, and trips to nearby college campuses. They also participated in a basketball camp, an eight-day trip to Washington DC, a week at Kids Across America camp, and received tutoring and lots of on-site activities.

Education/Recreation

Oxford Circle Mennonite Church
Philadelphia, PA

08/10/06 - Summer Day Camp

A grant was given to Oxford Circle Mennonite Church located in lower Northeast Philadelphia as a second-year sponsor of their annual Community Festival scheduled September 9, 2006. The first two years over 500 attended this local faith-based festival. For the past two years this small community church has served over 1000 family members in the neighborhood, of which 75% were children and youth. The festival includes prayer ministry, performances and messages by Christian artists, family games and activities, and community and city services. YPN is excited to sponsor this growing and exciting ministry outreach.

Education/Recreation

Restore Ministries Inc. - Elizabeth, New Jersey

08/03/06

Restore Ministries Inc. in New Jersey sent YPN a special emergency request to help fund their summer camp. Fifteen of their urban teens were accepted into camp this summer and three weeks before they were informed by the camp that their scholarships were cut due to financial hardships. Restore Ministries understands the difficult decisions that need to be made every day in ministry and is still committed to this camp because the people who work there do an incredible job teaching urban youth and it is a great experience for their kids. Their teenagers talk about this camp all year long and it is the highlight of their year. YPN was excited to provide a grant toward this last minute effort to salvage camp for these urban teens.

Education/Recreation

Calvary Hill Music Group - Denver, CO

07/12/06 - Save Our Streets & Back to School Extravaganza

YPN provided a matching grant to Calvary Hill Music Group in Denver, CO for their Save Our Streets concert in July 2006 where they will be reaching out to youth whose lives have been disrupted by gangs, drugs, alcohol and other barriers. This grant will also go toward their Back to School Extravaganza event in September.

Training

North Park University/UYWI - Chicago, IL

07/12/06 - RELOAD Chicago 2007

YPN co-sponsored RELOAD Chicago, a one-day training for urban youth workers in March 2007. Chicago had the largest number of attendees of the nearly 20 cities hosted in 2006 and reached a new record with 320 in attendance this year. YPN's Chicago Networker was actively involved in the city planning team for the 2007 event organized by Urban Youth Workers Institute and the host city.

Training

Living Water Community Church - Chicago, IL

06/15/06 - Summer Missions Camp

YouthPartnersNET provided a grant to Living Water Community Church for their kids to attend summer camp at Camp Barnabas in Purdy, Missouri. They will not be attending camp, they will be working at this camp whose mission is to say "yes" to kids who for the rest of the year hear the word "no" a lot. Seven of their senior high teens (ages 15-19) will be traveling from urban Chicago to rural Missouri to work with kids that are visually impaired. They will literally be their eyes that week at camp. Experiencing everything they do (the food, the camaraderie, the worship) and helping them with everything from archery, horseback riding, and rope courses. It will be a demanding week for their kids and will definitely take them out of their urban comfort zone but will be a great experience on the principle of serving.

Education/Recreation

Camp Deerpark - Westbrookville, NY

06/07/06 - Need Based Camp Scholarship Fund

YPN provided a grant to Camp Deerpark in Westbrookville, NY for their Need Based Camp Scholarship Fund. Each summer, Camp Deerpark offers sleep away camp sessions for children ages 8-13; and a youth conference for teens and young adults ages 14-21. Urban children and youth are given the opportunity to discover their strengths and improve on their weaknesses in a safe yet challenging environment. They use positive role model relationships and experiential learning to challenge each camper physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This fund was established to specifically serve the inner city populations of New York City. Need based scholarships are provided to assist families in sending their children to camp who otherwise could not afford to send their kids.

Education/Recreation

ERCPCP - Washington DC

06/02/06 - Benning Terrace Youth Program

YPN provided another grant to East of the River Clergy Policy Community Partnership (ERCPCP) in the DC area for their Benning Terrace Youth Program. In conjunction with faith-based, criminal justice, government, business and community partners, ERCPCP provides direct services to high-risk children living East of Anacostia River. This program serves the youth in the public housing community with approximately 1000 low income residents. They offer after-school and summer programs, camps, athletic programs, case management, family support, mentoring and cultural/education outings for the youth within this community.

Education/Recreation

God Style Records - Denver, CO

06/02/06 - Gospel Rap Music Outreach

YPN provided a grant to God Style Records in Denver, CO for their Gospel Rap Music Outreach program. This ministry reaches urban inner city kids through Gospel Rap Music. They impact communities by outreaches and summer concerts. Additionally, they offer music production training for inner city kids that show a particular interest for urban music and a discipleship class for kids 7-21 years of age.

Education/Recreation

Third Avenue Baptist Church - Flint, MI

05/25/06 - Summer Safety Net

YPN provided a grant to Third Avenue Baptist Church in Flint, MI for their Summer Safety Net Program. The Flint Journal reported that the program this summer was the most successful in its seven-year history as they served 100 kids K-8th grade from the west-side neighborhood. They offered Bible study, tutoring, recreation activities, field trips, crafts and nutritious meals during this eight week survival program. Due to additional funding they received this year, the program also included a three-day camp for some of the children.

YPN Grants in the News

Education/Recreation

Re-Creation Unlimited - Morrison, CO

05/23/06 - Native American/Rich Mullins Fund

YPN provided a grant to Re-Creation Unlimited for their Lakota Outreach Sports Camp in Pine Ridge, SD. In this eighth year, over 30 inner-city high school youth from Denver traveled to the reservation to serve 220 Native American children and youth with a mini-sports camp, Vacation Bible School, their annual bike repair ministry, and competitive games for the high school aged kids. In addition, the leaders traveled to remote areas of the reservation to hand out food and clothing to the poorest community on record in the United States. This year the team also finished construction of the new gymnasium which will be the future home of their sports camps.

Education/Recreation

Rehoboth Christian School - Rehoboth, NM

05/23/06 - Native American/Rich Mullins Fund - Tuition Assistance Program

YPN provided a grant to Rehoboth Christian School in Rehoboth, NM for their Tuition Assistance Program. Though 51% of their 430 students (K-12) are from low-income or poverty homes, over 90% of their graduates continue their education after high school in college, vocational training or the military. Rehoboth has had several National Merit Finalists, Gates Millennium Scholarship winners, and regularly have Chief Manuelito Scholars, the highest honor bestowed by the Navajo Nation on graduating seniors. Today, Rehoboth graduates serve as leaders in fields ranging from tribal government and the church to medicine and private enterprise.

Training

East Central Ministries - Albuquerque, NM

05/23/06 - Native American/Rich Mullins Fund - Wings of Eagles Youth Leadership Program

YPN provided a grant to East Central Ministries in Albuquerque, NM for their Wings of Eagles Youth Leadership Program. This summer they will have 27 Native American youth enrolled in their program where they will learn leadership skills in their faith, culture and community.

Education/Recreation

Gifted Hands NYC - New York, NY

05/23/06 - Inner City Teen Art Outreach

YPN provided a grant to Gifted Hands NYC for their new Inner City Teen Art Outreach Program, to be launched the fall of 2006. This after-school program was specifically designed for teens, 12-17, from the poor neighborhoods in New York City. This program is similar in design to the Art & Evangelism Program used in Harlem and will teach art along with a value and life changing devotional. The program has been temporarily placed on hold due to an unexpected relocation. Youth outreach programs have continued at the Lamb's Church of the Nazarene, associated with the Gifted Hands ministry.

Training

Vision Nehemiah - Chicago, IL

05/23/06 - Urban Youth Worker Networks

YPN provided a grant to Vision Nehemiah to support their Urban Youth Worker Networks in Chicago, IL. Currently over 200 youth workers have attended the two groups which have met monthly since January and expansion to a third group is expected by September 2006. The goal is to have one support group in each of Chicago's 77 neighborhoods by the year 2020. They are also planning to add a separate track for youth workers to bring their key youth. The youth will gather to discuss means of ministering through the city. The eternal impact in the city of Chicago will be multiplied when youth workers are joined by their youth.

Training

Sunshine Gospel Ministries - Chicago, IL

05/23/06 - After School Program

YPN provided a grant to Sunshine Gospel Ministries in Chicago for their fall 2006 After School Program. They expect to serve 100 youth weekly from the Cabrini Green, Bronzeville and Woodlawn communities. They target youth by concentrating on key after-school hours and focus on outreach, life skills development including technology access and training as well as homework and literacy focus points and mentoring. Their programs are offered at no cost and the participants are eligible for a full scholarship to a week of summer camp.

Education/Recreation

Harambee Ministries - Pasadena, CA

05/23/06 - Harambee Preparatory School

YPN provided a matching grant to Harambee Preparatory School which serves 45 children who live in nearby low-income African American and Latino neighborhoods. They have three classes for children, K-2nd grade, 3rd-4th grade, and 5th -6th grade and are a full private Christian elementary school. They are meeting a need for helping children in their community receive a good education, as many of their local public schools scores are at or near the bottom in standardized State of California testing. Graduates of Harambee Preparatory School have been admitted to Cal State Los Angeles, Pasadena City College, Mayfield Senior School, La Salle Preparatory School, St. Francis High School and many others.

Education/Recreation

Third Avenue Baptist Church - Flint, MI

05/23/06 - Summer Safety Net Program

YPN provided a grant to Third Avenue Baptist Church in Flint, MI for their upcoming Summer Safety Net Program. They expect to serve 150 kids K-8th grade in July and August. They offer Bible study, nutritious meals, recreation activities, field trips, and crafts.

Education/Recreation

Edgewater Baptist Church - Chicago, IL

05/23/06 - Safeplace Afterschool Program and Day Camp

YPN provided a grant to Edgewater Baptist Church in Chicago for their Safeplace Afterschool Program and Day Camp. The after-school program serves the families of the ethnically and economically diverse neighborhood of Edgewater. They serve an average of 100 children, K-8th grade, each day after school by providing homework assistance, recreation, Bible teaching and life skills development. The 85% Hispanic children are provided additional assistance with homework since most of their families do not speak English. The summer day camp program serves almost 200 children for six weeks filled with summer fun including field trips, mini-camps emphasizing drama, music, sports, arts and X-treme Fun. Bible time and worship are favorite times of the day and Family Nights provide weekly opportunities to meet parents and serve the neighborhood. The 7th and 8th graders are challenged with the Youth Leadership Initiative which focuses on servant leadership. 23 high school teens are employed during the summer by Day Camp as teen leaders. Safeplace partners with M-Fuge/Urban Connexx which provides teams of volunteers for the Day Camp ministry.

Education/Recreation

Zuni Christian Mission School - Zuni, NM

05/23/06 - Tuition Work Credit Program

YPN provided a grant to Zuni Christian Mission School in Zuni, NM for their Tuition Work Credit Program. The school raises approximately 80% of the funds for the local Native American children to attend their school and the parents are responsible for paying the other 20% or minimum 6% of their income. It remains difficult for many parents to pay this portion so the school has established this program whereby the parents and other family members of the students have the opportunity to provide services to the school in exchange for credit toward the parent's share of the cost of their children's education. Each month 5-10 families take advantage of this program providing secretarial, janitorial, teacher assistant, library and other services which helps the school in addition to furthering their children's education.

Education/Recreation

Crossroads of the Rockies - Denver, CO

02/21/2006 - After School Program Matching Grant

YPN provided a matching grant to Crossroads of the Rockies in Denver for their After School Program which includes one-on-one tutoring programs with Whiz Kids and a youth entrepreneurial program for 32 children and youth that are guaranteed a safe and fun place to spend their afternoons.

Training

The Shelter Urban Youth Church - Chicago, IL

02/15/2006 - Heavyweight Youth Discipleship Conference

A grant was provided to The Shelter Urban Youth Church in Chicago for their first annual "Heavyweight" Youth Discipleship Conference in September 2006. In this joint effort between six inner-city churches, 350 youth and young adults attended representing over 20 urban churches across the city. This 2 day intense conference was designed to train young people to be "heavyweight" disciples of Christ. Eight national hip-hop artists led the general sessions and encouraged the youth to go deeper in their walk with God, live a life of obedience, and challenged them to develop the basic Christian disciplines. Plenty of worship time was added and it concluded with an awesome concert Saturday night that set the youth on fire for the Lord.

Education/Recreation

Sun Valley Youth Center, Inc. - Denver, CO

01/13/2006 - Urban Impact

YPN provided a grant to Sun Valley Youth Center in Denver for their new Urban Impact Program. This program specifically targets at-risk and adjudicated youth in their community between the ages of 14 and 21. The program consists of four major elements: mentoring, counseling, life skills, and occupational skills. Every youth is matched to a mentor and provided with optional counseling. They are planning to add courses on music production, video editing and graphic production in the future.

Education/Recreation - CFC Volunteer

Gifted Hands NYC - New York, NY

11/30/2005 - Art & Evangelism Program and Teen Outreach

YPN provided a grant to Gifted Hands NYC for their Art & Evangelism Program and Teen Outreach. They reach out to under served youth populations in poor neighborhoods in Harlem and local shelters. Their program consists of weekly art projects tied to biblical messages and lessons.

Education/Recreation

Youth Excitement Team, Inc. - Meridian, MS

11/18/2005 - Christmas Party for 160 Children (Hurricane Katrina Victims)

The devastation from Hurricane Katrina impacted many as we watched families and children as they were separated from their homes, loved ones and lives. YPN was very excited when an artist in New Albany, OH expressed her desire to raise funds at her benefit concert to bring holiday cheer to some of the children whose lives were impacted by this natural tragedy. YPN was able to forward these funds to Youth Excitement Team, Inc. for the 160 children they were already serving from the hard hit areas in Mississippi. This grant was used to provide the children with a Christmas party where they would receive the message of Christ, Christmas presents and Christmas cards from the church community in Ohio.

Education/Recreation

Oxford Circle Mennonite Church - Philadelphia, PA

10/25/2005 - Community Festival

A grant was given to Oxford Circle Mennonite Church located in Lower Northeast Philadelphia as a sponsor of their annual Community Festival which has grown 100% in four years. Over 1000 attended last year of which 75% were children and youth from their community. The festival includes prayer ministry, performances and messages by Christian artists in the Christian Rap and Hip-Hop culture - which attracts teenagers, children's activities, and community and city services. The local paper commented "this festival grows out of a mission to foster a better neighborhood through encouraging neighborliness, providing resources to people in need, and serving up a hearty sampling of the kingdom of God to everyone who attends".

Education/Recreation

Restore Ministries Inc. - Elizabeth, NJ

10/25/2005 - After School Program Matching Grant

A matching grant was provided to Restore Ministries Inc. for their After School Program. This faith-based after school mentoring program works with 75 urban youth ages 7-21 who are at-risk for dropping out of school in the Elizabeth and surrounding areas. Through positive peer support and scripture study, they are encouraged to continue their education after high school. Their program was praised in the local paper as one of the kids said "most importantly, our parents will see a big improvement in us".

Education/Recreation

Urban Link, Inc. - Houston, TX

10/25/2005 - Mothers Day Out Program

A grant was given to Urban Link Inc. in Houston for their Mother's Day Out Program. The clients of this program are children of mothers that live on the streets. An average of 15 children each week are fed and given educational instruction throughout the day while their mothers are encouraged to pursue employment opportunities and/or job training.

Education/Recreation

Learn4Life Inc. - New Hope, PA

10/25/2005 - ESL and Math Tutoring Program

A grant was provided to Learn4Life Inc. located in the inner city town of Trenton, for their ESL and Math Tutoring Program. Gangs are recruiting children as young as twelve years old by intimidation and peer pressure. Because the children are not doing well in school, they do not see the "light at the end of the tunnel". This program was developed to help parents learn English so that they can be more involved in the lives of their children, provides math and English tutoring to the children so they can succeed in school, and teaches them solid more values based on Biblical principles to they learn how to make good decisions in their life.

Education/Recreation

City Impact - Lincoln, NE

10/25/2005 - Bible Club

A grant was provided to City Impact in Lincoln for their Bible Club. In relationship with 40+ volunteers, the 110+ Pre-K through High School youth will learn, be taught and catch Christian values for a couple of hours each week. They will learn banking and stewardship skills, have some of their physical needs met with a nourishing meal, learn the value of serving and also have fun. There are currently 300+ youth on the waiting list for this program.

Education/Recreation

Trinity Church of the Nazarene - Kansas City, MO

10/25/2005 - Small Business Summer Program

A grant was given to Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Kansas City, for the launch of their Small Business Summer Program. This program will provide 3-4 inner-city youth, currently enrolled in a nearby after-school program, with additional business skills. It will enhance their life skills by working with them one-on-one to develop a small business plan, implement the plan and be employed by their small business throughout the summer. Not only does this keep them off the streets during the summer, but it will provide an opportunity for them to start earning income and contribute to their future.

Education/Recreation

Northeast Oregon Compassion Center - Baker City, OR

10/25/2005 - Children's Christmas Present Program

A grant was given to Northeast Oregon Compassion Center in Baker City for their Christmas Program. At Christmas time, the parents are asked to fill out wish-lists for two presents they would like to give their children but cannot afford to buy. While it would be fun to see the kid?s reactions when they receive their presents, it is more rewarding to be able to empower their under-resourced parents to provide some nice gifts for their kids. This year they were able to provide bikes, clothes, toys, and electronic games for 78 children in 31 families. The Executive Director commented "It wouldn't have happened without YPN, your contribution made all the difference in the world. The kids were so excited to be able to share with their peers at school and not feel poor".

Training - CFC Volunteer

Camp Deerpark - Westbrookville, NY

10/11/2005 - Leadership Training Institute

YPN provided a grant to Camp Deerpark in Westbrookville, for their Leadership Training Institute. This program is designed to develop and train potential leaders using a Christ centered model of mentoring and discipleship. The participants also learn practical leadership skills like time management, conflict resolution and public speaking. Each participant is assigned a personal mentor and that relationship continues after the completion of the 11 month course. This program currently serves 10 youth ages 16-18.

Education/Recreation - CFC Volunteer

East Central Ministries - Albuquerque, NM

10/11/2005 - Wings of Eagles - Youth Leadership Program

YPN provided a grant to East Central Ministries in Albuquerque for their Wings of Eagles Youth Leadership Development Program. The program is designed to raise up young, urban, Native American leaders with a passion for Christ, their culture and their community. Twenty Native American youth are currently participating in the program through discipleship, mentoring and community projects.

Education/Recreation - CFC Volunteer

East of the River Clergy Police Community Partnership (ERCPCP) - Washington, DC

10/11/2005 - Benning Terrace Youth Program

YPN provided a grant to East of the River Clergy Policy Community Partnership (ERCPCP) in the DC area, for their Benning Terrace Youth Program. In conjunction with faith-based, criminal justice, government, business and community partners, ERCPCP provides direct services to high-risk children living East of Anacostia River. This program serves the youth in the public housing community with approximately 1000 low income residents. They offer after-school and summer programs, camps, athletic programs, case management, family support, mentoring and cultural/education outings for the youth within this community.

Education/Recreation - CFC Volunteer

Safeplace Afterschool Program & Day Camp - Chicago, IL

10/11/2005 - After School and Day Camp Program

YPN provided a grant to Edgewater Baptist Church in Chicago, for their Safeplace Afterschool Program and Day Camp. The after-school program serves the families of the ethnically and economically diverse neighborhood of Edgewater. They serve an average of 100 children, K-8th grade, each day after school by providing homework assistance, recreation, Bible teaching and life skills development. The 85% Hispanic children are provided additional assistance with homework since most of their families do not speak English. The summer day camp program serves almost 200 children for five weeks filled with summer fun including field trips, mini- camps emphasizing drama, music, sports, arts and Circus Fun. Bible time and worship are favorite times of the day and Family Nights provide weekly opportunities to meet parents and serve the neighborhood. This summer the 7th and 8th graders were challenged again with the Youth Leadership Initiative which focuses on servant leadership.

Education/Recreation - CFC Volunteer

Sunshine Gospel Ministries - Chicago, IL

10/11/2005 - After School Program

YPN provided a grant to Sunshine Gospel Ministries in Chicago, for their After-School Program which serves the Cabrini Green, Bronzeville and Woodlawn communities. They target youth by concentrating on key after-school hours and focus on outreach, life skills development including technology access and training as well as homework and literacy focus points and mentoring. They serve 100 youth weekly and expect that to rise to over 200 by next summer. There programs are offered at no cost and the participants are eligible for a full scholarship to a week of summer camp.

Training - CFC Volunteer

Vision Nehemiah - Chicago, IL

10/11/2005 - Leadership Development Training for Youth Workers

YPN provided a grant to Vision Nehemiah for their Leadership Development Training which provides urban youth workers in the Chicago area with training and support through equipping and assisting each other with ministry tools, providing an atmosphere for relationships through sharing, praying and encouraging, and they unite for joint ministry partnerships quarterly. They currently have 100 youth workers in their network and will be hosting two monthly meetings in different parts of the community in January 2006.

Education/Recreation - CFC Volunteer

Living Water Community Church - Chicago, IL

10/11/2005 - After School Program

YPN provided a grant to Living Water Community Church in Chicago, for their After-School Program. This program was started in January of 2003 as an outreach to the 1075 students (85% from low income families) from a nearby elementary school classified as "title one" due to their dangerously low test scores. The program started with three children and now serves 25 kids with a three-day per week program which includes homework help, activities, a healthy snack as well as teaching them biblically-based life skills in a nurturing and loving environment.

Education/Recreation - CFC Volunteer

Third Avenue Baptist Church - Flint, MI

10/11/2005 - Youth Programs - Tutoring & Sports

YPN provided a grant to Third Avenue Baptist Church in Flint, for their Youth Time Program and Saturday Fun Sports Program. These programs provide tutoring, instruction in wrestling, weight lifting, basketball, martial arts and cooking while sharing biblical principles for a victorious life. Last year they had a total of 166 enrolled in this program and they currently have 60 youth signed up for the upcoming year.

Education/Recreation

Crossroads of the Rockies - Denver, CO

10/06/2005 - After School Program Matching Grant

YPN provided a matching grant to Crossroads of the Rockies in Denver for their After School Program which has multiple components including Whiz Kids which provides tutoring for 38 kids K-5th grade, Whiz Kids 2 for 6th-8th grade has a total of 11 kids and a Say Yes program which provides a holistic inner-city after-school program for 21 children K-5th and 13 teenagers. There is also one-on-one mentoring with five kids and a Taekwondo class for ages 9-18 that currently instructs 30 kids twice a week.

Training

Crossover Community Church - Tampa, FL

10/05/2005 - Flavor Fest 2005

YPN was one of the sponsors for the 2005 Fla.vor Fest Conference in Tampa, FL by Crossover Community Church. This conference is for people involved in ministry who reach out to people in the Hip-Hop culture. It is an incredible weekend of learning, experiencing and building new relationships with other youth pastors and leaders involved in similar ministries. Over 1500 attended the event this year.

Education/Recreation

Youth Excitement Team, Inc. - Meridian, MS

09/22/2005 - After School Program (Hurrican Katrina Evacuees)

A grant was provided to Youth Excitement Team, Inc. in Meridian, who was establishing three After School Programs for 160 children and youth evacuated from their homes after Hurricane Katrina hit. They will receive assistance with homework, recreation and a chance to get out of the shelters and motels they have been living in, at no cost to their family.

Education/Recreation

Shepherd Community, Inc. - Indianapolis, IN

07/07/2005 - Summer Day Camp - Basketball Camp

A grant was provided to Shepherd Community Inc. in Indianapolis for their Summer Day Camp program which provided basketball instruction, training, drills, life skills and Bible lessons for 160 kids.

Education/Recreation

Crossroads of the Rockies - Denver, CO

07/07/2005 - Summer Day Camp

A grant was given to Crossroads of the Rockies in Denver for their Summer Day Camp where 90 kids attended. This program included a one week soccer camp, Vacation Bible School, crafts, story time, games and snacks. There was also one week where 15 youth went to Kids Across American, a camp in Missouri for inner-city kids.

Education/Recreation

East Central Ministries - Albuquerque, NM

06/30/2005 - Wings of Eagles - Youth Leadership Program

YPN provided a grant to East Central Ministries in Albuquerque for their Wings of Eagles Youth Leadership Development Program. The program is designed to raise up young, urban, Native American leaders with a passion for Christ, their culture and their community. Twenty Native American youth are currently participating in the program through discipleship, mentoring and community projects.

Education/Recreation

Hilltop Christian School - Window Rock, AZ

06/30/2005 - School Program

YPN provided a grant to Hilltop Christian School which is located ½ mile east of the Arizona border near Gallup. This grant was designated for their School Scholarship Fund. They provide a full-time pre-K-8th grade school as well as an after-school program and summer program. This fund is specifically for K-8th grade students to attend the full-time school and receive an education with a Christian foundation. There are currently 184 Navajo children enrolled in the school program this year.

Education/Recreation

Zuni Christian Mission School - Zuni, NM

06/14/2005 - School Program - Tuition Subsidy

YPN provided a grant to Zuni Christian Mission School in Zuni, for their School Tuition Subsidy Program. This program offers school tuition assistance (up to 94% of the annual cost) for the Native American children and youth to attend this full-time K-8th grade school. This year 63 children are enrolled.

Education/Recreation

Re-Creation Unlimited - Morrison, CO

06/14/2005 - Lakota Outreach 2005 - Sports Camp

YPN provided a grant for the third year to Re-Creation Unlimited for their Lakota Outreach 2005 Sports Camp held in Pine Ridge. This summer 167 children and youth attended the week long outreach. Volunteers from seven Denver area churches provided a basketball camp, the "Mud Volleyball" Tournament, Vacation Bible School, and Bike Repair Ministry. A Denver area worship team provided the entertainment during the community celebration where awards, gifts and trophies were handed out to each child and fifteen kids and their parents received Christ. The construction of the gymnasium is now 90% complete and is usable at this point.

Networking

Lambs Manhattan Church of the Nazarene - New York, NY

05/13/2005 - Networking (ED NYC Host)

YPN provided a grant to Lamb's Manhattan Church in New York City to serve as a network facilitator to allow for increased cooperation and collaboration among faith-based ministries that work with children and youth.

Education/Recreation

Shepherd Community, Inc. - Indianapolis, IN

12/22/2004 - Steel Drums Matching Grant

A matching grant was provided to Shepherd Community Inc. in Indianapolis to purchase Steel Drums for their Youth Program. The kids use their gifts, talents and joy to share this unique musical ministry throughout the Midwest and performed at the CompassionWorks conference in Chicago.

Education/Recreation

Crossroads of the Rockies - Denver, CO

11/01/2004 - Education Staff Appreciation Matching Grant

YPN provided a matching grant to Crossroads of the Rockies in Denver for their Educational Staff Appreciation program.

Networking

Bresee Institute of Metro Ministries (BIMM) - Kansas City, MO

09/30/2004 - Kansas City Networking

YPN contracted Bresee Institute of Metro Ministries in Kansas City to serve as a network facilitator to allow for increased cooperation and collaboration among faith-based ministries that work with children and youth.

Networking

Urban Link - Centennial, CO

09/28/2004 - Denver Networking/CW Denver Promotion

YPN contracted Urban Link in Centennial to serve as network facilitator to allow for increased cooperation and collaboration among faith-based ministries that work with children and youth in high-risk communities.

Education/Recreation

Re-Creation Unlimited - Morrison, CO

09/02/2004 - Lakota Outreach 2004 - Sports Camp

YPN provided a grant to Re-Creation Unlimited for their Lakota Outreach 2004 Sports Camp held in Pine Ridge on the Lakota Reservation. 138 volunteers from five Denver area churches served 400 elementary children from the Lakota tribe which is considered to be the poorest community in the US. Though the program originally started in 1996 with basketball, this year it expanded to wrestling and volleyball. In a collaborative effort of several local churches in South Dakota, the outreach added a clothing program, bicycle repair, Vacation Bible School, kite ministry, worship and music team as well as a construction team which started to build a gymnasium for their use year-round.

Training

Healing Waters Family Center - Denver, CO

09/02/2004 - Colorado Master's Commission - Rural America Training Conference

A grant was provided to Colorado Master's Commission, a ministry of Healing Water Family Center, allowing 75 youth workers to attend their Rural America Training Conference.

Education/Recreation

FASTEN Initiative / Sagamore Institute - Indianapolis, IN

07/19/2004 - Founder's Club Membership Sagamore Institute for Policy Research

A grant was given to the Sagamore Institute to research various sources of funding for our ministry partners. This directly affects countless children nationwide as organizations are able to increase their funding base, allowing for an expansion of program services.

Education/Recreation

Crossroads of the Rockies - Denver, CO

07/19/2004 - After School and Summer Day Camp Programs

YPN provided a grant to Crossroads of the Rockies in Denver for their After School Program and Solid Rock Summer Adventure Program where 75 kids attended each week for seven weeks during the summer. They also partnered with a local food bank to provide the children with daily hot lunches.

Education/Recreation

God Style Records - Denver, CO

07/07/2004 - CD Sampler and Conference CD

A grant was provided to God Style Records for their creation of a CD Sampler that was used at the CompassionWorks conferences in Denver and Chicago. This sampler uses Hip-Hop music to bring the message of Christ to children and youth in urban communities.

Education/Recreation

New City Church - Jersey City, NJ

01/16/2004 - After School Programs

YPN provided a grant to New City Church in Jersey City, allowing 85 students to participate in their After-School Programs.

Education/Recreation

Crossroads of the Rockies - Denver, CO

10/22/2003 - After School Program Matching Grant

A grant was provided to Crossroads of the Rockies in Denver, allowing 445 students to attend summer day camps or sports camps, or to receive one-on-one after school tutoring with volunteer adult mentors.

Training

Christian Community Development Assocation (CCDA) - Chicago, IL

08/20/2003 - 15th Annual National Conference

The Christian Community Development Association held their 15th Annual National Conference which trains children and youth workers. YPN provided a grant to provide scholarships for conference participants.

Education/Recreation

Reaching Our City, Inc. - Oklahoma City, OK

08/15/2003 - Summer Children's Program

A grant was given to Reaching Our City, Inc. in Oklahoma City so that 100 children at-risk could participate in their Summer Children's Program.

Networking

Edu-Care International (ECI) - Brentwood, TN

07/25/2003 - San Francisco/Bay Area Network

YPN contracted Edu-Care International to serve as a network facilitator in San Francisco and the Bay Area to allow for increased cooperation among faith-based ministries that work with children and youth. This network has enhanced the effectiveness of each participating organization, thereby affecting countless children as they've been able to reap the benefits of these collaborations.

Education/Recreation

Restore Orlando, Inc. - Orlando, FL

07/25/2003 - Summer Programs

YPN made it possible for 120 children from high-risk communities to attend Restore Orlando's Summer Program.

Networking

Shepherd Community, Inc. - Indianapolis, IN

07/21/2003 - Indianapolis Networking

YPN contracted Shepherd Community Inc. to serve as a network facilitator in Indianapolis to allow for increased cooperation among faith-based ministries that work with children and youth. This network enhanced the effectiveness of each participating organization, thereby affecting countless children as they've been able to reap the benefits of these collaborations.

Education/Recreation

Church of God Christian Academy - Far Rockaway, NY

07/21/2003 - Summer Day Events

A grant was given to the Church of God's Christian Academy in Far Rockaway so that 235 children could participate in their Summer Day Camp Program.

Training

Urban Outreach Foundation - Calumet City, IL

07/19/2003 - 2003 National Conference for Pastors and Christian Educators

YPN provided a grant to Urban Ministries, Inc., a division of Urban Outreach Foundation, in support of their 2003 National Conference for Pastors and Christian Educators.

Education/Recreation

Neighborhood Multi-Purpose Community Center - Far Rockaway, NY

07/18/2003 - Summer Day Camps

A grant was given to Neighborhood Multi-Purpose Community Center so that 900 children and youth were able to attend their Summer Day Camp Program for six weeks.

Training

World Vision-Vision Twin Cities - Minneapolis, MN

07/11/2003 - Project Equip-Equipping Urban Youth Workers

YPN sponsored the Project Equip Conference by World Vision-Vision Twin Cities in St. Paul. Urban youth workers were trained allowing them to be more effective in working with countless numbers of youth in high-risk communities. The conference is designed to provide training for professional urban youth workers, dialog with those who have been in the trenches for years, fellowship with others across the country while sharing best practices and forming broad based collaborative possibilities.

Networking

Urban Training Network - Miami, FL

07/11/2003 - Miami Networking

A grant was provided to Urban Training Network for networking services in the Miami area.

Training

Urban Training Network - Miami, FL

07/11/2003 - Urban Youth Worker's Seminar

A grant to Urban Training Network provided scholarships to 250 urban workers to attend the Urban Youth Worker's Seminar.

Networking

The Navigators/Jon Lansa - Albuquerque, NM

07/09/2003 - Native American Networking

A grant was provided to Navigators to support a staff person located in Albuquerque in developing our Native American ministry partner network.

Education/Recreation

Uncharted Waters - Colorado Springs, CO

07/01/2003 - Summer Sport Camps 2003

YPN provided a grant to Uncharted Waters so that 1600 urban and underprivileged children ages 6-12 were able to attend one of their 29 five-day sports camps. Camps were held in 24 cities in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia and Washington state.

Education/Recreation

Good Shepherd Baptist Church - Chicago, IL

06/18/2003 - Youth Ministry, Summer Day & Sports Camp (CUSA)

Networking

Towel & Basin Ministries - Nashville, TN

06/18/2003 - Atlanta, GA Network (CUSA)

Networking

Towel & Basin Ministries - Nashville, TN

06/18/2003 - Nashville, TN Network (CUSA)

Networking

Edu-Care International (ECI) - Brentwood, TN

06/18/2003 - Jacksonville, Florida Network (CUSA)

Networking

Edu-Care International (ECI) - Brentwood, TN

06/18/2003 - Metro New York City Network (CUSA)

Networking

Edu-Care International (ECI) - Brentwood, TN

06/18/2003 - Orlando, Florida Network (CUSA)

Training

Chicago Urban Reconciliation Enterprise (CURE) - Chicago, IL

06/18/2003 - Cure Winter Conference (CUSA)

Education/Recreation

Harambee Christian Family Center - Pasadena, CA

06/18/2003 - Summer Day Camp (CUSA)

Training

KidTrek - Long Beach, CA

06/18/2003 - Basic Training Fall 2003 (CUSA)

Education/Recreation

Uptown Baptist Church - Chicago, IL

06/18/2003 - Urban Camp (CUSA)

Education/Recreation

Youth Family Community Renewal, Inc. - Gary, IN

06/18/2003 - Summer Program (CUSA)

Networking

Re-Creation Unlimited - Morrison, CO

06/18/2003 - Denver Network (CUSA)

YPN contracted Re-Creation Unlimited to serve as a Denver network facilitator to allow for increased cooperation and collaboration among faith-based ministries that work with children and youth in high-risk communities.

Education/Recreation

Crossroads of the Rockies - Denver, CO

06/09/2003 - Solid Rock Summer Adventure 2003 Summer Camps Program (CUSA)

YPN provided a grant to Crossroads of the Rockies in Denver providing 100 children and youth with life-changing experiences in their Solid Rock Summer Adventure program.

Education/Recreation

Generation Xcel - New York, NY

05/07/2003 - Three Summer Programs (CUSA)

Education/Recreation

Noteworthy Ministries - Flower Mound, TX

05/02/2003 - Music Ministry (CUSA)

Education/Recreation

Agape Christian Church - Denver, CO

05/02/2003 - Youth Leadership Tutorial Program (CUSA)

Education/Recreation

Now Faith Christian Center Church - Denver, CO

05/02/2003 - Spiritual Encounter 2003 Summer Retreat (CUSA)

Training

National Association of Street Schools (NASS) - Denver, CO

05/02/2003 - NASS Annual Conference 2003 (CUSA)

Education/Recreation

Westside Christian Fellowship - Denver, CO

05/02/2003 - Vacation Bible School (CUSA)

Education/Recreation

Re-Creation Unlimited - Morrison, CO

05/02/2003 - Basketball School (CUSA)

Re-Creation Unlimited, a cutting-edge ministry provides inner-city children the opportunity to learn the game of basketball in a safe and caring environment. A grant was provided in support of the Lakota Outreach 2003 Sports Camp, located at the reservation in Pine Ridge, allowing 380 Native American children to attend who otherwise would not have been able to.

Education/Recreation

Community Solutions, Inc. - Baltimore, MD

04/22/2003 - Chain Reaction New England (CUSA)

Education/Recreation

Third Avenue Baptist Church - Flint, MI

04/22/2003 - Summer Safety Net Program (CUSA)

Education/Recreation

Shepherd Community, Inc. - Indianapolis, IN

04/22/2003 - Summer Day Camp Program (CUSA)

Shepherd Community Inc. in Indianapolis provides 2 meals a day, crafts, sports, music, community service projects, field trips, and gymnastics/sports camps to 80 underprivileged kids. YPN provided a grant for their After-School Program and Summer Day Camp Program, helped get matching grants for the youth music program, and contracted with them to serve as a network facilitator to allow for increased cooperation and collaboration among faith-based ministries that work with children and youth.

Education/Recreation

Chicago West Side Christian School - Chicago, IL

04/15/2003 - Summer Day Camp (CUSA)

Education/Recreation

The Bridge Purpose Center, Inc. - Colorado Springs, CO

04/15/2003 - Day Camp Program (CUSA)

Education/Recreation

East Central Ministries - Albuquerque, NM

04/15/2003 - Wings of Eagles - Native American Youth Leadership Program (CUSA)

YPN provided a grant to East Central Ministries for their Wings of Eagles Summer Program which provide leadership development for the Native American youth in Albuquerque.

Training

Evangel Cathedral - Upper Marlboro, MD

03/06/2003 - Boot Camp - Leadership Training (CUSA)

Education/Recreation

Mount Olive Ministries - Mt. Olive, MS

03/06/2003 - Fund Raising Event - Matching Grant (CUSA)

Education/Recreation

Playground Inc. - Baltimore, MD

02/03/2003 - Philadelphia and Baltimore Consortium Retreats (CUSA)

Training

National Association of Street Schools (NASS) - Denver, CO

01/28/2003 - Grant Writing (CUSA)

Education/Recreation

New Beginnings Worship Center - Aurora, CO

01/15/2003 - Radio Disney Youth Program (CUSA)

Education/Recreation

Restoration Christian Fellowship - Aurora, CO

01/15/2003 - Matching Grant to Build Youth Classrooms (CUSA)

Training

Teaching Like Jesus Ministries, Inc. - Pasadena, CA

01/15/2003 - Urban Children's Ministry Conference (CUSA)

Education/Recreation

Bennie E. Goodwin Educational Foundation - Aurora, CO

01/15/2003 - After School Academic Program Scholarships (CUSA)

Training

National Association of Street Schools (NASS) - Denver, CO

01/15/2003 - NASS Annual Conference 2002 (CUSA)

Selected YPN Resources

• YouthPartnersNET FAQ
• Dean's Blog
• Combined Federal Campaign: #2098
• News
• Denver Network
• For Him And Them
• Street to Street
• Executive Director Leadership Training
• YPN Reading List
• Ministry Partners
• National Partnerships
• Grants Issued by YPN
• How You Can Help
• Tony's Top Tips