YouthWorks is giving 10 groups of students 10 grants of up to $1000 each to serve their community in incredible ways after their mission trip is over. Check out our…
Central Christian Church
Huntington, IN
Students have jumpstarted a Blessings in a Backpack program, which provides kids who receive free or reduced lunches with a backpack of food to eat over the weekend. This year student leaders are expanding the program to reach more kids and generate awareness within their community.
Constance Free Church
Andover, MN
The youth group is piloting a week of service, where teenagers will lead 4th and 5th graders in local- and global-focused service projects. They hope to repeat this camp every summer so elementary students will continue to realize that they, too, can make a difference through service.
Family of Christ Lutheran Church
Lakeville, MN
Recognizing the many difficult issues with which people in their community struggle, teenagers are beginning a “prayer bear” ministry. Their commitment to pray for individuals will come with a note, a stuffed bear and interaction with those they are ministering too.
First Evangelical Lutheran Church
Taylors Falls, MN
Teenagers will be leading the charge to replace the church’s old playground equipment to create an area where community kids feel welcome. The youth group will also expand their ministry by inviting kids and their families to the church once a month for a cookout, games, Bible stories, skits and more.
First Presbyterian Church
London, OH
Fresh produce has been added to the menu at the Welcome Table Soup Kitchen thanks to teenagers who will begin a community garden in the local FFA greenhouse. In addition, the 70-plus people attending each weekly meal will be able to take home the extra greens.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
La Crosse, WI
Taking what they learned on their Kokomo mission trip, students are making dish and laundry soap to donate to those in need through local service organizations. One-third of the soap they create will be sold so the initiative can continue after the initial funding has been used.
Pinelands United Methodist Church
Hammonton, NJ
With a desire to build stronger relationships with the rest of their congregation by serving together, the youth group is beginning a monthly community outreach that will provide ongoing service for the elderly and at-need through cooking meals and completing service projects.
St. Luke/St. Paul’s Lutheran Churches
Emerson, NE
With no gathering place for youth in town, teenagers are partnering with churches and community organizations to found a youth center to give students a place to hang out and avoid other negative pastimes. Teenagers are fundraising by running the local recycling program each weekend.
Webster Groves Church of the Nazarene
Webster Groves, MO
As they build and maintain a garden at a local nursing home, the youth group will be sewing relationships with residents. Teenagers hope the garden will give the elderly a sense of pride in the place they live and the opportunity to build community with youth around a common effort.
Zion Lutheran Church
Valley City, OH
Faith Rebuild, an organization started by a member of the youth group, buys, brands and markets bags that are sold to raise funds for fighting malaria, hunger and lack of clean water around the world. This year they will expand the initiative by creating a website and selling at larger venues.
