Youth Empowerment Program Addresses Critical Adolescent Needs
One reason we were sad to shut down our Johenning program was the way kids kept coming through the doors. Not just day after day, and week after week – many children forged a long-term relationship and didn't stop coming just because they were too old for the after-school program that served neighboring elementary schools. So Kristin Wiener, our Program Director, started an after-school Youth Empowerment Program with the vision that our kids won't graduate from our program until they graduate from high school.
We received funding from the DC Government's Neighborhood Investment Fund to provide youth ages 12 - 18 regular interaction with caring adults in a fun, supportive environment, where youth felt comfortable to learn and grow. Two experienced instructors, Daron Newburn and Michele Stewart, mentored these young men and women, including discussions related to dating, sex, school, goals, and peer pressure. Major program components were homework help, academic tutoring, computer literacy, money management, career guidance, college preparation, youth-led activities, decision-making, community service, and spiritual and social development.
In addition to serving supper every day, we began opening the Center three nights each week from 6:30 – 9:00 pm as a safe place to hang out with fun and engaging activities (such as 3 on 3 basketball tournaments and dance classes). During this evening time, youth plan their own activities, such as the 2007 National and Global Youth Service Day in April and special events that showcase their talents, such as our spring open house. We also encouraged spiritual growth through the guidance of Rev. Tony Brown of Metropolitan Outreach, and other City Gate ministry partners. With the closing of the Johenning program, City Gate is actively pursuing funding and a new site to continue a program that is vital to helping adolescents achieve a goal of life success.