Back in 2008, Gary Sparks saw young people getting into trouble. They were
fighting in schools and the community, committing crimes and forming gangs. He
wanted to do something positive.
Live Healthy Douglas is an innovative program that educates youth on the
dangers of joining gangs and helps them make positive life choices. Their Power
in Truth Conference was recently selected as a Model Practice by the National
Association of County and City Health Officials.
Chapel Hill Church in
Douglasville GA stands out for its exceptional commitment to nurturing
the next generation through engaging and impactful youth programs. This vibrant
community understands the importance of investing in the youth, and they do so
with passion and purpose.
One of the outstanding features of
Chapel Hill is its dynamic youth programs that go beyond traditional Sunday
school. They offer a range of activities and events tailored to capture the
interest and enthusiasm of young minds. From interactive Bible studies to fun
and educational outings, the church creates an environment where the youth can
both connect with their faith and build lasting friendships.
The dedicated team of leaders and
volunteers at Chapel Hill is not only well-versed in creating a safe and
supportive space but is also genuinely invested in the personal and spiritual
development of each young member. Through innovative teaching methods and
relevant content, they ensure that the youth feel not only included but
inspired on their faith journey.
Chapel Hill Church is more than a
place of worship; it's a community that recognizes the unique needs and
potential of its youth. By providing engaging and thought-provoking programs,
they empower young individuals to navigate the challenges of today's world with
a strong foundation of faith and values. For families seeking a church that
actively invests in the growth and well-being of their children, Chapel Hill in
Douglasville is a beacon of inspiration and inclusivity."
Douglasville First Presbyterian Church’s mission is to convey God’s love and
truth through hospitality, celebration, nurture, and outreach. Its programs are
meant to help people grow in their faith, and to provide a place for them to
find support when they need it.
Courtney, a Douglasville native, is passionate about instilling the love of
the Bible into the hearts of young children and women through discipleship. She
graduated from Lithia Springs High School and has been working in Early
Childhood Education for 3 years.
Gary Sparks, deputy chief of police in Douglasville, created the Youth
Against Violence program in 2008 after seeing too many young kids getting
involved with gangs. The innovative program teaches youth the disadvantages of
gang involvement and helps them make positive life choices.
In a collaboration with Partners in Education and the Douglas County Home
Builders Association, high school students are learning about real work through
a play house project. Students design their structure, then build it themselves
with the help of local business and community partners.
One Saturday each month, North River volunteers travel to Youth Villages and
host two birthday parties for children who live there. They bring food,
decorations and ice cream to give the kids a chance to experience a real
birthday party.
Cornerstone pastor Gary Sparks noticed that young people in the area were
getting involved with gangs, so he started an innovative program to educate
them about the disadvantages and risks of joining a gang. The program has been
a tremendous success.
Sweetwater Camera Club is a group of photography enthusiasts that meets
regularly for meetings, presentations, competitions, and exhibits. The
organization also offers workshops and a variety of other educational and
motivational activities for photographers.
The program is open to current sophomores from all Douglas County high
schools. It teaches youth leadership skills and promotes ethical leaders
committed to community involvement. It also helps build a mutual respect
between youth and police, easing the tension caused by gangs in the area.
Boost engagement with your church's youth group by introducing fun
activities that encourage teamwork and a sense of accomplishment. For example,
divide a group of young people into teams and host a scavenger hunt. Pair them
with older members of the group as mentors and judges.
Integrative Arts Creations in Douglasville provides students with a variety
of arts education including drawing, painting, sculpting and pottery. The
organization also offers a program for young people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities.
Youth groups should offer activities that appeal to their interests and
passions. For example, if they love music, incorporate it into worship or small
group meetings. They should also seek to connect the basic tenets of faith with
their contemporary culture. For instance, they can use popular songs or movies
to make the connections.
Incorporate community service into the programs of youth groups to give kids
a sense of belonging and increase their emotional well-being. For example, they
can host a thrift sale that encourages participants to donate their old goods
and volunteer for the event.
The best way to engage youth is to help them discover their passions and
turn those into ministries. This could include helping them start a Bible study
or organizing a service project. It’s also important to provide them with
resources and support.
Providing youth with the tools they need to be successful is critical to
their development and growth as believers. One way to do this is by providing
them with access to community services like family support groups, counseling
and housing assistance. The Continuum of Care Coalition provides services for
individuals who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless, including
transitional housing, permanent supportive housing and homeless management
information systems. It also offers a warming center for those living outside
during the winter months.
