The Shepherd’s Place Youth Growing in Christ

1. The Shepherd’s PlaceYouth Growing in Christ “I am the Good Shepherd.” John 10:14

2. What? A new local ministry to the youth of our community And their families: • Free faith based after school programming for youth grades 6 through 12 • Evening community classes (i.e. substance abuse meetings, parenting classes, household budgeting classes, etc.) • Limited food pantry • Summer programming

3. Where? • 545 W. Plane Street, Bethel, Ohio • Space adjoining Bethel IGA (old Dollar Store) • 5,500 sq. ft facility

4. Who? God inspired through the words of a boy from Pioneer Club who said he wished he could come to church after school everyday. Unpaid Staff: • Board of Directors: Tim Reeves (Pastor BUMC), Don Melton (Retired Youth Pastor, First Baptist Church of Milford), Keith D’Ambra (Record Express LLC, COO), Sharee Manning (Bethel-Tate School Librarian), Nathan Schuler (IT professional), Dustin Weeks (youth coach), Shawn Abdelmessah • Executive Director (Nadine Albenze-Smith) • Volunteers (YOU!) Two Paid Staff: • Assistant Director: organize and stock supplies, find corporate sponsors/donations of supplies, volunteer assignments and scheduling, assist in grant writing, assist in fund raising events, general support to Director. • Director of Finance: help obtain funding through grants, private and corporate donations and fund raisers, work with accounting firm to manage finances, prepare financial reports, check writing authority.

5. When? Opening day- August 20, 2015 (first day of school for Bethel-Tate) Public open house August 17-19th: • 2:15 to 6:00 pm After school program hours: • 2:15 to 6:00 pm M-F during regular school days (may open during scheduled breaks depending on interest and volunteer availability) Community classes (i.e., substance abuse meetings, parenting classes, household budgeting classes, etc.): • 6:30 to 7:30, days TBA Half day summer programs: • Summer 2016, times and days TBA

6. Why? Why is this ministry needed? School ends at 2:15 for MS and 2:30 for HS and many youth are on their own until evening. Unsupervised youth are at risk for: • Poor self image/depression • Teen pregnancy • Substance abuse • Poor grades • Bullying • Other adverse results of poor decisions Many youth have never been to church and are starving for a relationship with God.

7. Our Mission Be bearers of the Good News by providing Christian mentoring to youth in a safe, positive, interesting environment which bridges the gap between the end of the school day and the end of parents’ work days and helps youth learn: • There is a God who loves them so much that He sent His only Son to save them from their sins; • Each life is precious to God and has value and purpose; • God gave each of us gifts and talents to be developed, appreciated and used in conjunction with His wonderful plan for our lives; • Leadership skills; • Respect for themselves and for others; • Practical life skills and academic tutoring to help them become independent, flourishing adults.

8. How? Christian Themed Physical Environment: • Mural: • 10 Commandments • Fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:22 (NIV) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” • John 3:16- “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” • Biblical banners that tell the Bible story of the week • Well lit stations set up and decorated with vibrant and inspirational colors • Bibles, Christian books and magazines in all stations • Wall of Praise - postings of answered prayers and of current stories about God’s miracles and work in people’s lives • Prayer request box where prayers can be confidentially submitted to our prayer warriors

9. How? Christian Adult Volunteers will: • Help prepare/serve a healthy snack when youth arrive. • Choose a station(s) in which to help youth complete a project based on a Biblical story or theme of the week. Age appropriate Bible lesson will be prepared in advance by the Executive Director, and all materials will be prepared in advance for the Volunteers by the Assistant to the Director. (2 or more adult volunteers per station at all times) • Mentor youth by being positive role models. • Help youth learn practical life skills and develop their God given talents. • Help youth grow in faith by sharing how God has worked in their own lives. • Help identify youth that may need extra help (food pantry help, tutoring, self discipline, career guidance, etc.).

10. How? Teach Bible stories through seven stations: • Art • Music • Cooking • Gardening • Engineering • Games/Sports • Homework help/Tutoring

12. How Special Monthly Events • Christian Special Guests • Christian Athletes • Musicians • Creation Museum Representative • Christian Magician • Career Day • Representatives from several careers • Special Project Leaders • Cincinnati Zoo- visiting animals • Home Depot- learn about tools and make something • Lowes- build something • Lego Robotics- make robots from legos • JoAnne Fabrics- learn to sew • Hobby Lobby- craft or design project

13. Overall Daily Format • Youth sign in and choose a station that interests them. • Two adults will be at each station to: • Serve healthy snacks and interact with the youth • Present the Bible story and answer questions • Guide the youth through the activity for that station. If the activity is complete, youth can move to another station such as home work help or games. Youth are taught to finish projects that they start. Unfinished projects can be completed the next day if needed. • Youth help with clean up of their stations. • Youth who show effort and commitment to an area will be offered opportunities for leadership badges/lanyards, etc., creating an incentive to be an active participant. • Eventually, older youth may help Adults present lessons and supervise projects. • Youth gather their things and sign out by 6:00.

14. What The Shepherd’s Place is NOT The Shepherds Place is NOT a hang out. • It is a guided and directed experience to make the most out of mentoring opportunities. • It is meant to teach God’s love through Bible based, Christ centered lessons and through caring Christian Adults. • It is a place where youth have fun, get help and find hope.