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Ways to Connect with Youth |
God-Sized Idea
We desperately need a few “drop in” centers for youth to go to after
school and on weekends staffed by people who care with planned activities
for the youth. There are nowhere near enough places for youth to go.
—Shannon Amor, Runaway Shelter
Connect with Knoxville’s Promise
Knoxville’s Promise is a community-wide alliance formed on behalf of our
youth. Visit their web site, the most comprehensive web site concerning
needs of children and youth in our city (www.knoxvillespromise.org). It
contains wish lists and directories of youth programs.
Pray about becoming a “Congregation of Promise,” which commits to
recruiting at least 10 percent of its adult members to reaching out to
children in the community. To learn more, call Knoxville’s Promise,
523-2775.
Volunteer at a Youth Ministry
These nonprofit, faith-based groups work mainly with inner-city kids who
are most in need of services to ensure they have the resources available
to lead successful and fulfilling lives. Many of the most active programs
are listed below.
Youth on the Move for Christ 546-9612
Morningside Stars 637-6965
Pacesetters 454-4230
Phillip Moore Outreach Center 546-3759
SOAR Youth Ministries 544-5881
Knoxville Inner-City Kids Outreach 523-4956
Tribe One 546-4131
Mentoring Academy for Boys 938-7298
Montgomery Village Ministries 577-5555
Eternal Life Outreach 637-1707
Wesley House Community Center 524-5494
Teen Challenge 546-8933
Emerald Youth Foundation 637-3227
Reach Out to Other Youth Serving Organizations
Big Brothers, Big Sisters 523-2179
(over 80 kids on waiting list)
Boys & Girls Club of Knoxville Inc. 544-3825
Tenn Corp Community Services 673-4700
Townview Learning Center 523-9309
Crutcher Memorial Youth 637-7766
Enrichment Center
East YMCA 637-9622
Court Appointed Special 329-3399
Advocate Program
Knox County Runaway Shelter 523-2689
KPD Truancy Office – Tammy Gentry 524-8616
Workforce Connections/Youth 544-5200
All of these programs need resources and volunteers. Some examples of
specific needs are outlined below for just two of the programs:
Boys & Girls Club of Knoxville Inc: 544-3825
• Tutors – all subjects, all grades
• Coaches/scorekeepers/refs for recreations/sports
• Music/drama/arts & crafts instructors
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate): 329-3399
Seeks to improve the lives of abused and neglected children through
trained volunteers who advocate for a safe, permanent home. This is a
vital agency to our community! They need mature and committed people (15
hours/ week).
Group Homes
There are numerous group homes in the Knoxville area that work with youth
who are in the custody of the State of Tennessee, either for dependent and
neglected issues, or those who have committed delinquent acts. These homes
need volunteers to (1) Provide the youth with a consistent friend that
will give them support and reassurance; (2) Plan activities, go on outings
(sports events, movies, out for pizza); (3) Take the kids to church youth
activities and get them involved in church life.
Barrett Hall (Girls ages 13-18)
602-2021
John Tarleton Home (Boys/Girls ages 6-18)
215-6319
Gibbs Group Home (Boys ages 13-18)
524-7483
Cooper House (Boys ages 14-18)
546-7447
Haslam Center (Boys/Girls ages 6-18)
558-6361
Katie Miller Group Home (Girls ages 12-17)
588-0870
Millertown Group Home (Boys ages 12-17)
521-7923
Powell Group Home (Boys ages 12-17)
938-1621
Runaway Shelter (Boys/Girls ages 12-17)
523-2689
Columbus Home (Boys/Girls ages 1-17)
971-3560
Williams-Henson Home (Boys ages 13-18)
573-9301
“One of the glaring holes is the lack of male mentors for male residents.”
John Tarleton Home
One example of specific needs of these agencies is outlined below for the
Runaway Shelter:
• Need “Safe Place” volunteers.
• Donations: Hygiene Items, towels, socks and underwear (kids 12-17).
• Sponsor an activity a month - Crafts, movie night, games, pizza party.
• Volunteer one night a week to come and “hang” with the youth.
• Help refurbish/renovate the facility (bathrooms, carpets, walls).
Partners: 524-7483
A program operated by Child and Family Services that works with teen
parents to ensure the safety of the child and self-sufficiency of the teen
parent. At least one male volunteer from each church is needed to serve as
a mentor for young fathers and to invite them to special events at the
church. Training is provided.
Restorative Justice is a national concept that is being instituted
in Knox County by Knox County Juvenile Court and the Knox County District
Attorney General. The Juvenile Court System needs concerned, caring adults
to supervise five to eight young men or women (ages 14-17) who are
completing their court-ordered community service work. There is a need for
volunteer opportunities for the youth to “give back” to the community
after they have committed crimes and for them to recognize God has a
positive, constructive purpose for their lives. Contact: Rhonda Garren,
215-2515, Community Prosecution Coordinator, DA’s office.
Pray
• Ask God to give men the courage to be responsible fathers so that our
young people can reach their God-given potential.
• Ask God to give the youth workers of Knoxville the provision, compassion
and perseverance needed.
• Ask God to stir adults to build relationships with youth. Can you answer
that prayer? |
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