Needs
Need One: Holiday Give Back
During the holidays, families in our Cedar Crest community face difficult choices between basic necessities and creating joyful memories for their children. With 68% of families in our service area falling below the poverty line, many parents struggle to provide holiday gifts, meals, and experiences that other families take for granted. Our Holiday Give Back initiative meets families where they are during this crucial time, providing not just material support but hope and connection. Through partnerships with local donors and volunteers, we distribute gifts, host festive gatherings, and create opportunities for families to experience the joy of the season together. This initiative embodies our 6E Framework by engaging the community, creating encounters with generous neighbors, and providing expression through celebration—ultimately strengthening the relationships and pathways of hope that define our mission.
Need Two: Free Summer Camp
When school ends, many children in underserved neighborhoods lose access to structured learning, nutritious meals, and safe spaces for growth. Our Free Summer Camp addresses this critical gap by providing comprehensive youth development programming throughout the summer months. Through STEAM education, literacy support, sports leagues, and discipleship activities, we ensure children continue learning while building confidence, character, and community connections. The camp serves as more than childcare—it's a pathway to purpose where young people discover their God-given potential through exposure trips, mentorship, and social-emotional learning. For working parents, our summer camp provides peace of mind knowing their children are in a safe, nurturing environment that promotes both academic and spiritual growth during these formative months.
Need Three: Community Transportation
Limited transportation creates barriers that prevent community members from accessing education, employment, healthcare, and opportunities for growth. Many families in Cedar Crest lack reliable vehicles or resources for public transportation, effectively isolating them from pathways that could transform their circumstances. Our Community Transportation initiative removes these barriers by providing rides to job interviews, educational programs, medical appointments, and BED activities. This practical support enables parents to pursue financial literacy workshops, adults to attend discipleship programs, and youth to participate in exposure trips that broaden their perspectives. By addressing this fundamental need, we're not just providing rides—we're creating access to hope and ensuring that geography and economics don't limit someone's ability to walk in the fullness of who God created them to be.
Need Four: Audio/Video Equipment
Storytelling is at the heart of our mission—there truly is a story behind every door. Quality audio and video equipment enables us to capture, share, and celebrate the transformation happening in our community while providing essential tools for our programming. This technology supports our youth STEAM education, allows us to document impact for donors and partners, and creates opportunities for community members to express their stories and gifts. Professional-grade equipment also enhances our worship and discipleship activities, improves communication during large gatherings, and enables us to reach broader audiences with our message of hope. By investing in this infrastructure, we're amplifying the voices of our community and ensuring their stories of transformation inspire others while building the technical capacity needed for sustainable, professional program delivery.