Christian Youth Center slates Nov. 14 dinner

Christian Youth Center will unveil its newest ministry, one-on-one Christian mentoring, at its 48th annual promotional dinner Nov. 14.

This ministry will attempt to bridge the gap left when one parent is absent -- for whatever reason -- from the family. Former CYC students who grew up in single-parent homes will share their stories at the banquet.

"The challenges are huge," said Brian Allen, executive director. "Although mentoring from the Christian Youth Center staff has made a difference, we believe that a purposeful, faith-based mentoring program will have a longer-lasting effect on children's lives."

Any adults interested in becoming a mentor should attend the training session on Nov. 6 and 7 at CYC. To register, visit www.CAYM.org.

Today single parent families are becoming the norm. Allen noted that single-parent families also are hurting families, and these produce a hurting community, which then affects of all society.

"Statistics say that kids who are mentored are less likely to drop out of school, to take drugs, to commit a violent crime or to find themselves in jail," Allen said. "Eighty-five percent of those individuals in jail grew up in a home without a dad."

This past year, CYC has enhanced its 50-year focus of providing kids with a safe place to learn and grow through new outreach methods, all designed to meet the vulnerable needs of today's youths.

On Sept. 12, CYC conducted its first Youth Summit Training for Will County youth pastors, youth workers, Sunday school teachers and parents. In addition to the training, the summit also offered support, encouragement and networking. A second youth summit is scheduled for Jan. 9.

Also new is "The Big Picture," a monthly gathering of teens for fun, worship, drama, praise, teaching, speakers and bands to supplement the efforts of individual church youth ministries. Combined attendance between September's and October's events approached 300 youths.

The excitement the teens generated at this event showed CYC is still changing young lives through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

"We want them to know that, ultimately, a life in Jesus is the source of our hope," Allen said, "and we challenge kids to make a difference in the world."