Mentoring and Impacting Local Youth

Youth Works

Creating Positive Impacts

Engaging South Side Youth

Youth Works’ mission is to ensure that every youth of the South Side has an opportunity to hear and to respond to the gospel of Jesus Christ and be discipled in His ways.

Unapologetically longing youth to know, love, and follow Christ

Youth Works Goals

N

MAKE JESUS KNOWN by providing the opportunity

N

Be a KNOWN PRESENCE in the lives of the youth in the South Side community

N

HAVE FUN! 

N

One-on-one and group DISCIPLESHIP

N

IMITATE and FOLLOW JESUS as we invite youth to follow our example

N

EXPOSE YOUTH to a life with Jesus outside of the South Side

The 316 House

In the summer of 2009, Youth Works embarked on a remodeling project that led them to the 300 Block of Jefferson Street. With the help of neighborhood youth, as well as churches and other volunteers, a townhouse was renovated in the name of Jesus and has become known as “316.”  316 has gone from a residence for families in transition in 2009, to its current model as a community gathering place for children and teens. Re-opening in September 2013, 316 is a now a warm, welcoming environment, open weekly for youth to come and use the internet, play games and hang out, or simply to escape the day-to-day boredom that often leads to trouble. It is there that they interact with our staff and volunteers, seeing and hearing about all that Christ has done for them.

Creating New Experiences

Outreach

We love to bring the youth out for fun, new, exciting opportunities and to create memories through shared experiences. 

  • Schools
  • WyldLife
  • After School
  • Camping Trips
  • Horse Back Riding
  • Pool Parties
  • Discipleship

Youth works gallery

 

Youth Works Team

Jackie Patten

Youth Works Director

As the Youth Works Director, I have the immense privilege of pursuing my passions of asset-based community work, food justice, and youth development on the South Side alongside my husband. Being in daily relationships with our students affords us the opportunity to learn what it means to be known, safe, and consistent figures in our neighborhood. Through authentic community, we wish to demonstrate to them that God isn’t just an idea, but a real and loving Father.

Layne Peters

Teen Engagement Coordinator

I love that my job is bridging the gap between middle school and high school. I get to create fun and meaningful ways to engage and live life alongside the teens in the Southside as they try and figure out who they are and the world around them through discipleship, new experiences, and consistent opportunities for growth and joy.

Sign up to be a volunteer

Learn more about the volunteer opportunities with Youth Works

Learn More

Donate

Help fund a camping trip, or horseback riding, or provide a meal for the youth works kids at the 316 house. Every dollar makes an impact.

Make a Donation