Empowerment activities grew out of our long-term relationships with children and families and our goal of indigenous leadership development.  As the children we knew and loved began to grow up, we realized that they needed educational support, preparation for the world of work, and service learning opportunities.  Many of them began to volunteer in the programs of their younger brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews.

The educational programs (Mentoring and the HeadStart partnership), and the Parent Volunteers helped us learn that the children and families we serve need additional support if they are to break out of the generational cycle of poverty.  The empowerment activities are designed to help men, women, and children build a cycle of hope and become Jesus-following leaders in their own families and communities.  These programs take place both on and off The Neighborhood Center site -- in local schools, in homes and apartments, across the table at restaurants, in community activities, and on job sites.  These activities include:   

• Moms Place (teenage mothers)
• Education For Life (mentoring and incentive-based educational support for children in grades 1-8)
• Barrio Works (including the Barrio Bike Shop)
• The Art Center
• Parent Volunteers (work preparation program for community adults which includes Parents' Stores 3 times a year)
• Jeremiah Project (case-managed support and programming primarily for adjudicated youth aged 14-21 to complete high school graduation requirements and get a job)
• The Church at The Neighborhood Center (Young Adults group; weekly bi-lingual worship services; classes for children)
• Hope House (transitional housing for young women who are highly at risk in their community)