Ministries for Young Women

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   h.a.borcichposted 14 years ago

   Recently I have been asking about existing ministries that help women excons and haven't found anything I am able to contribute to. So my idea is to reach young women at risk at our local youth center.
   I have met with some other artists in the area and we would like to offer activities at the high school age youth center. Our hope is that we interest some of the girls in worth while activities and gain an opportunity to mentor.
   There are six of us with different talents and of limited means. We are contemplating ways to raise funds for supplies at the center and also to attract others interested in getting involved.
    
     Have you any experience in a ministry like this? What suggestions could you offer as we begin? Any ideas that will help us reach at risk young women?
   
     Also HubPages is for 18 years and older I believe. Does anyone know of a similar site for teens to use?
   
     Please do not debate religion on this thread as there are threads for that. Thank you, Holly

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      Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Hey Holly,
      
      I am working on an initiative that is along these lines, but you did say, "Excons". Correct? These are young teens who have been in trouble with the Law already. Yes or No?
      
      I applaud your steps, because I'm taking an earlier approach, but will give you my thoughts.
      
      If you want to create a structured environment, then create integrated steps for them to gain control over their actions and thoughts, give them the sound advice thru mentoring and leave religion out of it. If you want to setup a business, then do so, with a precise detail account of activities, learning sessions, outdoor trips to learning places, such as museums and art exhibits or plays and turn their view around. Make it easy for them to find help or seek advice, whenever necessary(24/7 would be great, but not necessary to begin with).
      
      Help them get involved in their community, thru doing fundraisers events or door to door candy promotions. The more they develop their character on the way to self-esteem, then they can remove any limitations set in their way. If they are confident in themselves and they have faith in their own abilities to overcome any obstacles....you've achieved something great.
      
      I wish you the best of luck.

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         h.a.borcichposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Hi Cags,
         
           Thanks for the encouragement
            Unfortunately I must do things on a much smaller scale...and see where it goes. I am limited in many ways by my health (cancer battle) so a 24/7 is beyond me. I appreciate your suggestion about religion, however I am who I am because of my beliefs. If I can help even one find a better life I will consider the efforts worth it:)
         
         Thanks for the good luck, Holly

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      livewithrichardposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      To legally raise funds you're going to have to form a nonprofit and be organized. 
      
      You're going to have to create a business plan and then incorporate.  I have a series of hubs that can help you write your bylaws for that. Your bylaws will spell out the structure and nature of your nonprofit.
      
      Once you incorporate as a 501(c)3 you can then apply for tax exempt status from the IRS and accept charitable donations and run tax free fundraisers.
      
      Good luck.

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   Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

   Wow! you are very sweet to be doing this h.a.
   Good luck to all of you who are going to help these young women. I have not worked with teens like this so I have nothing to offer...I hope you find all of the info you need. I just wanted to say you are sweet for doing this and good luck!

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   h.a.borcichposted 14 years ago

   Hi Crazd,
   
     Thanks for the support! I just really feel compelled to make a difference.Holly

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      UPStarposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Awesome! I love the idea of women joining resources purely to help others. I work at a home for troubled youth and have been involved in a variety of youth ministries through the years. I really love kids.
      Kids are hungry for adults who genuinely care about them, and will take time to listen and just hang out without being judgemental. They'll hurt you too, because alot of them are hurt and they lash out, but if you truly care they'll see that.
      I am a huge proponent of games. games, games games. I should write a hub on it, by golly! When you sit and play a game you build relationships and open doors for more important discussions.
      I have always held "Taco nights" at my house, where we have a taco bar, play positive music, games, and (being a christian) we usually open our Bibles and read and talk about it. The kids have always loved that. Many have grown up and are doing well now.
      Good Luck and God Speed!

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         h.a.borcichposted 14 years agoin reply to this

           Hi,
         
         Working with troubled kids is rewarding though it is heartbreaking to see so many hurting. Getting past that wall they build is not fun. What you are doing is very important, I know. Thirty years ago I was in a group youth facility, labelled incorrigable and on a path of no good. At fifteen I was one of those angry and hurt kids about to make huge mistakes. But one set of houseparents took the time and effort to reach me - helped me become an emancipated minor and break the cycle I was born into, and my entire life changed. Keep doing what you do knowing it matters. I have often wished I could thank them, but I am sure they have passed as they were older back then. Thank you for reminding me and inspiring me too, Holly

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   alexandriaruthkposted 14 years ago

   I dont know any site that may help them, but it is so helpful of you to do these things, I admire you for that!

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   Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

   here is a few websites that maybe will help you out h.a.!
   
   http://www.troubledteenprograms.org/
   http://www.helpfortroubledteens.net/
   http://www.eaglevalleyranch.com/ourstaff.htm
   
   
   I hope that these can give you ideas

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   h.a.borcichposted 14 years ago

   Thank you Crazed,
   
      In the midst of dealing with so much, you still gave of yourself to help me Holly

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   Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

   Blame my parents...they raised me to be helpful

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   h.a.borcichposted 14 years ago

   Hi,
     I am bumping this thread up as I am hoping for some positive input.
   
     Do you know of a website like HubPages meant for teenage writers?
   
     Do you have experience/suggestions/ideas for reaching high school age girls through a youth center environment?
    
     We have a group of 6 women with various talents hoping to become active in teaching/mentoring at the local youth center with at risk girls.
   
     I do appreciate any helpful input:) Holly

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      Mark Knowlesposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Took me a while to find this (not a teen) but I came across this a some time ago which might fit your bill:
      
      http://www.at15.com/

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   h.a.borcichposted 14 years ago

   Hi Mark,
   
     Very cool link - Thank you!
   
     Again, if anyone has ideas or suggestions, Holly

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    Make Moneyposted 14 years ago

    Great initiative Holly.  There's an organization in Toronto called the Covenant House that takes in homeless teens of both genders.  If you contact them you might be able to share ideas.  Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe they just need to be 16 to be a member of HubPages.  All the best with your efforts.  Mike

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    h.a.borcichposted 14 years ago

    Thanks Mike,
    
      Thanks for the help
    
      I will check to see, but I think it is 18 for HubPages. Maybe someone who knows can clarify. I will look at the TOS. Thanks again, Holly

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    Scott.Lifeposted 14 years ago

    I am one of three founders of From Darkness to Light ministries in east Tennessee. We started an education and support program for male and female ex-cons two years ago this week. However I left the organization almost a year ago once I noticed that my other two partners, one a retired lawyer, and the other a retired cop were more interested in bragging then helping. So I went to some friends in another state and started a similar group and we hope to have a new half way house opened this coming spring.
    
    It is not hard Holly, and the first step is to approach either a local judge or Sheriff office and talk to them about existing programs or needs. You will be surprised at how much they are actually willing to help, from there you can incorporate or petition for 501c3 tax exempt status. I suggest you Google, the name Ed Cole, there are several groups using the curriculum he developed for men and women that has been adapted by jails, prisons, and groups all across the nation. All it takes to start is the will to help and the ability to listen.

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       h.a.borcichposted 14 years agoin reply to this

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    h.a.borcichposted 14 years ago

    oops - wrong buttons ...
    
    Thanks Scottlife,
    
      I think it is wonderful that you are able to have the ability to get deeply involved in something you believe in. I am confident you will arrive at just the place you should at the right time to get the halfway house and the programs going. Glad to know you are so committed to getting it real and right.
    
      So far all I have going on here...is small scale:) 6 women with various talents and a desire to help these young people who are at risk.
      I have initiated the project and am making contacts with the youth center, the high school and social service organizations. We are hoping we can raise funds for materials, donate our time consistently and provide options for activities/relationships to mentor.
      My health is too precarious for me to spearhead the forming of an actual organization on my own, but I will check out how committed the others are. I wish my realities were different for the long haul, but I am still here and want to do what I can while I can.
      Thank you for the info - maybe this idea can become what you are speaking of. I'll keep praying. Holly

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       SirDentposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       One way to raise money is to have a concert. Get some singers and groups from local churches to help raise some funds to buy supplies with.

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          pylos26posted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Another popular method of raising money is to get a job.

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