2012 Annual Report Hope For Youth

Presenting Every Youth Complete in Christ

A Message From the Chairman

Dear Friends of Hope For Youth,

Hope For Youth is all about God’s glory and bringing youth into relationship with Jesus Christ

and we praise Him for all that was accomplished in 2012! This past year we worked hard to

blend our foundational programs and historical success with the new ideas and passion of

the staff, youth, and volunteers resulting in a fresh, focused ministry for this generation of

urban youth!

It was also an exciting year for us as we welcomed new faces to our team. Emily Morris

joined us in August as our new Program Director and Kendall Boyd came on board in

October as our new Executive Director. They are both energetic and enthusiastic and we are

looking forward to seeing them grow and expand the ministry! Additionally, we were

blessed to have our Founding Director, Wendy Dewlen, return to serve with us for a period while we searched for Emily

and Kendall. Thank you Wendy!

A major theme for us this year was partnerships and we were happy to work with new partners as well as renew our

relationship with former partners. We moved into office space provided by the Star of Hope Transitional Living Center,

and continued to work closely throughout the year with Second Baptist Church, Houston’s First Baptist Church, and the

City of Refuge Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Additionally we began working with St John’s United Methodist

Church Downtown and the Children’s Activity Center.

Through these partnerships as well as our partnership with each and every one of you, we were able to make a

material difference in the lives of the youth we serve.

We are forever grateful for your support and look forward to seeing God’s continued work in our youths’ lives in 2013!

Sincerely,

Atwell Williams Chairman, Board of Directors

Our Mission Hope For Youth builds and maintains long-term Christian mentoring relationships with urban youth to challenge and

enable them to reach their full potential spiritually, academically and socially.

The Youth We Serve The unique and primary focus of HFY is on youth (6th-12th grade) from transient families (including those from the Star

of Hope homeless ministries), and then additionally on at-risk youth from all over Houston. Our volunteers provide

transportation for the youth to HFY program in order to maintain consistent and on-going ministry. Many of youth are

in sub-par schools and may be a grade behind. Many of the youth come from families with one or more of the follow-

ing characteristics: moving multiple times each year, on government assistance, living with a single parent or not with

their parents.

OUTCOMES

2012

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

A young man ends up at the Star of Hope shelter with his family. A young lady is invited by a friend. A younger sibling

is finally old enough to participate. These are but a few of the ways that youth are introduced to Hope For Youth. And

they usually come first to an Outreach Program. These programs (Friday Night Live, The Gathering, and Jesus ‘N The

‘Hood) not only begin the relationship building between adults and youth—we also present the gospel, teach on

relevant topics, and build community among the youth. One vital aspect of outreach activities was the ministry that

happened in the cars while our volunteers provided transportation for the youth. Volunteers got to know the youth

and the urban teen culture which then allowed them to discuss spiritual issues. Partnering with HFY, the staff from the

Star of Hope ministries brought 8-20 youth to almost every activity and served as volunteers! They were the bridge

for over 30 Star of Hope youth continuing in HFY after they left the Star of Hope program this year.

Friday Night Live has been a Hope For Youth favorite for many years—and the best part of the week according to

one young man! Held the first Friday of every month, it served as a “hook” to get youth plugged in to the ministry. We

consistently had almost 50 youth in attendance each month as they listened to speakers, participated in small group

discussions and enjoyed a variety of Christian artists and performers.

The Gathering provided recreational activities and field trips the third

Saturday each month. Youth enjoyed the fun of activities such as ice

skating in January, roller skating in May, and a service project in April

where the youth impressed all the adults with their very hard work! At the

July activity, 74 youth not only bowled and played basketball—they were

awed by God’s power in the universe through watching Louis Giglio’s film

“Indescribable”.

In March, 52 youth and 15 volunteers went to Carolina Creek Christian Camp for our annual retreat. This

setting enabled some of the youth to powerfully share their testimonies and life struggles. Team-building, zip lines and

basketball provided recreation. Then the girls and guys had separate small group sessions to learn how to build and

maintain godly relationships. And of course, no one got enough sleep!

Hosted this year by City of Refuge Evangelical

Presbyterian Church, Jesus N The ‘Hood

attracted almost 100 Youth each night for five

nights in June. Over 70 youth had perfect

attendance. We brought in 24 new youth and

reconnected with 4 youth. The long-term

influence of HFY was apparent this summer as two

of the new youth were children of a former HFY

youth, and another two were much younger

siblings of another former HFY youth! Why did

they all come? “Fun”, “Food”, “I love the

volunteers”, “Bible studies”, “Games and prizes”,

and of course the entertainment provided by

Corey Paul, Soul Fruit and the City of Refuge

worship band. Probably the most popular event

was the Marriage Panel when three married couples sat on stage and answered questions about marriage submitted

on

index cards by the youth. Serving in the background were many

HFY graduates who were there to give back to the ministry and to

be an example to the current youth.

MENTORING

Youth eagerly sign up for our Small Group Mentorship

Program. Our initial session provided mentors for 18 Youth.

The youth said they loved the one-on-one attention, the fun,

going places, growing closer to God, and being able to take

leadership roles. The Mentorship Program matched up 2 adults

with 3-5 youth in a small group. This is in addition to the mentoring that happens through our Outreach Programs.

Our trained Mentors are have a deep impact on the youth—one set of Mentors took their girls out to eat, celebrated

birthdays and attended a Mentee’s high school graduation. Personal attention from a Christian adult mentor can start

youth on the life-long path of a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. We were excited to see this program take off

and have already witnessed substantial growth in 2013!

“My mentor keeps me on track with following Jesus, through Bible study and pray-er!”—Dajour, 16 years old.

"My most memorable moments were when the girls trusted me enough to open up and share what was going on in their lives. I was honored to encourage them and give them advice on difficult life choices.”—Hope, volunteer and mentor

CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT

“When can I sign up for camp?” is one of the most asked questions in Hope For Youth. This year we took 48 youth

and 6 Volunteers to Kids Across America camp in Golden, Missouri. This was a life-changing experience for

our youth—some of whom had never left Texas before! Two youth trusted Christ as their Savior and many more

rededicated their lives to Christ. Jazmin (age 14) tried the high ropes course. She was scared, but felt encouraged by

her friends to complete it. She also felt the love of God at camp and truly understood that Jesus died for her sins.

Desiree (age 16) learned how to strengthen her relationship with Jesus—and also enjoyed tubing in the lake. One

youth’s comment after camp—“Our God is no ordinary God!” While at KAA, our volunteers received urban youth

ministry training and encouragement. On the bus ride home everyone said, “I’m going to KAA next year!”

Continuing our tradition of preparing our youth for college, our newly renamed Hope For Life program assisted 10 juniors and seniors in 2012. One girl received help getting a picture ID—which is necessary to take the SAT test , apply

to college and get a job. The six seniors received help in applying to colleges. One graduate started at University of

Houston, Downtown, and another went to Texas A & M Kingsville. All

10 of the youth received guidance in careers and their futures as well

preparation for the SAT test. The five dedicated volunteers worked

during and outside of the program times to make all this happen!

HOPE FOR YOUTH IN 2012:

220 youth received over 7,300 hours of ministry

Over 50 youth moved one or more times and we kept them in HFY

11 HFY youth graduated from high school this year.

Volunteers gave over 2,500 hours of service

Almost 30 volunteers had over 30 hours of service each

10 Former Youth served as Volunteers

“At Kids Across America camp, God opened my eyes to things in my life that weren’t right. I repented, and recommitted my life to Jesus.”—Terrance, 15 years old.

“I invite my friends to come to Hope For Youth! It’s a great time to learn about God, be with other youth, and do things I wouldn’t get to do otherwise.”—Tray, 18 years old.

DONORS

2012

We thank our Generous Donors who faithfully supported Hope For Youth between Sept 1, 2011 and Dec. 31, 2012.

Your gifts are “a fragrant aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God” (Phil. 4:18)

Businesses

Bank of America United Way Campaign

Champions Machine Tool Sales Inc.

Healthpoint Biotherapeutics

Hewlett Packard, Corporate Philanthropy

Leo & Dutton PLLC

McIntyre Automotive

Murphy Oil Corporation

Safeway

Woodforest National Bank

Churches

Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church

Houston's First Baptist Church

Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church

Memorial Drive United Methodist Church

Second Baptist Church

St. Luke's United Methodist Church

Trinity Fellowship

Foundations

The Children's Fund, Inc.

David Weekley Family Foundation

Individuals

John and Kathy Andersen

Javier and Mary Ayala

Bert and Janet Bailey

Jeffrey Bartlett

Lawrence and Barbara Bellatti

Jeff Bezner

Kendall and Kim Boyd

Travis and Lyn Boyd

Debra Bradley

Gwendolyn Brantley

Doug and Shelly Brough

Stephanie Celaya

Ethan Cohen

Myron Cooper

Webb Crunk

Elijah and Stephanie Culpepper

Rachel David

Mark Day

Mark and Brittainy Dennis

Maurice and Patricia Dennis

Willie and Wendy Dewlen

Cheryl Douglas

Ron and Janell Dutton

Dana Edwards

Matt and Angie Foster

Ryan and Sarah Fuselier

Wayne and Youngjoo Gibbs

Barney and Karen Gaye Giesen

Duane and Judy Hansen

Ashleigh Harrison

Bill and Sally Hermann

Nicki Herzog

Richard and Becky Herzog

Roger Herzog

Davina Hicks

Beverly Hoffman

Joshua Huss

J. G. and A. E. Jackson

Drew Jackson

Victoria Jalo

Kevin Kuklis

Bill Lindsey

Candace Lueckemeyer

Hope Manley

Bill and Ann McCulloch

Lara McFeely

Tim McInturf

Raken Melvin

John and Shirley Meredith

Gwenzetta Mickens

Mike and Jenny Moore

Jill Morton

Don and Jill Nesting

Samuel and Marlow Newton

Mike and Sue Noel

Samuel Pak

Warren and Wendy Pekar

Joan Pennington

Steven Powell

Angela Randolph

Crystal Ratliff

Douglas Roberts

Kevin Saxe

Thad and Kim Scott

Darel and Marlo Seymour

David and Gloria Seymour

Prince Shaka

Mark Shearer

Joe and Kay Sleeth

Bob and Marilyn Stanbery

Ron and Pamela Sterlekar

Bill and Lisa Stryker

F.W. Stryker

Gladys Thomas

Susanna Thorn

Didi Thurman

Raymond Tong

Michael Treu

Thomas Twifford

Doyle and Kathy Venghaus

Jeff and Jenny Venghaus

Diana Walke

James and Connie Walker

Atwell and Alisa Williams

Lisa Wilmore

James and Diane Witt

Warren and Christina Young

Gifts in Honor of

Jazmin and Jonathan Johnson—from

Davina Hicks

Chris and Kristi Schoeper for their

wedding—from John and Kathy Andersen

“I became involved with HFY as a volunteer in 1993. It was a wonderful life-experience

to see how the Lord works in the lives of the youth. It was difficult leaving Hope For

Youth in 2000 when I moved to Maryland. Now I'm thankful to have the opportunity to

stay involved with HFY as a donor. It is a joy to see how Christ continues to grow

and support the ministry of Hope For Youth.” - Lisa Larsen Stryker

VOLUNTEERS

2012

We thank our Faithful Volunteers! You are vital to the ministry. In addition to the names below, volunteers came

from the Veritas and Covenant classes from Houston’s First Baptist Church, the College class from Grace Fellowship UMC and other groups. Please accept our apologies if we left anyone’s name off. We do appreciate all of you! To be-come a volunteer, please contact Emily Morris at 832-589-5344 or emily@hopeforyouth.org.

Nicole Abner

Torchawa Alexander

Nik Arezina

Jacob Atchison

Javier Ayala*

Tydon Bell*

David Bentz

Shelia Bernard

Malcolm Bernard

Carter Blackburn

Alexandria Bland

Marquita Brooks

Roshonda Brown*

Sherrie Brown

Dennis Campbell Jr.

Curtis Carter

Steven Chambers

Myron Cooper

Webb Crunk

Janine Cruz

Elijah Culpepper

Stephanie Culpepper

Rachel David

Luis De La Cruz*

Brittainy Dennis

Mark Dennis

William Dewlen

Elizabeth Deyo

Jerry Espinor

Jon Fagala

Kaleb Fulgham

Sarah Gee

Christopher Gordon

Sherri Groce

Amanda Hampton

Ashleigh Harrison

LaSasha Hayes*

Tamara Hill

Van Hollie Jr.

Rita Hord

Nathanael Ince

Drew Jackson

Julius Jackson

Tonya Jackson

Victoria Jalo

Melissa James*

Daveta Jenkins

Jaquaila Johnson

Charde Jones*

Laurice Jones

Ama Koram

Tonya Lenoir

Marcus Lewis

Elizabeth Louis

Rebekah Lout

Hope Manley

Mithun Mansinghani

Lupe Martinez

Sam McDowell

Pace McKee

Rakel Melvin

Ryan Morris

Chris Nalepa

Donald Nesting

Peggy Nicholson

Chika Nwachukwu

Brittney Officer

Samuel Pak

Terry Parker

Glenda Ramos

Crystal Ratliff

Douglas Roberts*

Sul Ross

Patricia Ross

Anne Rousseau

Rita San Miquel*

Ellis Scott*

Kim Scott

Thad Scott

Ashly Scott-Jones*

Darel Seymour

Marlo Seymour

Heather Shaw

Chad Smith

Twanda Smith

Jonathan Spencer

Ammi Tan

Tiffany Tarrant

Susanna Thorn

Susan Torney

Donna Treu

Michael Treu

Ana Velasquez

JK Wakefield

Angelica Waller

Dan Walmer

Alisa Williams

Atwell Williams

Courtney Williams*

Anais Wright

Warren Young

* A former HFY youth

“At my first activity I was overwhelmed by the raw and pure love of God in the atmosphere. So I just kept volunteering and getting to know the youth. I could see God working through volunteers in a way the youth could relate to.”—Lupe, volunteer.

“I think it’s important for every child to have positive influences and role models, and to be encouraged to reach higher than their circumstances of origin might otherwise dictate. I believe Hope For Youth provides that. As a Christian I am called to disciple others and to be a good steward of God’s resources. Therefore, I feel it’s important that I give my time, talents and resources to an organization that reflects Jesus’ commission to disciple others, particularly young people who may be more susceptible to harmful influences.”—Victoria Jalo, Board Member

FINANCIAL RESULTS

Make a Donation

We are working to bring Hope to Houston’s urban communities one youth at a time. To join us in this critical work, you can use the enclosed envelope or go to our website (www.hopeforyouth.org) to make a secure online donation by credit card. For other giving options including in-kind donations, please contact us at 713-670-9000 or info@hopeforyouth.org

2012 2011

Assets

Cash and Cash Equivalents 33,897 16,688

Property and Equipment 0 4,075

TOTAL ASSETS 33,897 20,763

Liabilities

Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities 2,820 0

Net Assets

Unrestricted (2,019) 4,692

Temporarily Restricted 33,096 16,071

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS 33,897 20,763

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

As of August 31, 2012

(With comparative information for FY 2011)

2012 2011

Revenue and Support

Cash Donations 101,117 85,877

In-Kind Donations 18,971 11,770

TOTAL REVENUE AND SUPPORT 120,088 97,647

Expenses

Programs 48,062 79,811

Camps 35,846 32,795

Administration and Fundraising 23,226 26,001

TOTAL EXPENSES 107,134 126,837

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS 12,954 (40,960)

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES AND CHANGES IN NET ASSETS

As of August 31, 2012

(With comparative information for FY 2011)

Atwell Williams, Chairman

E. Webb Crunk III, Secretary

Darel Seymour, Treasurer

Javier Ayala

Rachel David

Drew Jackson

Victoria Jalo

Dr. Samuel Pak

Douglas Roberts

CONTACT HOPE FOR YOUTH:

P. O. Box 573024 Houston, TX 77257-3024 713-670-9000

LEADERSHIP

Kendall Boyd Executive Director

Board of Directors

Emily Morris Program Director

Wendy Dewlen Founding Director

Staff

www.hopeforyouth.org kendall@hopeforyouth.org info@hopeforyouth.org emily@hopeforyouth.org

Hope For Youth P. O. Box 573024 Houston, TX 77257

Presenting Every Youth Complete in Christ since 1991!