Part of our mission here at the East St. Louis DREAM Center is
"To offer the youth of East St. Louis an escape from the trap of boredom and their harsh environment, by providing a SAFE alternative to the streets, through recreation and positive relationships."
We put this into practice when we provide the teenagers with a recreation program called CHAMPIONS. There are times when we wonder if we truly are making a difference and helping young people stay off the streets. Recently I had a conversation with one of our boys that proved we really are fulfilling this vision.
At the end of the night at Champions, there was a flurry of volunteers cleaning up and dismissing the kids, giving the kids hugs and waving good bye. There was one last boy in the gym, packing up his gym bag. I told him, "We're really glad you could come, Curtis."
With a big smile on his face, he said, "I'm glad I come too. There's nothing to do on Friday nights, plus it helps keep us out of trouble."
He didn't know it, but in his own words, he was repeating the mission statement of the DREAM Center. Hearing those words come out of his mouth was fuel to my heart! Fuel to keep providing ways to keep our kids out of trouble; fuel to continue encouraging them in their relationship with God.
I want to THANK YOU for helping us provide a "safe alternative to the streets" for these young people. Without you on our team, we WOULD NOT be able to fulfill this vision in the city of East St. Louis. Through your donations, prayer, encouragement and advocacy on Facebook, you are helping kids like Curtis stay off the streets.
We are so HONORED to have you as partners!
