Metro Voice News Celebrating Faith, Family & Community
Currently, Shawnee County statistics report 759 children are in Foster Care, and 554 youth are homeless. These numbers do not reflect the high number of children who live in neglect and abuse. Topeka Public Schools report over 75% of students receive free or reduced lunch at school. But on the weekends, holidays and summer they are at risk of Food Insecurity/Childhood Hunger. This means they may not know where their next meal will come from.
The Topeka North Outreach’s (TNO) Youth Ministry provides vital services for children in our community by reaching out and meeting basic needs such as food, hygiene, clothing and school supplies. TNO then worked to build a relationship with the child to teach them of their true worth and value by mentoring, tutoring and discipling them. TNO’s Youth Ministry shares the love of God and encouragement in the following ways:
OPERATION BACKPACK: Works to alleviate childhood hunger by providing Weekend Food Sacks filled with nutritious, kid-friendly food items that are easy for youth to prepare. Sacks are sent home with school children on Fridays, and the day before a holiday to ensure they have food every day of the week. The summer program distributes food sacks at several pick-up sites.
VBS CLUB: Works directly with children to provide after-school and summertime activities. Shares Bible stories, crafts, music, games, service projects, field trips, homework help, snacks and an evening meal each Friday. Teaches social skills, manners & etiquette.
HYGIENE MINISTRY: Distributes hygiene kits to area children and schools. Teaches personal care.
SCHOOL SUPPLY GIVEAWAY: Bookbags and school supplies are given away at the start of the new school year.
SCHOLARSHIP: Limited assistance for school enrollment, activity fees, and clothing needs.
TNO’s Youth Ministry serves children from Low Income, Working Parent, Single Parent, Foster/Adoptive Parent, Grandparent Parent, and/or Disabled Parent homes.
This ministry provides these vital services to over 600 children every week. TNO’s Youth Ministry goal is to raise $12,000 in order to reach 50 more children every week during 2019. The yearly cost to provide these services is approximately $240 per child, $20 per month.
Topeka North Outreach Inc. is an all-volunteer ministry, so every dollar goes directly to serving local children. You can lend your financial support in the following ways:
- Secure Online Giving: Visit our website at www.topekanorthoutreach.org and select the second DONATE button, which is reserved for TNO Youth Ministry.
- Checks: Make payable to: TNO Youth Ministry
- Mailing Address: TNO Youth Ministry, 210 NW Menninger Road, Topeka, KS 66617, 785-286-1370
- Email Address: youth@topekanorthoutreach.org.
If you are interested in helping this ministry with your prayers and tax deductible financial support, visit www.topekanorthoutreach.org for more information.
