Expanding Outreach to DC's At-Risk Youth

Restoration Ministries (RM) has been given the opportunity to serve high-risk youth, ages 15-21, committed at a recreation center in NW, DC! In DC, 18 year olds are not automatically emancipated from the system since committed youth exhibit a habit of getting into trouble. Committing these young people in the system, whether that system is foster care, juvenile detention or both, provides a way to wrap extra services around them to help ensure success as a young adult.

The recreation center consists of approximately 175 teens. Most are male, some are female, and a few identify as transgender. Many of the youth do not have nurturing relationships in their lives. Most have no clue about the identity of their biological father or their father has been locked up and they have no relationship with him. These youth experience mental health issues, drug addictions, and struggle to understand the need for an education.

At the center, our clinical therapist spends a considerable amount of time meeting the youth in their circumstances; playing pool, ping pong, and just chatting in the lounge. These times provide precious and necessary interactions, building a strong foundation so that the youth will be able to trust the therapist. This enables us to effectively screen for sexual abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. We also offer a weekly psychotherapy group on various topics that appeal to the youth. So far the youth express interest in discussing and receiving help for their anger.

Recently a mother came to one of the meetings and imparted wisdom to the group regarding her mistakes in dealing with anger. The youth received her honesty, allowing them to discuss positive coping skills. A young male shared about his issues with the group home and his desire to be reunited with his family. He said that he is trying stay under the radar (not get into any trouble) so that he can get discharged. Another youth discussed how the loss of a family member has been hard for her to deal with yet she desires to be a role model for her younger sister. These meetings help the youth gain awareness about how their decisions influence their future, including their chances of being discharged from the group home. 

We count it a privilege and honor to sow into the lives of these youth. We ask for your prayers for continued favor with the youth, their families, and the city. We also ask for wisdom and discernment as we bring the light of Christ to the dark places.