Youth Development & Community Outreach
WHY YOUTH?
When the voice of the youth is heard and equipped, the youth can play a vital role in transforming their own community.
As I work with and mentor the youth through Imago Dei Church as well as Solidarity NPO, it has become clear that education inequity is a huge barrier to youth development. Further, misplaced identity, in things like relationships, gangs and social media, is made even more evident in Generation Z with platforms like Tik Tok and Instagram. My aim, through Solidarity Teen Center and Compass on Campus, is to take part in the hard work of community development by reaching the youth, helping break the cycle of education inequity and fight misplaced identity through the hope of the gospel.
Imago Dei Youth
The youth ministry at Imago Dei Church is two-fold, with Imago Dei Youth and Compass on Campus. Though they overlap in many ways, the goal of Compass is to reach students on middle and high school campuses by equipping student believers to share the gospel with their classmates.
Our goal is to create a safe, fun, and welcoming environment where students from different grades and backgrounds are given the opportunities to be themselves, ask questions, and grow together.
Vision
We see God rescuing, restoring, and raising up sons and daughters for His glory, their good, and His gift to the world through the movement of the gospel and in partnership with the local church and community.
What is Compass on Campus?
Compass is a Youth Leadership Program where students from different schools and backgrounds gather together to grow together in unity and maturity.
In the club they hear inspiring stories of life lessons from their leaders, and learn about Biblical wisdom, character and eternal values like kindness, generosity, humility, love and respect.
Responsibilities
Serve as a student mentor in Doty Middle School and Downey High School — lead games, welcome students, share my testimony, provide encouragement
Lead a Lifegroup with 8th grade girls — host a Bible study at my house where we share about our week and challenges over food, go on little coffee and Target runs, and do life together
Participate in Youth Night at the church — encourage students, foster a welcoming and safe environment, and speak Biblical truth into them
Attend service events — participate in city service events, like graffiti removal and beach clean up, to stress the importance of servanthood and loving our neighbors
Solidarity Teen Center
In a neighborhood where gang presence is high, our goal for the Teen Center at Solidarity is to provide a safe environment for middle and high schoolers to come and receive academic help, play games with one another, share any concerns with the Teen leads, and ultimately do life together.
We want to break barriers and cycles of youth violence by equipping students with resources for higher education, developing their potential, and affirming their identity.
